January Reveal of Hybrid Corvette E-Ray Will “Keep the Neighborhood Peace” With Noise-Cancelling Stealth Mode

The Chevy Corvette has long been one of our most beloved models here at West Chevy. Spanning 8 design generations and always cranking out top-tier performance, its switch to a mid-engine format in 2019 was a milestone in engineering success. Chevy just released the first teaser for the hybrid Corvette, allowing for a few glances of the exterior styling and revealing that it will now feature a brand-new “Stealth” mode. 

Looking at the exterior first, it is noted that body-colored panels replace some of the regular C8’s contrast-painted bits, and one immediately notices the E-Ray badge on the side of the car. An image from the official configurator last month showed a body kit like the Z06’s, but with differences from other Corvette variants sporting body-colored trim pieces. The configurator also shows a grand total of 13 colors for the 2024 model year, with the newest among them being the Riptide Blue Metallic, Cacti, and Sea-Wolf Gray.

The teaser also depicts a “Stealth” mode. This allows you to put the E-Ray into a quieter mode to fire the car up and not stir up attention with the roaring exhaust on your way. There should be enough battery power to back out of the driveway and proceed far enough away from the houses with those still asleep before the V8 rouses everyone with its signature growl. 

There also appears to be a regenerative braking mode button on the interior along with carbon ceramic brakes. It has recently been confirmed that the E-Ray will have all-wheel drive, making it the first-ever production Corvette configured as such. The 2023 model reeled in heaps of praise from the KBB online review team, for its “amazing supercar performance, styling, and relative affordability.” Compared to the Supercars of our present time, the Corvette is much easier on the pocketbook than top-ranking competitors and holds its own against them just fine.

During the drive, you’ll figure out right away that this is one of those models that offers up an amazing experience each time out on the road. The 6.2-liter V8 is well-sourced and dedicated to its duty of propelling the lightweight two-seater boasting 490 horsepower, with lightning quick and precise steering. Beginning with the 2LT trim and up, the Corvette also comes with a performance data recorder, allowing you to check out the drive at your own pace later to improve your skills. The Z51 Package adds to the mix an exhaust system, a more track-focused suspension, strong brakes, heavier-duty cooling, plus a Z51 front splitter and rear spoiler. 

The 2023 Z06 provides ample muscle for the track with more rubber, downforce, and overall sportiness provided by its adaptive suspension and expertly-crafted engine. This 5.5-liter V8 has a lightweight flat-plane crankshaft, forged titanium connecting rods, and forged aluminum pistons, enabling it to boast 670 horsepower. Even though many have complained about the lack of a manual transmission in the new ‘Vette group, the 8-speed dual-clutch automated setup was ranked as “superior in every way” by the knowledgeable KBB.com staff. 

2023 Chevy Corvette 70th Anniversary Edition Remains “Every bit as Excellent” With Classy Commemoration

Some of the fondest memories we have here at West Chevy of Knoxville are of the Chevy Corvette, an iconic American sports car that has been completely reworked and revolutionary! Now in its 8th generation, it is quite a bit different than its fiberglass predecessor. Now, there is a 70th anniversary Special Edition Package that is a stellar addition to the lineup! The Cars.com team recently got to see just how fantastic it is and thought that this upgrade was worth every extra penny.

This 70th anniversary edition package is available for the 3LZ and 3LT trims on the Corvette ZO6 and Corvette Stingray. The 3LT adds a more luxurious interior and upgraded GT2 seats, with the 3LZ Z06 boasting all of these on top of a carbon fiber and microfiber trimmed steering wheel. The 70th-Anniversary Edition provides proper paint in the form of White Pearl Metallic Tri-Coat or Carbon Flash Metallic, with the option to be fully decked out in satin Gray or black racing stripes.

You’ll also be taking on the challenges of the track with carbon-painted side mirrors, red-painted brake calipers, and very cool unique exterior badging. If you opt for the Stingray coupe, you'll be fully styled out with a unique red engine cover. Some of the most notable car reviewing professionals in the world love the C8’s exterior, and the wheels look especially fitting and ready for high-octane fun.

The interior boasts A2 tone ceramic white upholstery, with red stitching red seatbelts and suede style trim on the steering wheel and seats. The available front and rear storage compartments are large enough to hold 3 rolling suitcases, in an outdoor-ready backpack when the Cars.com team traveled home from the LA airport. The car’s overall driving experience is still every bit as amazing during its fourth model year, with the 6.2-liter V8 behind your head providing a legendary and never-ending source of power.

We are situated at an interval of time in the car industry where being a collector is now more important than ever, as electrification is rapidly arriving to make its mark on the industry forever. It will be no surprise to see very low mileage models appearing up on well-known resale sites as remarkable collectibles in a mere few years. The C8 was the official “goodbye” regarding the transverse leaf springs for the suspension and placement of the engine just in front of the rear wheels. 

This was the very long-awaited result of the mid-engined super that has had connoisseurs and car buffs worldwide anxious for decades. This design allows for a transformation that allows for the feel of a true convertible from the ground up, with the ability to take the roof off manually and store it right in the rear load area. The designated convertible version comes with an electric folding roof, and the segment-leading stopping performance of the Brembo Brakes on the Z51 Package will leave you as breathless as the excitement did during the launch and acceleration process! 

