The Chevrolet Corvette (C8) is the eighth generation of the Corvette sports car manufactured by American automobile manufacturer Chevrolet. Following several experimental CERV prototype vehicles, it is the first mid-engine Corvette since the model's introduction in 1953.
The C8 features a vastly different design from previous Corvettes, with an all-new aluminum architecture and coil-over springs in place of leaf springs used on prior models. The exterior features more aggressive aerodynamics including larger air intakes and prominent side scoops. A trunk is located at the rear, with additional storage space at the front of the car. Combined, these provide 13 cubic feet (370 L) of cargo space, 2 cubic feet (57 L) less than that of the C7. As a result of the switch to a mid-engine layout, the passenger cell has been shifted forward by 16.5 inches (420 mm). The cockpit has been designed to be driver-centric, with numerous controls mounted on the center console as well as utilizing a new hexagonal steering wheel. A 12 in (30.5 cm) digital screen replaces the instrument cluster and reflects one of the six driving modes selected, and is accompanied by an 8 in (20.3 cm) touchscreen. A special Z button (an homage to the Z06, ZR1 and Z51) is also mounted on the steering wheel; this can quickly activate customized performance settings.
Technology
The C8 Corvette debuted with an 8-inch infotainment screen in a driver centric cockpit. It comes standard with Chevrolet's Infotainment 3 Plus system. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, 4G hotspot, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Higher trims are equipped with a 14 speaker Bose audio system and navigation options. Additional technology features include a performance data recorder package for 2LT and 3LT trim levels as well as a camera based rear view mirror. The 2020 Corvette was the first year Chevrolet introduced over the air updates to the Corvette line-up. This allows Chevrolet to send updates to the vehicle remotely.
Engine
The Stingray uses a new version of the LS-based GM small-block engine derived from the C7 Stingray's LT1, now called the LT2. The new naturally aspirated 6.2 L V8 is rated at 490 hp (365 kW; 497 PS) at 6,450 rpm and 465 lb⋅ft (630 N⋅m) of torque at 5,150 rpm, an improvement of 40 hp (30 kW; 41 PS) and 10 lb⋅ft (14 N⋅m) over the outgoing C7 Corvette Stingray. The engine uses dry sump lubrication system. Like the C7, the C8 features Active Fuel Management, or cylinder deactivation, which is used when the car is subjected to low load scenarios such as highway cruising.
The optional NPP sport exhaust system brings the total power output to 495 hp (369 kW; 502 PS) and torque to 470 lb⋅ft (637 N⋅m). Chevrolet claims that the C8 can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.9 seconds when equipped with the optional Z51 package
Engine
The optional NPP sport exhaust system brings the total power output to 495 hp (369 kW; 502 PS) and torque to 470 lb⋅ft (637 N⋅m). Chevrolet claims that the C8 can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.9 seconds when equipped with the optional Z51 package
Production
The 2021 Corvette started production on December 8, 2020, due to extended production of the 2020 model year. The 2021 model year saw production issues due to parts constraints.
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