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Is GM Planning To Give The C8 Corvette Stingray More Power?

The C8 Corvette model lineup is expanding, with several high-performance and ultra-high-performance models coming down the pipe. Now, however, it’s looking like the C8 Corvette Stingray may be poised for a power boost as well, per a series of new spy photos.

GM Authority has exclusively captured what otherwise looks like a regular C8 Corvette Stingray, albeit with one exception – the exhaust. The prototype in question is wearing Manufacturer plates and has been testing in the vicinity of GM’s facilities with a pair of strange exhaust pipes sticking out of the rear bumper. The twin pipes are longer and thinner than the quad outboard exhaust tips we’re used to seeing on the Corvette Stingray, so what could they be?

By the look of it, these strange-looking exhaust tips seem to be EPA certification exhaust pipes, which indicates that the C8 Corvette Stingray may be poised for a few powertrain revisions, meaning either more power, reduced emissions, or both.

Obviously, GM has yet to announce any possible powertrain revisions for the C8 Corvette Stingray, but the prototype seen here certainly suggests that’s exactly what’s in store. As a reminder, the C8 Corvette Stingray debuted for the 2020 model year with the mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine, which throws down 490 horsepower at 6,450 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 5,150 rpm. Add in the factory performance exhaust system, and those figures are upped to 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

For the moment, the only news out there with regard to the upcoming 2024 Chevy Corvette is in regard to the new-for-2024 Corvette E-Ray. As GM Authority covered previously, a recent leak revealed the new Corvette E-Ray exterior and interior designs, as well as available exterior paint colors and interior colorways. As for the power spec, the C8 Corvette E-Ray will boast a hybrid, all-wheel drive setup good for roughly 600 horsepower, placing it roughly between the C8 Corvette Stingray and C8 Corvette Z06 in terms of peak output.

2020 Corvette Stingray C8 Convertible.

2020 Corvette Stingray C8 Convertible

Regardless, it looks like there are some important changes in store for the C8 Corvette Stingray, so stay tuned. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. or maybe this is a mule for the ZR1 Engine.

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    1. Pipe diameter too small for 800+ horsepower.

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    2. How about remedying the transmission problems first.

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      1. Haters gotta hate! 2 years & 12000 miles, not one issue or problem.

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  2. Judging by the size of the pipes probably hybrid testing

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  3. Hope more power is coming. 2024 mustang going to 500 HP

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    1. But can the Mustang do 0-60 in 2.8 seconds as a front engine car? The new Mustang don’t have anything on the C8.

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      1. Right on. The 5.0 coyote lacks the flat torque curve and wide power band of the small block. Great at 7000rpm, lackluster elsewhere.

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      2. You really can’t compare the two. I have a 50th anniversary Super Snake 2.9 0-60 780hp of just mean and nasty, it’s a sledgehammer. I just picked up my 2024 Corvette at the museum three weeks ago it’s like a finely tuned instrument. The car is everything I thought it would be and much more. They are both magnificent cars but sooo different, I already put the Shelby away for the winter. The C8 convertible I will enjoy till the first snowfall, 2600 miles and looking to put more on it.

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    2. And the Mustang still don’t hold a candle to the Vette. The Shelby Mustang sure to a point, the new 500hp darkhorse, no. You can’t beat having a mid engine car. All the power you want, if you can’t put it to the ground, doesn’t matter.

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  4. 4 cylinder Cosworth Turbo to compete in 2 liter class ? /sarcasm lol

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  5. Maybe they’re bringing back the Corvair six cylinder

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  6. Standard minor changes from year to year. The old now it comes with 10 more hp upsell. Which is fine. After a year they have intake and other components that need a tweak here and there then it’s gotta do all the EPA testing all over again.

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  7. Corvette is a great car for the money.Build more and make more people happy.

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  8. Maybe GM should expand their production line before they expand their model line. I mean these guys are building 315 Z06 units. With the current demand they won’t meet orders even if they built 3000 units the next 5 years.

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    1. I agree with you, mostly because I want one but since I didn’t place a deposit 2 years ago, forget it…. I think that’s the master plan, like Ferrari/Porsche, by limiting production they retain demand and values.

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      1. it is working for Ferd with the Lightning and Maverick. Not make enough for current demand, claim record sales and demand when old orders are not fulfilled and new orders limited by management sell out immediately

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  9. My guess is the new gen engines. We know the Silverado will get a new V8 for 2025 YM (2024) this means that testing is happening right now. Likely a new 5.3/6.2, or even new sizes entirely. The genV engines are a decade old now with only slight adjustments to them. We’re due for a gen 5.5 or even a gen 6 small block here around the corner.

    Some simple things that can be done easily to the small block without inventing the wheel is add in the tech from the 2.7 turbo would bring it up to date immensely while keeping the price under the 5.0 coyote.
    -off center crankshaft
    -VVL
    -active thermal management

    Some things I’d like to see but would add significantly to the costs of the engine
    -Compacted graphite iron block
    -spray on bore liners
    -spray on piston liner
    -dual injection

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  10. They could get another 20-25hp with an LS7-type cam and still pass emissions. maybe a slight bump in compression.

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  11. To speak of a Mustang in the same sentence as a Corvette is Herosy

    Reply

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