Chevrolet Corvette (C8)

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This article is about the eighth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette sports car. For general Corvette information, see Chevrolet Corvette.
Chevrolet Corvette (C8)
Chevrolet Corvette C8 IAA 2021 1X7A0156.jpg
Chevrolet Corvette (C8) Stingray
Overview
ManufacturerChevrolet (General Motors)
Also calledGMSV Chevrolet Corvette (Australia)
ProductionFebruary 2020–present[1]
Model years2020–present
AssemblyUnited States: Bowling Green, Kentucky (Bowling Green Assembly Plant)[2]
DesignerTom Peters (2015)[3]
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style
LayoutRear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine6.2 L LT2 crossplane OHV V8
5.5 L LT6 flat-plane DOHC V8 (Z06)
Power output490–495 hp (365–369 kW; 497–502 PS) (Stingray)
670 hp (500 kW; 679 PS) (Z06)
TransmissionTremec TR-9080 DCT 8-speed dual clutch transmission[5]
Dimensions
Wheelbase107.2 in (2,723 mm)
Length182.3 in (4,630 mm)
Width76.1 in (1,933 mm)
Height48.6 in (1,234 mm)
Curb weight3,366 lb (1,527 kg) (dry)
Chronology
PredecessorChevrolet Corvette (C7)

The Chevrolet Corvette (C8) is the eighth generation of the Corvette sports car manufactured by American automobile manufacturer Chevrolet. Following several experimental CERV prototype vehicles, it is the first mid-engine Corvette since the model's introduction in 1953 (as well as GM's first production mid-engine sports car since the Pontiac Fiero was discontinued in 1988), differing from the traditional front-engine design. The C8 was announced in April 2019, and the coupe made its official debut on July 18, 2019 in Tustin, California. The convertible made its debut in October 2019 during a media event at the Kennedy Space Center (referencing its association with NASA) to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. The racing version, the Chevrolet Corvette C8.R, also made its debut that same month.[6] Production officially began on February 3, 2020, delayed by the 2019 General Motors strike.[1]

Overview[]

The C8 features a vastly different design from previous Corvettes, with an all-new aluminum architecture and coil-over springs in place of leaf springs used on prior models. The exterior features more aggressive aerodynamics including larger air intakes and prominent side scoops. A trunk is located at the rear, with additional storage space at the front of the car. Combined, these provide 13 cubic feet (370 L) of cargo space, 2 cubic feet (57 L) less than that of the C7.[7] As a result of the switch to a mid-engine layout, the passenger cell has been shifted forward by 16.5 inches (420 mm).[8] The cockpit has been designed to be driver-centric, with numerous controls mounted on the center console as well as utilizing a new hexagonal steering wheel. A 12 in (30.5 cm) digital screen replaces the instrument cluster and reflects one of the six driving modes selected, and is accompanied by an 8 in (20.3 cm) touchscreen. A special Z button (an homage to the Z06, ZR1 and Z51) is also mounted on the steering wheel; this can quickly activate customized performance settings.[9]

  • Corvette C8 Convertible

  • Interior

Stingray[]

Trim levels and options[]

GT1, GT2, Competition Sport seat options

Three trim levels are currently available, 1LT, 2LT and 3LT, augmented by three suspension setups, FE1, FE3 and FE4 which correspond with the two Z51 Performance packages. In addition, three seat options are also available: GT1, GT2 and Competition Sport. The interior is upholstered in leather, microsuede or performance textile with carbon fiber or aluminum trims. A Performance Data Recorder has been upgraded with a higher resolution camera as well as a new interface. GM's virtual camera mirror will be optional, which projects video from the backup camera onto the rear view mirror.[10][11]

Engine[]

The LT2 V8 engine

The Stingray uses a new version of the LS-based GM small-block engine derived from the C7 Stingray's LT1, now called the LT2.[12] The new naturally aspirated 6.2 L V8 is rated at 490 hp (365 kW; 497 PS) at 6,450 rpm and 465 lb⋅ft (630 N⋅m) of torque at 5,150 rpm, an improvement of 40 hp (30 kW; 41 PS) and 10 lb⋅ft (14 N⋅m) over the outgoing C7 Corvette Stingray.[13] The engine uses dry sump lubrication system.[14] Like the C7, the C8 features Active Fuel Management, or cylinder deactivation, which is used when the car is subjected to low load scenarios such as highway cruising.[15][16]

The engine has two radiators, one on each side in the front. The Z51 package includes a third radiator, a water-to-water and water-to-oil radiator on the rear driver's side, cooling both engine oil and transmission lubricant, taking air in through the rear quarter panel opening. [17]

