The Mid-Engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Is Here With 488bhp, DCT 'Box

Chevrolet has, at last, revealed the first mid-engined Corvette to the world, and it's very quick even in base 'Stingray' form
The Mid-Engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Is Here With 488bhp, DCT 'Box

It’s been rumoured for years and leaked multiple times, but finally, the Corvette has gone mid-engined with the reveal of the new C8 model.

“The traditional front-engine vehicle reached its limits of performance, necessitating the new layout,” GM boss Mark Reuss says, adding “In terms of comfort and fun, it still looks and feels like a Corvette, but drives better than any vehicle in Corvette history.”

The Mid-Engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Is Here With 488bhp, DCT 'Box

The new layout doesn’t only mean it’ll drive unlike previous Corvettes - it also looks very different too, with its cab-forward layout (said to be inspired by F-22 and F-35 fighter jets) and giant side intakes. The rear end keeps it in the family, though, with some Camaro-like vibes going on.

Plus, although the engine is in an unfamiliar place, the unit itself is a little more familiar. It’s an evolution of the old Corvette’s LT1 pushrod 6.2-litre V8, dubbed ‘LT2’. Although the Stingray is the baby of the ‘Vette range, there’s nothing entry-level about the performance: the new Small Block - which also gains a dry-sump lubrication system - is good for 488bhp and 470lb ft of torque.

The Mid-Engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Is Here With 488bhp, DCT 'Box

That’s an increase of 40bhp compared to the old Stingray, helping launch the 1530kg (dry) sports car from 0-60mph in under three seconds. We don’t have an exact figure just yet, nor has the top speed been revealed.

The LT2 engine sends its power rearwards via a Chevy’s first dual-clutch gearbox. The Tremec-supplied transmission packs eight ratios and has a de-clutch feature. There’s no mention of a manual ‘box, however, and it seems unlikely one will be offered.

The Mid-Engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Is Here With 488bhp, DCT 'Box

As before, the Corvette gets the ideal front and rear double-wishbone suspension setup. Spec the Z51 performance pack - which includes bigger brakes, better cooling and a new exhaust - and the option of Magnetic Ride 4.0 adaptive dampers is given.

The tyres measure in at 245/35/R19 up front, and 305/30/20 at the back. You have a choice of either Michelin ALS all-seasons, or with the Z51 pack, Pilot Sport 4S rubber.

The Mid-Engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Is Here With 488bhp, DCT 'Box

The C8 is built around a strong central tunnel, giving a “light, stiff structure”. This also negates the need for beefy sills, making the C8 easier to get in and out of.

You can see the central tunnel quite clearly sat between the driver and passenger seats, with the pilot further segregated by an unusual wraparound centre console lined with buttons. Depending on how seriously you take driving fast, there are three seat options: the comfort-orientated GT1 set, the carbonfibre-trimmed, bigger-bolstered GT2s, or the ultra-focused Competition Sport chairs.

Full pricing information will be revealed later in the year, but Chevrolet has said that the Stingray will start under $60,000, which is ludicrous value for money. It’ll be followed-up by multiple derivatives, including, we think, a turbocharged version. The most significant news for us Brits? There’ll be a right-hand drive C8…

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Comments

Deathrow 174

Price starts at $60,000 apparently.

Well, the new Supra is short lived at this point. RIP.

07/19/2019 - 06:09 |
142 | 8

Apparently so - have updated the piece! That’s bonkers value for money. Will inevitably be more when it reaches here, but still…

07/19/2019 - 06:28 |
66 | 0

RIP A90. Big F.

07/19/2019 - 07:16 |
28 | 2

That Supra is as good as toasted, ran over and left for dead in the US market at its current price point. Maybe at $10-15k cheaper it’d have a market here

07/19/2019 - 13:14 |
14 | 0

Only in US…In EU (especially FR) no C7 are touchable under 60-65k$ (and they are 5y old used models). I really doubt Supras will cost more than 45k$ there after the same time depreciation…

07/19/2019 - 18:02 |
4 | 0
Aero (Animal Crossing man)

“but drives better than any vehicle in Corvette history.”

Uh, yeah, I sure hope it does.

07/19/2019 - 06:13 |
46 | 4

You don’t buy a corvette for going fast round corners? You buy it because it looks cool and makes you feel good

07/19/2019 - 11:15 |
4 | 4

The whole point of this comment is just to poke a small bit of fun at basically any press conference in general. I know it’s going to be “better” than the last one. I like the handling abilities of the Corvette due to it’s relatively low weight. Sorry for the confusion.

07/19/2019 - 14:51 |
10 | 0
That_1_Guy

Interior=good
Exterior=bad

07/19/2019 - 06:31 |
8 | 12

Why?

07/19/2019 - 14:31 |
0 | 0
PorscheBoi996

Cant wait for the Grand Sport, thats the Corvette i’d get. and from the looks of it, it looks like the Corvette Development Team avoid the Development Team of every other Chevy like the plague. This car is killer value for money. $60,000 for a Mid Engined Supercar with 500 horsepower? You cant beat that

07/19/2019 - 06:36 |
34 | 0

Agreed. Even though im a big Porsche fan there is no denying the Corvette was always a bargain for its performance. Id pick this over the new Cayman (and maybe even a 911) any day.

07/19/2019 - 09:51 |
16 | 0
Anonymous

i like the styling

07/19/2019 - 06:38 |
16 | 2
mazdapathy

you’re joking

07/19/2019 - 06:52 |
0 | 4
Twopoint0

I love the cars overall design and layout, but I find it hard to convince myself that it’s a corvette and not something entirely new

07/19/2019 - 06:54 |
12 | 0
DL🏁

Not gonna lie i’m pretty impressed

07/19/2019 - 07:03 |
6 | 0
Ben Anderson 1

HEAVY BREATHING INTENSIFIES

RIGHT HAND DRIVE

I’ll take one. NOW.

07/19/2019 - 07:14 |
12 | 0
Anonymous

something about that front end screams Ferrari F430, just can’t put my finger on it

07/19/2019 - 07:14 |
24 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Exactly my thoughts!:D

07/19/2019 - 11:12 |
2 | 0
Wogmidget

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Looks kinda tall as well idk

07/19/2019 - 22:14 |
0 | 0
Ray Sloan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

it’s around the headlights

07/19/2019 - 23:12 |
0 | 0