Added on October 17, 2019  The News Wheel   , , , ,
No Comments

Corvette C8.R to Debut at Rolex 24

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page
Corvette C8.R
Corvette C8.R
Photo: Chevrolet

Chevrolet is debuting the Corvette C8.R at Rolex 24. Not only will it be the first Chevrolet mid-engine race car in IMSA’s GTLM class, but it will also have the first clean sheet race car design since the 1999 debut of the C5.R.

A Strong Foundation: The 2020 Corvette Stingray

How the C8.R became race-ready

The 2020 Corvette Stingray is the foundation that the C8.R was based on. To transform the Corvette Stingray into a race car, design and engineering teams had to think creatively. The front storage compartment added a centrally-mounted radiator, and racing headlights were placed at the radiators’ locations.

Ed Piatek, Corvette chief engineer, said, “It was important for us to develop the new race car alongside the production car, so that each product could properly take advantage of the new architecture.”

The C8.R will be powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine, which reaches 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. A new Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox was also created.

To better aerodynamics and add stiffness, design concepts were viewed using the Driver in the Loop Simulator. Design and engineering teams also made a multitude of 3D-printed rapid prototype parts.

The C8.R will feature 18-inch MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport GT competition tires to support the mid-engine car, which was designed to have a lower center of gravity. The No. 3 race car will have a yellow color scheme, complete with silver accents. Meanwhile, the No. 4 race car will have a new silver livery with yellow accents.

Safely Driving: OnStar® features

The Corvette C8.R drove a ceremonial lap before the 22nd annual Petit Le Mans race. To catch sight of the car in the future, be sure to check out the Rolex 24 on January 25, 2020.