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OKAY - I LIED, THIS IS THE COOLEST Z06 VIDEO EVER

2023 Z06
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This Safety Feature Absolute Necessity When Buying The Corvette C8


While there’s no denying that the mid-engine, supercar-like design of the Corvette C8 is very attractive and eye-catching, the configuration creates a huge blind spot with poor-to-no visibility when changing lanes. For that reason, GM Authority believes that the GM Side Blind Zone Alert feature is an absolute necessity on the Corvette C8, something that should be seriously considered by those interested in buying Chevy’s new mid-engine sports car, whether in Coupe or Convertible form.

Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) is a GM active safety technology that provides side mirror alerts to help the driver avoid crashing into a vehicle in their side blind spot (or zone) during a lane change maneuver.

The technology uses one left and one right short-range radar located in the rear corners of the vehicle to monitor moving vehicles up to 11 feet (3.5 meters) behind the side mirror, one lane over from both sides of the vehicle. The system only works when the vehicle is in a Forward gear.

A driver is warned of a moving vehicle in the side blind zone via an amber Lane Change Alert icon in the top outer portion of the side mirror. The icon illuminates in a steady way if the system detects a vehicle in the Corvette’s blind zone, and flashes if the driver activates the turn signal in the direction of the detected vehicle. As such, an illuminated Lane Change Alert icon indicates that it’s unsafe to change lanes. While Side Blind Zone Alert is intended to assist in changing lanes, the driver is still responsible for checking mirrors, looking over the shoulder, and using turn signals before making a lane change.  It’s worth noting that Side Blind Zone Alert does not deliver a Safety Alert Seat vibration or any form of beeping alerts. Additionally, one can turn the system on or off via a setting in the vehicle settings menu.


On the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Corvette, Side Blind Zone Alert is standard on 2LT and 3LT but not available on 1LT models. Potential customers should take that into consideration when buying a new or used C8.

Side Blind Zone Alert is part of a set of modern active safety features GM introduced with the C8 Corvette, something completely missing from the C7 Corvette. Besides Side Blind Zone Alert, the safety suite includes Rear Cross Traffic Alert, HD Rear Vision Camera, Front Curb View Camera, Rear Camera Mirror, and Rear Park Assist. All these add up to underscore the C8 Corvette’s role as a “true supercar for every day.”


Photo of the 2023 Corvette Z06s Inside Chevy’s Nurburgring Lair


They say a picture is worth a thousand words and that’s certainly true in this Twitter post from General Motor’s President Mark Reuss. Making what we believe to be his first public comment on the 2023 Corvette Z06, Mark sounds like a proud father who is very excited about the future.


In his post from August 27th, Mark tweeted, “What an amazing week. So proud of this team. Those who know what these are and where this is at….well you know. Z comes to life….#furious.”

The photo comes from inside Chevrolet’s “lair” at the Nurburgring and shows six pre-production C8 Corvettes in the spotless garage. It’s already been determined from various spy photos that at least five include the base and Z07-optioned Corvette Z06s with the outlier being a widebody prototype with the corner-mounted exhaust that may or may not be the C8 Corvette E-Ray.

Corvette engineers spent two weeks at the Nurburgring during an open window for manufacturers to conduct testing on the 12.9-mile track. Mark’s post comes at the very end of the testing period which he punctuated with this photo. We recall that Mark did something very similar when the C8 Corvette Stingray wrapped up its testing at the Nurburgring back in 2019.

As we reported last week, the team was hoping to put in a few hot laps as they had three prototypes ready to hit the track last Wednesday, but they were thwarted by individual crashes from a BMW and Tesla Plaid S that required the track to close to fix the barriers. YouTuber Misha Charoudin captured the scene as the engineering was staging for that attempt:

As you can see in this photo, the Corvette engineering team at the Nurburgring has also been shadowed by a film crew which makes us believe that Chevy will be continuing its behind-the-scenes documentary series “Corvette: The Mid-Engine Revolution” with the Z06.

The 2023 Corvette Z06 is set to be revealed on October 26th.



