2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

495 Horsepower Mid-Engine Corvette

For the past five decades or so, there’s been talk of a Corvette with a mid-mounted engine. It has finally arrived, in the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

“Corvette has always represented the pinnacle of innovation and boundary-pushing at GM. The traditional front-engine vehicle reached its limits of performance, necessitating the new layout,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “In terms of comfort and fun, it still looks and feels like a Corvette, but drives better than any vehicle in Corvette history. Customers are going to be thrilled with our focus on details and performance across the board.”

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | Mid-Engine Transformation

The designers of the 2020 Stingray wanted to preserve the look and feel of the iconic Corvette, but took design cues from Formula 1 cars, F22 Raptor and F35 fighter jets. The fit and finish of every wire, tube, bolt and fastener was optimized by design, similar to a modern track motorcycle, Chevy said.

VIDEO | 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | Hidden Door and Hatch Releases

The new mid-engine layout gives the 2020 Stingray improved weight distribution and responsiveness. The 2020 Stingray is the fastest 0-60 time of any entry Corvette ever — under three seconds when equipped with Z51 Performance Package. It has a racecar-like view of the road due to lower positioning of the hood, instrument panel and steering wheel.

VIDEO | 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | Z51 Performance Package

The 6.2L Small Block V-8 LT2 engine, the only naturally aspirated V-8 in the segment, can produce a claimed 495 horsepower and 470 lbs.-ft of torque when equipped with performance exhaust.

The 6.2L Small Block V-8 LT2 engine sits like a jewel in a showcase, visible through the large rear hatch window.

The next-generation LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for lightning-fast shifts and excellent power transfer. Drivers can choose to drive in either manual or automatic modes, and a double-paddle de-clutch feature allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for even more manual control.

VIDEO | 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | Dual-Clutch Transmission

Driver mode choices have been expanded from four to six: Weather, Tour, Sport, Track, MyMode (a configurable setting for preferred driving style on streets that can remain between key cycles), and ZMode (a driver-configurable mode named after the famed Z06, ZR1 and Z51 Corvette performance packages for track use, which allows drivers to adjust the engine and transmission, as well).

VIDEO | 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | Driver Mode Selector and My Mode

Along with Chevrolet’s Magnetic Ride Control suspension, the C8 includes a self-lifting function on the front suspension to avoid low-surface or pothole damage. It can operate at speeds up to 24 mph and be programmed to work automatically through GPS to remember up to 1,000 locations.

VIDEO | 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | Front Lift

The 2020 Stingray has a larger trunk, 12.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, which Chevrolet says can fit two sets of golf clubs. Three seat options are available to customers: GT1, GT2, and Competition Sport.

Three seat options:

• GT1 – a sporty style that emphasizes comfort while providing good support for performance driving situations. Features Mulan leather trim, optional two-way lumbar support and wing adjustment.
• GT2 – a first for Corvette, these seats have a racing-inspired look with comfort for long trips courtesy of dual-density foam. They include carbon-fiber trim, a Napa leather insert, Mulan leather bolsters, a jet-black-painted seat back, two-way lumbar support and wing adjustment, plus heating and ventilation.
• Competition Sport – designed for the serious track-focused driver, these seats include aggressive bolsters, full Napa seating surfaces and carbon-fiber trim on the headrest, heating and ventilation, along with an all-new durable performance textile inspired by Kevlar vests.

VIDEO | 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | Three Seat Options

The entry 2020 Stingray starts under $60,000, and package prices will be announced at a later date.