Traditionally, Corvettes have always been front-engined sportscars but Chevrolet claims that the front-engine layout has reached its limits of performance and the mid-engined Corvette Stingray, due in 2020, will drive better than any vehicle in Corvette history.
How much better? In terms of performance, the new Corvette is said to be capable of 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds, when equipped with the Z51 Performance Package – that’s Ferrari F8 Tributo territory!
The Z51 Performance Package consists of a performance exhaust, larger brakes, performance suspension and a specific rear differential ratio.
At the heart of the Chevy’s new mid-engined sportscar is the new 6.2-litre V8 LT2 engine – the only naturally-aspirated example that makes 495 hp and 637 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to Chevy’s first 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with double-paddle de-clutch feature.
Just like the Corvettes of old, the new mid-engined comes with a lightweight, 3.2mm-thick glass panel on the rear hatch to allows owners to show off the engine.
The car promises better weight distribution and sense of control with the driver’s seating position that’s almost on the top of the front wheels.
Engineering and style is not the only emphasis of the new mid-engined Corvette. At the front, the storage compartment is capable of swallowing a cabin-sized luggage and a laptop bag. At the back, Chevy claims there’s more room for either two golf bags or the Stingray’s removable roof panel.
The practicality aspect is also improved with the front suspension that raises ground clearance at the front by approximately 40mm in just 2.8 seconds, at speeds of up to 39 km/h.
Not only the first mid-engined sportscar, the Corvette will be available in both left and right-hand drive configuration for the first time ever with prices starting from USD60,000 (approximately RM246k).
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