We’re still reeling from all the awesomeness on offer by the all-new 2020 Corvette C8. The looks, the sound, the performance – even the story of this mid-engine monster’s genesis is genuinely interesting. However, beyond all that, the real test lies on the racetrack. Luckily, The Smoking Tire host Matt Farah recently climbed behind the wheel of a 2020 Corvette and ran it around Thunderhill Raceway Park as part of Road & Track’s “Performance Car of the Year” test session, and it’s all captured right here in the following three-minute, 36-second video.
Unfortunately, driving impressions are still under embargo, which means Farah can’t tell us what it feels like to actually drive the new 2020 Corvette on a racetrack. Luckily, we still get to hear the mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 doing its thing, watch the weight transfer off the corners, and generally get a feel for how the new Vette performs.
Included is both a dash view looking ahead, a picture-in-picture of Farah behind the wheel (nice Simpsons helmet, by the way), and quick exterior shots every time the C8 blasts down the front straight.
First impressions are positive. The 2020 Corvette clearly has loads and loads of power on tap, and it seems to corner flat and fast. The M1L eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly as well.
Granted, Farah isn’t going ten-tenths in the video, as it’s his first time in the car and his first time on this particular track. Nevertheless, the video still provides some really cool insight into how the new mid-engine Vette handles a stint on track.
It’s also worth mentioning that this particular model is equipped with the optional Z51 Performance Package, which adds a new performance exhaust system, larger brake rotors, improved cooling, stickier tires, an electronic limited-slip differential, a larger rear spoiler, and the option for the FE4 Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 suspension components.
Stay tuned, because we’re headed to the debut of the 2020 Corvette C8 Convertible in Florida tomorrow! And don’t forget to subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.
Comments
The video tells the who story of the C8 Corvette as it sounds great and from the video says it’s a great road car; we don’t really need to hear the driver’s analysis of how well the C8 Corvette Z51 performed because we were literally able to experience it from the sounds and video.
That turn in is amazing. Looks like it’s able to put the power down very well.
Not sure how hard he was pushing but there was little protest from the tires.
Imagine what this will sound like with the flat crank engine that is coming.
To be honest this engine sounds like it really was not laboring all that hard. But you can see the car really moving.
I believe the engine here can not our perform the chassis so that bodes well for future Higher performance models.
Hear the whin of that supercharged monster ? Neither did I. What’s the point no one at home to build them, once again something about Mary and her hair gel !!!