The COVID-19 pandemic has stopped the auto industry in its tracks, canceling debuts and auto shows, and sending workers home as production facilities suspend operation. Now, it looks as though the release of a future variant of the C8 Corvette has been delayed as well.
As tipped in a recent post from The Detroit News, the upcoming mid-cycle updates for General Motors’ vehicle lineup has been pushed back to the 2021 calendar as a result of disruptions incurred during the novel coronavirus pandemic. That includes “a future variant of the Chevrolet Corvette that was not slotted for 2020,” according to the report.
The C8 Corvette variant in question could be either the high-performance C8 Z06, or the hybrid Corvette E-Ray.
C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 benchmarking against the Porsche 911 GT2 RS
As we’ve covered previously, the C8 Corvette Z06 will come with a naturally aspirated DOHC 5.5L flat-plane crank V8, as previewed in the new Corvette C8.R race car. Output will be set at around 650 horsepower. The new Z06 will also sport a massive rear wing, sharper suspension, and bigger brakes.
Corvette E-Ray prototype
Meanwhile, the C8 Corvette E-Ray will sport a plug-in hybrid powertrain for greater performance and even extra fuel economy. Up front, the E-Ray will get an electric drive unit tossing down about 100 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque, while behind the cabin, the C8’s familiar 6.2L LT2 V8 gas engine will make 490 horsepower. Total output is estimated in the 600-horsepower range.
In addition to delays for a future variant of the C8 Corvette, the COVID-19 pandemic has also delayed the redesign and refresh of several other 2021 GM models. As we covered previously, this includes the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups, the Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and Chevrolet Camaro.
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Comments
The C8 is cursed.
No were lucky to be reading this email. My C8 would be going into production next week but now “SIGH” it will be delayed ??? how long. I am still stoked and hoping you all can go back to work SAFELY very soon.
Disappointing, but there is more important things right now. Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone. Be smart and be safe. We will get our cars in due time and they will be worth the wait. Thank you GM
For Chevrolet and GM, this attack of a virus must be agonizing as well. A lot of good people and great workers had worked incredibly hard the last couple of years to get new more efficient cars on the road and had several projects that they were in the middle of, all interrupted by this dangerous and insidious virus the Covid-19. Some inroads are being made and it has been suggested by one doctor today, that a six-point program, vigorously attacked could start sending people back to work within three weeks. Testing everyone to determine their status would be a key and that would require a lot of safety equipment which GM is helping to make. A very interesting category, as a part of his plan, makes a whole lot of good sense. He states that those tested who were positive from the virus should be recorded and allowed to return to work. They are no longer contagious. This would allow many important jobs and industries to start back up again on a gradual and steady basis. This makes more sense than leaving industry locked down along with all of their employees. The doctor states this would gradually return the country to full function, starting within two to three weeks, instead of waiting until everyone recovers. This new strategy takes advantage that those recovering from the virus be tested for antibodies and when they are found, those people would no longer be contagious and returning them to work immediately would be quite safe. As others developed immunity and could be tested to confirm, they also in turn could return to work. In this manner, the country could get back on its feet much faster. What does anyone else think of this? AF