One of the most anticipated cars of 2019, the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray, has been officially revealed by the American manufacturer. For the first time in its history, the model has a mid-engined layout, and the idea of GM is to be able to compete more successfully with its European competitors Porsche and Ferrari.
The eighth generation of the model was called Stingray, which was first used back in 1963. The base version of the new Corvette will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, thanks to a 6.2-liter V8 engine that develops 495 hp, according to Automedia.
The transfer of the motor to the middle increased the length of the body by 137 mm — up to 4630 mm. The width is 1933 mm (+56 mm compared to the previous C7), but the height is less — 1234 mm. The distance between the two axles reaches 2723 mm, and the weight is 1527 kg. — from 166 kg. more than before.
The design of the new Corvette retains some elements of its predecessors, but in general is «more global» and is designed in the style of the latest McLaren and Ferrari two-seat models. Chevrolet promises an even more «driver-centric» cabin with a short bonnet for better visibility.
The eighth generation is the first in the history of a sports model to abandon a manual transmission. All versions will be equipped with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It still has a manual mode that allows the driver to change gears directly from the steering wheel.
The new C8 Corvette has a glass engine cover, which, in turn, is 40 hp. more powerful than its predecessor. The maximum torque of the motor is now 637 Nm, an increase compared to the C7 — 13 Nm.
Like the previous C7, the C8 Stingray will come with a Magnetic Ride Control chassis that lets you quickly change damper settings. the supercar is also equipped with a traction control system that works with an electronic limited slip differential. Thanks to the front splitter and rear spoiler, you get up to 181 kg of downforce when cornering aggressively.
Buyers of the car will be able to order Michelin Pilot Sport ALS tires, which Chevrolet claims can handle 1g of cornering loads, or choose the Z51 package for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s. Front tires 245/35ZR/19, rear tires 305/30ZR/20.
Like all recent generations of Corvettes, the C8 will be built at the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant. Pricing will be announced in early 2020 when the rest of the models are revealed. It is expected that the most powerful will develop 1000 hp.