All Systems Go: ProCharger Releases Supercharger For The C8 Corvette


Since the introduction of the C8 Corvette, companies have been working extremely hard to introduce new products for Chevrolet’s latest sports car. And while we’ve seen several of these cars with twin-turbo systems like Amelia Hartford and Cicio Performance, we haven’t seen any supercharger systems hit the market, well, that is until today. 

ProCharger has been working overtime on their new supercharger system for the mid-engine C8 and is now ready to release them to its customers. Finally, after thousands of miles and hours of wide-open pulls, the company states that the unit is ready for production, and the system looks and sounds incredible. And you don’t have to worry about tuning or tweaking the system because ProCharger has already put the system through rigorous testing. “We find the most miserable conditions we can find (100+ degrees + Humidity) and punish the road course. Since only then, after tens of thousands of miles, hours, and hours of wide-open throttle, can we officially say it’s production-ready. Follow along in the blog as we showcase how our new C8 Corvette Supercharger kit is no one-hit-wonder, as we show off some of the production parts coming to the table.”


HO Intercooled Tuner Kit

  • Produces the coolest charge air temps and most significant power gains
  • Bolt-on installation (no cutting or trimming)
  • Effortless installation, only requiring common hand tools 
  • Air-to-water intercooler system
  • CNC Billet intake manifold
  • Robust CNC billet bracket system
  • Self-contained head unit 

HO Intercooled Tuner Kit Plus

  • Timing control
  • 6-pounds of boost

Stage II Intercooled Tuner Kit

  • Boost set to 6-9 psi
  • Intake manifold can be outfitted with port injection

Optional Upgrades

  • Polished, or black supercharger and bracket finish
  • Helical gear set for noise reduction
  • Injector bungs and fuel rail for intake manifold for port fueling (Stage II only) 
  • Black finish for intake manifold (raw finish standard)
  • Black finish for intake manifold cover (natural finish standard)
  • Supercharger upgrades such as P-1X, D-1SC, and D-1X
  • Carbon fiber upgrades

ProCharger currently offers three different systems for the C8 Corvette, which include the  P-1SC-1 head unit good for 180-225 additional horsepower depending on your needs and budget. And if you’re interested in a system, you need to contact ProCharger to secure your spot in line as the list grows daily. 

Be. sure to check out ProCharger.com for more information on the new supercharger system for the C8 Corvette and other innovative products. 




Why C8 Corvette Markups Should Begin To Go Away Now


The C8 Corvette is in high demand, with every last unit getting scooped up at a very fast pace. In fact, the mid-engine Chevy Corvette was the fastest-selling new car last month. No surprise then that dealers are marking up the C8 Corvette, sometimes quite significantly. However, the markups should begin to go away now – here’s why.

As GM Authority covered previously, the C8 Corvette Stingray recently moved to an ADS (Available Day Supply)dealer allocation model with the introduction of the latest 2022 model year. For those readers who may be unaware, a dealer allocation model sets the number of units of a certain vehicle which the dealer will receive. The ADS allocation model determines this based on the number of days it takes the dealer to sell the vehicle– the more quickly a vehicle is sold, the greater the allocation that dealer will receive. Previously, dealer allocation for the C8 Corvette was based on historic volume, with dealers that historically sold greater volume receiving higher allocation. The speed with which those vehicles were sold would not play a role in determining the vehicle allocation, so high prices did not necessarily play a role.

Now, however, that changes with the new ADS dealer allocation model. So, how does that affect C8 Corvette markups?
Quite simply, the ADS dealer allocation model encourages dealers to sell units as quickly as possible, with the goal of achieving a higher-than-average days-to-sell in order to receive greater allocation. As such, there is a greater incentive to offer the most competitive price possible, thus potentially removing the high dealer markups seen previously.

As a reminder, production of the 2022 Chevy Corvette C8 is set to begin on September 6th , 2021, according to GM Authority sources. It should be noted that the exact date is subject to change given external factors, such as the ongoing global microchip shortage, among other things.  The 2022 Chevy Corvette C8 introduces a few changes and updates over the preceding 2021 model year, including new exterior colors , as well as a the introduction of the IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Edition.


