It wouldn’t be an overstatement to call the C8 Chevrolet Corvette one of the most eagerly-awaited cars this decade and perhaps even this century.
Fittingly, GM is taking its time to ensure the car is perfect before it debuts and recently, took out a camouflaged prototype for some performance testing.
The first clip you’ll find below shows the Corvette accelerating on three separate runs. While it’s difficult to know what Corvette variant we’re watching, it’s obvious that it is V8-powered and uses either a quick-shifting automatic or a dual-clutch transmission. It sounds pretty good although not as ferocious as the new ZR1.
European supercars will be put on notice.
Late last year, the world got its best insight into the C8 Corvette so far, not via an uncovered prototype but rather leaked CAD drawings that revealed key components for the car. Most importantly, they offered a look at the long-awaited DOHC V8 aided by two turbochargers. This powertrain will apparently be good for up to 800 hp and could serve as the grunt for the range-topping Corvette variant.
As for the second video below, it shows a camouflaged C8 prototype undergoing road testing. Annoyingly, it’s filmed in portrait mode, a cardinal sin in our eyes. Fortunately, it does offer some cool driving shots of the mid-engine supercar and does provide some hint of the car’s exterior design. For example, we can see the square-shaped quad tailpipes, short rear overhang and an elongated decklid where the powertrain will be found. Listening to the excited guys behind the camera is also pretty funny.
The new Chevrolet Corvette should premiere next year as a 2020 model and will be sold alongside the C7 Corvette.