The 2020 Corvette C8 promises to usher in some
radical changes and two prototypes have recently been spied testing alongside
the new Corvette ZR1. Caught by a YouTuber in Colorado, the clip mostly shows the rear of
the mid-engine sports car. However, at the beginning, we can see the Corvette’s
stylish new shape which looks more Italian than American.
Previous spy photos have shown the model will have a
wedge-shaped design with an angular front fascia featuring LED headlights. Of
course, the biggest changes occur aft of the rakish windscreen as the
mid-engine model will have a short roof which meets two buttresses. The engine
resides in the space between and it will likely be covered by a glass panel to
showcase the car’s new layout.
The new design is also noticeable at the rear as the
Corvette has a Lamborghini-esque rear bumper and a four-tailpipe exhaust
system. However, the model will adopt some familiar Corvette features including
round brake lights which can be briefly seen in the video.
There have been countless
rumors about what will power the eighth-generation Corvette. A report from
earlier this year suggested the base model will have an upgraded 6.2-liter LT1
V8 engine that develops approximately 500 hp. It will
reportedly be connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission which will
allow the car to be faster than the C7 despite a rumored weight gain of over 90 kg).
If reports are correct, the car will eventually be
offered with an all-new 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine producing at least
600 hp. There have also rumors about a twin-turbo version of
this engine with a ZR1 beating 800 hp.
One of the more prolific rumors suggests the company
could also release the mother of all Corvettes. It is rumored to use a
twin-turbo V8 and an electric motor that powers the front wheels. Assuming this
information is correct, the range-topping Vette would have all-wheel drive and
around 1,000 hp.
Chevrolet has been dropping a few hints about the
car and it is expected to debut at the North American International Auto Show
in January.