A NEW GENERATION: 495-HP, MID-ENGINE, 2020 CHEVROLET CORVETTE REVEALED!
Since the dawn of the early fifties when the first C1 Corvette was revealed, it was set to be an American icon as it was worshiped by even our astronauts. Rolling off the assembly line on June 30th, 1953, General Motors was to change the way we looked at sports cars forever. For the last 7 generations, we’ve seen engineering and technology advance through the Corvette, and yet, the formula has always remained the same – huge V-8 at the front, manual transmission in the middle and immense amounts of horsepower and torque transferring from the rear wheels to the asphalt, leaving a trail of smoke and rubber behind.
As we roll into a new cohort era, it’s time to switch things up a nickel with the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. With a high-performance super-car persona, the way we look at the Corvette will never be the same. Pushing the boundaries beyond what General Motors is used to, the new Corvette is now offered as a mid-engine sports car that changes its entire dynamic of performance and capabilities.
Where most automotive companies find refuge in turbocharging this and supercharging that, Chevrolet wanted to keep the Corvette as pure as possible. With a newly engineered 6.2-liter small-block naturally aspirated V-8, the Corvette’s performance is beyond staggering as it seeing 495-horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Advancing with the age of technology, we start to see it sway away from the manual formation as it see a newly engineered 8-speed dual-clutch automatic said to have razor sharp gear changes faster than any human being could shift for themselves. This well-spent engineering pays off in the end however as the Corvette sees 0-60 mph in less than 3-seconds. That’s the same numbers one would get from their more powerful 750-horsepower ZR1.
Enhancing the structural integrity of the Corvette, General Motor engineers went to town using high-pressure diecast aluminum parts to help minimize the number of joints within the vehicle. This makes the vehicles structure stiffer and aids in handling on and off the track. With an industry first in the mix, the Corvette incorporates a carbon fiber curved rear bumper beam that also improves on weight.
Trying to keep the Corvette to its roots in comfort, improving the suspension geometry has been tailored to the finest of detail with coil over dampers that generators better ride quality and improves handling characteristics. The new mid-engine architectures allow for a stiffer steering system making the driver feel more in control with instantaneous responsiveness. Driving modes continue on for 2020 as the Corvette sees the same configuration between Tour, Weather, Sport, and Track. However, with a new steering wheel mounted ‘Z’ button, the ability to changes every little detail on how the car performs is just quite literally a push of a button away.
Speaking of buttons, learning about what most consumers dislike about their current Corvette’s, Chevrolet has implemented an automatic ride height system that can raise and lower the front splitter by just a push of another button. Taking it one step further, the Corvette has the option to memorize these locations through GPS technology and will automatically raise and lower once you approach the stored location – this system has the ability to store up to 1,000 locations.
Improving on interior comfort and feel, this latest Corvette will be the most well-appointed Corvette to date with a detailed display of driver contoured design elements – the dash quite literally wraps around with all the buttons coming down the center of the car’s interior. Featuring a more urbane innovative cockpit design, there is plenty of fine touches of materials to found with every single surface covered in some sort of leather, suede or metal trimming. Along with 12-exterior colors, the interior now features six interior color schemes including a funky, two-tone blue design with six seat belt color options and two optional stitching packages. There are three levels of comfort when it comes to the seats depending on how much discomfort you prefer your Corvette to be with a GT1, GT2 and Competition Sport seat.
Safety is always a first when it comes to any driver and the Corvette is no exception as it will feature all the latest safety hardware found in our modern world. The audio system sees an upgrade as there is now a 10-speaker premium sound system and an available 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system with integrated detailed trimming. The Performance Data Recorder also makes a comeback and sees improvement as the camera gets upgraded to high-definition, a new user interface and can even be used a dash cam.
Pricing has not yet been released but what we do know is that it is said to start under $60,000. Shown on stage after a relishing display of enticement, Chevrolet made sure to showcase the best of the best as the Corvettes presented to us had the Z51 Performance Package that earns a host of performance upgrades from lager brake rotors, enhanced cooling, a special axle ratio, performance, an electronic limited-slip differential and many more.
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Keeping the Corvette true to the U.S.A. it is built right here on home turf in Kentucky. As of today, July, 18th 2019, consumers can preorder their Corvettes by simply going to www.chevy.com/nextgencorvette. The new generation Corvette is an exciting piece of history as we see it evolve into the next generation of affordable high-performance sports car. With advance, high-tech engineering, incredible performance, and a luxurious feel – there is no other sports car around like it.
SIX SPEED BLOG 
A stunner, no doubt about it! Death of another manual transmission – ouch. I have to wonder how the NSX folks feel about this car. There is a lot of bang for the buck here, for a fraction of the price! Looks great, and that’s pretty awesome you were able to get out there for a press event!
There’s almost nothing on the market that can compete that isn’t over six and half figures. It will be interesting how this effects the super car market. Still can’t believe I got to attend.
These are made about 2 1/2 hours away in Bowling Green. They still draw a crowd at the cars & coffee, the Ferraris and Porsches are barely noticed.