The World of West Chevrolet

Monday, July 8, 2019

Motor1.com On Pre-Release Corvette C8 Nurburgring Sighting: “Looks Like it's at Home in the Ring”


For years engineers and other auto experts have been rooting for the coming of the C8 Mid-engined Corvette model. From its debut in 1953 with the Blue Flame inline six-cylinder to the blistering and out-of-this-world Corvette ZR1, the forumla has been pretty much never strayed from. This all changes abruptly this month, when the engine officially is moved behind the passenger seats, and the new C8 is here to create a distinct ripple in the world of players such as the Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracan, and Ford GT.



No matter what other car fans contest, all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville still get excited about every single spy shot and video that crosses our desk: years ago information didn't move as fast, and rumors were much more difficult to confirm. The bright minds on staff at Motor1.com put up a video last week of this amazing new Corvette testing at Nurburgring, and they provide an excellent opportunity to zoom in and really check out the different features from every single angle. The 'Vette hasn't officially been spotted at the Nurburgring since summer of 2018, and being able to claim lap times for this well-recognized landmark would definitely be a valuable marketing asset.

The ferocious new model is expected to debut with a 6.2-liter V8 that generates around 460 horsepower, and operates by means of a dual-clutch gearbox. Down the line more powerful versions are expected to appear, including the possibility of models that use a dual-overhead-cam V8, Cadillac's 4.2-liter, twin-turbo Blackwing V8, and even a hybrid version that could cook up a jaw-dropping 1,000 hp. This highly anticipated debut is scheduled for July 18 in Tustin, California, and production will begin in Bowling Green, Kentucky late this year. Engine placement matters for many various reasons when it comes to high-performance cars, but for the most part, it is in relation to the all-important improvement of handling and braking.

Moving the engine back delegates more weight on the rear axle, which provides more traction and the ability to down more power and accelerate more rapidly. Braking sees improvements as well because the added weight lets the rear brakes take on more of the brunt for stopping. Mid-engined cars make intense engineering adjustments that allow the car to change direction more easily, and faster.

The new C8 sports a much steeper hoodline and a different sense of forward visibility, finishing off with an exotic look akin to a Ferrari. Times have been changing for quite a while now, and going mid-engined will no doubt squeeze every single ounce of potential and raw excitement from a classic car that has long defined the essence and true pulse of track-ready stature!

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