Full details on the 2021 Corvette C8 have been released before the sports car enters production at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly plant later this year.
We’ve covered the changes that will be applied to the 2021 Corvette in various separate articles in the past, but with this week’s announcements, details on the car have become official. The majority of the changes are with regard to exterior and interior colors, but there are a number of other important changes, including new standard and available equipment.
One of the biggest changes for the 2021 Corvette is the availability of the Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension on models without the Z51 performance package. For the 2020 model year, customers had to get the Z51 package if they wanted Magnetic Selective Ride Control, but this will no longer be the case for 2021.
All 2021 Corvette models will come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well. To note, the current 2020 Corvette comes equipped with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. There’s also a new on-screen visualization for the drive mode and new digital tachometer that appears in track mode. Rounding out the tech updates is GM’s new Buckle To Drive technology, which comes standard on all models and will prevent the driver from shifting the vehicle out of ‘Park’ if the driver’s seat belt is not buckled.
As for exterior colors, Silver Flare Metallic (GSJ) and Red Mist Tintcoat (GPH) replace Blade Silver metallic (GAN) and Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat (G1E) on the vehicle’s color palette. Additionally, GM has added new colors for its Full-Length Dual Racing Strike Package, including Blue, Orange, Red and Yellow along with a new Stinger Stripe in three colors: Carbon Flash/Edge Red, Carbon Flash/Edge Yellow and Carbon Flash/Midnight Silver. Last but not least, GM has added a new interior color combination to the sports car for 2021: Sky Cool Gray/Yellow Strike.
As we reported previously, a new Corvette C8.R inspired ‘Stingray R’ graphics package is also expected to be offered on the 2021 Corvette, but GM did not mention the graphics package in its press release. It may become available at a later date, however, so all hope is not lost for those fans who wanted the Stingray R graphics set. GM has also added a C8.R car cover to the options list for those owners who want to show their love for Corvette Racing.
The 2021 Corvette has not gone up in price, as expected, and will start at $59,995 for the coupe and $67,495 for the convertible. Many 2020 Corvette buyers will end up receiving a 2021 model, it is worth noting, due to the significant production delays experienced with the 2020 model year vehicle.
Just like before, power for the 2021 Corvette comes from a 6.2L LT2 V8 good for 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque with the optional performance exhaust. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All performance statistics for the car are the same as in 2020.
Comments
Glad to hear that GM is adding features instead of their usual Deletion of them.
Sounds great. The C8 is such an amazing overall vehicle.
Well done GM
SERIOUSLY? 15,000 plus of us are waiting on our MY2020 STINGRAYS
According to the article, you might be getting a 2021 model!
Yes, seriously 15,000 waiting. And it is not GM’s fault. Where have you been since March?
If there are 15,000 that ordered the 2020 and are now getting a 2021, will those of us that ordered a 2021 going to get one or will that be delayed also.
I put a deposit down in December for a convertible. Now I am being told to reorder a 2021. And a by the way the price is going up for some options. I am already pushing $90k!!
I’ve belonged to a number of Corvette clubs and the main demographic is 55 yrs. and up. This group (like myself) is looking for the wonderful safety features, moreso, than strictly performance ones. One of the scariest problems with cars like this are the ‘blind spots’. The camera/rearview mirror option should be offered, or made standard. Also the raise the front option should also be offered on the entry level car. These are SAFETY options, NOT performance options and should be treated as such.
I understand the base price for the 2021 will stay the same but the options price will go up. I put down a deposit in December 2019 for a convertible and I was told by the dealer that I will have to wait for a 2021! Already pushing $90k! It will be over a year before I get my car and now I wonder how much it will be?
What about order date for 2021
I agree that all safety options should be made available. This reduces potential damage to what is a major investment for many of us and will help to keep insurance costs down. Adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, etc. should be available. I will gladly pay extra for safety options. Those that do not want them can skip ordering them. What about making vehilce upgrades available as software downloads? This way, if testing is needed, they can be added when fully integrated. The GM economy of scale can make them a win-win for the consumer and provide GM an extra revenue source. An article from corvette engineering would be invaluable for our understanding. Tesla upgrades features with overnight vehicle downloads that allow all owners to benefit from improvements. This is a way to keep Corvette ahead of the competition.
Would like to see the spoiler as a stand alone option like it was for my C7.
I like the upgrades they are making to the 2021, but another issue they need to fix is the frunk opening while driving, a manual safety latch needs to be added.