We’ve entered the next stage in the evolution of Corvette. I’m not even sure it is an evolution so much as an all-new car.
Going from the front-engine and rear-drive format to a mid-engine rear-drive format has changed the car – completely. Gone are the days of being in the back half of the car and looking over that long C3 hood. Now you are sitting in the front half of the car. Now the car pushes you into to the corners instead of pulling you into them. If you’ve ever ridden in the first car of a roller coaster and then the last car, you know how different that can make the experience.
Editor David Harned in the 2020 Corvette Coupe
I’ve had an opportunity to spend a little time in the new car at the Chicago Auto Show and I’m very impressed with this car. The cockpit is so immersive and you feel so at one with the car. It does so much but has never been so easy to navigate. All of the surfaces, textures and materials feel high-end. What an amazing automobile.
Contributor Daniel Thomas and Editor David Harned discuss the features of the 2020 Corvette
The starting price of under $60k USD is also incredible to be sure. That much performance and technology as well as a premium interior in a car that is more than half the price of its competitors. The Corvette engineers have done it again. Crushed it. Knocked it out of the park. What’s more, within the next 5 or so years, you’ll be able to get supercar performance for less than $30k as a used car. Incredible!
For 1953 and 1954 the Corvette was powered by an in-line 6 cylinder engine. An available V8 in 1955 changed the car entirely I’d bet as it took a huge leap forward in both driving dynamics and performance (99% of orders in 1955 opted for the V8). We’ve done it again with the introduction of the 8th generation 2020 Corvette. 64 years in the last format. I wonder what’s going to happen in the next 64 years of Corvette?
Six decades in the making, the “Father of Corvette” Zora Arkus-Duntov’s dream is now reality. In 1957, Zora believed that a mid-engine Corvette would offer the best combination of balance, visibility, acceleration and braking.
Pricing: $59,995 (Coupe), $67,495 (Convertible)
Performance highlights:
Horsepower: 495 hp
Max Available Torque: 470 lb.-ft.
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 194 mph
The Next Level of Corvette
Years of concepts and evolution have resulted in a Corvette that is the sum of every generation before it – yet it stands alone.
Front Lift is an available feature that raises the front nearly two inches to clear speed bumps and steep approaches. You can store up to 1,000 locations using GPS, so it operates automatically. LED headlamps provide a distinguished light signature and powerful illumination. The front trunk mid-engine design provides room for a standard airline carry-on bag. The driver sits more than 16 inches farther forward for improved visibility. You see more of the road and feel connected to the drive. An advanced, all new mid-engine architecture provides better seating position, visibility, driving dynamics and optimized storage utility. The efficiency of the mid-engine rear trunk design yields a large trunk – big enough for two golf bags. It also stores the removable roof panel. The wheels are larger standard, and Brembo brakes help cornering and braking.
While the 107-inch wheelbase is similar, the 2020 Corvette Stingray is two inches wider and slightly lower than the 2019 model year. These changes ensure a perfect fit for the powertrain, handling, acceleration and braking – and improve forward visibility.
With the mid-engine design, there is more weight toward the rear of the vehicle. The engine and transmission combination located at the rear will provide better traction and make sure that Stingray will have more responsive launch and acceleration.
Transmission: Corvette will offer an 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission which provides lightning fast shifts and excellent power transfer. Paddle shifters allow drivers to choose the preferred gear and provide more engagement for those that want more control. There’s no compromise – just quick, accurate shifting performance.
Impressive Power, Exceptional Refinement
At the heart of Corvette is a new 6.2L engine. The design is optimized for the new mid-engine architecture – meaning it’s mounted lower and it’s more compact – it’s the jewel in the center. Above all, it’s powerful; in fact, this is the most powerful Stingray to date.
Highlights and Specs: 6.2L V8-LT2, 495 horsepower @ 6450, 470 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5150 (with performance exhaust), and 0-60 MPH in under 3 seconds.
