Chevrolet has finally admitted the ridiculously obvious: a new-generation Corvette is coming and it will look just like the hundreds of spy photos (and videos) we have all seen slathered across the internet for years.
What’s missing, of course, are details. While these are the first official shots of the car to come from Chevrolet, they are both still shots of a camoflauged car. And apart from a smiling Mary Barra in the passenger seat, which we’ll take to be the first riding impression of the car, we know only what we’ve speculated on up till now. More details will be released July 18 and you can sign up for updates at Chevy’s C8-specific website here.
So what do we know so far? Let's review what we've already gathered:
Engine
The unofficial speculations says the C8 will likely be powered by an upgraded 6.2-liter LT1 V8 dubbed LT2. That engine will have direct injection, active fuel management, variable valve timing, high output and will, of course, be made out of aluminum.
Higher-performance versions are rumored to be powered by a twin-turbocharged V8, likely based on the Blackwing V8 that we saw debut with the CT6-V. Rumors claim these models have between 900 and 1,000 hp — enough to generate extremely dubious rumors that prototypes may be deforming their aluminum spaceframe chassis. There’s also been buzz about a hybrid version with an electrically powered front axle. The addition of electrons to the C8’s powertrain could propel it into Bugatti Veyron territory, with four figures of horsepower.
Transmission
We know the C8 will have an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Tremec has reportedly been developing a dual-clutch to replace the current Corvette’s eight-speed 8L90 auto. It’s hard to deny the performance benefits of the modern dual-clutch units, especially in a car that’s clearly intended to battle Europe’s best supercars. Even so, it will be a sad day if C7 is the last manual Corvette.
There were still questions on the number of speeds. Rear axle ratios have been speculated to be 3.62 and 3.80.
Chassis
In a supposed order guide leaked by Jalopnik, there are a lot of references to Z51, so the performance package is staying. Suspension codes of FE1 (base), FE3 (Z51 Performance) and FE4 (Magnetic Ride) are listed. The rear tires look fatter with 305 width as opposed to 285 on the C7.
The new car will likely be based around an aluminum spaceframe instead of using more exotic materials to keep the car light but also relatively affordable. Current Corvette technologies like the MagneRide suspension and carbon brakes should still be on the options list.
Body
One Corvette custom that could be carried into the new generation is the fiberglass body. The new car will have some carbon accents and add-ons, but like the aluminum spaceframe, lightness and low cost make fiberglass panels a no-brainer. Active aero may also be on tap to keep the car planted at the speeds it will be capable of.
Coupe and convertible body styles should be available. It looks like there will be four options for the roof, including a dual roof along with visible carbon fiber and a transparent top. Predictably, the Corvette’s Performance Data Recorder is back, but it looks like we might get a new 12-inch navigation system.
There are a few new colors, including rapid blue and Zeus bronze, which could be a really cool shade of metallic brown. There are a bunch of brake caliper colors as well, along with two options for seats.
Price and availability
Though many thought the C8 would break cover last January at the Detroit auto show, it never materialized. Following the apparent July 18, 2019 deubt, the first C8s should go on sale by the end of the year at a price we imagine would be just south of $100,000.
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