 

New spy photos show Corvette prototypes, possibly hybrid, testing alongside Acura NSX

08-17-21
Spies caught a few C8 Chevrolet Corvette prototypes testing alongside an Acura NSX in rural Michigan this week, lending credence to ongoing rumors of electrified variants of GM's mid-engine sports car. 

At launch, the C8 Corvette was expected to generally follow previous generations' powertrain hierarchy, with the potential addition of hybrid or even battery-electric models. The notion of a halo performance hybrid model named "Zora" intended to compete with the world's hypercars has even been floated, but so far, GM remains relatively mum on what to expect from its quicker C8 models. 

While we'd love to believe that GM is testing a 1,000-horsepower halo model already, the presence of Acura's 573-horsepower mid-engine hybrid suggests that we're looking at something milder. To command a premium over the 495-horsepower V8 offered in the base Corvette, we'd expect a hybrid variant to match or eclipse the NSX's output.

Some rumors have suggested the long-trademarked "E-Ray" badge could adorn a mid-range hybrid model that would slot into the lineup in place of the previous Grand Sport model. In its most recent iterations, Grand Sport has been the choice for buyers who want chassis improvements along the lines of those available on the Z06 without having to spring for the latter's range-topping MSRP. The new Z06 was spotted testing in the same general area as these likely hybrids.

One thing we can say with certainty is that these are not battery-electric models. The large openings in the front fascia are a dead giveaway in that regard, and audio supplied by our spy shooters confirms that each photographed prototype is at least partially motivated by internal combustion.



CLICK THE C8 FLAGS BELOW FOR A GALLERY OF SPY PICS
   





Optimizing The C8 Corvette Stingray For The Track

08-17-21
Lingenfelter has just released a carbon fiber intake manifold for Chevy C8 Corvette Stingray coupe models powered by the 6.2-liter LT2 V8. The five-layer carbon fiber upper is paired with a glass-reinforced nylon lower, which is available in either red or black. While the manifold enhances the overall aesthetic of the engine bay, it also improves performance.

The manifold, officially dubbed the ‘Performance Design pTR Carbon Fiber Intake Manifold’, underwent a year-long development process, and the result is an increase of 25 horsepower at the wheels when paired with Lingenfelter’s 95 mm throttle body. Interestingly, the aftermarket parts manufacturer says that no calibration is required for the hardware.

The list price is $2,099.98 and everything needed for installation – such as the appropriate couplers, hoses, harnesses, gaskets, fasteners, and connectors – is included with the purchase. The system was specifically designed to work with the factory-installed connections and fittings, making it a straight-forward, plug-and-play modification. To reiterate, the system will only fit coupe models and will not work with convertible Chevy C8 Corvette models.

We think the carbon fiber manifold would pair nicely with the available engine appearance package, which includes the factory-installed carbon fiber components shown in the image above (here’s a link to place your order).

One significant benefit is that the aftermarket intake manifold has port injection provisions, which are useful for those who are looking to maximize the performance of their Chevy C8 Corvette. These provisions can be used to get more fuel into each cylinder – and Lingefelter does have fuel rails available for this avenue – or to run other performance-enhancing additives, such as methanol or nitrous oxide.

To that end, Lingenfelter does offer other aftermarket solutions for the mid-engined sports car, including a high-performance exhaust system that was jointly engineered with Corsa, and offers gains of over 19 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque at the wheels. A front lowering kit and spanner wrench set are also available for owners who want to tailor their suspension setups.

Optimizing The C8 Corvette Stingray For The Track

BY JONATHAN LOPEZ — AUG 17, 2021
The mid-engine C8 Corvette Stingray is dressed to impress right from the factory, off ering impressive performance and innovative technology to challenge the world’s best sports cars. However, for hardcore track-day enthusiasts, there are a few areas where the C8 Corvette could use improvement, as identified in the following video feature.

Coming to us from the folks at MotoIQ, this sub-12-minute video is hosted by automotive journalist and professional racing engineer Mike Kojima,who explains the nitty gritty of what it takes to turn the C8 Corvette into a bona fi de track-day monster.  “Probably the [C8 Corvette’s] biggest shortcomings are the brakes, which we found that fade pretty easily under track conditions.” Kojima explains.“Another shortcoming is the magnet ride suspension, which works great on the street, but under track use, makes the car kind of inconsistent andleaves the driver kind of second-guessing what the computers are wanting to do.”

