The 2020 Corvette Stingray, more popularly known as the C8 Stingray, ditches the front-engine layout for the first time in its history. In another first, it will be produced for right-hand-drive markets as well.
The American icon of performance has just been upgraded and the result is the 2020 Corvette C8 Stingray, arguably the best-looking version of the American sports car, to date. However, the visuals aren't the most striking aspect of the C8! The fact that the new model features a mid-engine layout alters the Corvette DNA in a big way! You see, the Corvette has been famous for its FR configuration (Front-engine Rear-wheel drive). However, in the words of General Motors' President Mark Reuss, 'Corvette has always represented the pinnacle of innovation and boundary-pushing at GM. The traditional front-engine vehicle reached its limits of performance, necessitating the new layout.' So, in order to compete on a level playfield with its European counterparts, the Corvette had to let go of its erstwhile FR layout.
Due to this essential change, the Corvette C8 Stingray has become longer by 137mm and wider by 56mm, compared to the outgoing C7. While a car's newer generations often boast of lighter weight figures, the C8 is an exception as at 1,527kg, it's heavier than its predecessor by a considerable 166kg!
While the new layout offers more practicality (dual trunks with a combined capacity of 357 litres & a front suspension lift of 40mm) and better weight distribution, the C8 gets additional handling & drive improvements via new eBoost brakes, improved steering ratio, Michelin Pilot Sport ALS tyres & the optional Z51 Performance Package.
Coming to its heart, the C8 is powered Chevy's next-gen 6.2-litre LT2 V8 engine, which, according to Chevrolet, is the only Small Block NA (Naturally-Aspirated) motor in its segment. The V8 produces 495bhp & 637Nm of torque (with the performance exhaust or the Z51 Performance Package). The C8 brings another first to the Corvette family, with Chevrolet's first eight-speed automatic DCT. The DCT is linked to a new Electronic Transmission Range Selector, which eliminates the need for a manual link between the gearshift lever & the transmission. The engine can be seen from the outside, thanks to a lightweight, 3.2mm glass panel making up the rear hatch.
It's not just the exterior and underpinnings which have been updated on the Corvette C8 Stingray. The interior too gets its fair share of new equipment & upgrades. A new, heated two-spoke steering wheel greets the driver, along with a new 12-inch customisable instrument cluster, a Bose 10-speaker stereo system & Chevrolet's updated infotainment system with NFC-enabled one-touch Bluetooth connectivity & voice recognition. Convenience quotient has been upped as well with features like Wireless Charging.
The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will go into production in late 2019 and the entry-level Stingray model is expected to carry a price tag of less than $60,000!
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