Feast Your Eyes on the First Mid-Engine Corvette

By: In The D Staff | October 16, 2019
Corvette

What does 60 years of iteration and a strive for perfection get you?

The All-New Mid-Engine 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.”

Almost everything about the 2020 Corvette Stingray is new, but at its core is Chevy’s next-generation, naturally-aspirated 6.2L Small Block V-8 LT2 engine, which can be seen through a rear hatch window. It packs more horsepower and more torque than any entry Corvette before it at 495 and 470 lb-ft, respectively.

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Just as noteworthy as the engine itself is its placement. Located directly behind the cabin, the engine placement provides a rear weight bias, which means more power will come from the rear wheels. Additionally, the driver will be positioned closer to the front axle, which will provide better responsiveness and handling.

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There’s a lot to like about Chevy’s first mid-engine Corvette. Preproduction model shown. Actual production model may vary. Available early 2020.

All of that is to say that it will drive better than any Corvette before it and, with the Z51 Performance Package, you’ll be able to go from 0-60 in under three seconds, making it the fastest Corvette ever.

Taking cues from F22s, F35s, other modern fighter jets and Formula One racing, the windshield’s position is now over the front wheels, which provides better downforce and nixes the need for a front air dam. The aeronautical design themes can also be seen in a cockpit that surrounds the driver with a new squared-off, two-spoke, small diameter steering wheel, subdued vertical climate controls and ultra-thin vents. All of this reduces the height of the instrument panel and makes for a more aggressive feel to driving this one-of-a-kind sports car.

Enhancing the cockpit aesthetic is an 8-inch color touch-screen display running Chevrolet Infotainment 3 that flanks the driver. Right at your fingertips will be access to music, navigation and more.

Directly below that, you will find the new, electronic shifter and Drive Mode Selector. The 2020 Corvette provides customization through 12 performance variables that can be tuned to your exact liking. After setting everything to your liking you can save those settings for a future trip.

Any sports car enthusiast will also appreciate that the 2020 Corvette can be equipped with a two-inch front lift. This system can raise the front of your Corvette two-inches from the ground in less than three seconds while moving at low speeds. And, for added convenience, it can remember up to 1,000 GPS locations in order to automatically engage itself when you get home after work, for example, and need to climb a steep driveway.

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The power behind the beauty. 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. Preproduction model shown. Actual production model may vary. Available early 2020.

We’re only scratching the surface of everything there is to appreciate about the 2020 Corvette Stingray. When it comes to style, the Corvette lets you customize your ride with a wide variety of interior and exterior color options. That’s not to mention the three different seating options and a 12-inch reconfigurable digital instrument display that shows you a detailed breakdown of your Corvette.

“As America’s most iconic performance nameplate, redesigning the Corvette Stingray from the ground up presented the team a historic opportunity, something Chevrolet designers have desired for over 60 years,” said vice president of global design at General Motors Michael Simcoe. “It is now the best of America, a new arrival in the mid-engine sports car class. We know Corvette can stand tall with the best the world has to offer.”

Whether you’re in the market for a sports car or simply can’t stop staring, keep your eyes peeled for more info as we approach the official launch of Corvette in 2020. You can also head to your local Metro Detroit Chevy Dealer to find out more about this mid-engine beauty.

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