2023 Corvette Z06 Set to Annihilate Tracks Nationwide Courtesy of Brand-New LT6 V8

The entire Corvette line and its history have made an awesome impression on all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville over the years, as it has spanned eight design generations and finally was successfully released on a mid-engine platform in 2019. The experts at Motor Authority provided a blog feature over the past week that talked about the hellacious power and how the 2023 Chevy Corvette ZO6 is “bursting at the steel seams.” They provided this video that illustrates how the Chevy engineers accomplished putting the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 ever under the hood. 

A naturally-aspirated engine will result in a much more solid and polished driving experience, and it shares a lot of similarities with the Corvette C8.R. The code name for the new engine is LT6, and part of the many demands during development was that it had to make more ready and raucous horsepower than the C7 Corvette ZO6’s 6.2-liter V8.

The LT6 features dual overhead camshafts as well as a flat-plane crankshaft: the latter has made an appearance in numerous Ferrari engines, as well as the Voodoo V-8 that was the capable and ideally brash power source on deck for the Shelby GT350 Mustang. Since there are now smaller and much lighter rotating parts, this design will have the trait of less inertia than a traditional cross-plane crankshaft, which provides more freedom for the engine to offer up its trademark rev without much difficulty. 

Speaking of which, the LT6 also sounds like no other Chevy V8 before it, with a high-pitched wail that delves into pure Supercar territory. The flat-plane crank allows this LT6 to rev to 8,600 RPM, and was also specifically designed to properly partner up with tuning valves in the intake manifold that will help the all-important air flow moving in on cooling duty. This intake system also uses an occurrence called Helmholtz resonance that ups the amount of volumetric efficiency and makes for more of an aggressive and useful torque curve. 

The result of all these hardcore specifics within the engineering realm is a very fast 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. These stats are greater than the horsepower output of the C7 Z06 by 20 hp, but the C8 Z06 cannot necessarily match the C7’s 650 lb-ft of torque. All of us here at West love the fact that the Z06 has a much more track-focused attitude and stance. It also arrives with bolder styling cues and performance traits ready to scorch some serious pavement. The addition of the Z07 package allows you to enjoy the ultimate high-octane care package of extras with a tuned suspension, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, and high-performance Michelin Pilot Cup 2R ZP tires. 

2022 Chevy C8 Corvette Boasts Good Gas Mileage

When the mid-engine Corvette debuted stunningly in a California airline hangar, it changed the auto world overnight and received rave reviews from experts and world-class drivers who had waited years for its arrival. One of its most valuable qualities is something that many would have not thought was on the list of strengths: it gets surprisingly good gas mileage!  

The 2022 C8 Corvette is working with a 6.2-liter V8, and its gas mileage is a few notches above decent. According to the most recent EPA findings, the 2022 Corvette gets 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Car and Driver team’s 495-horsepower C8 Z51 recently recorded 26 mpg on the highway!

The all-American and always iconic 2022 Corvette definitely delivers better mileage than quite a few of its naturally aspirated V8 rivals. The 2022 Ford Mustang GT sits around 15 miles per gallon city and 24 miles per gallon highway, and that's with a V8 that has slightly less power than what the Corvette is currently brandishing. The C8 Corvette has been billed even faster than the 2022 Dodge Challenger TA 392 as well as the supercharged Challenger Hellcat.

Corvette models even earlier than 2022 without the Z51 Package had slightly better mileage stats, with the Z51’s track-focused addition including a shorter axle ratio. Even though it drastically improves the 0-60 and quarter-mile times and increases rear-wheel torque, it also leaves the V8 spinning at higher rpm on the highway, ultimately burning a bit more fuel. If you opt for skipping the Z51, you’ll be able to save a few dollars at the pump.

The 2023 C8 Corvette currently under development is estimating about 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with the potent pleasures of the Z51 Package. We hope you visit us here soon to check out its raw power and cutting-edge advantage at the pump! 

2021 Chevy Corvette’s LT2 V8 Engine Exists as The Model’s Resounding + Capable Heart and Soul

GM gifted the world the mid-engine Corvette that we all have been eagerly waiting for. Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville have long enjoyed that the Corvette has been labeled as the American muscle car that most individuals can afford. With its shift to a mid-engine layout, the ‘Vette has since reached supercar status that it has claimed for many generations before.

Making its star-studded debut alongside the C8 itself is GM’s LT2 V8 engine. This is a massively powerful 6.2-Liter, naturally-aspirated small block motor, that is based upon the outgoing LT1. It now features an increase in valuable track-tuned power and torque. Its new major upgrades include a more economical intake and exhaust system, brand-new lubrication system, and new camshaft. The LT2 also sees some of its biggest changes to the fuel delivery and management systems and some other very minor engine calibration adjustments. 

Some of the most hardcore Corvette fanatics have not been as much of a praising sense when it comes to the lack of major performance upgrades for this system, but stricter federal standards have long made their mark on exactly what happens during major overhauls. Even though this massive and very capable LT2 doesn’t come with any power upgrades or notable economy improvement, it should result in lower exhaust emissions to embrace the future of motoring and options that lean towards future mandates and provisions. Chevy’s decision to provide drivers with the accessible mid-engine supercar that has long been awaited will prove to be its beating heart, as well as projecting and very aggressive soul.

