George Borke
6/25/2019 1:29 PM
We’re counting down the days until the mid-engine Corvette C8 finally makes its big debut, and to help make the wait a little less grueling, we’re pouring over all the teasers and spy shots of the next-gen sports car that we can find to see what else we can derive about the C8 and what it will bring to the table. And, after going over the spy shots of the interior we captured a few weeks ago, we now know the mid-engine Corvette C8 will offer a heated steering wheel.
Zooming in on the right-hand side of the spy shots, we find a panel of hard buttons on the steering wheel that includes a number of easily recognizable symbols. At the top is a button with a white outline of a steering wheel and some wavy lines – the same one that GM currently uses to toggle the heated steering wheel function – indicating that the mid-engine Corvette C8 will come equipped with a heated steering wheel feature.
This is particularly exciting considering a heated steering wheel isn’t even offered as an available option on the current C7 Corvette. However, it makes sense for Chevrolet to add as many extras as possible with this generational changeover given the major platform and powertrain configuration changes included under the skin.
All told, a heated steering wheel will be crucial for those buyers who reside and drive their Corvettes in colder climates. We’re sure it’s also appreciated for those test drivers taking the C8 for a spin during the frigid Michigan winters.
Additionally, the photos show that the new mid-engine Corvette C8 offers a brand-new steering wheel design. The wheel’s twin-spoke shape is set in an inverted-V, with both a flat top and a flat bottom. There’s also a big piece of tape laid across the middle of the wheel, which we know is covering up the new crossed-flag Corvette badge. Glossy black surfaces and aluminum surrounds are complemented by leather wrapping with red contrast stitching.
On the sides of the wheel, we find a pair of shift paddles, likely for a double-clutch gearbox. It’s unclear if the Corvette C8will offer a manual gearbox. Further button controls include a switch to navigate the infotainment system, as well as cruise control functions and phone controls.
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