As we’ve stated in a number of previous posts, we think the new 2020 Corvette is a helluva looker, with the new proportions provided by the new mid-engine platform giving it a head-turning exotic vibe, which is enhanced by a wide, ground-hugging stance and loads of aggressive design elements.
However, while the low ground clearance certainly looks the part of a world-beating sports car, it’s no match for speed bumps, those pesky parking curbs, or steeply-angled driveways, which can be a problem for a vehicle that is being framed as “a true supercar for every day.” Luckily, there’s a solution – the new front suspension lift feature of the 2020 Corvette C8.
Offered an an option on the 2020 Corvette, the front suspension lift raises the front end of the sports car by about 40 mm (1.57 inches), enough ground clearance to help it navigate treacherous real-world scenarios without scuffing the paint.
The lift sequence takes just 2.8 seconds to complete and can be operated at speeds up to 24 mph. What’s more, the system can be programmed to automatically raise the 2020 Corvette in more than 1,000 GPS coordinates saved by the owner, eliminating the hassle and necessary time to manually activate the feature at frequently-visited problem spots. This feature will be particularly useful for those owners who intend to drive their new C8 daily and regularly encounter potentially hazardous road aberrations and parking curbs.
Indeed, this sort of thing is a must-have feature for any low-slung vehicle that’s intended for use out in the real world. While impossibly low ground clearance is a joy on the track and on the highway, actually driving the 2020 Corvette from A to B will require a slightly different approach.
Of course, it makes us wonder how this front suspension lift system will integrate with any suspension modifications by the owner, though it’s probably not necessary to make such a change, as the C8’s engineering team calibrated the system for pure perfection. We’ll keep our ears to the ground and relay any new info as it comes.
In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
It would be great if the suspension raising was linked to the cloud so each driver could help every other driver to create a GPS database of low spots.
I first heard about this system a couple years ago from a worker from the supplier.
He told me then it was from Europe and was the same brand Ferrari uses. Sorry I can’t recall the brand name.
This is an option but one that is a real must.
The supplier told me of the GPS but did not say 1000 locations.
I think it is from France and if I recall he said then a few years ago it was tested in Spain.
Camaro ZL1 & 1LE needs this too!
What is great with the suspension lifting of the nose can be programmed to respond at specific parts of the road so it happens automatically; it would be great if such information can be uploaded to a GM database so that the information can be downloaded to cars in a specific region like regional WiFi hotspots for smartphones.
I believe it will be up to the driver as a data base would be difficult to keep up dated. GM will not want the liability if someone changes something and it takes the nose off someones car.
Also if cars are modified that could also make things wonky for others.
You miss on a WIFI you don’t lose an air dam spoiler. With out dated GPS you can do a lot of damage to the nose.
It’s an awesome feature, but parking curbs? The front of this thing looks so low, and the splitter looks so expensive that it’s going to be an expensive mistake for the first guy who pulls up to a parking curb, raises the front, and demolishes the front of his car.
I imagine GM has enough radar, lidar and whateverdar sensors to pick up when the nose needs to be raised. No need for GPS etc.
I don’t think it’s effective for parking… You need to back in to be safe (in any generation). I think to be most effective this needs to be cloud based so as you travel out of your normal area, you might benefit from other drivers “raise” points.
I have looked in many places and still can not cume up with a PRICE!
How much will it cost?