The New 2020 Corvette C8 Finally Adds Modern Active Safety Features
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As we examined back in March, the outgoing Corvette C7 is pretty much devoid of any and all active safety features, save for relatively low-tech front- and rear-view cameras. By comparison, the new 2020 Corvette C8 offers much more in terms of active safety features, underlining its role as a “true supercar for every day.” With that in mind, let’s examine the 2020 Corvette’s raft of active safety features, what they do and which trim level has ‘em.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert on a Buick Verano
1. Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Backing up can be tricky sometimes, especially when there’s a huge engine cover behind you covering a big V8 blocking your line of sight. Luckily, the 2020 Corvette C8 comes with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which utilizes short-range radar to identify when another vehicle is driving in from the left or right while reversing, notifying the driver via the Rear Vision Camera.
Side Blind Zone Alert on a Buick Verano
2. Side Blind Zone Alert
Similar to Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert uses short-range radar to detect other vehicles to the left and right. However, this system is configured to monitor areas directly to the left and right of the vehicle in order to prevent a collision while changing lanes, as opposed to further behind the vehicle, like the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system.
The Side Blind Zone Alert system displays an amber warning light in the outer portion of the wing mirrors to advise the driver if a vehicle is the blind zone.
Rear Vision Camera on a Cadillac ATS
3. HD Rear Vision Camera
The Rear Vision Camera is typically activated when the vehicle is in the reverse gear (although it can also be summoned when parked via the center screen). Its function is to show the view behind the vehicle when backing, with the center screen showing the image. The system only works at low speeds.
Front View Camera on the Cadillac CTS-V
4. Front Curb View Camera
The Front Curb View Camera works similarly to the Rear Vision Camera, but rather than looking back, this feature feeds the driver a real-time view of what’s directly in front of the vehicle, making it easy to judge distances when parking close to a curb or another vehicle. Like the Rear Vision Camera, the Front Curb View Camera only works at low speeds.
Rear Camera Mirror in action on the Cadillac XT5
5. Rear Camera Mirror
The Rear Camera Mirror replaces the traditional rearview mirror with a live video feed that’s always on. The system utilizes a rear-facing high-definition camera – mounted on the roof of the 2020 Corvette C8 – to relay a real-time video feed of whatever is directly behind to provide a wider, unobstructed field of view. Those who prefer the traditional mirror can simply “flip” the mirror back, and it switches to a typical mirror.
On the C8, the camera for the Rear Camera Mirror is housed in the roof-mounted compartment just ahead of the engine cover
6. Rear Park Assist
Rear Park Assist provides the driver with a reversing grid and “distance-to-object” indicator, with ultrasonic sensors that can detect objects behind the vehicle 10 inches off the ground and below the bumper level, preventing the driver from backing into something he or she can’t see.
| Feature | RPO Code | 1LT | 2LT | 3LT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | UFG | - | Standard | Standard |
| Side Blind Zone Alert | UFT | - | Standard | Standard |
| HD Rear Vision Camera | UVB | Standard | - | - |
| HD Rear Vision Camera and Front Curb View Camera | UVA | - | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Camera Mirror | DRZ | - | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Park Assist | UD7 | Standard | Standard | Standard |
So, the new 2020 Corvette C8 delivers a significant improvement in terms of active safety features, which – like we mentioned – were absent from the Corvette C7. Notably, the C8 does not offer more autonomous driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control or Super Cruise, and for good measure. After all, what’s the point of buying a car like the C8 if not to actually drive it?
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One of the most traveled route is the route that goes from SoCal to Vegas…It’s an extremely boring drive, perhaps if it had supercruise, more people would take it to Vegas…
I was hoping it would have auto-emergency braking. Some aren’t fond of it; but, I’ve seen quite a few accidents averted because people are people and follow too closely or have accidents happen with little to no warning. Maybe in an upcoming tech upgrade for it.
I get the idea that the Corvette is a “Drivers Car” but I don’t think that precludes the adaptive cruise. I’d still like it to be an option. If you don’t like it don’t get/use it. But I bet the take rate would be huge.
Do u know da wei?
its weak as my 14 BMW had all this ! better late then never !
What about night vision? It allows you to go faster while others can’t ;).
If you’re going to go with all season tires how about rain sensing wipers, and automatic chains.
You want to go from SoCal to Vegas in Corvette with Super Cruise cuz the drive is boring? Just take the bus, Bozo.
It is my opinion hat when it comes to sports vehicles, sports features tend to not go hand to hand with safety and ergonomics. I am glad that GM is putting safety and ergonomics first. However, at 6’1” and 250+lbs., I am not 100% sure I can fit my body in a C8…Comfortably, I meant to say.
Massively disappointed the new C8 doesn’t have Super Cruise (or at least adaptive cruise control), not to mention forward collision warning/auto emergency braking (good grief, the Camaros have that). To accommodate the purists/racers — simply have those systems able to be turned off. For those of us that use our Vettes as daily drivers or want to take it on a little vacation (those tech active safety features) should have been a given on a new gen vehicle as this – to protect it’s passengers. Come on GM — safety features (that can be turned off) aren’t a detriment to “purists”.