To address the suspension issues, the project C8 Corvette was equipped with new KW Variant 3 coilovers, replacing the factory magnetic ridepieces. The new KW units are meant to give full control over damping settings for more consistent track use. At the same time, the KWs haveidentical spring rates as Z51 package, while also off ering double-adjustable damping for independent compression and rebound tuning. Kojima classifies it as a “nice street shock,” without going to a full race setup.

The next upgrade is bigger brakes from Essex Racing with AP Racing components. The new calipers have an asymmetric design with plenty of airflow through the caliper for better cooling, despite the massive size. Interestingly, the new calipers are also stiffer than the stock Z51 brakes.

The new caliper squeezes with six pistons, more than the factory four-piston setup, as well as bigger pads. What’s more, the new setup is lighter, and it maintains a proper front-rear torque bias to keep the onboard electronics from throwing a fit.

A VIDEO FROM MEMBER BOB BAKER
Z51 PTM EXPLAINED AND DEMONSTRATED


THE
STREETS
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ROAD & TRACK
2023 Z06 UPDATE

 

2023 C8 Corvette Z06: Everything We Know

07/13/21

For nearly 70 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been a staple of the sports car market. With the debut of the mid-engined C8 Corvette Stingray back in 2019 however, the Corvette underwent its largest transformation yet. Now though, GM is hard at work prepping the track-oriented Z06 model. Here is everything we know about the upcoming sports car so far.

A NATURALLY-ASPIRATED POWERHOUSE
The C8 Corvette Z06 will be powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 engine derived from the unit that powers the Corvette Racing C8.R. Known internally as the LT6, this V-8 features dual overhead camshafts and a flat-plane crankshaft. Thanks to that Ferrari-esque layout, the Corvette Z06 is expected to rev up to around 9000 rpm and produce a reported 617 hp in the process. That figure would make the LT6 the most powerful naturally-aspirated V-8 yet from an automaker, surpassing the Ferrari 458 Speciale's rating of 597 hp. Based on the soundtrack that comes from the C8.R, the LT6 promises to be quite the screamer. That engine note will also be pumped through a unique center-exit exhaust layout. The engine will come mated to an upgraded version of the C8's eight-speed Tremec dual-clutch automatic, which is expected to provide even faster gear changes.

TRACK-FOCUSED ENHANCEMENTS
The C8 Corvette Stingray itself is a competent track car. Of course, in keeping with the Z06 tradition, the hotter C8 model will arrive with some specific tweaks to improve performance even further. Wider bodywork will likely be used to cover the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires spotted on prototypes. Muscle Cars and Trucks were the first to report that the tires will measure 345/25 ZR 21 out back and 275/30 ZR 20 up front, which should help increase mechanical grip. Buyers are also expected to be able to option carbon fiber wheels to wrap those sticky R compound tires around. The Z06 will also receive an upgraded aero package for when the Michelins aren't up to the task on their own. This package will reportedly include some optional active aerodynamic bits, though expect multiple wing and splitter packages as we've seen before. Chevrolet's trick Magnetic Ride Control suspension system is a no-brainer for the track-oriented model.


BENCHMARKING THE BEST
While GM has not officially shown off the Z06 in any capacity thus far, prototypes have been regularly captured by spy photographers. The thick camouflage makes it difficult to pick out specific design characteristics of the C8 Z06, but the same can't be said for the vehicles it travels with. General Motors appears to be benchmarking the C8 Z06 against the likes of the Ferrari 458 and the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Both high-end sports cars have been spotted alongside various Z06 prototypes over the past few years or so, hinting at the performance targets GM has set for the car. Considering the GT2 RS just recaptured the Nordschleife's production car lap record, Chevrolet is clearly taking the Z06 quite seriously.