The highly visible cover of the intake manifold has been completely redesigned with a 3D-like appearance that includes a Corvette insignia into each side with a crossed flags emblem. The exhaust manifolds on the LT2 are performance stainless steel headers – 4 to 1 twisted runner and tapered collectors.
The LT2 engine includes standard Dry Stump Oil system that collects oil outside of the engine rather than in the oil pan. It sends that oil to lubricate the engine to ensure the engine can withstand all types of driving – even at lateral acceleration levels exceeding 1G in all directions.
The engine block of the LT2 has been redesigned and is made of aluminum. The block is smaller than previous generations and is very compact. Another change was to the Active Fuel Management system that now will run cylinders 1-7-6-4 while in 4-cylinder mode compared to 8-2-5-3 from the LT1 engine in the previous generation Corvette.
Interior themes: Jet Black, Sky Cool Gray, Adrenaline Red, Natural/Natural Dipped, Two-Tone Blue and Morello Red. In addition to the interior themes, customers will also be able to choose their seat belt color. The colors that will be offered include: Black, Blue, Natural, Torch Red, Yellow and Orange. With the most options ever for Corvette, interior customization options allow the customer to create their own design statement.
Available colors: Arctic White, Black, Torch Red, Blade Silver Metallic, Ceramic Matrix Gray Metallic, Elkhart Lake Blue Metallic, Shadow Grey Metallic, Zeus Bronze Metallic, Accelerate Yellow Metallic, Rapid Blue. Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat, Sebring Orange Tintcoat
Driver-Centric Interior Design
The moment the driver sits in the cockpit, everything is perfectly positioned to perform. With the mid-engine architecture, designers were able to completely rethink the interior of the Corvette Stingray – putting the driver first and in complete control.
The race car-inspired steering wheel has a square design that provides a clear view of the gauges and more leg and knee room for the driver. Industry-First Ultra-Thin Vents create a minimalist design, and no visible veins provides a clean appearance and helps keep the instrument panel low. The controls help keep the instrument panel low, for better downward vision and improved sightlines. An additional inch of seat travel from the previous generation offers taller individuals more comfort. The seat recline angle is now almost double (17°vs. 9°) than the previous generation. With the seats over 16 inches farther forward than those of the previous generation, forward visibility has improved greatly.
Corvette Stingray presents a cockpit-style theme. The cockpit creates a new experience for the driver and gives them more control. This theme takes it to the next level with the cockpit wrapping around each occupant. The craftsmanship is in a class by itself, with almost all hand-wrapped interior parts that are stitched with authentic materials used for the decorative trim.
Between the seats of the Corvette Stingray is a new waterfall extension, which has been a classic cue since early generations. Models with Bose Performance Series Audio now incorporate an aluminum speaker grille with a ghosted Crossed Flags emblem. Meticulously designed, the resized speaker hole pattern creates the iconic silhouette and sets the interior apart from other generations.
Other highlights of this year:
Three performance seating options
The standard GT1 seats feature a sports car design yet emphasize comfort with Mulan leather. They are flatter on the seatback and cushion, providing good support for varied driving conditions. On 2LT, GT1 seats have two-way lumbar, plus wing adjustments for premium support where needed. 2LT seats also include heating and ventilation for the perfect temperature in all types of climates.
The Corvette-first GT2 seats epitomize style and comfort, featuring a racing-inspired look and more curvature, courtesy of dual density foam. They include carbon fiber trim, a Napa leather insert, Mulan leather bolsters, jet-black painted seatbacks, decorative finish around the headrest, two-way lumbar support and wing adjustments, plus heating and ventilation. These seats stand apart for those who want to raise the interior bar.
Competition Sport Seats are available on 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. These seats are designed for the serious track-focused driver, these seats include aggressive bolsters, full Napa leather seating surfaces, carbon-fiber trim on the headrests, and all-new durable performance textile inspired by Kevlar vests. 2LT and 3LT include two-way lumbar, wing adjustments, heating and ventilation for comfort and support. These seats are the premier choice for track aficionados.
