With its new mid-engine layout, the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 is a huge break from tradition. However, there are aspects of the iconic nameplate still left open to change, such as the powertrain and drivetrain.
Chevrolet Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter recently sat down with Autoline After Hours to talk about the new 2020 Vette, and during the interview, he provided a few hints of things to come – including a possible all-electric Vette and all-wheel-drive Vette.
The EV question was asked about 18 minutes into the interview, but Juechter dodged by saying that GM doesn’t talk about future products. Still, he doesn’t flat out deny the possibility either.
“Corvette is part of General Motors, and part of General Motors’ mission, from the top of the company, zero-zero-zero. So zero emissions is part of our mission,” Juechter says. “Now that’s a future state, we’ll get there eventually. That’s our job, to continue to work towards that.”
Of course, the question of how and when GM will get to zero emissions remains up in the air.
Then, around 29 minutes into the interview, Juechter is asked about possible engine alternatives considered during development for the C8. The Chief Engineer answers by saying that General Motors asked customers about doing a four-cylinder or six-cylinder Corvette, but the answer was crystal clear.
“We were roundly booed at that suggestion,” Juechter confesses. Instead, the iconic Small Block V8 was needed to maintain continuity for the nameplate.
“If you’re changing everything else about the car radically, having [the Small Block V8 as a] touchstone, that bit of familiarity,” Juechter said.
What’s more, the space available in the back of the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette allowed the 6.2L LT2 V8 to fit nicely from a packaging and sizing standpoint, and even helped to allow for better “breathing” in terms of intake and exhaust.
Finally, around the 48-minute mark, Juechter was asked about the possibility of building an all-wheel-drive Chevrolet Corvette.
“Having 60 percent of the weight on the rear almost feels like all-wheel-drive,” Juechter answered. “It’s amazing how much traction the car has. We have had some customers say they would like to have all-wheel-drive, so it’s always kind of in our process. Maybe some day.”
Juechter adds it’ll be interesting to see if the release of the C8 will quell some of those requests for an all-wheel-drive Chevrolet Corvette, given the extra traction provided by the mid-engine layout.
What do you think about an all-electric or all-wheel-drive Corvette? Let us know in the comments, and make sure 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
An electric Corvette is not just possible. It is a reality, since the GXE Corvette exists with 800 HP and 718 lb-ft of torque, and runs over 209 MPH without a drop of gasoline. Read more: https://genovationcars.com/
“The GXE still broke its own world record for fastest street legal all-electric supercar: 210.2 mph”
Come on, GM! Built the Corvette E-Ray!
All talk…..
Can we get production going first ???
Anyone who thinks that an all electric all wheel drive C8 wasn’t on the table day one is, well. You know!
You just gave the answer: “an all electric all wheel drive C8”. – 4 motor 4-wheel drive, no ICE.
Tadge admits Corvette is a part of GM, and GM has Vision Zero, which means the EV will have to be another GM brand, just not a Chevrolet Corvette. Behold the Cadillac XLR-EV and hopefully PHEV like 918 or LaFerrari.
Chevrolet Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter is a great liar as I remember when he was a guest promoting the C7 Corvette, Juechter flatly said that there was no mid-engine car program within Chevrolet and actually pushed the idea that the car might be a production version of Cadillac’s Cien mid-engine concept car; which means one thing.. you cannot believe the words coming out of Tadge Juechter’s mouth as he will not speak the truth about future vehicles until after their official introduction because why give away secrets.
He was not lying p, he was doing his job of keeping confidential information confidential.
I knew there was a program and Tadge saying there was nothing going on.
It was fun to watch the cat and mouse game.
In listening you must match the words with the actions we see.
At the same time Cadillac said the car was not theirs. It was obvious as they had other major needs before another sports car.
If you’re going to accuse someone of lying, you should at least quote them accurately. He said “the is no mid-engine Corvette,” not no ‘program.’ Since the program was still in its infancy, and not cars had been built, he was technically accurate.
GM fires people for talking about unreleased products. Try living in the real world.
The new C8 Mid Engine Vette is already awesome based on all the numbers except 1!!!! Tadge and the Corvette engineers have to get the weight down to 2900 to 3100 lbs with all the fluids. At 3500 to 3600 lbs I think the car is a little heavier than what I would like. I know the new Tremec transmission and bigger tires adds weight, but Tadge and the Corvette engineers can get that weight down with more carbon fiber and kevlar!!!!! Please LOWER the WEIGHT!!!!
The weight comes from using heavier but cheaper materials than some other companies.
The target was to keep the price lower as it is a major part of the Corvette.
As more expensive versions arrive we will see more expensive weight loss materials used.
AWD done like Audi does it. Not by adding an electric motor that consumes the limited space.
As if adding a differential and axles up front won’t “take up space.” LOL
How about Hydraulic motors up front. No drive shaft just high pressure hoses with mid engine driven hydro pump. The intention of front drive is to facilitate faster cornering and faster recovery.
Lose some weight set up AWD and away we go.