A quick-thinking YouTuber caught the C8 Corvette in action.
By now, we’ve seen the 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette in photos. We know it’s coming July 18th, so the long wait is drawing to a close. Now though, we have a chance to hear the new Corvette in action.
A YouTube user named Ace1260 caught the mid-engined Corvette on Interstate 696 in Warren, Michigan. Corvette Blogger later spotted and shared the video. They managed to stay alongside the test driver as he opened it up on the freeway, giving us the opportunity to experience that glorious V8 noise.
It’s still not completely clear what sort of V8 is lurking under the hood. Judging by the noise, however, it sounds like the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter unit that will comprise the lower end of the Corvette lineup. While it is a carryover from the old C7 Corvette, reports suggest GM will beef it up to produce around 500 horsepower. On top of that, we believe the higher-end Corvettes will have more powerful engines with some sort of forced induction (most likely turbocharging).
Sadly, it doesn’t seem the seven-speed manual transmission will not be making a return for the C8 Corvette. Instead, this one should have an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that will still send power to the rear wheels. Perhaps the three-pedal option will return in a special edition, but I’m not holding my breath.
Especially given this car’s intentions — namely to take on its mid-engined European competition — a dual-clutch setup just makes more sense. Rumors are floating around that Chevrolet may electrify some C8 Corvette models as well. Thanks to the extra shove from an electric motor and, possibly, a twin-turbo V8, we could see up to 1,000 horsepower.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!
