What Are the Differences Between the Chevy Corvette C7 and C8?
Photo: Chevrolet
In the blur of excitement surrounding the debut of the 2020 C8 Corvette, it’s easy to lose sight of exactly what about this model is new from the previous year. Here’s a brief overview of how the C8 differs from the outgoing C7.
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Photo: Chevrolet
Performance
The C8 Corvette boasts a more potent powertrain than the C7. It replaces the C7 model’s LT1 engine with a new 6.2-liter V8 engine named the LT2. This improved engine yields 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque — that’s 40 more horsepower and 10 more lb-ft of torque, respectively. Additionally, the C8 ditches the C7’s seven-speed manual transmission option in lieu of an eight-speed dual-clutch, which comes standard.
Exterior
As you might expect, the C8’s mid-engine design is one of the primary reasons its exterior is notably different from the C7’s. Sporty alloy wheels and an air intake are the two most obvious changes. The C8 also incorporates a cab-forward design, due to the engine’s placement behind the cockpit area. Contours toward the back of the car sweep downward, as seen on other mid-engine rivals. The C8 does retain some of the C7’s styling cues, though, such as the rear wing, taillight cluster, lower front fascia, and headlights.
Photo: Chevrolet
Interior
The cabin of the C8 has a more luxurious vibe and driver-centric design than the previous model year. Consumers have a broad range of seat types, seat belt colors, and leather options to choose from, when customizing their ‘vette. There’s also a new squared-off two-spoke steering wheel and long row of buttons on the center console. The C8 also does away with the C7’s grab handle and slide-down screen.
Price
Though the C7 had a starting price of $55,900, the C8 is a bit more expensive to reflect the complicated production process involved with its mid-engine design. Per Chevy, the C8 will have a starting cost under $60K, though we’ll have to wait a bit longer more pricing details.
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News Sources: CarBuzz, MotorTrend
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