Yes, folks, this is it. It's the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, aka the C8. You might know it as the mystical, magical, long-awaited mid-engined Corvette. Naturally, the bulk of the conversation around this new car will focus on where the engine sits within its chassis, but that's just the beginning of this near-reinvention for one of America's most iconic sports cars. The 'Vette has always had supercar aspirations. Now, it's a legitimate threat to the best that Europe and Japan have to offer. We'll start with the obvious: the engine itself. Welcome to the new LT2. It's still a 6.2-liter V8 and, at least in this initial flavor, it eschews forced induction. Where the base C7 made 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, however, this new one does 495 hp and 470 lb-ft -- or it will with the optional performance exhaust, at least. Without said exhaust, output numbers drop to 490 and 465, respectively. Dry-sump lubrication is standard, meaning a smaller oil pan and more consistent oil pressure on the track.The bigger change, though, is what it's connected to. For the first time the 2020 Corvette will have an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission from Tremec. The good news is that means no more slushbox automatic. The bad news? No more three-pedal manual transmission. Yes, I have mixed feelings about this too, but when it comes to performance there's no doubt DCTs are quicker. How quick? The new C8 will have a 0-60 mph time of less than 3 seconds. Chevrolet isn't quoting an exact time yet, but considering the outgoing ZR1 needed 755 hp to clock in at 2.8 seconds, that's mighty impressive.
can't wait to see how these things handle. or see them wrapped around trees...i've had turbo and stock MR2 cars, 50/50 split mid engine cars. it's a different beast to drive "sporty". rear engine is another anomaly.