In the most advanced infotainment system ever for Corvette, the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 offers owners easier access to their content, more ways to connect to their devices and an advanced Performance Data Recorder to record their drive. The Infotainment 3 features cloud-connectivity for real-time data, plus new Near Field Communication Bluetooth pairing. The Performance Data Recorder offers Track, Sport, Performance and Tour screens plus dash camera operation adds smart capabilities to Corvette’s infotainment system
When drivers need to pull into a steep driveway or drive over a speed bump, Corvette Stingray now has an available option called Front Lift to raise the front end approximately 2 inches to avoid potential damage to the lower fascia.
Along with an all-new, under-skin structure, a new suite of available active safety features grants customers peace of mind and confidence. Standard safety features include: Teen Driver and Valet Modes, Outside Rearview Mirror Signal Indicators, Rear Park Assist, Rear Vision Camera, Extended Mobility or Run-Flat Tires, and a Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitor.
Corvette Stingray offers plenty of storage areas, so your belongings always have room to come along for the ride. The all-new mid-engine design on the 2020 Corvette Stingray created space for a trunk in the front, under the hood, for storage of items such as a standard airline carry-on luggage bag. Continuing the legacy of past Corvettes, the rear trunk has enough room to fit two sets of golf clubs, storage of the removable roof panel or even large luggage. There’s 12.6 cubic feet of combined storage for those who wish to travel with their gear.
Photos of the 2020 Corvette:
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Limited to 650 vehicles globally, and available on Grand Sport 3LT and Z06 3LZ trims, the Carbon 65 Edition features visible carbon fiber exterior elements, a new Ceramic Matrix Gray exterior color and special interior appointments, including a new carbon fiber-rimmed steering wheel.
Stingray – LT1 6.2L V8 VVT with direct injection and Active Fuel Management – Horsepower 455 @ 6000 rpm, Torque 460 @ 4600 rpm
Grand Sport – LT1 6.2L V-VVT with direct injection and Active Fuel Management – Horsepower 460 @ 6000 rpm, Torque 465 @ 4600 rpm
Z06 – LT4 6.2L Supercharged V8 with direct injection and Active Fuel Management – Horsepower 650 @ 6400 rpm, Torque 650 @ 3600 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed manual with Active Rev Match, 8-speed paddle-shift automatic
Units produced: 9,686
Available colors: Arctic White, Black, Torch Red, Watkins Glen Gray, Ceramic Matrix Gray, Admiral Blue, Long Beach Red, Blade Silver, Corvette Racing Yellow, Black Rose, Sebring Orange
Corvette Carbon 65 Edition celebrates the 65th anniversary of the Corvette offered on 2018 Grand Sport 3LT and Z06 3LZ models.
Limited to only 650 numbered vehicles globally, the distinctive Carbon 65 blends visible carbon-fiber exterior elements — notably, a new carbon-fiber rear spoiler and quarter ducts — with a new Ceramic Matrix Gray exterior color and special interior appointments, including a new carbon-fiber-rimmed steering wheel.
The Carbon 65 Edition package (order code Z30) will include:
Available on Grand Sport 3LT and Z06 3LZ trims
Ceramic Matrix Gray exterior (blue top on Convertibles)
Unique fender stripes and door graphics
Black wheels with machined grooves paired with summer-only tires* (Cup-style wheels for Grand Sport and Blade-style wheels for Z06)
Blue brake calipers
Visible carbon-fiber ground effects, hood section and roof (Coupe models) or tonneau inserts (Convertible models)
New visible carbon-fiber spoiler (all models) and quarter intake ducts (Coupe)
Center caps with Carbon logo
Carbon Flash badges and outside mirrors
Jet Black suede-wrapped interior with blue stitching
Carbon-fiber steering wheel rim and gloss carbon-fiber interior trim
Competition Sport seats
Carbon 65 Edition sill plates
The Corvette Carbon 65 Edition package will cost $15,000 and will be available this summer, along with the rest of the 2018 Corvette lineup.