IT WILL PROBABLY BE PRICED AROUND $85,000
It is expected that the C8 Corvette Z06 will follow a similar pricing model as the Z06 that came before it. This means customers can expect to spend about $85,000 for the privilege of taking one of these machines home, or about $25,000 more than a standard Stingray. Of course, the average sales price will undoubtedly be higher than that, as buyers load up on options. Not exactly cheap, but the level of performance on offer is expected to be quite high for that price point. The GT2 RS that the Z06 is benchmarking carried an MSRP of $293,200 by comparison.

IT SHOULD ARRIVE FOR THE 2023 MODEL YEAR
Early reports initially suggested that the C8 Corvette Z06 was destined to make its debut this summer ahead of a 2022 model year debut. This no longer appears to be the case, as GMAuthority has reported that the new Corvette model has been delayed. That isn't much of a surprise in the era of semiconductor chip shortages and COVID-related supplier issues, but a disappointment nonetheless. Instead, expect the Corvette Z06 to debut next year ahead of a 2023 model year sales debut. Whether or not this delay will push back the other high-performance Corvette models slated to join the lineup is unclear at this time.

GM CONTINUES IT'S "RAISING PRICES" MARCH



From the moment that the C8 Corvette made its debut, folks in the aftermarket have tried their best to improve upon General Motors’ mid-engined sports car through traditional tuning measures. Unfortunately for all of us however, the efforts of these companies have been hindered by the automaker in quite a serious way. More specifically, the Global B electrical architecture that underpins the C8 Corvette’s ECU is backed by some incredibly stringent cybersecurity measures. This in turn means that engine tuning is nearly impossible without running a ton of aftermarket computers in tandem with the factory ECU – otherwise known as a “piggyback”. The process isn’t exactly without serious compromises, either, often involving a rats nest of wires, and major drivability issues.

In order to learn what GM plans to do in terms of supporting the C8 Corvette in the aftermarket, MC&T sat down with Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter. What he had to say might not be what most of us want to hear.

C8 Corvette: It All Starts With Global B

General Motors’ Global B architecture (also known as GM VIP) is a direct response to how technologically dependent our modern vehicles have become. Whether you’re talking about ADAS systems or emissions control devices, automaker’s rely heavily on the computers in their vehicles to give us all the features we’ve come to expect. Whenever there are computers involved however, hacking becomes a concern. This is why cybersecurity restrictions are becoming an industry norm.

The aftermarket crew is very talented and resourceful,” said Juechter in an interview with MC&T. “They have been for years. So our business model doesn’t really cater to the aftermarket, we have to do all the things inte

Despite the C8 Corvette’s enthusiast customer base, it does make sense that GM wants to keep their ECU cybersecurity restrictions consistent across the board. That said, the hacker scenario they’re concerned about does sound somewhat like something the lawyers came up with.

Computer Driven Machines

“You know these cars are extraordinarily capable and they are also more and more computer driven,” said Juechter. “If somebody can take over those computers, they can take over your car. It hasn’t really happened yet, but sometime a high profile vehicle takeover someday will probably happen and we want to make sure we’re putting enough firewalls in that we protect our customers every way we can. Unfortunately, that has the side effect of making that hurdle greater for the aftermarket.”

A great hurdle is exactly what the Global B electrical architecture has become. As we near the third year of C8 Corvette production, not a single aftermarket forced induction kit has been fully developed for customers. Companies like Extreme Turbo Systems and FuelTech have built 1,000+ horsepower C8 Corvettes for testing, but the work involved in the builds is far beyond what we’ve seen in the past.

The need for several additional computer modules not only drives up the complexity of these builds, but also the price. There has been hope that GM might choose to help a select group of aftermarket tuners in their efforts. But we wouldn’t hold onto that hope.


“The answer is essentially no,” said Juecther. “We’re not going to go give everybody keys to the backdoor into our modules to do whatever they want. We think the best will figure it out.”

A Small Caveat

Now it does appear that there is one caveat to that statement. Juecther noted that due to their long-standing relationship with GM, Callaway will get a little assistance from the automaker with the C8 Corvette situation. This has to do with the customer and warranty data that Callaway supplies GM with from their buyers, but we’ve yet to hear any specifics from either company.

