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.
Design
The C8 retains some design elements found on the C7, but the majority of the exterior has been completely overhauled. The engine's repositioning necessitated a stronger focus on aerodynamics and cooling; large side scoops house air intakes, and the rear features smaller vents below the taillights. A trunk is located at the rear, with additional storage space at the front of the car. Combined, these provide of cargo space, less than that of the C7. As a result of the switch to a mid-engine layout, the passenger cell has been shifted forward by. The C8 is also offered in both left and right hand drive configurations, another first for the Corvette. 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 digital screen replaces the instrument cluster and reflects one of the six driving modes selected, and is accompanied by an touchscreen. A special Z button is also mounted on the steering wheel; this can quickly activate customized performance settings. Models equipped with the available magnetorheological dampers will also offer adjustable suspension settings.
Trim levels and 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.
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. The new naturally aspirated V8 is rated at at 6,450 rpm and of torque at 5,150 rpm, an improvement of and over the outgoing C7 Corvette Stingray. The engine uses dry sump lubrication system. 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. The optional NPP sport exhaust system brings the total power output to and torque to. Chevrolet claims that the C8 can accelerate to in 2.9 seconds when equipped with the optional Z51 package;Car and Driver recorded a time of 2.8 seconds.
Transmission
The Stingray is only offered with an 8-speed dual-clutch automated transmission made by Tremec, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. No manual transmission option is available. The only other model not offered with a manual transmission was the 1953–1955 C1. The manual was dropped due to lack of customer demand, though structural concerns were cited as well.
Suspension
The base model of the Stingray comes with unequal length double wishbone suspension at the front and rear axles made from forged aluminum. 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 of ground clearance at speeds under. The Z51 package adds a performance-tuned adjustable suspension setup with threaded spring seats for further setup customization, as well as an electronic limited-slip differential. Additionally, the top-of-the-line FE4 trim level includes the fourth generation of GM's magnetic ride adaptive suspension system.
Wheels
The Stingray is equipped with alloy wheels with diameters of at the front and 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. The exact tire dimensions are 245/35ZR-19 at the front and 305/30ZR-20 at the rear. The standard brakes are four-piston Brembo ventilated discs with diameters of at the front and at the rear. The Z51 package provides upgraded and enlarged brakes measuring at the front and at the rear.
Production
For the first time since the 1953 Corvette, the current generation Corvette is offered in right-hand-drive configuration for the Japanese and UK markets. After the pre-sale announcement, 300 right-hand-drive 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.
Awards
The Corvette C8 was named 2020 Motor TrendCar of the Year, and was also featured on 2020 Car and Driver 10Best.. Furthermore, the 2020 C8 Corvette received awards like the 2020 North American Car of the Year, and 2020 Detroit Free Press Car of the Year.
