The pain of all the unsold Corvette C7's this past year (9,000 sitting on dealer lots) have now (almost) faded into shadow given the raucous success of the 2020 Chevy Corvette that hasn't even hit showrooms yet but has managed to almost sell out in pre-orders. Michael Simcoe, the GM design chief, just unveiled the news at the Concours d’Elegance of America yesterday at The Inn at St. John's in Plymouth, Michigan. You might wanna make a deposit right now or wait until 2021.
The news isn't totally shocking given the fact that many buyers have been waiting for the Corvette to take a turn towards the exotic. Now, it's set up much like the true premium supercars like the Ferrari F8 Tributo, the Lamborghini Huracan, and the McLaren 570S. But those cars cost well over six figures, and the 'Vette is only about $60K base, which is shocking for the level of technology and performance. For a little more than the price of an Audi A6 (not S6) sedan, you get:
- 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque and a 0-60 time in under 3 seconds
- High-grade, driver-centric cockpit with leather, aluminum, and optional carbon fiber
- An all-new body structure that's 10% stiffer than the C7
- Split-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
- Driver Mode Selector with up to 12 performance variables
- Performance Data Recorder and a color Head-Up Display
The C8 will change the face of American performance automobiles. Given the fact that the C7 was already a performance bargain, the change to mid-engine configuration makes the C8 a true supercar contender. It allows the new 'Vette to have better balance, improved aerodynamics, visibility, and cooling, too. And the booming sales before the car has even hit the streets are a strong indication about the brilliance behind the change. It's the first major change in the Corvette since the C4 bowed.
“I think the orders have already hit the first year of production numbers,” Simcoe stated. Though he divulged no numbers, he did make it clear the new Corvette is close to being sold out. The configurator was released shortly after the unveiling, and customers could reserve theirs via the online process. No figures on actual production numbers were divulged, but it looks like the new car won't be available for much longer. We fully expect them to go for a serious premium once sales numbers are maxed out.
Now, if it's a real deal you want, just head out to your local Chevy dealer where you'll likely get a C7 for one serious discount since pretty much all attention is on the C8. You'll still get a remarkable performance bargain for your money.
