Between the sharpened-speed-tool body lines, the look-at-me see-through engine cover, and a vast array of optional styling upgrades, the mid-engine 2020 Corvette C8 isn’t exactly what we’d call subtle. The truth of the matter is that this new mid-engine monster is designed to show off and be seen, just as it should be. But while Chevrolet nailed the styling bits, what about the aural element? What if an owner wants to stab the throttle at a stop light to make that naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 engine sing by way of a free-rev? Well, luckily the engineers thought of that, too.
For those who may be unaware, here’s the issue – the 2020 Corvette is only offered with the new M1L dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Because there’s no clutch pedal, it looks like there’s no way to make the mid-mounted V8 free rev. However, there is one simple trick to get around that.
If a driver pulls both of the shift paddles behind the steering wheel at the same time, the eight-speed DCT will decouple from the engine, allowing the LT2 to rev as high as the driver dares, all without actually making the car move.
While some might consider a feature like this to be, well, a bit juvenile, we absolutely love it. The number of new sports cars rocking an all-atmospheric V8 is on the decline, and because of that, we think 2020 Corvette buyers should be given every opportunity to rev the LT2 to their heart’s content, especially when equipped with the optional sport exhaust.
The 2020 Corvette is internal combustion at its best, folks. And while a modern automatic transmission is objectively superior to a manual with regard to shift times and efficiency, it should most definitely not stand in the way of enjoying the age-old tradition of revving an engine just to hear it rev.
So then, to all those C8 buyers out there – hit those paddles and bask in the glory it unleashes. And don’t forget to 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
What a waste of gas just to idle or accelerate that engine without driving!! No wonder our environment is still getting worse.
Typical uneducated comment.
We all know that revving for no reason is a total waste of gas, and the only people who do it are the chest-thumping apes who like to shout “LOUD NOISES! LOOK AT ME!! I’M MAKING LOUD NOISES!”
Or, it has been part of car culture since the beginning for enthusiasts and it’s fun for some people. I’m personally not into revving a car for no reason. My problem is people thinking that a very rare few enthusiasts are the reason the environment is getting worse, or that those people who think it is fun are chest-thumping apes.
lol, sounds like you need a hug,,,,,go find a tree
How’s your Prius sound at the light? A lot of people asking you to rev it up? Lol.
Monkeying around your new $80K dream car is one thing to definitely avoid; I would wait until 2090 when the car is 10 years old and has a ton of memories before deciding to make any serious modifications.
Math isn’t one of your strong points I see 😉
or just put it in park.
I don’t think it’s just for revving the car up. Believe it is actually launch control
No, it’s just for revving.
Correcting my previous statement. It’s also used for launch control per Tadge.