In parallel with the road-going Corvette C8, Chevrolet is testing the race version that will follow the brand’s naming tradition and wear the C8.R moniker.
While we’ve seen plenty of photos and videos of the street-legal version (not to mention renderings), the Corvette C8.R hasn’t been in the limelight that much. Now it’s time to make up for that as a new video has emerged of the C8.R being unleashed on the Sebring Raceway at night.
While a day footage would be preferable, it’s definitely a treat for our ears. The Corvette C8.R produces a relatively high-pitched V8 sound that would probably make some people mistake it for a Ferrari if they didn’t watch the clip.
We couldn’t help but notice that a vast majority of commentators on YouTube don’t like the way the C8.R sounds. They find the high-pitched noise sounds nothing like Corvettes of the past, including the current C7.R, which a distinctive roar.
While everyone is entitled to an opinion, the fact is the mid-engined Corvette C8 will mark a major technological shift in the Corvette’s evolution and the engine sound will reflect that, even in the racing version.
The big question here is what engine the C8.R runs. It might be the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 that will also be offered in the rumored Grand-Sport range-topping version of the road-going Vette. One thing is certain, though: the transmission is either a bespoke racing sequential (more likely) or a dual-clutch.
The mid-engine race car should compete in a number of series and endurance events, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and will hit the tracks in anger in 2020.