The Chevrolet Corvette C8 Zora is expected to arrive for the 2024 model year to become the uncontested flagship of the eighth-generation Corvette family, serving as a bastion of American engineering to deliver awe-inspiring levels of performance, control and driving dynamics.
Overview
The C8 Zora will complete the eight-generation Corvette family as the undisputed range-topping model.
Pairing a twin-turbo V8 engine with a hybrid-electric drivetrain, the Corvette Zora will feature aggressive looks and the highest levels of performance of any Corvette. The Zora will be the final major model variant of the C8 family.
The C8 Zora will also be the second Corvette to feature a hybrid drivetrain and AWD, following the C8 E-Ray.
Photos
No photos of the Corvette C8 Zora are currently available. We will update this section one we get the very first spy shots.
Engine
GM Authority expects the Corvette C8 Zora to be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5L V8 LT7 engine mated to a hybrid-electric drivetrain. The gasoline engine will feature a Dual OverHead Cam (DOHC) configuration with 32 valves.
Not much is currently known about the hybrid-electric motor. However, we have received a few tips saying that the electric drive unit will be located between the front wheels in the “frunk” and that it will be fed by battery packs located in the middle of the car. Peak output of the hybrid system might be around 85 kW (115 horsepower) and around 115 pound-feet of torque.
Total system output is expected to approach, if not slightly surpass, 1,000 horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission
Shifting duties in the C8 Zora will be handled by the same eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission as in the Chevrolet C8 Stingray, Z06 and ZR1, but adapted for the hybrid-electric drivetrain. The unit might might be beefed up to handle the immense levels of torque in the Zora. As with all other variants of the C8, a manual transmission will not be offered.
Co-developed with TREMEC, the dual-clutch automatic delivers lightning-fast shifts and incredible power transfer in the Stingray model, and we have no reason to believe that this will change for the Zora. The transmission was designed to provide drivers with the best of both worlds: the spirited feel and direct connection associated with a manual as well as the premium driving comfort of an automatic. The double-paddle de-clutch feature allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control, in addition to choosing a specific gear. This enables the drive to perform a free-rev, if and when desired.
Power will be sent to all four wheels, making the Zora the second Corvette C8 to be AWD (with the E-Ray being the other).
Chassis
We expect the C8 Zora to feature an upgraded chassis compared to all other C8 variants, though it should most closely resemble that of the C8 ZR1.
A more capable version of the Magnetic Ride Control system will deliver even greater levels of handling and body response, while wider wheels and tires should deliver an even greater contact patch to the road. Larger, more capable brakes compared to the Stingray will also be part of the Zora’s upgraded chassis, and regenerative braking should also be part of the package.
Performance
Specific performance figures for the Corvette C8 Zora are not available, but we do expect it to best the performance of all other C8 Corvette variants in nearly every aspect.
A 0-60 mph time of less than 2.0 seconds might be made possible by this electrified land rocket. Initial whispers tell us that the vehicle is being targeted as an all-around performer and grand tourer, but also one that can more than handle itself at the track. The added weight of the battery pack and electric motors might give the Zora slightly worse stopping performance than the lighter Z06 or ZR1.
Meanwhile, the superior balance of the mid-engine configuration will aid in achieving higher levels of performance, as the layout maximizes traction and grip, enabling more power to be put to the pavement compared to a front-engine, rear-drive setup.
Exterior
The exterior will feature a “wide body” design, with flared fenders front and back to accommodate larger wheels and tires, bigger brakes and more powertrain cooling. Sources say that the Zora will also go “all out” when it comes to active aerodynamics features.
Body Styles
We expect the Corvette C8 Zora to be available as a two-door coupe (with a removable hard top panel) and a hard-top convertible. However, it’s currently unclear whether the convertible will make its way to market.
Interior
Inside, don’t expect the Corvette C8 Zora to stray too far from the world-class cabin introduced by the C8 Stingray. The same general cockpit is expected, with Zora badges and a few unique accents throughout.
Much like on the ZR1, an “exclusive” seating and insert material could make an appearance, while seats will be offered with a massaging function.
Naming
The C8 Zora will be named in honor of Zora Arkus-Duntov, a prior Corvette chief engineer who pioneered the idea of a mid-engine Corvette decades ago.
General Motors has filed to trademark the Zora name in about two dozen countries as far back as 2018.
Availability
We expect the C8 Zora to become available in late 2023 calendar year as a 2024 model year vehicle.
Production
Like all other Corvette models, the C8 Zora will be assembled at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky – home of the Corvette.
We expect the LT7 motor to be assembled at the adjacent Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The battery pack should be assembled at the new GM Battery Plant in Lordstown, while the electric motors might also be assembled at the same facility.
Platform
The C8 Zora will be underpinned by the GM Y2 platform – the new mid-engine vehicle architecture that underpins all variants of the Corvette C8.
GM Global B will serve as the vehicle’s electrical system. In fact, a big reason why the entire Corvette C8 family, starting with the C8 Stingray, saw a six-month-long delay in coming to market, was to utilize the Global B electrical system, which is absolutely necessary to deliver such high-powered, high-performance hybrid-electric models as the C8 Zora.
Pricing
Pricing for the C8 Zora is currently unknown. However, GM Authority expects the MSRP to start between $150,000 and $200,000.
Specs
C8 Zora specifications currently not available. We will update this section once we have them.
Other Corvette C8 Variants
The Corvette C8 E-Ray will be one of many model variants in the C8 range, which will consist of:
- C8 Stingray – the base Corvette that a great all-round performer
- C8 Z06 – a track-focused, all-motor missile
- C8 E-Ray – a new model that hybridizes the Stingray, gives it a wide body treatment and AWD
- The E-Ray will indirectly take the place of the Grand Sport
- C8 Grand Sport – a lightweight model that uses the Z06 body with the motor from the Stingray
- Model will not come to market, and will be indirectly represented by Corvette E-Ray
- C8 ZR1 – the range-topping, non-hybrid flagship slotting beneath the Zora focused on comfortable yet capable touring and cruising
- C8 Zora – the undisputed range-topping flagship with close to 1,000 horsepower via a hybrid-electric drivetrain and with AWD capability
Discussion
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News
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