2020 Corvette C8 Is The Fastest Stingray Ever, Rockets From 0-60 MPH In 2.9 Seconds

Today has been a mixed bag for Corvette fans as Chevrolet has confirmed the 2020 C8 has been pushed back to February due to the UAW strike.

We’ll have more on that later, but the company is trying to push past the disappointing news by confirming detailed performance specifications for mid-engine sports car.

While Chevrolet has previously said the Corvette would be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than 3.0 seconds when equipped with the Z51 Performance Package, the company has now confirmed that task will take 2.9 seconds. The model will also be able to run the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds at 121 mph (195 km/h).

The standard Corvette Stingray isn’t much slower as the dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) takes three seconds flat. Interestingly, the car also runs the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds but finishes at 123 mph (198 km/h).

Also Read: 2020 Corvette C8 Is America’s Mid-Engine Sports Car For The Masses

The differences are minor and this isn’t too surprising considering only 5 hp (4 kW / 5 PS) and 5 lb-ft (7 Nm) of torque separate the two cars. In base form, the 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine develops 490 hp (365 kW / 497 PS) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque. The Z51, on the other hand, has 495 hp (369 kW / 502 PS) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque thanks to its performance exhaust system.

Besides giving detailed performance specs, Chevrolet highlighted the Corvette’s new engine and transmission. The former features a dry sump oil system with three scavenge pumps that ensure the C8 is the “most track-capable Stingray in history.” As Chevrolet explained, the lubrication system allows for exceptional engine performance even at lateral acceleration levels exceeding 1g.  It also has a 25 percent increase in cooling capacity over the LT1.

The LT2 also breathes better than its predecessor as it features a low restriction intake and a 3.4-inch (87 mm) throttle body. Other notable highlights include new header manifolds and a camshaft with a 0.5-inch (14 mm) gross lift. Chevrolet says this “helps the combustion system take advantage of the extra flow capacity.”

Enthusiasts aren’t happy about the lack of a manual transmission, but Chevrolet said the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox was designed to “put a smile on every driver’s face.” Fans will have to wait several more months to experience it, but the company said the transmission delivers “lightning-fast upshifts” and has low-end biased gear ratios for maximum acceleration.

Furthermore, Chevrolet confirmed the Corvette has a proprietary algorithm that can sense “spirited driving.” When this occurs, the transmission can “downshift early on hard braking, hold gears when lifting off the throttle and alter shifts points with lateral acceleration.” Assuming this happens when you want it to, the gearbox will increase enjoyment and avoid unnecessary shifting.

Last but not least, the company highlighted the process for using Launch Control.  First, drivers need to put the car into Track mode and then press the traction control button twice.  Once this occurs, the driver needs to fully depress the brake and accelerator pedals. They can then release the brake once 3,500 RPM has been reached.