We’re a little more than two months away from the mid-engine C8 Corvette’s debut, but expect Chevrolet to continue dishing out tiny details along the way. The latest bit of information comes from an e-mail invitation sent to media, which the Mid-Engine Corvette Forum published on Tuesday.
In the invite, Chevrolet names Orange County, California, as the location for the mid-engine C8 Corvette‘s debut. The location puts to rest rumors of where the car will debut, though we heard months ago a standalone event was highly likely. The rumors came after the new sports car missed out on a chance to wow the final winter showing of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
As for reasons why Chevrolet and GM chose California, it’s not explicitly clear. However, Orange County is an affluent area with plenty of high-end supercars parked in driveways and garages. It could be Chevrolet wants to take the fight directly into enemy territory with the C8 Corvette’s debut. Other than an educated guess, we can’t speculate any further about the California decision.
The state is home to excellent weather as well, which could give the Corvette team an opportunity to reveal the sports car outdoors. Judging by the shebang GM put on for the sixth-generation Camaro reveal, the C8 Corvette’s debut should be a sight to see.
When the car does debut on July 18, we expect the base model will be the only car in attendance. Look for the car to house an upgraded version of the current 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine, perhaps called the LT2, with about 500 horsepower. Additional variants and powertrains will come after. One of them could be called the “Zora” in a nod to the Corvette’s godfather and famed chief engineer in the 20th century.
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Source: Mid-Engine Corvette Forum
Comments
Would be nice if the full size half tons got a power bump with the 6.2, even if it’s just a High Output trim for Denali/High Country like what Ford did the with 450hp/510lb-ft EcoBoost in the F150 Limited trim
Yes. My body is ready.
I’m not a big fan of their choice to go mid-engine, its a chevy, not a Ferrari.
I agree but two very important points to keep in mind are…. performance was pushed to the limits for a front engine car with the C7 can’t really improve for a next gen front engine vette. And secondly which will be very important all signs point to a modest price jump over the C7.
Agreed. And really, the limits were pushed with the C6 ZR1
It’s Ferrari (like) at Chevy prices. What’s not to like?
Exactly. What’s not to like.
I can’t wait.
It makes a great deal of sense to me that the C8 is being debuted in California and Orange County in particular. On any given weekend you will see Dozens of exotic mid-engine exotics on the street there. Add the fact that over 25% of all cars sold in the United States are sold here in California. The new Corvette has to be a sales success in California and GM recognizes that. Lets all hope the C8 delivers.
In rebuttal to some of the “pundits” who opine that the C8 Corvette should be priced upmarket in the Supercar
arena like Ferrari, et al, I have to recall that I have never run across a Corvette enthusiast that was in favor
of GM raising the Corvette price.
“I have to recall that I have never run across a Corvette enthusiast that was in favor
of GM raising the Corvette price.”
I’ve run across shareholders who do.
That’s ironic Show it first in Ca. where all the Vette owners I have talked to in California all drive foreign brand cars for their 2-3-4 cars! LOL
While from the east coast on up to Canada drive all G M cars for me 1 and 2 and with all the B S that’s been going on with them I am going to purchase a 2020. I guess I have gas fumes in my head!
They’ve got to reach new (potential) buyers. Especially ones that can afford to do so. And ideally influential trend-setters–which, I’m afraid to say, your average Vette buyer these days is not.
California makes sense. But pray they should (and all of us) that they don’t bumble said car’s launch and marketing.
Goodies more D’ette news, C8 needs to fall into the Pacific along with OCs plastic inhabitants……
I just cannot wait for this reveal. The interior looks legit in Spy shots as well.
The Vette always had its very own segment in the market but if reports are to be believed that the price will only increase a small percentage, I can see why GM hired 400 more workers.
ZR pushed to it’s limits???? Come on now…..wider tires, larger supercharger, active aero……….Hennessey is doing wonders with the ZR~!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://www.autoblog.com/2019/04/24/2019-hennessey-chevy-corvette-zr1-1200-horsepower/
California is a beautiful environment for the presentation of the new C8 Corvette. I think that will be a great presentation, as well as serious private individuals as customers are welcome. Corvette owners are loyal customers.
As far as I know the foreign sports cars and cars only for max. 15 leased. From the 16th month, a new lease car is coming again. So no customer loyalty to expensive foreign sports cars and cars.
But this is also the case in Europe, because who wastes his money already on overpriced spa cars and cars.
I would like to, but I do not know the location! Who can help???
Greetings to YOU from me from Europe, Germany, bavaria, Langenerling.