The Corvette C8 is a massive step forward for America’s sports car, with the majority of headlines focusing on the new mid-engine platform and proportions, both of which mark a major departure from the seven front-engine generations that came before it. Some C8 models sound quite exotic as well, including the C8 Z06, which can rev up to 8,600 rpm, all howling in a decidedly exotic manner along the way. Nevertheless, the question remains – is the Corvette C8 really considered an exotic?
As expected, there are good points to be made on both sides of the argument. For those that say it is an exotic, the mid-engine layout and proportions are a major factor. The high-revving 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine cradled by the C8 Z06 is another good indication that the C8 is an exotic, with a flat-plane crank and other design attributes typically associated with European go-fast machinery. The performance is definitely something to consider as well, with the C8 capable of challenging some of the fastest machines on the market, whether it’s in a straight line, or in the corners.
Of course, there’s also quite a few point to be made when it comes to arguing that the C8 isn’t an exotic. For starters, some might say that anything made by Chevrolet isn’t “exotic,” given the Bow Tie brand is clearly GM’s bread-and-butter. Indeed, the Corvette has always been a relatively accessible sports car, and as such, that disqualifies it from the exotic classification. The price is another factor of this – it it has a five-figure MSRP, like the C8 Stingray, it isn’t exotic, right?
That all said, there are exceptions (there are always exceptions). The new C8 ZR1, for example, is expected to cost between $175,000 and $200,000 and can reach a top speed of 233 mph – definitely exotic territory by any measure. So perhaps the better answer is that some Corvette C8 trims are exotic, and other’s aren’t. Or maybe that’s still totally off-base.
What do you think, dear reader? Is the Corvette C8 an exotic? Vote in the poll below, and let us know your thoughts!
Comments
a car does not have to be an overpriced piece of crap that sells 300 cars per year to be exotic
has to combined luxury, speed and rarity. It’s not luxury or rare. Especially when you can build your own Twin turbo c8 for cheaper. Should be no substitute.
Why does tis even matter?
I really like the ZR1, wish I could afford one. But I also really love my 2021 C8, it is simply awesome and a practical daily driver car, and what a value. 76,000 USD for Z51, mag ride suspension, and front end lift. Just a joy everytime I drive it.
The 2025 ZR1 C8 is a fantastic supercar. It has blown past all European exotics under $1 million (and even past some that are over a million). The foreign exotics are complaining because it is made by Chevrolet. Audi had the same problem when it 1st introduced the Audi 5000 – back in the 70s. They tried to sell through Volkswagen dealerships. Audi did take-off untill they had their own dealerships. Yes, GM could have created another line of sport car under another name but why. GM is now running salt into the European elites – the entitled groups. They cannot compete with American engineering & production. So, they make up a false narrative to bolster their brands. However, we know the truth. The C8 ZR1 out performs them all – and has better interior & ride quality.
Western Europeans are not elite. More like lazy, unwashed serfs, who don’t know the meaning of hard work and expect their morally corrupt, rotten to the core governments to take care of them.
They have become emasculated hand wringers who would be defenseless lambs if not for the protection of US military might.
It’s just an Erotic.
Never had one, but I worked on alot of them back in the late 60’s and 70’s. Even a couple of L88’s. I had a chance to get my hands on an numbers matching 53 back then. But that’s a story for another time.