After GM President Mark Reuss declares that they have reached the limits of performance with the Corvette’s traditional front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, Chevrolet fulfills the long-term promise of its iconic supercar with the introduction of the 2020 Corvette—the first-ever production mid-engine Corvette.
The sum of everything that came before it, the 2020 Corvette Stingray (the base model is all that’s been launched for now) is re-imagined to bring drivers new levels of performance, technology, craftsmanship, and luxury.
The 2020 Corvette Stingray features a bold, futuristic expression with that combines classic mid-engine exotic proportions with unmistakable Corvette cues. It has low-profile headlights, thin A-pillars, large side air intakes, and completely hidden door, hood, and hatch releases. True to its aeronautical and racing roots, the 2020 Corvette Stingray was inspired by F22s, F35s, and other modern fighter jets and Formula One racing.
Inside, it features a cockpit that’s moved forward 419 millimeters while still enveloping the driver to convey a high-performance feel. Vertical climate controls and ultra-thin vents minimize the height of the instrument panel while a new squared-off, two-spoke small diameter steering wheel enables an unobstructed view of the 12-inch reconfigurable cluster display.
Boasting exotic levels of craftsmanship, the 2020 Corvette Stingray features hand-wrapped, cut-and-sew leather components with thick press stitching, generous use of real metal, stainless steel speaker grilles for the Bose Performance Series audio system, and authentic carbon fiber or aluminum trim for the console and door trim plates.
The all-new Corvette features an all-new platform that’s built around its backbone: the center tunnel. This enables a light, stiff structure to serve as the foundation for the suspension system to perform in an optimized manner. By removing unwanted body compliance, drivers will experience the ultimate in ride performance with outstanding lateral grip capabilities. The car has a solid, connected-to-the-road feel with minimal vibrations at high speeds or on long road trips.
Despite the continuation of the Corvette’s standard removable roof panel (which can be stored in the rear trunk), it has an ultra-rigid body structure thanks to the use of high-pressure diecast aluminum parts. It also has the industry-first carbon fiber curved rear bumper beam for weight reduction. Meanwhile, the trunk tubs and dashboard are molded from ultra-lightweight fiberglass and a proprietary resin that’s so light it actually floats in water. This works with other fiberglass and carbon fiber variants to lower mass and reduce noise and vibration.
The new Corvette Stingray features coil over dampers that create entirely new ride and handling characteristics. The mid-engine architecture allows for a short, straight and stiff steering system, coupled with an updated electronic steering system, making the driver’s chassis input instantaneous. The front suspension also lifts up, raising its ground clearance by approximately 40 mm at the front bumper in 2.8 seconds, protecting against bumps, potholes, steep driveways, and other road disturbances. It can operate at speeds up to 38 km/h and be programmed to work automatically through GPS to remember up to 1,000 locations.
The new seating position places the car’s center of gravity close to the driver’s inside hip, so the car literally turns around the driver. It completely changes the perception of vehicle handling and responsiveness.
The heart of the 2020 Stingray is Chevrolet’s next-generation 6.2-liter small block LT2 engine. Now the only naturally aspirated V8 in the segment, it produces 495 horsepower and 637 Nm of torque (when equipped with the performance exhaust) making it the most powerful entry-level Corvette ever. 0-100 km/h is achieved in around 3 seconds, matching much more expensive supercars.
The powertrain’s low position enables a low center of gravity for optimal handling, while an engine-mounted dry sump oil system means it can deliver exceptional engine performance even as lateral acceleration levels exceed 1G in all directions.
The next generation LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first eight speed dual-clutch transmission, which provides lightning-fast shifts and excellent power transfer. This transmission is uniquely designed with TREMEC to provide the best of both worlds: the spirited, direct connected feeling of a manual and the premium driving comfort of an automatic. The double-paddle de-clutch feature even allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control.
The DCT is mated to a new Electronic Transmission Range Selector. With this electric shifter there’s no mechanical interface between the shift lever and the transmission. The Corvette’s electric shifter incorporates two pull toggles for Reverse and Drive and push buttons for Park, Neutral and Low/Manual. The shifter has been designed to be more attractive and compact than a standard shifter.
The best news of all is its price. Corvette has always represented iconic American design, performance, technical ingenuity, and attainability. The entry 2020 Corvette Stingray continues that tradition as a no-compromise value proposition, as it will start under USD 60,000 (~ P 3,059 million). It goes into production at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly line late this year and will be produced in both left- and right-hand drive configurations.
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