The optional NPP sport exhaust system brings the total power output to 495 hp (369 kW; 502 PS) and torque to 470 lb⋅ft (637 N⋅m).[18] Chevrolet claims that the C8 can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.9 seconds when equipped with the optional Z51 package;[10] Car and Driver recorded a time of 2.8 seconds (by using 1-foot rollout).[19]

Transmission[]

Transmission cutout

The Stingray is only offered with an 8-speed dual-clutch automated transmission[20] made by Tremec, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.[21] No manual transmission option is available. The only other model years not offered with a manual transmission were the 1953–1954 C1 and the 1982 C3.[10] The manual was dropped due to lack of customer demand, though structural concerns were cited as well.[22]

Suspension[]

The base model of the Stingray comes with unequal length double wishbone suspension at the front and rear axles made from forged aluminum.[23] Monotube shock absorbers are standard at all four wheels. The car can be equipped with a front-axle lifting height adjustable suspension system that can add 2 in (40 mm) of ground clearance at speeds under 25 mph (40 km/h).[24]

The Z51 package adds a performance-tuned adjustable suspension with higher front and rear spring rates and firmer dampers.[25] The front shocks, on vehicles without hydraulic front lift, and the rear shocks, have threaded spring seats that allow adjustment of the preload on the coil springs.[26] Additionally, the spring seat can be adjusted approximately 20 mm (0.8 in) up or down from the nominal position.[27]

Magnetic Selective Ride Control™ is an available option for all trims and levels. On Z51 equipped Corvettes, Magnetic Selective Ride Control™ includes Performance Traction Management and electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). [28]

Wheels[]

The Stingray is equipped with alloy wheels with diameters of 19 inches (48 cm) at the front and 20 inches (51 cm) at the rear. The standard tires are Michelin Pilot Sport ALS, with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S available as a part of the Z51 performance package. All-season tires are used on base models for better grip.[29] The exact tire dimensions are 245/35ZR-19 at the front and 305/30ZR-20 at the rear.[10] The standard brakes are four-piston Brembo ventilated discs with diameters of 12.6 in (320 mm) at the front and 13.6 in (345 mm) at the rear. The Z51 package provides upgraded and enlarged brakes measuring 13.3 in (338 mm) at the front and 13.8 in (351 mm) at the rear.[23]

Technology[]

The C8 Corvette debuted with an 8-inch infotainment screen in a driver centric cockpit. It comes standard with Chevrolet's Infotainment 3 Plus system. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, 4G hotspot, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims are equipped with a 14 speaker Bose audio system and navigation options. Additional technology features include a performance data recorder package for 2LT and 3LT trim levels as well as a camera based rear view mirror.[30] The 2020 Corvette was the first year Chevrolet introduced over the air updates to the Corvette line-up. This allows Chevrolet to send updates to the vehicle remotely. Chevrolet used this capability to resolve a front trunk recall for the 2020 Corvettes.[31]

Right-hand-drive (RHD)[]

For the first time since the 1953 introduction of Corvette (C1), the current generation Corvette is offered in right-hand-drive configuration for the Australian, Japanese, and UK markets.[32][33] Corvette (C8) is General Motors' only RHD vehicle to be assembled in the factory rather than converted from left-hand-drive. After the pre-sale announcement, 300 RHD Corvettes were sold within sixty hours: a record for the Corvette sales in Japan and three times the annual sales number for its left-hand-drive predecessor.[34] The introduction of RHD Corvette for Australian market has been delayed to middle of 2021 due to the reorganisation of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) into GMSV (General Motors Special Vehicles). Only 200 RHD Corvette will be sold in Australia per year, and the price is set at $149,990 AUD with higher performance versions above $200,000 AUD.[35][36]

Z06[]

The performance version of the Corvette, the Z06, was unveiled on October 26, 2021. The Z06 is expected to enter production in the summer of 2022 for the 2023 model year.[37]

Trim levels and options[]

The Z06 will have three trim levels adding various interior comfort and technology upgrades: 1LZ, 2LZ, and 3LZ. Additionally, the Z07 Performance Package can be applied to any trim that adds improved brakes, carbon fiber aerodynamic elements, suspension tuning, and performance tires.[38]

Engine[]

