Category: 20-24 C8 Articles
C8 Corvette (2020- ) Introduced to the public as the Next Generation Corvette, the 2020 Stingray is the sum of every generation before it – yet stands alone as the first ever mid-engine Corvette. The result: a revolutionary new model that is the most powerful – and safest – Corvette to date.
The vision of a mid-engine model had been growing since the early days of the Corvette. The legendary Zora Arkus-Duntov was convinced in the 1950’s that a mid-engine Corvette would offer the best combination of balance, visibility, acceleration and braking. As early as 1959, Chevrolet began building concept cars and prototypes that would eventually pave the way for a mid-engine Corvette. While in production, GM affectionately nicknamed the 2020 Corvette the “ZERV” as a tribute to Zora’s dream that was six decades in the making.
The mid-engine C8 puts the weight of the engine over the rear-driving wheels which enhances traction. With the engine behind the cockpit, there’s more forward visibility. And with the seats positioned closer to the front wheels and axle, the driver and passenger serve as the car’s center of gravity. The result is the kind of reflexes you’d expect from a well-honed sports car.
Tom Peters, Director of Design for the GM Performance Car Studio, led the design team for the C8 Corvette. Peters was passionate about showcasing the engine as part of the car’s overall aesthetic design. He wanted the engine to be the “jewel” of the design, with the rest of the Corvette serving as the backdrop.
The design team also recognized the importance of incorporating elements into the C8 that represented the history and heritage of the generations that came before it. Many classic Corvette signatures were adapted into the new mid-engine Stingray’s design: a distinctive front fascia that communicates the purpose of the vehicle’s mission, a classic horizontal crease, aggressive front fenders and familiar positioning of the dual-element headlamps.
Every detail of the C8 Corvette was designed to provide a natural and immersive driving experience. The moment the driver sits in the cockpit, everything is perfectly positioned to perform. Every element designed for comfort – from seat options to button placements. The mid-engine design created space for a trunk in the front, located under the hood. Combined with the rear trunk, there’s 12.6 cubic feet of storage space.
The 2020 Corvette had a starting price of $59,995. Fully loaded models can top $80,000.
The 2021 model debuted with new graphics and color options. 2021 owners can personalize their Corvette with full-length dual racing stripes or bold hood Stinger stripes. New exterior colors include Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat and Silver Flare Metallic. The new interior color is Sky Cool Gray with Strike yellow stitching and seat belt accents.
The C8 has wasted no time collecting awards and accolades. The 2020 Corvette was named the North American Car of the Year and the Motortrend Car of the Year. Both the 2020 and 2021 models were named to Car and Driver’s coveted 10Best list.