With a heftier amount of weight sitting on top of the rear suspension, the car can provide great traction for the rear tires which allows for more responsive acceleration and a dire need to rely on the rear brakes. No one doubts for a second that you’ll pay much mind when the base-model C8 catapults itself from 0-60 in just three seconds flat and brandishes a quarter-mile time of just 11.2 seconds. With a top speed of 123 MPH, you’re not going to be dawdling around on any track that exists in America. Tweaks to the lubrication system have all seen the addition of a dry-sump oil system thanks to the Corvette’s now enhanced capabilities on the demanding track.

There have been a few shortcomings related to hydrocarbon pads, the manual transmission, and a few issues with valve springs. This is an engine that will long be revered for its immense power and acceleration off the line where it matters most. The Corvette has found its way into supercar status by a painstaking engineering and development process, and twin-turbo systems that can slay any highway or two-lane road to palpable bits! 

2023 Corvette Z06 To Be Star of New Chevy Feature Livestream

The incoming 2023 Corvette Z06 will be officially revealed in a ground-breaking feature film that will stream live on Tuesday, October 26. 

There will be a panel discussion immediately afterward featuring a variety of specialists who will share their perspectives and opinions about this new supercar. Late last month was the first time that a clear photo was shown publicly of the Z06, featuring a C8.R-inspired front fascia as well as a stealth black “wishbone” trim element on the side air intake. The new exterior image brandishes a set of two seven-spoke alloy wheels, and quad exhaust tips are mounted in the center of the rear bumper. 

The Z07 Performance Package will have a massive rear wing, new front splitter, appropriately sticky tires, and lighter wheels. The engine is as capable as they come, as the 5.5-Liter V8 LT6 produces 615 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It also comes equipped with dual overhead cams, an incredibly impressive 9,000-rpm redline, and an exhaust note that rivals anything exotic and with a larger price tag! 

You’ll also be able to snag the 2023 Z06 in convertible form, enjoying the fresh air and exhilaration the world’s best acceleration offers. The Car And Driver spy photographers caught the brand-new Z06 testing alongside a Ferrari 458 Italia, which solidifies the notion that the flat-plane V8 crank will be the engine of choice for this new model. When high-performance cars such as this are getting ready to hit the market, every little detail is scrutinized, and we’ve realized lately the wheels are going to rock! 

The illustrious history of the Corvette began in the 1950s. The C1 1953 Corvette was a lightweight fiberglass-bodied two-door roadster and boasted a 150-horsepower 3.9-liter Inline 6 under the hood. An all-time favorite is the 1966 big-block V8 model: it was a 6.5-liter unit cranking out 425 horsepower with a 7.0-liter engine, followed up with the 1968 C3 which almost became the first mid-engine Corvette. With fenders always flared, a characteristic wedge nose, and engineers that have been fully dedicated since day one, the Corvette is iconic, groundbreaking, and will forever turn heads!

2022 Corvette Stingray Hits Home Run With Hypersonic Gray Hue

There are a few notable changes for the American favorite Corvette Stingray in its third model year! The new Hypersonic Gray Metallic paint option is sure to turn heads. A few awesome images of the convertible ‘Vette showed off the Z51 Package and 5-open-spoke Carbon Flash-painted aluminum wheels with a machined edge. The rear has attractive touches of carbon flash, and the brake calipers are visible In red. 

This stylish new Hypersonic Gray Metallic exterior hue is offered as one of three new exterior paint options arriving with the 2022 model year. Not quite as loud and attention-seeking as some other colors, this tint draws admiration as it accentuates the front and side’s sightlines. You can also choose from other creative colors such as Amplify Orange Tintcoat and Caffeine Metallic, with all three new colors seeing their debut at the National Corvette Museum’s 2021 bash event. 

The three brand-new colors replace Sebring Orange, Shadow Gray, and Zeus Bronze, and the 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition is also on deck to commemorate the Corvette C8.R’s show-stealing performance during the 202 IMSA WeatherTech race series. Just 1,000 of these amazing models will be built, and it combines the Accelerate Yellow or Hypersonic Gray exterior paint with Carbon Flash colored rear spoiler and mirror caps. 

Speaking of the groundbreaking and highly-celebrated C8, it was rated the best Premium Sporty Car during the 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study, beating out rivals Porsche 718 and Lexus LC. This study surveys owners of 100 new vehicles on the number of problems that they experience during their first 3 months of ownership. With a lifeline that stretches back to the 1950s, the Corvette is a true icon of performance-car culture, and earth-shaking performance and amazingly precise handling make the Corvette a track day dominator when equipped with the state-of-the-art Z51 package.

The Car And Driver staff noted that the 2LT version adds several great features including a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a 14-speaker Bose stereo system, and blind-spot monitoring. The 6.2-liter V8 cranks out 490 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, and the addition of the Z51 option adds more aggressive and track-tuned brakes, summer tires, and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. Drive testing recorded a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds with a top speed of 122 mph. 

