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

Anonymous

Love at first sight. Now I wanna marry this thing

07/19/2019 - 12:53 |
0 | 0
Lord Saucius The Divine

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Ikr, the rear end got me exited

07/19/2019 - 13:37 |
0 | 0
Lord Saucius The Divine

Looks really sexy

07/19/2019 - 13:38 |
0 | 2
Mickey Mouse

I
LOVE
THIS
SO
FC8KING
MUCH.

07/19/2019 - 14:30 |
8 | 0

Nice

07/19/2019 - 15:00 |
0 | 0
Motakai

Holy hell! 490hp, Mid-engine, under 3sec 0-60 on the base model priced under $60,000??? Best value since sliced bread!! Rip every other car.

07/19/2019 - 14:37 |
2 | 0
Charlie gibbons

In reply to by Motakai

488hp

08/15/2019 - 10:47 |
0 | 0
RWB Dude

Only 488hp?!?! Such disappointment, it looks kinda ugly too, i mean I already knew what it looked like before they unveiled it cuz my dad showed me a top secret picture of a poster he made with it on it (he is a graphic designer for GM)

07/19/2019 - 14:58 |
6 | 12

I have to disagree. 495hp is the actual output of the V8. I think that’s enough to prove that it’s a drivers car. And the looks? The looks look spectacular with aggressive lines and the Ferrari-fighting styling looks great, especially from chevy.

07/19/2019 - 17:00 |
2 | 2

The C7 Stingray had 455 horsepower, and that was no slouch. This has 35 more horsepower. The C7 has a 55 horsepower increase over an LS2-powered base C6 and a 25 horsepower increase over an LS3-powered base C6. Put simply, the LT2’s power increase over the LT1 is modest, but it is appreciated given how the car mechanically changed so dramatically. I guarantee you there will be more power extracted in higher trims, certainly a Z06 and maybe a ZR1.

I hope you are joking, because anything that can do 0-60 MPH in under three seconds - a 0.7 second increase over the previous gen - with this much power, that low a price, and that much storage - enough to fit its targa top - is not such a disappointment in my book.

07/21/2019 - 06:09 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

I just want to enjoy the moments where Car Throttle featured posts are not about SUVs (at the moment).

07/19/2019 - 16:21 |
0 | 0
joeythecarnerd

A Ferrari beater a Ferrari owner will be sacred as f*

07/19/2019 - 17:34 |
0 | 0
electricpants

Im drooling over everything about this car, but then I look at the rear bumper…

07/21/2019 - 19:21 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

looks riced

07/22/2019 - 07:14 |
0 | 2
Charlie gibbons

I like it but I have to say that 488bhp is a bit low for a Chevy big block and it’s a bit heavy. But it does look good but not corvette

08/15/2019 - 10:53 |
0 | 0