2020 Corvette Performance Numbers Wow Everyone, Including Chevy Engineers

Official data now confirms that the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray coupe equipped with the Z51 Package reaches the 60 MPH mark in 2.9 seconds and conquers the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 121 MPH. Even without the help of the Z51 pack, this year's new mid-engined Corvette makes it to 60 in 3.0 seconds, and still kills the quarter-mile at the same 11.2-second mark. We love this milestone in automotive history that allows the brand we love to  represent so much here at West Chevy of Knoxville the right to brag that it's the fastest base model in the vehicle's existence!

Alex Macdonald, Chevrolet vehicle performance manager, said that the performance of the 2020 Stingray has exceeded his expecatations, truly standing out as a milestone in history. One of the major changes from older models is that the engine now features revised camshafts that increase valve lift duration. There is now an overhauled intake manifold that the mill breathes through, which has an increased plenum volume. The new exhaust puts to use four-into-one twisted headers that are fabricated rather than casting, ultimately saving in weight factor.

The engine has a dry-sump oil system that uses three scavenge pumps that can cope with the demands of high  acceleration on the track. The low-profile oil pan also allows for a lower center of gravity, and the engine runs through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission gleaned from Tremec. The final drive, differential, controls system, sensors, lubrication, and cooling hardware are all packed into a complete unit through integrated construction. If you want to get an earful of the delightful exhaust, pulling both shift paddles behind the steering wheel allows the driver to free rev the powerplant while parked in neutral.

The transmission is governed by three driving modes: the smooth Touring, aggressive Sport, and peak performance range of Track. Just two weeks ago, the staff on duty at Car and Driver claimed it was even “More than the best Corvette Ever”, and that it definitely lives up to the heavily-generated hype surrounding its release. They had based their ecstatic opinion on the new ride after timed laps at Grattan Raceway outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they determined that the mid-engined model's handling advantage over the outgoing C7 was indeed very real. We invite you to come down after the holidays to check out just how 60.6 percent of the car' mass being situated over the rear tires is a game-changer off the line, and also boasts by far the best Corvette interior ever!

Scoping Out the Small-Block V8: The Finer Points of the Corvette C8's LTV V-8 Engine

The small-block V-8 engine has been an integral component since its origins in 1955 and now claims its place as power source in the revolutionary C8 as the L2T! Car and Driver provided an in-depth feature on their blog last week highlighting the small-block's capabilities. It generates both more power and torque (495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft when equipped with the performance exhaust) than the LT1 in the outgoing model. There is now a more-efficient intake as well as exhaust manifold, a more robust lubrication system, and a brand new camshaft. 

The same bore and stroke are still used, as well as the forged crankshaft, rods, and 11.5:1 compression ratio pistons, similar to the LT1 that it is based on. All Stingrays will now get a dry-sump system that is ideally engineered to accommodate the chassis's increased track capability. This includes sustained lateral acceleration beyond 1.00 g. Previously, dry-sump lubrication was only available as part of the C7 Stingray's Z51 package. This system graduated from one pump to three different multistage scavenge pumps: one situated in the valley of the V and two right in the crankcase. The oil reservoir is now mounted to the engine, instead of being bolted into the engine bay separately as it was on the C7.

Small-Block chief engineer Jordan Lee explained that a side benefit for having this unconventional engine-mounted sump is how easy it is assembled. While the engine is being built, oil can be added, instead of when the car is making its final pass down the assembly line. This engine is mounted an entire inch lower in the Corvette than before, and also has a much shallower oil pan. This is part of the team's great success in reduction of total oil volume, which drops from 9.7 quarts in the C7 to 7.5 quarts of OW40 in this L2 from the C8.

The C8 is engineered to alleviate the need for routine engine-out services, which are often a very expensive quality of mid-engined cars. Spark plugs and other important ignition components as well as belts are located next to the passenger compartment at the very front of the engine and can be accessed while the engine is in place. The camshaft's intake lobes remain the same as the LT1's, but lift is now increased. The better breaching achieved with the engine in its new position behind the passenger cabin along with other minor tweaks are what contributes to the additional output, and the reductions in windage were achieved by the oil now being scavenged out of the V.

Brand-new stainless-steel exhaust manifolds now put to use equal-length runners, which collect incorporating a four-into-one design. Now that the engine is mounted behind the driver, the new intake manifold can now be mounted in a manner which results in less distance between the throttle body and intake valves, which greatly improves flow. Everyone on staff here at West Chevy of Knoxville has been eagerly awaiting the official release of the c8, and there are so many reasons to celebrate the final and exciting coming of a concept that saw 60 years in the making!

Mid-Engined Corvette Composed of CGI Featured on GM Authority

Many employees and loyal customers of West Chevy can agree that waiting for the C8 mid-engined Corvette has definitely been a lesson in patience. Some of the first rumors about it began decades ago, with those at the high ends of the chain denying all speculations. During the last year, there have been spy photos released of the vehicle as well as trademark and patent filings, and it is evident that the coming of the C8 is for real. One of the coolest media bits regarding its release can be seen here, with a very cool 360-degree rendering video that provides one of the most thorough looks at the C8 yet.

While the engine now moves from in front of the passenger compartment to the rear, the overall styling of the C8 still evokes regular Corvette vibes through and through. The rendering does a good job of showing the elements of lighting that would not look entirely out of place on a front-engined Corvette. The ways in which the various lines and creases blend in with the very modern revamp help to form the chassis into a very appealing and visually exclamatory sports car.

Many of the details have been kept heftily under lock and key so far, but it is expected that the new Corvette will use a DOHC V8 engine, possibly like the one used in a Cadillac Blackwing LTA mill, as opposed to the incorporation of a Small-Block pushrod V8. The engine will most likely be paired with a gearbox that sports a dual-clutch, and there could be a manual gearbox that uses a clutch-by-wire configuration. A disappointment to many, there will probably not be a reveal of any official quality anytime soon, even at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in January. Maybe there will be a private event hosted by Chevy just for the reveal, since everyone can agree that this is one special machine!

Some sources have told us that there may have been a bit of an electrical issue during development, in the area of load capacity. Based on what an awesome all-around car and commander of the track this baby is going to be, that is no surprise: changes may have to be made to coordinate suppliers involved for electrical components, as well as other needed equipment. Back in the 1960s, the engine jumped an important notch up to 530 horsepower, and the Vette's sense of raw power and accomplishment moved up a historic notch. Corvette Magazine once lamented, “The Corvette has followed a timeless formula, much to the joy of car fans from sea to shining sea.” We will keep you posted right here on the West Chevy Blog about any news that comes up pertaining to this release when we can excitedly advise everyone in the audience once and for all to “Fasten your seatbelts, and turn the ignition!”