The first-generation Chevrolet Corvette debuted back in 1953. Since then, it has maintained its status as the quintessential American muscle car. There have been seven generations of Corvette, each delivering the sleek exterior design and roaring power the lineup has become known for. Now, there’s a new eighth-generation on the way: the 2021 Chevy Corvette C8. This much anticipated new Corvette is set to bring the sport performance style that is instantly recognizable on Lakeland streets, but it’s shaking things up with a revolutionary mid-engine design. Preview the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8 specs with the team at Stingray Chevrolet, below!
Table of contents
Summary
Exists an extra American car than the Chevrolet Corvette? The Ford Mustang fan base might quibble with the idea, however there’s no refuting that plenty of enthusiasts think it to be real. And also as a result of that, each new model of the cars feeds exhilaration among Chevy patriots. However it had been decades considering that the news of a brand-new ‘Vette gathered as much anticipation as the unveiling of the eighth-generation design last year.
That’s because, after years of rumors as well as supposition, the 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray was the initial version of the design to include a mid-engine format. For Corvette devoteds, that news was momentous. Nevertheless, relocating the engine back would probably enable the car to compete more straight with its high-performance European peers. Yet, it would additionally likely alter its signature appearance– a mid-engine placement would certainly indicate a brand-new framework. Without a doubt, Chevy seized the day to totally reimagine the Corvette’s layout, discarding more than a couple of trademark attributes for the new C8, including the extended nose of its predecessors. The outcome is a cars that looks primed to contend for focus, not only with American enthusiasts, however with collectors of European supercars as well.
C8 Corvette Engine, Specifications and also Efficiency
Any kind of discussion about the C8 Corvette can only start in one location: the engine. After 67 years of commitment to a front-engine arrangement for the Corvette, Chevrolet determined to start the brand-new decade by repositioning the car’s giant behind the driver and also guest seats. As well as this isn’t simply any old engine– it’s a new, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter LT2 V-8.
While that base electric motor, which is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, isn’t all that various from the one featured in the C7, it is much more powerful, bringing a solid 490 hp of grunt and also 465 feet pounds of torque. The brand-new power train makes it possible for the car to rocket from absolutely no to 60 mph in less than three secs. The C8 can also finish the quarter-mile in just over 11 seconds and also reach a full throttle of 184 miles per hour. As well as if that’s insufficient for you, a Z51 efficiency plan will boost the horsepower as well as torque figures to 495 hp and also 470 ft lbs, respectively, giving all various other efficiency numbers a lift also. One point to note: There is just one transmission choice, something that has actually triggered consternation amongst the faithful.
To help handle all that power, the C8 Corvette has a Motorist Setting Selector that allows you to pick from 6 driving settings, consisting of Excursion, Sporting activity, Track, Weather Condition, MyMode and Z Mode (the last two of which are adjustable). It’s additionally outfitted with a four-wheel anti-lock brake system, with disc brakes and four-piston calipers on each wheel. The Z51 package additionally includes an electronic limited-slip differential, new last drive ratio, enhanced cooling system for the brakes, a boosted suspension and an efficiency exhaust.
A New Exterior
Like any other lorry, the iconic cars has actually seen its shape and style change since it was introduced in 1953. However from generation to generation, no layout overhaul has been as rough as the C8’s. For that last 25 years or so– concerning the moment the C5 debuted in the mid ’90s– we have actually had the ability to see the previous generation of ‘Vettes within the brand-new iteration’s layout. That quits with the C8.
Chevrolet used the adjustment in format as an opportunity to alter the ‘Vette’s account, discarding some of its trademark features. Gone is the long, signature nose as well as a little squared-off back. The front still pertains to a height, yet the rest of the lines as well as angles are sharper as well as the cabin has actually been moved on. That change frees the car of the slinky sophistication that’s been a part of its shape since the ’60s yet offers its a brand-new daring. This is an automobile developed for rate, as well as it resembles it. The new design, which is available as both a coupe as well as exchangeable, gives the American automobile an extremely more European visual.
The C8 Corvette Interior
Yet it’s not just the exterior that’s been given a makeover. Open the C8 Corvette’s interior and also you’ll locate a cabin that in fact resembles the cockpit of an advanced boxer jet. Take a seat in the low-slung chauffeur seat as well as you’re consulted with a rectangle-shaped steering wheel, that includes 2 large paddle shifters. Behind that is a 12-inch digital tool collection, that includes a new tachometer, to aid track your car as well as its performance as you drive.
