More than half of all customers who purchased a 2020 Corvette or 2020 Corvette Convertible ordered it with the optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension.
A total of 20,368 examples of the C8 Corvette will be produced for the 2020 model year, including 16,787 coupes and 3,581 convertibles. Of those, 15,476 cars were ordered with the Z51 Performance Package, which enables customers to add Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension (RPO code FE4) to the vehicle as well. The vast majority of customers who went for the Z51 Performance Package shelled out extra for the upgraded FE4 suspension, with 10,991 customers selecting this option.
The Z51 Performance Package with the standard Z51 Suspension (RPO code FE3) was much less popular, with only 4,485 customers deciding to go for this option. Additionally, only 4,492 examples of the 2020 Corvette left the factory without the Z51 Performance Package and the Standard Suspension (RPO Code FE1).
It’s unsurprising to see the majority of Corvette customers opting for the Z51 Performance Package, as it costs a fairly reasonable $5,995 and brings important equipment such as Brembo brakes, a different rear axle ratio, performance exhaust, an electronic limited slip differential, a heavy-duty cooling system and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires.
Chevy changed the availability of the FE4 suspension for the 2021 model year Corvette. The only way to get the FE4 suspension on the 2020 model year vehicle was to order the Z51 Performance Package, but for 2021, customers will be able to add the magnetically-controlled dampers without having to tick the box for the Z51 package. This could be attractive for buyers who want the more refined ride and adjustable suspension that Magnetic Selective Ride Control brings, but may not benefit from other performance-focused add ons like Brembo brakes or an improved cooling system.
Chevy plans to shift to production of the 2021 model year Corvette and Corvette convertible on December 8th. The automaker had previously planned to begin building 2021 model year version of the sports car earlier on in the year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant production delays at the Bowling Green Assembly plant.
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Comments
While some may think the Corvette’s suspension is fine without the magnetic ride control; this is a must have item for anyone who may want to sell their C8 Corvette.
Z51 package was only $5,000 for 2020 model. Increased to $5,995 for 2021. I believe the MSRC is the same price for both model years, but the optional front end lift increases $500 for 2021 as well.
Statistics on the wheels sold are interesting: Q8S – Sterling Silver Trident: 1,924; Q8T – Midnight Painted Trident: 2,420; Q8Q – Painted Carbon Flash Open Spoke: 8,500; Q8P -Bright Silver Open Spoke: 7,524. A grand total of: 20,368. This sounds wonderful. However, Omegatalon might point out that there were a number of Corvettes which received the Spectra Gray Machine-Face Wheels Option – Q8T. How is it that the statistics describe Q8T as Midnight Painted Trident wheels and 2420 in number, but do not mention the entirely different color: “Trident Spoke Machined Face Spectra Gray Painted Aluminum Wheels”? Entirely different description with the same code. Also, where were those wheels installed? It makes it appear that such wheels were installed at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant. Perhaps this is one for the Museum or the Concierge. AF