Holding Its Own on the Homefront: Chevy Corvette Ranks Tops on “American Made” List For 2021

After the unpredictable events of 2020, there are many reasons to be thankful for American-made cars. The Chevy Corvette was recently featured in GM Authority for being known as “America's Sports Car”, and for the stirring excitement it breeds on and off the track. The staff at Cars.com recently conducted a study to find where the famous Corvette is ranked among “fully American-made” cars, and it was sitting comfortably near the top of the list. Where the car is assembled, the all-inclusive parts content, where the engine is sourced, and allotment of manufacturing all are factors when deciding the model's rank on the list. 

344 vehicles were judged, and 90 made the final cut in the index. The 2021 Chevy Corvette is assembled, quality controlled, and proudly released by the roughly 1,000 workers in Bowling Green, Kentucky. For four very strong decades since 1981, these employees have been closely looking over every detail that reaches the body-on-part perfection of this new, mid-engined masterpiece. 

There were various disruptions across the global supply chain in 2020, and this particular report was focused on the variables needed to rank USA-built and sourced cars. Demand has been incredibly strong since the C8's unveiling, and the online configurator tool nearly crashed as eager buyers selected their preferred type and specifications. Shortly after this, Chevy sold completely out of our build slots for the initial 2020 production run, and pushed many orders back. So many customers right now are excited enough to get their hands on a Corvette that Chevy is putting in overtime to meet the unprecedented requests.

Clearly dominating the sports car market during 2021's first quarter, the Corvette is the product of many of the world's most ingenious car minds making the mid-engine concept a reality. One awesome additive to keep in mind is the multitude of enhancements the Z51 package has to offer. With this package, you can get every last bit of performance a track-hungry pro could ever want, and every single 2021 model also boasts the revolutionary Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension as an available stand-alone option.

Stone-Cold Eruption at the Rally: C8 Corvette Smokes Every Competitor During Impromptu Showdown

 

Drag racing is a sport that demands a lot of fine-tuning, close attention paid to every hundredth of a second, and other forms of massive preparation for the action-packed event that can tend to be over quickly. When an excited group of adrenaline enthusiasts descends upon a strip including some of the most powerful cars on the planet, the stakes and competition can get high in a hurry. 

Over the past week here at West Chevy of Knoxville, we enjoyed watching this video of a C8 Corvette do defiantly rough-and-tumble drag strip battle with a C7 Z06, a heavily-modified Porsche 718 Cayman, a Mercedes-AMG C63, a Lamborghini Huracan, BMW M2, and even the salacious “Holy-Grail” status-wearing Dodge Viper. Everyone in attendance at this particular straight-track showdown had a vehicle in tow that is widely-known for being quick and were all equally eager to prove a high-octane and massively thrilling point. Every single race that took place fell in the favor of the green Chevy Corvette C8 Stingray's mastery when it was decided once and for all that the competition lined up here didn't stand a chance. 

This particular winning C8 model is not all stock, and hosts an array of bolt-on parts that boost the necessary performance stats up a notch. One thing we would have to agree with is within the realm of performance, this is the model that Car and Driver claimed boasted a threshold that rivaled any exotic cars. After many years of waiting for the mid-engine Corvette to finally stand up tall and make its debut, the C8 model was officially revealed two years ago in a California airline hangar, and there has been grave excitement and approval ever since. 

The well-chiseled and celebrated leader of these drag races possesses an amount of raw character that immediately catches up to you the instant you climb into the low-slung cockpit of the C8. It seeps infectiously through every single gap in the panel and then is projected almost supernaturally from every single inch of the exterior. One of the dominating traits that really rounds out the task as far as getting the job done for a straight-line competition is the shockingly-fast speeds that feel strangely normal. 

One of the most experienced drivers of Road and Track professed this past week that when he developed his true love for the 2021 C8 was sideways on a sharp downhill turn during winter, feeling as if he was in a dramatically wonderful sportscar like a Ferrari, but with the back end feeling and performing more like that of the Camaro. Many strides have been taken to manufacture what is a true one-car solution, and the C8 outperforms rivals with ease on the track, has the sensational rumble of a V8, and is in all ways a practical everyday and above-average sports car.

Motor Authority Details Possibility of 2021 Chevy Corvette Stingray R Special Edition

 Motor Authority Details Possibility of 2021 Chevy Corvette Stingray R Special Edition

The official report came down the line from Motor 1 last Wednesday that Chevy maybe now planning a special edition of the 2021 Corvette called Stingray R. Last weekend's IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar race that took place at Road America featured our very own Stingray pace car, and this could lead up to the preview of a special edition. The pace car brandished a large rear spoiler, red mirror caps matching the IMSA Corvette C8.R race cars, a black hood stripe, and what could be the clearest indicator: a front splitter with “Stingray R” text. 

It was also noted that leaked dealership information from March indicated to us here at West Chevy of Knoxville that there would be a special-edition 2021 Corvette in the making. The cosmetic changes on the IMSA pace car could easily carry over to the production vehicle, so many in the industry have concluded that a consumer-ready Stingray R could soon become a reality. This edition would absolutely be accepted with open arms and excitement, since Corvette Racing put on a 1-2 finish for its class at Road America, the team's third consecutive win. 