“That’s probably a tough pill for some folks but we have to keep a reasonable workload for us,” said Juechter. “There are so many products out there, we can’t keep up testing them. We can barely keep up with testing our own production intended stuff to make sure that’s fully validated in every way. That’s a pretty big workload. So we really stay away from endorsing or recommending any kind of aftermarket product.”

Bad News For The C8 Corvette Faithful

So not exactly the news we were hoping to get. In fact, it’s about the exact opposite of what we were hoping to hear. That said, none of this is that surprising based on the current industry trend. For the sake of the aftermarket, here’s to hoping the mad lads figure out how to bust into the C8 Corvette’s ECU on their own.



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Chevrolet Premieres C8 Corvette Development Documentary Part 1: Design

RUMOR
Electric All-Wheel-Drive Hybrid Coming to the C8 Corvette As Early As 2023


Sept-2020 Speculation has been rampant for years that the C8 Corvette would feature an electric version.
Now GM-Trucks.com is reporting that it has exclusively reviewed documents indicating electric all-wheel-drive (eAWD) will be an option on the Stingray coupe and convertible versions as soon as the 2023 model year, though the pandemic may have slowed down the development enough that the feature may not arrive until 2024.
Either way, this is a game-changing move for the mid-engine Corvette, which is already capable of 0-60 times under 3 seconds. Imagine the added torque that would be provided by one or two electric motors providing juice to the front wheels.

“In theory, a Corvette with eAWD would be a hybrid,” GM-Trucks.com reports. “That’s not how Chevy will market it. The feature will most certainly be performance-oriented.”

One drawback to the addition of electric motors is that the frunk would likely have to be used to hold a battery instead of its current role as storage.

This “electrifying” news for Corvette is no surprise since GM recently said future Corvette engineering has been merged into the EV & Autonomous Program, plus the fact that “silent” prototypes have already been spotted by journalists and enthusiasts in Michigan.

“We’re unsure how eAWD fits into an all-electric C8 Corvette,” GM-Trucks.com writes. “ISpeculation has been rampant for years that the C8 Corvette would feature an electric version.

Now GM-Trucks.com is reporting that it has exclusively reviewed documents indicating electric all-wheel-drive (eAWD) will be an option on the Stingray coupe and convertible versions as soon as the 2023 model year, though the pandemic may have slowed down the development enough that the feature may not arrive until 2024.

Either way, this is a game-changing move for the mid-engine Corvette, which is already capable of 0-60 times under 3 seconds. Imagine the added torque that would be provided by one or two electric motors providing juice to the front wheels.

“In theory, a Corvette with eAWD would be a hybrid,” GM-Trucks.com reports. “That’s not how Chevy will market it. The feature will most certainly be performance-oriented.”

One drawback to the addition of electric motors is that the frunk would likely have to be used to hold a battery instead of its current role as storage.

This “electrifying” news for Corvette is no surprise since GM recently said future Corvette engineering has been merged into the EV & Autonomous Program, plus the fact that “silent” prototypes have already been spotted by journalists and enthusiasts in Michigan.

“We’re unsure how eAWD fits into an all-electric C8 Corvette,” GM-Trucks.com writes. “It’s entirely possible the eAWD Corvette could move independently of the rear wheels and V8 engine… and in theory travel silently. They could be different cars entirely…or the same feature described by many people.”

The website also believes that GM’s Ultium Battery system will provide power for any electric or hybrid Corvette, which they believe would have a plug-in cord for recharging.

Despite being a track-oriented website, GM-Trucks.com had previously shared tidbits of the mid-engine Corvette back in early 2019 showing the start-up animation that would appear on the 2020 Corvette.t’s entirely possible the eAWD Corvette could move independently of the rear wheels and V8 engine… and in theory travel silently. They could be different cars entirely…or the same feature described by many people.”

The website also believes that GM’s Ultium Battery system will provide power for any electric or hybrid Corvette, which they believe would have a plug-in cord for recharging.

Despite being a track-oriented website, GM-Trucks.com had previously shared tidbits of the mid-engine Corvette back in early 2019 showing the start-up animation that would appear on the 2020 Corvette.

