C9 Corvette Leans to Future Development With Playbook History Of Front-Engine Layout

After many decades of in-depth research, numerous track tests, and listening to opinions from those who know the Corvette best, everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville was given a long-awaited “do-anything” moment in the form of the C8's release. The mid-engine layout offered for an incredibly driver-focused cockpit, reviews from the savviest in the business saying that it had graduated once and for all into the category of the supercar, and multiple awards swooped in heartily to back up its stellar introduction. 

Mechanics are prone to having a pre-determined task in front of them, whether it is a routine service, hard-to-diagnose fix, or full-on replacement. Some of the most highly skilled and fine-honed technicians out there that are masters at the wrench have claimed that the C8 was just a touch difficult to work on due to the engine placement, and realized that this tight space was one of the only amazing new release's downfalls. The staff on duty at the Carbuzz blog let the world know last week that the coming C9 Corvette just may see the engine placed in its original habitat, back in the front. 

The split rear window may be on the coming-soon to reappear list as well, and ties between production and development will definitely hone in and conceptualize just what the future holds shortly. Last December the Carbuzz staff wondered aloud on their blog if the C9 would be all-electric, and took close notice of the built-in rear spoiler and front fenders offering up a different appearance than what is found on the C8. 

The C8's wish was finally granted decades after Corvette godfather Zora Arkus-Duntov had first thought of its existence, and early this winter many of the world's top designers were curious as to what a new front-engine model would look like. We like to think that the coming years' models will possess an aggressive stance that will pave the way for all of the things that the current C8 could somehow not be, and bear down heavily upon engineering lessons learned while blazing new territory. 

Motor1.com reported just over the last week with renderings from Behance.net detailing a pretty clear glimpse of what a new C9 with this setup could look like, and the front end resembles the exciting and drift-hungry and agile stance of the highly-awaited Toyota Supra. The rear still borrows from the C7's persona, with center-exit quad-exhaust and rear bumper vent design. After the next few versions of C8s come out there may be enough change at foot in the automotive realm to shake things up once again and bring about uncertainty.

We are willing to bet that the C9 may just have enough persuasion in the form of what has bode well on many tracks and byways in the past to set things on the supercar clock back a notch to offer the ideal track performance model. While fantastic research and motivation do their part to better the hailed presence of the 'Vette, we'll be waiting to give you the inclusive scoop! 

2022 Corvette Z06 Detail Docket: Shedding Light on the Incoming Performance Prototype

With the New Year just beginning, car buyers nationwide are enjoying all of the features and value prospect of the 2021 fleet. From the Silverado to the Equinox, there are some fantastic new vehicles here at West Chevy of Knoxville, and a wide range of functions and trim levels for family drivers on up to sporty and aggressive crossover SUVs. After the release of the mid-engined C8 Corvette, the attention and rave reviews it nailed down worldwide had everyone anxious to see what cornering-proficient and power-rich Corvette was on the way next.

The 2022 Corvette Z06 is on track to be the most powerful one yet and is supposed to receive wider, stickier tires along with much more powerful brakes. With drastic aerodynamic improvement and a long list of driver assistance features, the Corvette's long-standing fan base is going to go wild over this incoming track lover's feast. The C8 offered the most driver-focused cabin yet, and the minute that many first-time drivers sat inside they compared the build to the world's top supercars that boast a much higher price tag.

With the exotic flat-plane crank V8 under the hood, the 2022 Z06 is going to emit a throaty rumble not like any 'Vette that has come before and still inherits the best technology traits from the regular model. The naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter V8 is expected to generate over 600 horsepower, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic and rear-wheel drive. Defining one point of reference to put one in the mindset of how much power will be at the Z06's disposal, the 495-horsepower Z51 went from zero to 60 in just 2.8 seconds and blasted through the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 122 mph.

Suspension tuning on vehicles that are going to be spending a large amount of their time on the track is very important, as an in-depth re-calibration and other active aerodynamics will improve every inch of handling. A car this good deserves the ultimate sound system to enjoy during the thrills, and you have the choice of a Bose 10-speaker system along with 14-speaker upgrade. A car like this could quite likely be tempting when left in anyone's hands such as a valet, and the Performance Data Recorder on board can keep track of any “untrained stunt moves” that could inevitably result.

As the staff on duty at Jalopnik pointed out, the RPM potential for the Z06 is even higher than the notoriously-high redline supercars such as the Lamborghini Huracan Evo and Aventador SVJ. This is the vehicle that will no doubt howl so loudly in the hot summer lot at local car shows that excited spectators will be begging for just one more rev! We'll also be keeping our eyes on the potential for a complete exhaust overhaul, that will go hand in hand with the new engine to have the audible distinction of a destroying and mammoth caliber.

