The new mid-engine C8 Corvette is just a few days from making its grand entrance, and we’re still clamoring to get every little detail we can find. Of course, one of the most-important bits of info is what Chevrolet has mounted under the hood just behind the cabin. As we exclusively reported earlier this month, the base-model 2020 Corvette, which should be called Stingray, will come with the naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8. Now, we’re getting an ear-full of what the eight sounds like when you add a little gasoline to the mix.
Thanks to a brief 14-second sound clip provided by Chevrolet, we can hear the new mid-engine C8 Corvette on startup, then rev a bit as the driver daps the throttle. The driver even holds the Vette at a high rpm for a second before letting off.
The new LT2 sounds good, and obviously revs very quickly. The exhaust note sounds like a slightly modified 6.2L LT1 V8, which makes since given that’s exactly what the LT2 is, with just a few changes to make the LT2 fit the mid-engine powertrain layout.
For reference, the LT1 can currently be found in the Chevrolet Camaro SS, the new Camaro LT1, as well as the current Corvette C7 Stingray and Grand Sport.
As for the LT2, GM Authority has been told by sources that the new mid-engine powerplant will offer updated Active Fuel Management with an Eco driving mode, as well as new valving changes that help lower friction and provide smoother, more-efficient operation.
We also know that the LT2 will offer the same Overhead Valve (a.k.a. push-rod) configuration as the LT1, plus Direct Fuel Injection, Variable Valve Timing, and Active Fuel Management.
Output on the base-model mid-engine C8 Corvette will likely fall between 480 and 500 horsepower, which is a decent bump over the 455 ponies produced by the base-model C7 Corvette Stingray. Thus far, we believe a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will be the only transmission option available.
It’s also worth noting that at least one high-performance mid-engine C8 Corvette model, probably the future Z06, will likely come with a new twin-turbo V8 engine dubbed the LT7 that we reported on a few days ago.
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