The covers have finally come off the most eagerly, and patiently awaited (since 1957) Corvettes of all times. For a car to be of American pedigree, yet not be a muscle, and yet still, be a defining pillar of the automotive scenario across the world is the ethos of this car.
ENGINE
In its latest avatar, the Corvette C8 Stingray gets a mid-mounted engine: a 6.2L small-block V8 with dry-sump lubrication and continuously variable valve timing that makes 495 hp and 637 Nm of torque. The new space frame is at least 10% stiffer than the one on the outgoing model, significantly improving the ride quality and handling.
DESIGN
The car is designed around aerodynamics as well as daily driver practicality. The sharp contours and elimination of drag-inducing elements such as door handles and hood releases makes it easier for air to flow around the car. The front windshield is positioned over the front wheels to result in a shorter overhang and improved downforce.
Use of scoops by the door side not only helps keep the air flowing but also, the engine cool by directing it to heat exchangers lurking inside. A hybrid rear spoiler, the patent for which was filed by Chevrolet also helps keep the car planted on the ground during high-speed lap timings.
The car gets ample storage: the front side being capable of holding an aeroplane size trolley while the rear, accommodating two golf bags, or the stowaway roof.
INTERIOR
Inside the cabin, the affairs shout driver focus. The race-inspired steering wheel is littered with buttons and surrounded by two digital screens, one for the instrument cluster, and the other for in-car infotainment. The infotainment is angled in such a way as to keep passenger intrusion to a minimum. Also discouraging it is a high seating centre console that contains a drive selector, a small storage cubby and a straight strip of buttons that make the car do all sorts of wicked tricks on track.
While everything worthy of excitement is towards the driver’s side, the passenger gets sleek air conditioning vents that are a part of the very cleanly dashboard
EXTERIOR
The C8 has typical mid-mounted engine layout proportions, and extensive use of triangular elements is visible upfront. The headlamps are right-angled, getting shaped alongside the v-shaped recesses in the bonnet that aid airflow.
Towards the rear, the origins of the car become all the clearer. Familiar design with more aggressive styling in terms of more geometrical tail lamps, a glass panel concealing the engine beneath, and two clusters of twin tailpipes lend the car a menacing look.
CONFIGURATION
The Corvette gets an optional Z51 package that equips it with an electronic limited-slip differential, iron brake rotors and additional transmission ratios.
In terms of appearances and packages, the process of selecting the specifications a Corvette is akin to kids entering a Hamley’s store. A myriad of interior and exterior colour schemes and carbon fibre packages are on offer. Customers can also choose from a wide variety of wheels and brake calliper colour options.
LOOKING FORWARD
While the car has drawn a lot of praise, it has attracted flak in some measure owing to its engine layout. However, less known is the fact that Zora, the proponent of the Corvette always wanted it to be that way.
As its life cycle progresses, the C8 shall see many additions and updates made to it, the most exciting being the near 1000 hp hybrid electric package. As bookings have commenced, we are happy that Zora can finally rest in peace.
