The Coming of the C8 Was Incredible: What's Coming Next Will be Earth-Shaking

With the engine situated for the first time behind the driver after decades of speculation and in-depth engineering, the new Corvette represented an enormous change for one of America's most iconic cars. As of now, there has not been an official announcement, there will certainly be much more powerful and faster Corvettes to come in the future, really catapulting Chevy into the realm of full-blown super cars such as Lamborghini and Ferrari. It is no shame that some have not considered us neck and neck with these high-end track-dominators as of yet, seeing as how Chevy products are a mere fraction of their price. 

 

In today's current base model, the 495-horsepower Stingray has many advantages when taking a close look at the Corvettes' new “rear mid-engine” layout. The entire car's weight is shifted, which improves handling through curves as well as speed in a straight line since the back wheels have more weight over them. Right away you notice how much closer you as the driver is to the perfect center of the driving experience. You are also seated a bit further forward, closer to the front wheels that are piloting the car.

With a lower hood minus the engine, the driver also gets to enjoy a more thorough view of the road ahead, which helps in droves during high-speed maneuvers. This design that was pondered and conceptualized for so long now enables engineers to create versions of the car with an abundance of higher power, and the ability to handle it on all counts. The current C8 brandishes 50 more horsepower than the outgoing model and has received very high accolades and raving reviews for handling, the feel of the interior, and spectacular value. 

We have been informed here at West Chevy of Knoxville that a high-performance hybrid is widely rumored to be in the design stages, but it has not been officially confirmed. A very long and narrow row of buttons graces the current C8's interior, creating a snug low wall between the driver and passenger, while the central touchscreen is also tilted towards the driver. There is no more manual transmission offered, and the automatic is quick, responsive, and smooth as anything many auto journalists have driven during their entire career.

Changing driving modes is done via a knob with a comfy hand rest above it, and plugs you straight into Tour, Sport, or Track modes at your whim. The seasoned experts out there have been excited about just how good this car corners, and how the Track mode adjusts the suspension and steering responsiveness to immediately adapt to the adrenaline-laced challenge. We will keep you posted here on the blog about the many ways in which the coming Corvette will be even more exciting and powerful, and the best medium to take on a “socially distanced” cruise at “speed of light” caliber!

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!

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!