- The mid-engine C8 is a revolution in the Corvette’s illustrious history.
- Prices are stated to be around 60,000 USD (approx.. Rs 41 lakhs)
The mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette has been in the making for more than three years and it is finally here. Called the C8, the all-new ‘Vette breaks cover in the special Stingray guise as a rival to the European mid-engine supercars like the Ferrari F8 Tributo and the McLaren 720S, even the new Porsche 911 for that matter.
Sitting behind the driver is the same old small-block V8. But it has undergone some serious revision and adopts a new name – LT2. The 6.2-litre V8 now makes around 490bhp and 495bhp with the optional Z51 Performance Package. That’s an impressive bump of around 45bhp over the older LT1. The only choice of transmission is a new eight-speed dual-clutch unit sending power exclusively to the rear wheels.
And the C8 ‘Vette is a serious performer as the carmaker claims a 0-100kmph time of under three seconds even in the base Stingray trim. Other hardware in the Corvette includes a double-wishbone suspension with Magnetic Ride 4.0 adaptive dampers, launch control, electronic limited-slip differential.
Appearance-wise, the mid-engine Corvette looks the part with a Ferrari-like silhouette. The sharp creases all around the body are highlighted with large wrap-around headlamps and taillamps. There’s also a gaping air-vent upfront and a small spoiler at the back. An air scoop behind the driver’s door also accentuates its mid-engine credential.
Meanwhile, the quad-exhaust setup, petite engine cover/windscreen and large five-spoke 20-inch wheels also make the C8 look handsome and a proper flag bearer to the Corvette moniker. What’s more, there’s also a Targa-style removable roof.
Built on a new chassis, the C8 Corvette doesn’t have deep door sills, claims the carmaker – making it easier to get in or out of the mid-engine supercar. The driver-centric cockpit gets a new steering wheel setup, all-digital instrument cluster, tilted infotainment screen and large, supportive sports seats. Weirdly enough, the beefy centre console separating the two seats houses a row of buttons controlling the HVAC. It looks like an attempt to make the cabin look like a fighter jet’s cockpit.
Now that it’s here, the C8 fulfils Zora Arkus-Duntov’s (founder of Corvette) the dream of mid-engine American supercar after almost six decades. Prices are slated to be around 60,000 USD (approx. Rs 41 lakhs) and there will also be RHD versions. Unfortunately for us, like all the previous Corvettes, the mid-engine C8 won’t be gracing our shores.