No auto-emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and no rear warning for cross traffic, has me wonder about my order for a 2020 LT1. Don’t want an LT2, but need to avoid getting overcharged by my insurance company and smashing up my new car ’cause the 2020 C8 lacks these basic active safety features. What will Chevy/GM do to make this right? Much thought went into the design of this fantastic car. Subaru, Honda, Toyota, VW, even Kia and Hyundai, all have active safety features, beyond these three basics. WTF!
Hmmmmm…. Maybe you Millenials oughta’ just learn how to drive.
General Motors is so far behind the industry when it comes to active safety features. It appears that adaptive cruise might be a standard offering from the rest of the industry before its even an option on many GM vehicles. This is unexplainable and a big mistake by GM. This feature should definitely be an option on the new Vette. I am holding off my order in the hopes that it is offered for 2021. As to the conclusion that it should not be offered because we should be driving our cars is really laughable and disregards how many of the corvette customers use their cars, at least some of the time. For all the pretend racers out there , you don’t have to order it or turn it on. I can not shift my purchase away from the new Vette because there is no other real choice in that price range but I should mention that I am a GM first guy driving Ford pickups lately for the extra features they offer.
Yes. Makes no sense that Chevy/GM is so far behind in making active safety features standard, starting with ALL 2020 models, including the C8. I may ask my deposit be held till these are included in 2021. Plan trips in my daily-driver through major cities & interstates where adaptive cruise reduces traffic stress. Have not had an accident in forever, but it just takes one kid runnin’ between cars or some ditz starin’ down at a cell, or zoomin’ out of a driveway without lookin’ to “WHACK.” Automatic emergency braking prevents this. Need cross traffic alerts just to back out of my driveway, and, in shopping malls – stuck between two walls of SUVs – “fugetaboutit!” WHACK. Will check with my insurance carrier: without these on a C8 I think they’d way overcharge me. Don’t want an LT2, want a base LT1 WITH ’em. (Was fine in 1971 with my first new car, I loved that 240Z, but no excuse today. Any excuse is pure BS, period.)
I was going to find the financing for my first ever 2020 Corvette; i.e., raid my kids college funds, etc… But I am now hesitant because GM felt it necessary to leave the critical safety features off of the standard list of features. Think about it GM….if you are building a car that the masses will love, people will buy a vet and probable run into the garage door or wall because the huge horse power will be brought to bear without thinking “Bam” and whoops there is thousands in damage. Any car has the potential of running into an obstacle because of momentary lapses of concentration and it happens every day; after all we are human and not well tuned machines. Why just the other day I was driving down the hwy and a late model Z car nearly ran into me because of the apparent “Lack of a blind spot monitor”, I honked my horn and averted an accident. Like the other comments, I will wait until 2021 to see if GM will wake up and add adaptive cruise control and emergency braking as standard features. After all you will be spending $60,000 plus for a machine (Costs of a Condo or small house) that you want to keep safe for years of enjoyment with an American Icon – Corvette Stingray.
Emergency braking doesn’t work on walls or garage doors. It usually works only on vehicles – sometimes only on vehicles that have been observed moving, to avoid braking on overpasses or manholes. Sometimes it has some limited functionality on pedestrians.
And it’s not a critical safety feature.
You don’t understand the feature at all. I hope you don’t rely on it to avoid garage doors.
My car and truck all have Adaptive Cruise Control LOVE It!!! My Chrysler 300 in 2012 had it. Best bang for the buck.
Retired Design Engineer.
My 2013 Porsche 911 has active cruise that was an option when I ordered it new along with the optional power pack. I use the active cruise when I am stuck in traffic and leave it off on open winding roads. Definitely add it as a 2021 option!!! I will gladly pay for it.
It’s absurd that GM left out active cruise & other safety features I find on a base Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Subaru, some Kia, Hyundai, & MANY others. I cancelled my order for the 2020 Vette: I refuse to do without technology which makes a long – or short – trip comfortable & safe. A ‘sports car’ does not eliminate essentials: power & performance without these is silly …
I keep wondering when some automaker is going to replace the ridiculous outside rear view mirrors with a high quality camera based panoramic rear view that gets rid of blind spots, shows rear cross traffic and curb proximity, front and rear ‘dashcams’ and records it all so I can sue the oblivious nut jobs where I wasn’t quite able to get out of their way.
Just bought a ’22 and it still doesn’t have adaptive cruise control and braking. I love the former on my daily drive, a 19′ Camry Hybrid and will miss it on my new Vette. I don’t understand the logic for not including it. On my Camry I have the option to turn off those features if I want.
I have a 2021 C8 HTC, 2013 911 and a Ferrari F8. Ferrari offers optional adaptive cruise control. Porsche has offered it since 2013. I do not understand why Chevrolet does not offer it as an option. I would order it.