Highlights of This Year:
New standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels paired with summer-only tires*. Derived from the Z51 package, they replace the previous 18-inch/19-inch standard wheels.
Five new wheel options, including Torque and Motorsport designs, are paired with summer-only tires*.
Magnetic Ride Control is offered as a stand-alone option.
Revised interior color breakup on 2LT trim.
2018 Corvette Grand Sport
Ceramic brakes are offered without the Z07 Performance Package.
Satin black center stripe is available with the Heritage Package.
Revised interior color breakup on 2LT trim.
2018 Corvette Z06
Two new wheel choices are Black Z06 wheel with yellow stripe and Pearl Nickel Blade design (paired with summer-only tires*).
Gray interior available.
All 2018 models
HD digital radio is standard.
Available Performance Data Recorder — Cosworth Toolbox offers four additional data channels: individual wheel speeds, individual suspension displacements, yaw rate and intake and ambient air temperatures.
Improved rear-view camera image features higher resolution and wider angle.
Enhanced Head-Up Display rotation setting.
Ceramic Matrix Gray replaces Sterling Blue in the exterior color palette.
Spice Red convertible top.
Spice Red interior offered on 3LT and 3LZ trims.
Jet black suede-wrapped interior includes carbon-fiber-rimmed steering wheel and gloss carbon-fiber interior trim.
New interior color stitching packages (red/yellow/blue) offered on 3LT and 3LZ trims.
Photos of the 2018 Corvette:
2018 Corvette Grand Sport
2018 Corvette Z06 and C7.R
2018 Corvette Interior
2018 Corvette Interior
Black wheels with machined grooves and Carbon-logo center caps come standard on the Carbon 65 Edition.
Exclusive Carbon 65 sill plates greet driver and passenger.
The Carbon 65 Edition features special graphics on the doors and front fenders.
Available on the Z06 3LZ trim, the Carbon 65 Edition celebrates 65 years of Corvette with a new Ceramic Matrix Gray paint color and visible carbon fiber exterior elements, including a carbon fiber hood and rear spoiler.
Available on the Grand Sport 3LT trim, the Carbon 65 Edition celebrates 65 years of Corvette with a new Ceramic Matrix Gray paint color and visible carbon fiber exterior elements, including a carbon fiber hood and rear spoiler.
Limited to 650 vehicles globally, and available on Grand Sport 3LT and Z06 3LZ trims, the Carbon 65 Edition features visible carbon fiber exterior elements, a new Ceramic Matrix Gray exterior color and special interior appointments, including a new carbon fiber-rimmed steering wheel.
Final production statistics
In what was one of the shortest model years, a total of 9,686 Corvettes were produced. Production started June 5, 2017 and ends January 28, 2018. The plant was down for three months, making the 2018 model year approximately 5 months.
Here’s how the options panned out:
39.3% Stingrays; 31.8% Grand Sport; 28.9% Z06
17.5% of Corvettes built were convertibles
Automatic transmissions outsold manuals once again at 78%.
The 1LT package was most popular for Stingray Coupes, while the 2LT was the top pick for Stingray Convertibles and Grand Sports. The 3LZ was again the most popular for Z06 models.
Almost 30% of Z06s opted for the Z07 performance package.
Arctic White once again topped the list as most popular color, and for the first time in several years – when you add the two ‘reds’ together, they don’t beat out white (just barely though)!
Here’s how the percentages panned out, in order of popularity:
Arctic White – 20.3%
Black – 16.3%
Torch Red – 14%
Watkins Glen Gray – 11.5%
Ceramic Matrix Gray – 11.3%
Admiral Blue – 7.3%
Long Beach Red – 6.2%
Blade Silver – 5.9%
Corvette Racing Yellow – 4.1%
Black Rose – 2.3%
Sebring Orange – .8%
Deliveries of Corvettes were 89% U.S., 6% Canada; 3.5% Europe; and the remaining 1.5% to Mexico, Japan and the Mideast. The Museum delivered 88 Corvettes through the R8C Delivery program.
