NAPA Knows New Cars: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Chevrolet recently unveiled the newest iteration of the legendary Corvette. The C8 is the eighth generation model and moves the Corvette into a completely new realm with a mid-engine layout. While not new territory for GM (remember the Pontiac Fiero?) a mid-engine Corvette has been a background discussion for decades. The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray finally brings that dream to life.

Moving the Corvette to a mid-engine platform brings it inline with high-end brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and MacLaren. While the platform has moved upscale, the drivetrain remains somewhat familiar in the 6.2L V8 engine that still retains a single camshaft-in-block design with 16 pushrod actuated valves. This design has served GM well for over half a century with continual refinements thanks to leaps in technology and engineering. The V8 is mounted low in the chassis with a trick dry sump oiling system normally reserved for higher spec vehicles. The centerline of the crankshaft was also relocated lower in the block to improve handling. An eight speed dual-clutch transmission allows the driver to drive in either automatic mode or shift manually via the steering wheel mounted paddle shifter.

The mid-engine layout moves the driver forward nearly 16.5″ over the last generation. Previous Corvette models were already marvels of composite body engineering and the new C8 is no exception. The 2020 Corvette is built around a lightweight aluminum main structure consisting of only six components to reduce the number of joints required, thus increasing stiffness. The main strength of the chassis centers around a tunnel design engineered to handle most of the structural loads.

The new Corvette is bound to draw both praise and controversy, but with a claimed starting price of under $60,000 it should be an affordable option for those wanting the mid-engine driving experience. Production is slated to begin in late 2019, with vehicles hitting the showroom floor not long after.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Specifications:

Drivetrain

• Engine Type: LT2 V8
• Engine Displacement: 6.2 liters
• Engine Horsepower: 490 hp (495 hp with Z51 Performance Package)
• Engine Torque: 465 lb.-ft. (470 lb.-ft. with Z51 Performance Package)
• Transmission: M1L eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission

Dimensions/Weight:

• Length: 182.3″
• Wheelbase: 107.2″
• Width: 76.1”
• Height: 48.6″
• Weight: 3,366 lbs.

Wheels:

• Front: 19” diameter
• Rear: 20” diameter

Tires:

• Front: 245/35ZR-19
• Rear: 305/30ZR-20

Brakes

• Front: 12.6″ Diameter Disc (13.3″ with Z51 Performance Package)
• Rear: 13.6″ Diameter Disc (13.8″ with Z51 Performance Package)

Interior

• Head room: 37.9″
• Leg room (max.) : 42.8″
• Hip room: 52″
• Shoulder room: 54.4″
• Seating Capacity: 2
• Cargo Volume: 12.6 cu. ft.

Base Price

• 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray – $60,000 (estimated)

Check out all the maintenance parts available on NAPA online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on owning a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Images and specifications courtesy of Chevrolet.