The famed C8.R will not be present at the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans due to the current global conditions but will roar back for the French endurance classic in 2021. There are a few changes that are confirmed for the 2021 model already: the sports car will receive new color options, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Buckle to Drive feature that will not allow a shift out of park if the seat belt is not engaged. You now do not have to opt for the Z51 package to add Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the modern suspension and chassis technology that adjusts and adapts the shock absorbers in real-time response to changes in terrain to provide the best driving experience. 

These shots from Motor Trend show a few Corvette C8.R racers and white street-spec C8 that is sporting a unique graphics package, under the bridge at the famous Wisconsin road course near Elkhart Lake. You will also be able to choose from three new colors: Red Mist Metallic and Silver Flare Metallic for the exterior, and Sky Cool Gray / Yellow Strike for the interior. The 2021 model will also offer the first 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, making way for much faster shifting and greater power.    

The engine on hand  will be the 6.2-liter LT2 V8 with direct injection, variable valve timing, and active fuel management. To get the absolute most out of every single mile in this groundbreaking and much raved-about mid-engined beast, there are also six modes of drive selector: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, MyMode, and customizable Z Mode.

Forbes Doles out Top Ten Reasons to Buy 2020 Chevy Corvette C8

As we excitedly watched the numerous videos and blogs that depicted the delivery of the all-new 2020 Chevy Corvette here at West Chevy of Knoxville, we thought of how long this triumph was in the making! So many who have test driven it already proclaimed it as “Breathtaking” as well as “Pure Gold”, and the staff duty at Forbes magazine did not possess any difference in their valuable opinion. They have been fortunate enough to give the new 'Vette a spin on public roads and a closed race course facility, and were quick to offer up ten great reasons to sample the world's latest supercar:

0 to 60 Performance: the “base” 6.2-liter V8 engine cranks out 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. That's enough raw power and furious force to allow the car to reach the 60 mph mark in just 3 seconds flat. If you opt for the Z51 Performance Package, you'll get there in just 2.8 seconds courtesy of better brakes and suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and other valuable aerodynamic enhancements.

Outstanding Value: Seeing as how the base level still nails down this 3-second 0 to 60 time, it makes the new Corvette not only one of the fastest street-legal cars on the market but one of a select few that can even dream of hitting those numbers for under 6 figures. This takes the tradition of offering longstanding value to exceptional new heights!

Tremendous Top Speed: IF you happen to have a safe, closed course facility at your disposal, the Corvette does have a blisteringly-fast top speed of 194 mph. That's just in its base form and packs quite a wallop compared to just about anything else in existence out there.

8-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission: What is on board here is unlike a traditional manual transmission: the dual-clutch variant provides the benefit of keeping the rear wheels consistently connected to the engine. This means that shifts can take place in under 100 milliseconds, which is far quicker than a human could ever complete.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control: Chevy proudly perfected this technology years ago, so thoroughly that Ferrari licenses the tech for its own fleet. Once you incorporate the FE4 option, you'll enjoy the Tour, Sport, and Track driving modes. For what Forbes bills as the “best of both worlds”, it allows for a smooth drive during relaxing conditions or appropriate stiffness on a performance run.

Cargo Room: Not many people think at all of the cargo capacity when they think of a sports car. This is a 3-second-to-60 sports car that has 13 cubic feet of capacity, which was definitely unheard of until now. The Forbes crew said that they could fit two sets of golf clubs, in back and the front trunk under the hood can host a large carry-on bag with leftover space to boot.

Fuel Efficiency: This is another trait that the new Corvette boasts: between the torque-heavy engine, 8-speed transmission and slippery stance, not much energy expenditure occurs while at standard highway speed. This enables the new C8 to nail down an average of around 30 mpg.

Driver-Focused Cabin: Elements such as the very squared-off steering wheel and the reconfigurable gauge cluster to the well-angled 8-inch touchscreen helps with a performance orientation. Test drivers have claimed that there is excellent forward visibility, and all three seats provide the best available lateral support ever conceived for a sports car.

Open-Air Cruising: The new C8 comes as a convertible or coupe, but even in coupe form the roof panel can simply be removed and stored with the rear cargo. It also uses the very first retractable hardtop in Corvette history, which can be folded away in 16 seconds. Deriving power from electric motors, the C8 convertible provides the same drag coefficient of the coupe.

Plentiful Options: There is are an abundance of ways to personalize the new C8, with one of the longest option lists ever. By using the Corvette Configurator here you can tool with exterior and interior colors, stripe designs, seat designs, wheel designs, upgrades to performance, and various exterior accents.

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!

Motor Trend Reveals 6 Cool Extra “Easter Eggs” Within the 2020 Chevy Corvette

The very excited staff of Motor Trend were the first lucky media outlet in the world to test the first production mid-engine Corvette, and they admitted that they savored every second. So much excitement and attention on the many automobile blogs out there is understandable: now that the engine is situated behind the driver, many new possibilities open up. In this particular feature, the crew tells us here at West Chevy of Knoxville all about some “secret gems” that make the new Corvette even that much cooler. 

