The all-new eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette introduces a variety of sweeping changes for the storied Chevy sports car, not the least of which is a brand-new, mid-mounted V8 powerplant. Naturally, such a significant alteration necessitates equally significant attention – enter the C8 Corvette Engine Appearance Package, which (literally) sheds light on the Bow Tie brand’s latest atmospheric V8 powerplant.
C8 Corvette with Engine Appearance Package
Offered on all trim levels for the C8 Corvette Coupe, the Engine Appearance Package adds two key components to the engine bay, including:
- LED lighting that illuminates the engine compartment
- Carbon fiber closeout panels located on either side of the engine
Pricing for the C8 Corvette Engine Appearance Package is set at $995, per the vehicle’s online configurator, tagged with RPO code ZZ3.
Looking over images comparing the C8 Corvette engine bay with and without the Engine Appearance Package, we find that the optional extra adds a good amount of glitz and flash to the overall aesthetic. The carbon fiber trim bits give the engine bay extra performance flavor, while the LED lighting adds exactly the right emphasis.
And it makes sense. After all, the C8 Corvette is the first-ever production Vette to mount the engine behind the cabin, and a little pomp and circumstance is definitely appropriate. What’s more, the C8 Corvette Coupe’s clear rear hatch cover is simply inviting more attention, so why not add a little extra spice to the mix?
C8 Corvette with Engine Appearance Package
Paired with optional extras like the Edge Red or Sterling Silver engine cover (both priced at $525), and the C8 Corvette engine compartment packs even more visual drama for onlookers.
As a reminder, the C8 Corvette features the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 engine, which produces 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the optional Z51 Performance Package (490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque without the package). Output is sent to the rear wheels by way of an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while under the skin, the latest Corvette rides on the all-new Y2 platform. Assembly takes place exclusively at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
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Comments
The red engine cover certainly makes the difference, doesn’t matter part of the appearance package or not. Mat black cover is too dull.
Much prefer the red cover! The carbon fiber stuff is OK, but the gray cover sucks compared to the red one.
I thought the red one was the appearance package until I read the caption. And what is performance flavor?
Make this car in manual or it will always be an afterthought to any real car enthusiast. What a punch in the gut to the Corvette name to not offer one.
I don’t get it. It looks better WITHOUT the engine apperance package. You sure you got the photos right?
I’d have to agree, the red cover looks much nicer, gives it some contrast. Silver one is boring. As was said above, you sure you got the photos right?
Offering an engine bay light package that illuminates without opening the rear hatch would be better
Actually, there should be a light offer for both closed and open illumination. Supposedly, Eikon Motorsports was working to develop some engine compartment lighting options via the aftermarket. Is it possible that GM is worried about people putting these lights on while driving and possibly trigger inadvertent accidents? As long as the vehicle is parked, lighting the compartment open or closed makes good sense. There is a lot left cosmetically that can be done with the engine compartment. A little imagination and certain color LED’s and who knows what might enhance that area of the C8? AF
Why is your clodfare cdn blocking access to look at larger pics of your thumbnails on my mobile device. Pleas fix…
I wonder how they look with the hatch closed?
They don’t come on with the hatch closed.
But they are on when your lights are on driving, otherwise pretty boing engine compartment at night without the appearance package.
The pictures are very deceiving, the one with lights is the silver cover, the one without lights is red, pretty poor comparison.
Having the same color cover with and without lights would have been much better to compare.
I’ve ordered with the factory cover with engine appearance and black Z51 calipers, front lift on my order.
I have both the red cover and the appearance pkg. the red cover alone makes a huge improvement. The lighting and the Carbon fiber panels are tied together but the lights are really nice. The Carbon gives it a more finished high end look but I would have just gotten the Led lighting if I could with the red cover. A red Led up lighting would be perfect when the cover is closed. If placed at the trunk portion facing forward it would not be confused for a brake light.
Unless they are viewing from a drone following you at speed, no one can see the engine when you are driving, and illumination in the engine bay can be distracting to the driver. It seems a simple matter to have the engine illumination only operate when the vehicle is in park.
I agree that the red engine cover should be part of the engine appearance package. The gray is just blah.
I finally figured out that GM’s c8 commercials showing the engine bay lights on while driving down the road was a misconception by GM.
I prefer a white engine bay light, getting into these other colors makes it look more like a rice burner.
After I get mine I might look into maybe getting a red engine cover.
If I can’t get the factory bay lights to function without the added connector that turns them on with the rear defroster, not interested in running the rear defroster in 110* nights, if I have to add a set it’ll be 2 light from the back going forward.
I’ve already ordered the lights listed below just in case.
Heise/Metra part number “HE-BALW” they offer several colors and a controller, but I’m only interested in the bay lights on when the lights are on.