Chevrolet has been slowly improving the C8 Corvette ever since it was introduced for the 2020 model year. Now, though, the mid-engine supercar is expected to get another subtle bump in power thanks to powertrain modifications.
GM Authority reports that the C8 Corvette Stingray has been spotted testing with odd tailpipes, suggesting that powertrain modifications are incoming. It cites unnamed insiders who claimed that the Corvette’s output will be raised from 495 hp (369 kW/501 PS) with the dual mode performance exhaust system, to more than 500 hp (373 kW/507 PS).
Though not a massive bump in power, it would certainly be a welcome one for the mid-engine supercar. Although the nature of the modifications is unknown, this isn’t the first time that Chevrolet’s powertrain engineers have modified the 6.2-liter V8 to make it better, though it wasn’t always for power.
Read: Chevrolet Corvette Loses 3 MPG Highway For 2022 Because Customers Love Performance
When it was introduced for the 2020 model year, the C8 Corvette was rated at 15 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway. The need to meet ever-stricter EPA emissions standards prompted the company to improve the engine’s fuel delivery and active fuel management systems.
While this resulted in no improvements to the power levels, it did mean some minor alterations to the fuel economy ratings for 2022. That led to a one MPG increase in the city (up to 16 MPG), but the popularity of the Z51 Performance Package meant a three MPG drop on the highway (down to 24 MPG), and no difference in the combined rating (19 MPG).
Now that Chevy has gotten a handle on the improved emissions technology, it appears that it is working to give owners of the supercar what they really want: even more power. Unfortunately, no timelines for the introduction of the powertrain modifications has been laid out, so it’s unclear how long potential Corvette buyers will have to wait before they can buy a 500 hp Stingray from the factory.
Fortunately, for those who are obsessed with power, there’s the Corvette Z06, whose 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 makes a remarkable 670 hp (679 PS / 500 kW) and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) of torque.