Check out the pictures of the 2022 Corvette Z06 here.

“Huge Hit on Our Hands”: 2022 Chevy Corvette Z06 Spy Shots Via Motor Authority

The general consensus over the past year through various blog posts and car aficionado websites is that the Bow-tie brand we love to represent so much here at West Chevy of Knoxville has had a huge hit on our hands with the mid-engine C8 Corvette. There are still models that are coming soon such as the Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1, and even rumors of new hybrid models that will make their way down the pipeline soon as well.

The bloggers on duty at Motorauthority.com reported this past week that Chevy engineers have been spotted testing a souped-up version of the C8, and based on what past generations have offered up, you are here looking at a new Corvette Z06 that could appear as a 2022 model. At first glance it looks just a bit like previous testers for the Stingray but then you notice the wider rear wheels, which hint at it being a bit more track-tough and ready for even higher hits in the blistering acceleration department. On the Stingray the rear tires max out at about 305 millimetres, but the rear tires on the Z06 are expected to max out at 345 mm.

 

On the latest prototype, the front tires are already a hefty 275 mm and expect a few key changes on the interior as well. An official sketch from last fall had already shown what appeared to be the Z06's cabin, and the layout of the dash matched the design incorporated in the Stingray. The controls on the steering wheel were a bit different and had a giant red button with “Spec Mode” written on it. The instrument cluster displayed the layout of a racetrack, and there was carbon fiber present on many of the surfaces instead of the traditional leather.

The engine onboard is likely to be a close relative of the flat-plane-crank, dual-overhead-cam 5.5-liter V8 that was featured in the C8.R race car. When the overall power factor topic is discussed, we would have to agree that peak output is expected to hover around 600 horsepower. Even though this is a bit less than the 650 hp of the C7 club's supercharged V8, there are going to be plenty out there who have a deep appreciation for naturally aspirated power, even If it means the top end resting a bit lower. For those out there that are among the most power-hungry, there is a twin-turbocharged version of the new V-8 with a bolstered number closer to 800 horsepower expected in the new ZR1, and it promises to deliver the ultimate power needed to command your stance on the track.

At first seating and firing up up the engine, scores of automobile bloggers and enthusiasts have fallen in love with the new Corvette right away. The tightly-wrapped interior, off-the charts handling, and feeling that this is a true competitor against the big-named players such as Ferrari on the track have deemed the coming Corvette models as a perfect choice for anyone itching to spend summer blistering up the track!

Slash Gear Outlines What Will be New for the 2021 C8 Corvette

The 2021 Chevy Corvette C8 is preparing to make its way to many dealerships like ours right here at West Chevy of Knoxville, and the various auto lover's blogs out there are beginning to report on the several tweaks that the model will see. The Slash Gear blog offered up the coverage this past week regarding the expected changes, as the 2021 Corvette Coupe and Convertible will both see adjustments to its options and trims. It took decades of speculations and going painstakingly over many designs to finally launch the C8, and the mid-engined model that came out in 2020 was an instant hit among many.

Even though this is a very high-powered machine that offers up 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, the very modest price tag was also a huge winning factor among car experts and journalists, as well as great offerings on a standard trim. Now that a new model is on the way, it does seem overall like Chevy is not thinking about straying too far from the principles that have already worked out so well. The biggest change covered by Slash Gear is the Magnetic Ride Control Suspension. On the first year's model, if you've wanted it to be included, you had to opt for the Z51 package.

This suspension setup uses magnetorheological fluid which can be altered according to a magnetic field, which then changes the suspension from soft to firm. On the 2021 model, the suspension system will be now offered as a standalone option, so you can opt to forego the performance exhaust and rear axle ratio, Brembo brakes, electronic limited-slip differential, heavy-duty cooling system, and performance Michelin tires. Another addition to the new model is the wireless CarPlay support, which will now be standard across the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trims. It enables you to connect directly with your iPhone for the Apple interface without the need for a USB cable.

On last year's model, wireless charging was only standard for the 2LT trim and above, and there are also a couple more new color choices: The Blade Silver Metallic and Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat are no longer available, and have seen replacement with the Red Mist Tintcoat and Silver Flare. You can also choose to add matching wheel caps and special graphics with the “Stingray R” package, and there is a new assortment of full-length rain stripes available. There is the addition of a center hood “Stinger Stripe” option, which sees availability in Carbon Flash, Midnight Silver, Edge Red, and Edge Yellow.

There will now also be a Strike Yellow color scheme for the 3LT trim, with Sky Cool gray inserts. There are more carbon fiber accessories on the way, and the LPO High Wing and Door Intake Trim will be available in Visible Carbon Fiber. We will keep you posted right here on the blog about any updates regarding the new year's Corvette model, and we hope that all of you, our customers, are staying safe and healthy during trying times. At West Chevy, we always have your safety as our first priority, and look forward to helping you select the best vehicle for you and your growing family or business!