The Logo is Hidden on the Speaker Between the Seats: The center speaker located between the two seats is where the Corvette logo is, but it takes a bit of a search to find it. You can see the flags from certain angles because of the way the speaker holes are drilled, but once you are inside the pattern is only visible from a very specific distance.

Opening the Frunk From the Front: Since the engine is now behind the passenger and driver, the Corvette has ample space in the front for a front trunk. You actually don't open this frunk from inside: there's a super cool button hidden a little way above the left air vent that will open it. Much like the rear trunk, there is a proximity feature so you can open it when the car is completely locked, and even if the key is tucked in your pocket.

Hold the Unlock Button on the Key, And the Windows Will Open: If you happen to be out on a particularly hot day, there's a shortcut to getting the windows to lower. Just like other Chevy models, the windows will automatically lower if you hold down the unlock button on the remote key.

More Flags on the Rear Window: These look so awesome when contrasted against red: The Corvette C8 has the traditional pattern of black flags on the rear window that faces downward. This tradition began with the Corvette C7, and continues now in the 2020 model. These flags have a bit more of a V shape, following suit with the C8's updated logo.

The Trunk is Soft-Close: Even though it sometimes feels good to release some aggression by slamming a trunk shut, this one will close with ease! After gently closing the hatch, there is a soft-close system that will make sure it closes snugly without the need to push terribly hard.

The Top can be Secured in the Trunk: Once the top is off, two latches keep the top well-secured. The top pops off easily, and once it's in the trunk you can still store other items alongside it if you need to. Every single blog and news story we have seen regarding the C8 has been derived from a sense of amazement and wonder, as it has been a real dream come true to see this idea finally “leap to life” off the assembly line! 

Motor Authority Covers Mid-Engined C8 Corvette Convertible Version Coming Soon

This past week the Motor Authority crew conveyed in an article just how excited they were when the C8 coupe debuted in the flesh: this summer in California it finally arrived at a revealing ceremony that took place in some of the largest hangers in the nation. Those who received the treasured “golden tickets” as their invitation were treated to the show of a lifetime, and now there is another date regarding the Corvette for fans to mark on their calendar.

Last Friday during an interview with Motor 1, Corvette Assembly Plant Manager Kai Spande let slip that it is expected to see the Corvette convertible “in the October timeframe”. At least this steers us a bit in the right direction as to when to expect the droptop's coming. Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville knows that sometimes automakers choose to hold back different variants of a new sports car to keep the interest peaked, and it thankfully does not seem like this will be the case here. If this is the case, we should see the open-air model rolling excitedly into showrooms by early 2020, just in time for the promise of spring weather right around the corner.

Engine options for the Corvette convertible haven't been fully disclosed, but they are expected to be similar to the coupe's. That should most likely mean the potential of a 490-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 in the base form, or a 495-hp version of the same engine with the optional Z51 performance package. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic is expected to be standard across the board. As happened with previous generations of Corvette, the C8 convertible is also expected to stoke the inspiration for high-performance models like the ZR1 and Z06.

The retractable hardtop roof can fold into a compartment just behind the passenger cabin. The C8 convertible model won't sport the clear engine cover that the coupe does, because the roof takes up space directly on top of the engine when it's pulled down for fresh air. Much attention has been given on the newswires and blogs regarding the zero to 60 time, which resides at less than 3 seconds when equipped with the Z51 Performance Package.

It is true that the C8 had to make some concessions in terms of overall interior and cargo space, but because the engine is now in the rear, Chevy has done a superb job with the graduation to this new generation. Even with these differences, the C8 remains an amazingly fast, yet still practical daily sports car, and will surely be thought of as a game-changing and iconic landmark in auto history for the future.

Chief C8 Corvette Engineer Ed Piatek Claims “More Powerful Variants to Come”

One mile north of Detroit in Ferndale, Michigan is where the world-famous Woodward Dream Cruise begins every year: It's all about cool cars, showing off, hanging out, being seen, and some of the best people-watching on the globe. It took place this entire past week in and around the Motor City, and is now the world's largest one-day automotive event, drawing 15 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe. You can see many different types of Corvettes during this event, and the Motor Trend staff was able to catch up with Ed Piatek, the C8's chief engineer.

They questioned him about the potential of more powerful variants in the future, and he offered up some wisdom regarding just how excited he was about the mid-engined model's brand-new existence. The base Stingray has a pushrod 6.2-liter small-block V-8 engine. The updated LT2 makes 490 hp, and 465 lb-ft of torque and the performance exhaust with the Z51 package takes that up to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. He wasn't quite ready to talk specifics about future superchargers, Z06, ZR1s or topics as earthshaking, but all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville know just how high-performance levels can get with a car this awesome. 

Ed began by laying out the fact that the seventh-generation C7 was tapped out and had reached its maximum potential, and that the physics of biasing an engine's weight towards the rear axle has been questioned for more than 6 decades. Horsepower can be used more efficiently with the configuration of the new C8, and there is the potential for more bandwidth. If you look at the current generation car with 460 hp and the 0-60 time, 300 horsepower can be added to that number and the 0-60 time barely moves. With the C8, you begin with a low 0-60 time, but with a wider wheel-tire package in the rear, and 20 percent more mass on the rear axle. 

