Mid-Engine Corvette C8 Stingray Revealed

The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray has been revealed, marking the first mid-engine car in the American manufacturer’s production lineup.

It will be powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine capable of generating 495 horsepower which is positioned just behind the driver.

The car was teased during a charity event in April, while Chevrolet confirmed its revival of the Stingray name on its social media channels earlier this week.

An optimal 0-60 mph acceleration figure of under three seconds has been touted for models equipped with the Z51 Performance Package, making it the fastest-ever Corvette model off the line.

It features an automatic eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in a departure from the brand’s traditional manual setup, while wholesale changes to the dimensions and styling have been made in response to the new engine configuration.

Chevrolet says that the car’s canopy-forward stance was inspired by fighter jets such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning, as well as Formula 1 machinery and the classic Stingray design.

The C8 Stingray will enter production later this year while its distribution program will begin in 2020.

“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 Michael Simcoe, vice president of global design at General Motors.

“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.”

The C8 Stingray is expected to serve as the base model for the racing successor to the Corvette C7.R.

The competition version of the car, which is set to be entered at GTE level, has already been spotted testing at Road America and Sebring and appears set to make its debut in the 2020 Rolex 24 at Daytona, but with a turbocharged variant of the powerplant.