Work continues on the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette as spy
photographers have caught the high-performance model undergoing testing once
again. Dressed in familiar black and white camouflage, this particular
prototype appears virtually production ready as the temporary headlights have
been replaced by road-going units. We can also see the car’s sporty styling and
five-spoke alloy wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking
system.
Out back, there are LED taillights and an aggressive
rear diffuser which is flanked by a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system. Of
course, the most notable thing about the Corvette is the heavily camouflaged
rear window which houses a mid-mounted V8 engine underneath. The new styling will continue in
the cabin as drivers will sit behind a two-spoke steering wheel and find
themselves facing a digital instrument cluster. To the right is a large
infotainment system which is supported by a stylish metal fan.
One of the biggest interior changes is the all-new
center console which features a rotary controller for the infotainment system
and Lamborghini-like buttons for the dual-clutch transmission. There will also
be a ramp-like structure that connects to the dashboard at an angle and
features a host of controls for the climate control system and heated /
ventilated seats.
Chevrolet has been extremely tight-lipped about the
model, but previous spy photos have shown the car will retain the Stingray
moniker. A rumored order guide also recently surfaced indicating the C8 will be
offered with three stripe packages, two performance suspensions, a heavy duty
cooling system and upgraded brakes. We can also expect carbon fiber and
transparent roof panels which can be removed.
Engine options remain unconfirmed, but the
entry-level model is slated to have a 6.2-liter V8 that could produce more than
500 hp. There will also be a new 5.5-liter V8 which will
reportedly be available in naturally aspirated and twin-turbo guise. These are
rumored to have outputs of around 600 hp and 800 hp.
There have also been rumors about a range-topping
model which will use the twin-turbo V8 and an electric motor that powers the
front wheels. This setup could give the Corvette all-wheel drive and an output
of between 900 hp and 1,000 hp.