The 2020 Corvette C8 has no shortage of impressive facts and specs to call upon. For example, when equipped with the optional performance exhaust system, the new 6.2L V8 LT2 engine in the C8 Stingray churns out a heady 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, 40 horsepower and 15 pound-feet more than the standard Corvette C7 it replaces. Throw on the Z51 package, and 60 mph arrives in less than three seconds, making for the quickest entry-level Chevrolet Corvette ever created. Awesome stuff all around, and that awesomeness continues into the cabin, where the C8 offers the most powerful Bose sound system the audio company has ever equipped in a two-door sports car.
The 2020 Corvette sound system houses 14 speakers that surround the driver and passenger to create a vast array of aural entertainment. Speakers are mounted in the doors, in the dash, and also in the rear of the cabin, creating a complete sphere of sound to enhance listening pleasure.
The layout is smart too. For instance, Bose used the door cavity to house the subwoofers, saving on space as a result.
Given the new mid-engine layout for the 2020 Corvette, Bose obviously needed to make big changes with regard to stereo tuning when compared to sound systems in previous Corvettes. There’s also a number of technologies on board to enhance the system, including AudioPilot, which uses microphones scattered around the cabin to analyze ambient sound and then self-adjust the system to offer greater clarity.
Bose first began supplying audio equipment for the Corvette in the 1980s, and it’s great to see the company still delivering top-notch stereo equipment for the 2020 model year. It’s also worth noting that this latest 14-speaker Bose system is an available option offered as a substitute for the standard 10-speaker audio system.
Furthermore, we also have to mention that the upcoming 2020 Corvette Convertible will come with a foldable hardtop roof, which should result in better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics inside the cabin compared to a traditional ragtop. And that should ultimately result in better sound quality, as well.
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Comments
I think Bose and GM have a great partnership, but what is going on with Panaray? I’ve experienced it in the CT6 and it is outstanding. That wouldn’t fit in Corvette, but why hasn’t it spread to more vehicles in the Cadillac portfolio? I hope we see it on the next Escalade.
Because that would be logical.
That said, I would expect to see it on the T1 Escalade.
I too had the chance to listen to the Panaray in a CT6. It is the best sounding system I’ve personally heard. And that coming from someone who spends a lot of time behind the wheel of Volvo’s with the B & W, of which I also find to be great. But the Panaray is better sounding.
It was designed exclusively for the CT6. The Panaray sound system has 34 speakers and was designed around the CT6 chassis and has speakers in places where they could not go in any other car or truck.
They could design, and they should, a uniquely new system for the 2021 Escalade, and the CT5……
If the 2021 Escalade were built on a variant of the Omega chassis, as it should be, then the current Panaray system might be adaptive…….
The Bose stereo system is nice; but who wouldn’t just want to listen the fabulous LT2 6.2L V8 making 495 horsepower.
The only time I have heard a difference in a car stereo system was in the CT6 Panaray system when the speaker pops up out of the dash, that is a great sounding stereo system. it better sound good costing $6,000 to upgrade
The best audio system from Bose is analogous to the best fine dining from McDonald’s.
Chevy should offer the option of something very much better, for those times when stuck in slow commuter traffic.
Opinions vary.
When the Panaray system came out, it was ranked with the best from B&W, Meridian, etc. so, far from expensive junk. The question is, like someone stated, why walk away from that system? The system in the CT6 won’t fit in the vette, but that was a bespoke system. Make one for the vette and charge for it.
I know this is an older article, so not even sure anyone will see this or respond. But I’ll ask anyhow.
Jonathan Lopez or Alex, are there any article on here giving more information about Bose in general and specifically Bose in GM vehicles? I have a 2018 Buick Encore without the Bose (wanted it, but couldn’t get it without going up in packages). I did find after market speakers that blow the factory speakers out of this universe, but I’ve been trying to figure out how to “activate”” the sub in my rear tire well. It’s wired up, says Bose on the outside and on the speaker inside the unit. However, it’s not activated. From what I can find through my research, the head unit, amp, tweeters and sub unit in the rear are all the exact same weather Bose or not. The only differences (GM part numbers and all) are the 4 door speakers. So it would be super to be able to learn more.
I know years ago (back in the 80’s and 90’s), the Buick and Cadillac’s with Bose had a very different head unit/radio. The speakers were in different locations and a few other differences. Today it seems like the main door speakers and programming may be the only differences. Any way to find out more? Greatly appreciated.