Embedded into the center console is an 8-inch infomercial screen that’s angled toward the motorist. It’s equipped with Chevy’s Infomercial 3 And also system, which features Bluetooth connectivity, a 4G mobile hotspot and also both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The C8 Corvette’s interior is also furnished with a high-performance, 14-speaker Bose audio system that makes certain to be songs to any kind of audiophile’s ears. You’ll additionally have 3 different designs of bucket seats to select from, in addition to a range of color and also material choices, including Napa natural leather and suede microfiber. And also for those stressed over freight area due to the style adjustments, the C8 provides a front area as well as rear trunk that still has space for two collections of golf clubs.
First-Drive Perceptions
Like any individual else curious about high-performance automobiles, we were excited to support the wheel of the 2020 Corvette. But that test-drive with Nevada made one thing generously clear: While definitely an action in the best direction– as well as an unbelievable vehicle for its price– the new C8 had not been fully prepared to beam. This is a car, nevertheless, that wants to be pointed out in the exact same breath as Lamborghinis and also McLarens, yet it merely really did not really feel completely fine-tuned yet. From our “First Drive” article earlier this year:
” The brand-new ‘Vette is an impressive accomplishment for something starting under $60,000, yet it’ll be a while before the C8 matures into the exceptional device I’m positive it can be. Possibly that equipment is the upcoming Stingray convertible. Maybe it’s an eventual higher-powered Corvette version. Either way, I feel the magic impending.”
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that the 2020 design is the very first installation of the C8. On average, different ‘Vette generations have taken care of to remain for greater than 8 years. That provides the brand name some time to boost the car– and also find that magic.
C8 Corvette’s Cost: Is It Worth It?
When Chevrolet first revealed the mid-engine C8 Corvette, they guaranteed it would start at less than $60,000. As unlikely as that seemed at the time, the automaker provided on that particular assurance. Similar to in 2015, the ‘Vette begins at $59,995 for the coupe as well as $67,495 for the convertible. Naturally, with a near-endless listing of choices as well as trim degrees, its rate can quickly climb skywards, with a fully loaded exchangeable readily available for north of $100,000. Still, when you think about the sort of cars that the C8 is competing with, even one of the most pricey version seems like a deal in comparison.
What’s Following: More Ways to Personalize
As appealing as the C8 Corvette may be, its very first year has gone anything but efficiently. First, the United Automobile Workers strikes delayed manufacturing of the excitedly expected automobile, after that the coronavirus pandemic brought the entire world to a grinding halt and also raised significant supply worries. Chevy has responded by offering even more conventional attributes as well as a plethora of amazing new alternatives for the car’s second go-around.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto currently come common with the C8, as does a redesigned electronic cluster as well as GM’s Fastening to Drive safety and security tech. As for the brand-new choices, there are 2 outside surfaces to choose from (Red Haze Tintcoat and Silver Flare Metallic), 2 brand-new indoor color design (Sky Cool Grey and Yellow Strike) and also you can include racing or stinger stripes. The majority of interesting of all, however, is that the Magnetic Trip Control from the Z51 performance plan is currently offered as a stand-alone choice.
If none of that seems hot enough for you, do not fret. Reports are swirling that a high-performance Z06 alternative packing a 600 hp, DOHC 32-valve 5.5-liter V-8 can arrive as quickly as next year.That could be followed not long after by the first energized ‘Vette, the all-wheel-drive E-Ray hybrid.
What Is the 2021 Chevy Corvette C8 Price?
What we know so far that has been confirmed by Chevrolet is that there will be three C8 Stingray trim levels: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. We’ll provide the 2021 Chevy Corvette C8 price and feature highlights for each trim, below:
1LT
- Coupe Price: $59,995 starting
- Convertible Price: $67,495 starting
- Bose premium 10-speaker system
- 8-way power GT1 seats
- Driver Mode Selector
- All-season performance tires
2LT
- Coupe Price: $67,295 starting
- Convertible Price: $74,295 starting
- Front curb view cameras
- Bose Performance Series 14-speaker audio system
- Heated/vented seats and heated steering wheel
- Available GT2 seats in Napa leather
3LT
- Coupe Price: $71,945 starting
- Convertible Price: $78,945 starting
- 13 interior color options
- Custom leather-wrapped instrument panel and door
- Sueded-microfiber upper interior trim
- Standard GT2 seats in Napa leather