Digital Trends Test Drives the 2020 Corvette Stingray and Proclaims it is “Born to Dance”

With a history dating back to the 1950s, the Corvette is absolutely a representation of solid tradition. Yet with the latest, 8^th-generation 'Vette, the car sees the most drastic update in many years. The mid-engined model and plenty of new tech with a cockpit constructed around digital displays is entirely new and almost every single thing has changed regarding performance and handling. The manual transmission has even been axed for a dual-clutch number. The Digital Trends staff agreed that one thing that has not changed is its high value factor: it's priced close to a model such as the Toyota Supra, but its raw performance goes head-to-head with cars in the 6-figure range.

Chevy has contemplated the idea of a mid-engine model since the 1960s, with many concept cars and plans in the making. This is the time when many experts are saying that “it is now elevated from an awesome blue-collar sports car into a rival for European exotics”. The brains and gusto behind the new Corvette was Ed Piatek, the chief engineer for the project. He claimed that Chevy had run out of performance capability with the front-engine build, especially with how rear-wheel-drive limits traction.

After moving the engine behind the driver, more weight is sent to the rear, and those extra pounds help the rear tires with better grip. The driver is now closer to the front wheels, so the steering column can be shorter, which renders the steering more responsive. The car's movement through corners also feels more natural and is one of the reasons why a mid-engine placement is standard for Formula One and IndyCar. There are two trunks in the 2020 Stingray: one in the front, and one in the rear. Between both of them, the new 'Vette has 12.6 cubic feet of total cargo volume.

After a lengthy test drive, writer Stephen Edelstein says that this car is not as stressful to drive as many other mid-engined cars, and the wide windshield offers a perfect view of the road. He took the car for a spin on the Las Vegas Strip, and it was “no more nerve-wracking than any other car”. He was also excited about the 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. There is also a “stealth” mode that shuts down non-pertinent information for night driving, and sensible analog HVAC controls are placed on a long divider between the seats.

Make sure to ask us here at West Chevy of Knoxville about the 2LT trim: this is where you obtain blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. There is also a 360-degree camera system available, along with the digital rearview mirror previously seen in the Chevy Bolt, which streams video directly from a rear-mounted camera, doing the duty of eliminating blind spots. The 2020 Corvette also has a front-end lift system that raises the nose 40 millimeters at the press of a button, and even has memory space for over 1,000 locations!

2020 Corvette Nurburgring Lap Times Reported by Motor1.com

The famed German track that so many can earn their stripes and prove their worth on was once again the scene of a very important automotive news story this past week! All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville looked on in admiration as the 2020 Chevy Corvette C8 with the Z51 Performance Package nailed down a Nurburgring lap time of 7:28.30. Manoli Katiakis of Muscle Cars and Trucks was the source for the scoop and was proud to be “carrying the torch” when it came to the latest in C8 updates.

The fact that Chevy engineers are wanting to take the C8 for a timed lap around the Nurburgring does not surprise too many, as it was already admitted that Chevy planned to put the 'Vette to the best both here and the famed Virginia International Raceway. Other Spy shots caught some cool moments during development at Green Hell to boot. The fastest Corvette time that's officially from Chevy is 7:19.63 that was claimed by the 2012 ZR1. Corvette engineer Jim Mero claimed that the 2019 ZR1 completed the feat in 7:04, but the company never released an official announcement about the figure.

The 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE had also supposedly nailed down a time of 7:16.04, a tried-and-true track-ready contender within its own Reich. We also know that the more powerful variants of the C8 Corvette are on the way, and so the starting point of 7:28.30 seems like a good starting point for the development of any new models. The incoming ZR1 could use a twin-turbo V8 with dual-overhead cams, as well as a flat-plane crank. There would also be assistance in a hybrid type, and this setup could have the potential to crank out at least 900 hp.

Developments such as these will easily shave time off a lap, and continue to generate the world-wide excitement that began and was christened that day the C8 was revealed in a California hanger during late summer. Billed by the Autoblog staff as “already a legend in the making”, the C8 sees a great amount of optimization from some of the world's best chassis tuners, making it incredibly quick, capable, and balanced. During back road Michigan drives, this is the expertly-engineered craft that “hurtles itself out of corners with stupefying speed”, and sports sheer amazement in the suspension department.

The introduction of the C8 saw it immediately being hailed as the “most refined Corvette ever”, and we have been excited from its launch to watch the amazingly warm reception of its debut. You won't regret opting for trident-spoke 19-front and 20-inch rear wheels, carbon-fiber engine-bay trim, the carbon-fiber targa roof, and trademark Competition seats that provide the ultimate in contour and comfort!

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!

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!

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!”