When asked if he had concerns about the C8 completely “maxing out”, he said that he felt the new model definitely had lots of room to grow, and it was obvious he was really enjoying the abundance of ripe potential with the new model. The outgoing 2019 ZR1 with the LT5 supercharged 6.2-liter V8 was rated at 755 hp, and 715 lb-ft of torque and the Eaton Supercharger that took up prime real estate in the 2019 ZR1 is 2.9 inches taller than the blowers that were in the 2009 ZR1, or the 2015 Z06. This is the first Corvette to offer a dual-clutch automatic, which paves the way for truly hypercar status acceleration, and we are excited to keep you posted right here on the blog about how it will unleash the potential for more power, excitement, and track-ready stature very soon! 

Brand-New C8 Corvette Video on CarBuzz.com Features “Hidden Secret”

It has now been over a month since Chevy released its first C8 teaser video, right around the same time the release date of July 18, 2019 was stated as official. Right off the bat, we are shown the Corvette “Godfather” Zora Arkus-Duntov staying “Let's Go” and then several shots of past mid-engined prototypes and other test vehicles from the past are spliced together nicely with glimpses of the new C8 in the mix. As the blistering hot days on the tracks and highways of summer get closer, there has now been a second teaser video released, and it looks to be a solid continuation of the first one.

The video's description is “The Next Generation Corvette teaser video has more than 60 years of mid-engine history and heritage hidden within its 07.18.19 length”. For many years, Arkus-Duntov was the advocate for a switch from a front to mid-engine design, and this year he finally gets to reap the rewards of that wish. Superior chops in the engineering and weight balance departments are two of the main qualities that were hard-driving influences for the fascination with the potentials of mid-engined design.

Arkus-Dontov had always pictured the Corvette as a thriving world-class sports car and going mid-engined ultimately was essential to fulfill that dream. From where some of us at West Chevy of Knoxville are standing, there are some elements of the C8 that seem a bit like it is not a product for the typical Corvette owner. The new mid-engined platform does a pretty powerful job of completely changing the car's styling and proportions. The preview seven generations of the Corvette featured a very traditional GT appearance, with a very long hood and a cab-back greenhouse. With the engine placed in the middle of the car, the cab is ultimately pushed forward, immediately shortening the hood. The car still looks amazing, but with change comes differences in appearance.

The Vette has undergone some pretty intense styling changes over the years, such as the great tail-light fiasco of the C7. The truth about this vehicle that is bound to raise many heart rates is that it is going to be one of the most thoroughly capable sports cars in the world. Happenings as of late have yielded the debut of the NSX and Supra from Japan, the Bugatti Chiron from France, and a pretty awesome new Ford GT, but none of these bad boys are able to brandish a half-century in the making.

Most insiders stand behind the notion that a new 500-horsepower naturally aspirated 4.2-liter DOHC V8 will be the power source, and others say that the 460 hop 6.2-liter cam-in-block V8 will preside. Regardless of which engine is present, shifting is expected to be done by a dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shift, and the massive excitement surrounding the C8's robust release begins within just six weeks!

2020 Chevy Corvette Spotted by Autoblog Crew With Reduced Aero Factor

Reese Counts from Autoblog.com has for many years had a keen sense of what is happening in the auto industry, especially within the realm of high performance and sports cars. This past week he reported on the excitement that is ever-present due to the reveal of the long-awaited mid-engine 2020 Chevy Corvette, which has been steadily shedding more and more camouflage during spy shots as of late. Since Chevy is still thought to be deep in the development stage, the C8 will probably still not be on sale until the end of 2019.

These new spy shots emerged from the Chevy proving grounds over the week, and are some of the clearest yet out there. They were taken with a rather long lens, but you can clearly note the lack of a rear wing or front splitter on the C8. This makes a lot of sense if engineers are tuning the car for triple digits, and also suggests that there may be optional aero packages such as there are on the current Corvette. Every single C7 variant from the Stingray on up to the ZR1 has had at least one optional aero package that is in place to improve downforce and grip, which also, unfortunately, reduced the car's top speed potential.

As you check these photos out and think of all the awesome Corvettes that have “graced the stage” during years past, it appears that the distance between the rear either door and the back is a bit longer, and hunched forward. This visual sensation that some weren't keen on in the beginning when spy shots first turned up has now caught on, and is part of the great things that are different and alluring about the new C8. Full Throttle Drive also had a super cool video over the past week highlighting the tuning options that the C8 will boast, as you can adjust the suspension and diagnose any engine issues with startling efficiency.

We've long known here at West Chevy that manufacturers simply don't tune their cars rolling off the line to the best of their performance potential, meaning that a simple tune upon new ownership can drastically change things. All car makers are not pleased with the fact that ECU's need to be “hacked” to adjust some of these elements, and will usually void your warranty if they find out you have done so. The all-new digital platform implemented in the C8 may provide a challenge for that “under the radar” task, but rest assured that this car will be rolling off the line in full-fledged, track-ready and performance-laden stature!