The Z06 uses a new naturally aspirated 5.5 L V8 producing 670 hp (500 kW; 679 PS) at 8,400 rpm, 460 lb⋅ft (624 N⋅m) of torque at 6,300 rpm and has a redline of 8,600 rpm.[39][40] This engine, dubbed the LT6, features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) and a flat-plane crank, and surpasses the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series' M159 engine to become the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8.[41] A modified version of this engine has powered the Chevrolet Corvette C8.R since 2019, and many features in the racing engine carry over to the road engine.[42] Other features of this new engine include a cast aluminium block, dual coil valve springs supporting titanium intake & sodium filled exhaust valves, forged aluminium pistons, forged titanium connecting rods, active split intake manifold with twin 87mm throttle bodies, four-into-two-into-one stainless steel exhaust headers, and a factory six-stage 10-quart dry sump oiling system with individual crank bay scavenging.[40] A feature the LT6 shares with other Chevrolet small blocks is the bore spacing of 4.4 inches.[40][42]

Transmission[]

The Z06 uses the same 8-speed dual-clutch transmission used by Stingray models, albeit with a shorter 5.56:1 final drive ratio for improved acceleration. Chevrolet claims this allows the Z06 to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 2.6 seconds.[43]

Suspension[]

The Z06 features the same basic suspension setup as the Stingray, however the electronic limited-slip differential and magnetic ride adaptive suspension system are now standard for all Z06 trims. The Z07 Performance Package includes the FE7 track-oriented suspension setup.[38]

Wheels[]

The Z06's body has been widened to accommodate larger wheels and thicker tires. The wheels have diameters of 20 inches (51 cm) at the front and 21 inches (53 cm) at the rear, and are available with standard alloy or optional carbon fiber rims. The tires have dimensions of 275/30ZR20 at the front and 345/25ZR21 at the rear, and the Z07 Performance Package comes standard with Michelin Cup 2 R ZP performance tires.[44] Chevrolet claims that the optional carbon fiber wheels shave off 41 lb (19 kg) of unsprung weight.[45]

Aerodynamics[]

The base Z06 comes with a front splitter and a rear spoiler, included with the rear spoiler is an installable fixed wickerbill, which when installed produces 365 lb (166 kg) pounds more downforce at 186 mph (299 km/h). The Z07 carbon fiber performance package adds a larger front-splitter, front corner canards (dive planes), a pedestal mounted rear wing and underbody aero strakes for additional downforce for track performance.[40] Chevrolet claims that with all these equipped and in the track configuration, the Z06 is capable of 1.22g lateral acceleration on a skidpad.[40][46]

Model year changes[]

2020 model year[]

The first production model of the C8 Corvette is the Stingray with its new mid-mounted 6.2 L LT2 V8 engine. It is available as a 2-door targa top or a retractable hardtop convertible. The targa top is available in body color, transparent, or visible carbon fiber.

2021 model year[]

Trim levels and options[]

2021 saw a list of changes following the 2020 launch year of the C8 Corvette. Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat and Blade Silver Metallic were retired. 2021 will see two new colors added. Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat and Silver Flare Metallic were added as premium color options. Additionally, full length racing stripes saw 4 new color options.[47]

The interior saw the addition of Sky Cool Gray / Strike Yellow color available only on the 3LT.[48] Magnetic Ride became available separate to the Z51 package for the 2021 model year. The Z51 package saw a price increase from $5,000 to $5,995 starting 2021. The front lift saw an increase from $1,495 to $1,995 as well.[49]

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard options in 2021. Black Trident Spoke wheels, all weather floor liners, and carbon fiber mirror covers all saw minor price increases as well.[50]

The 2021 C8 received a base price increase, mid way through the production cycle. Chevrolet raised the base price by $1000, putting it over the $60,000 threshold. The price increase was effective for all orders entered after March 1st 2021. The increase was attributed to a fluctuation in supplier parts costs as well as the global chip shortage which has delayed production in the automotive sector as a whole.[51]

The end of the 2021 production year will also see the end of Sebring Orange, Shadow Gray, and Zeus Bronze as exterior color options.[52]

Production[]

The 2021 Corvette started production on December 8, 2020, due to extended production of the 2020 model year.[53] The 2021 model year saw production issues due to parts constraints.[54] Chevrolet also increased the base price of the Corvette by $1,000 in the middle of the 2021 model year, to $60,995.[55]

2022 model year[]

The LT2 saw fuel management system upgrades for the 2022 model year which featured a new fuel pump and injectors. The base price was also increased $1200 to compensate for increased supplier costs. A new IMSA GTLM Championship Edition package, limited to 1000 units, was introduced for 2022.[56]

The 2022 model year saw the introduction of Caffeine Metallic, Amplify Orange Tintcoat, and Hypersonic Gray as new color options.[57]

Awards[]

The Corvette C8 was named 2020 Motor Trend Car of the Year,[58] and was also featured on 2020 Car and Driver 10Best.[59] Furthermore, the 2020 C8 Corvette received awards like the 2020 North American Car of the Year,[60] and 2020 Detroit Free Press Car of the Year.[61]

References[]

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External links[]

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