Endless bonnet, elegant hip swing – for many decades, the Corvette was a style icon of a special kind. Now comes the eighth generation, the first time the engine behind instead of the inmates. Accordingly, the new edition represents a radical break in a well over 60-year-long series tradition. The mid-engine layout does not make the C8 any finer, but faster, at least this is promised by manufacturer Chevrolet.
For the premiere Chevrolet presented alone the base engine with the name addition Stingray. As usual with its predecessors, even more, potent versions will follow. Although the engine hiked behind the pulpit, it remains with the classic V8 with 6.2-litre displacement, which releases 495 hp and 637 Newton meters without forced ventilation. The unit with new aluminium small-block has Chevrolet visually attractive staged because a large glass panel in the tailgate gives the curious view of the free.
In conjunction with the standard eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an optional sports exhaust system, the rear-wheel-drive sports car in less than 3 seconds to complete the American standard sprint to 60 miles (96 km / h). A value for the maximum speed is not mentioned, but more than 300 km / h should be possible. This makes the new Stingray the fastest ever version in the history of the Corvette. For comparison: The C7 Stingray makes 466 hp and achieved in 4.2 seconds from a standstill 100er mark.
Even if one would like to assume smaller overall dimensions than previously given a comparatively short nose, the C8 has grown by 14 centimetres to 4.63 meters compared to its predecessor, but at 1.23 meters it is slightly flatter than the C7. The dry weight is given as 1530 kilograms.
Basically, the Americans promise thanks to the new layout, a better distribution of weight, which should bring advantages, especially in curves. Front are 19-inch wheels with 245er tires, behind are 305er rollers with 20-inch wheel diameter. The front 32 and rear 34 centimetres Brembo brake discs are each taken by four-piston callipers in the pliers.
GPS-controlled lift function
A special feature is an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers, which can lift the vehicle by four centimetres thanks to a lift function, which is to facilitate the crossing of sleepers and driving on the underground car park. This is even automatic because GPS can save up to 1000 locations where more ground clearance is desired. As before, the driver can choose between different driving modes. Besides “Weather”, “Sport”, “Tour” and “Track” there are also “MyMode” and “Z Mode”. The latter allows the driver to make individual adjustments.
The instrument cluster, a 12-inch display, adapts its display graphic to the selected driving mode. To the right of the steering wheel is a driver-facing touch screen for the infotainment system, which offers GPS navigation with real-time traffic information, learning speech recognition, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity standards. In addition, smartphones can be charged wirelessly in a special storage tray. The vehicle is always online and also allows over-the-air updates. The two seats are equipped with memory function, there is a heated steering wheel and a tire pressure warning system.
Thanks to the new mid-engine layout, the C8 can boast two luggage compartments. Small hand luggage fits under the front hood, behind there is also a 357-litre shaft for larger luggage. Under the tailgate, the removable roof can bestow.
Although the C8 Stingray optically more likely to expect a six-figure price, it is said to be available in the US for less than $ 60,000. That’s about 53,000 euros. However, this price does not include VAT. And certainly no NoVA. At the end of the year, production in the US should start. At the beginning of 2020, the first copies will be released on the street. At the market launch in Europe and at prices outside the US, there is no information.