AutoWeek Claims Corvette ZR1 Sports “As Much Power as Niagara Falls”

When seasoned experts begin to talk about the Corvette, it's no surprise that the reviews are glowing, thorough, and overly excited about an abundance of pure power. Autoweek has long been doling out the goods on the best and baddest cars in the business, and last week all of us Corvette fans here at West Chevy were excited to read the in-depth feature about the 2019 Corvette ZR1. Right off the bat, the blog claims that the ZR1 provides “better performance for your dollar than anything with four wheels,” a heaping sentiment of pride and prowess that we don't take lightly!

The ZR1 is the top-of-the-line Corvette model, situated above the Stingray, Grand Sport, and Z06. It includes the Track Performance Package, which comes with a large rear wing, and plenty of swagger to defeat any rival that claims a corner-bending and throttle-heavy approach. This aggressive and appealing new model builds 755 hp from the 6.2-liter supercharged V8, which is simply a lot to play with on any desired plateau. There has always been an abundance of power in the ZR1: you always feel the pull, no matter what gear you are in.

The testing staff at Autoweek drove a ZR1 that came with the Track Performance package, and so the grip was applauded for being perfectly plentiful. This was most noticeable while driving up on-ramps and noticing how much energy it took to appropriately slow down to merge with freeway traffic. When fully in gear and active lapping up the track, the 6.2-liter V8 makes its presence known: you don't purchase a Corvette to instill any sense of silence on a daily basis. Ask us here at West Chevy how you can add Comp seats, red brake calipers, satin graphite aluminum wheels, or a chrome badge to properly deck out your new purchase.

The folks over at Road And Track blatantly admitted last week that “large swathes of the public never seem to take Corvettes seriously,” and also recognized that the ZR1 absolutely pushes the power envelope to the extreme. For many years, the engineering team has been stressing the fact that the Z06 was pushing the envelope of what is capable for the configuration of the C7, hinting along the way that a mid-engine variant may be the fix.

What excites us most about this car is options such as the ZTK track package add race-ready wings, and other cool features. Just to give you an idea of how much power we are dealing with, the C7 ZR1's supercharged V-8 creates more than double the horsepower of the V-8 in the 1990 C4 ZR1: this is a car that warrants a test drive through winding fall roads right away!

Chevy Took Home A Record 18 Awards In Just One Week

It has been a pretty good week for Chevy! According to recent news, the brand has taken home a record 18 awards in the automotive and consumer media rankings this past week. The all-new Bolt EV contributed to this feat, winning five awards of its own.

Offering 238 miles of range on a full charge, the Bolt EV earned a spot on the 2017 Car and driver 10Best Cars list and was also named “Best New Car to Buy” by Green Car Reports, “Green Car of the Year” by Green Car Journal and “Best EV” by Car Connection.

“The Bolt EV is the newest example of how Chevrolet is driving the industry with leading technology matched with great design and the connectivity that makes customers’ lives easier,” stated Alan Batey, president of GM North America and brand chief, Global Chevrolet. “We’re innovating like never before with more choices for every need and these awards affirm the depth, breadth and value offered by Chevrolet’s lineup.”

Also contributing to these awards is the Camaro 1LE and the Corvette, which were each positioned on the Car and Driver 10Best Cars list. This is the second consecutive year the Camaro has earned a spot on the list and the third time in four years that the Corvette has made the list.

Lastly, six Chevy vehicles earned Consumer Guide Automotive “Best Buy” honors, while the Impala and Tahoe each received back-to-back Kelley Blue Book “Best Buy” award recognition in their respective categories.

Ready to check out an award-winning vehicle for yourself? Come visit us at West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN!

The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport is the Corvette We’ve Always Wanted

Chevrolet will release the newest edition of its beloved Corvette Grand Sport at the end of the summer. Currently, the Corvette comes in three editions: the Stingray, known for its quality and affordable price; the Z06, equipped with the enormous Z06 engine, automatic transmission, and convertible top; and finally the Grand Sport, which falls somewhere in between the two.

The Grand Sport has a rich history, beginning in 1961 when Corvette Godfather, Zora Arkus-Duntov and legendary racer, Briggs Cunningham entered a few “mostly-stock” Corvettes into Le Mans. Despite winning its category and bringing home 8th overall, GM decided not to produce the vehicle, and only a few leaked out to customers. In 1984, Chevrolet came close to the Grand Sport with its Z51 package; however it wasn’t until 1996 that the Grand Sport was officially produced.

Over 50 years later, the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport will feature bigger wheels, Michelin pilot Super Sport tires, Brembo brakes reminiscent of those on the Z06, wider rear fenders, special grille inserts, stiffer spring rates, and an electronic limited-slip differential. It has a LT1 V8 engine rated at 460 lb-ft of torque and comes in either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic editions. Standard on this vehicle is GM’s sophisticated Magnetic Ride Control.

The Grand Sport is the perfect vehicle for those Knoxville drivers who are intimidated by the Z06, but want more than what the Stingray offers. Chevy has stated that the Grand Sport is capable of reaching 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Like Porsche’s 918 Spyder, the Grand Sport (equipped with the Z06 package) is predicted to go from 60-0 mph in less than 100 feet. Unlike the 918 Spyder, it’s price will be significantly less than a million dollars.

We can’t wait for the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport to hit dealerships, like West Chevrolet, at the end of this summer! In the meantime, come to West Chevrolet and check out our entire inventory today!