Mid-Engined Corvette C8 Unveiled

Philip Oakley

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19th July 2019

The long-awaited eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette, the C8, has been revealed with a mid-engined V8 as its headline act.

Ever since the first Corvette back in 1953, the car has been front-engined but this latest generation pushes the engine further back, ahead of the rear axle but behind the driver. The 6.2-liter ‘LT2’ V8 engine driving the rear wheels generates 488bhp and 470ft-lbs – an increase of 40bhp and 10ft-lbs on the previous generation. However, it also retains the capacity and the ‘small-block’ architecture found in Corvettes since the 1990s.

With the Z51 performance package applied, it claims a 0-60mph sprint time in “under three seconds” according to Chevrolet, comparable or better than a Ferrari 488 GTB or a McLaren 720S. This puts the base-model C8, albeit with the performance package, on par with the more powerful supercharged, 744bhp C7 ZR1. The latter is front-engined and weighs around 194lbs less than the C8, with the equalling of acceleration partially coming from the increased weight on the rear wheels, improving grip and increasing traction for a quick getaway.

The car is the most powerful entry-level Corvette produced and will also be available in right-hand drive, another first for the Corvette line, and will cost $60,000.