The C8 Corvette’s Coupe and Convertible Trunks Are Not The Same



With the 2020 Corvette Convertibles now showing up in customer’s garages, we are learning some new tidbits about the car as well as how it’s different from the mid-engine Coupe model which came out earlier this year.

We know that having adequate storage space was a must when designing the new Corvette as enthusiasts like to travel. That’s why the coupe and convertible models both offer storage space in the front and rear of the car. As the Convertible top no longer encroaches on the rear storage area because it now folds on top of the engine, there are no compromises for storage when it comes to the convertible.


 
As for the coupe, there was also the design requirement of needing to store the removable roof panel when drivers are looking for that “top off” driving experience. Designers came up with a solution that allows the owner to store it in the rear trunk where it can be safely locked into place when not on the car.

Because the “engine packaging” requirements are slightly different for both cars as well, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the rear storage areas are shaped differently for each model.

CorvetteBlogger contributor Jeremy Welborn found that out last week as he was loaded up his luggage to make the drive from Maryland to Oklahoma in his dad’s new’s 2020 Corvette Convertible. Jeremy owns a Z51 Coupe and has already done several road trips in his car. He found that the trunk on the Coupe model is slightly larger due to how the removable roof panel locks into place at an angle, while the Convertible model space is slightly impacted by the coolant reservoir that we saw when Jeremy explored the Convertible’s engine compartment.

Below are two photos and Jeremy stuck a tape measure on each one so you can see the difference.

First, here is the Coupe’s trunk which measures in at 23 inches wide from the latch to the forward edge.

  

The Convertible’s trunk measures in at 17 inches wide as the forward edge is more vertical than that on the Coupe:


While that Coupe’s trunk might offer just a little bit more space overall, both still appear to offer decent storage capacity when it comes to carrying luggage, golf clubs, and other similar-sized cargo.

REALLY COOL NATIONAL CHEVY AD WITH A C8

It’s not often that Chevrolet’s Corvette is advertised on television nationally, but on Sunday afternoon during the FOX NFL broadcast, we caught a new Chevrolet commercial, and the 30-second spot closes with running footage of a Torch Red 2020 Corvette.
We found the new ad posted on Chevrolet’s YouTube channel. Called “Just Better”, the ad highlights Chevrolet’s vehicles as a narrator paces the transitions:
Still your best friend, and now your co-pilot Still your father, but now a friend Still an electric car, just more electricying Still a night out, but everything fits in Still hardworking, just a little easier Still a legend, just more legendary Chevrolet…making life’s journey just better.” Chevrolet’s description of the ad reads, “No matter what your day has in store, life with a Chevrolet vehicle is just better.”Whenever we spot the plastic fantastic on TV, our spidey senses are immediately activated, which is generally followed by me yelling at the wife, “Did you see the Corvette?” Chevrolet doesn’t do as many broad product commercials as you would think, and frankly, most TV advertising dollars are now dedicated to trucks and crossovers. So we’ll take any TV time we can get.

There's More News About The C8 Corvette Hybrid


Here's a hint: think NSX or i8.

The current C8 generation 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is a drastic departure from any of its predecessors because it ditches the front-engined layout for a mid-engine setup. Moving the V8 engine to the middle greatly improved the Corvette's performance times, but it seems like Chevy's engineers are still trying to improve the flagship sports car even further. A new report from GM-Trucks, who claim to have "exclusively reviewed and validated documentation," says the Corvette will get an all-wheel-drive option in the 2023 or 2024 model year.

Such an option was already hinted at during the car's launch, when engineers were asked if the C8 could accommodate a hybrid AWD system like the one employed by the Acura NSX. These newly leaked documents prove that this option will be available in the coming model years.

The documents refer to the feature as "eAWD," and mention availability for both the Stingray Coupe and Convertible models. GM will internally refer to the AWD system with the code "XFD" for the first model year before switching to "XRD." Rather than sending power from the V8 engine to the front wheels through a differential, the Corvette's eAWD system will likely sacrifice its front trunk to accommodate one or two electric motors.

These motors would drive the front wheels independently from the V8 engine, offering the ability to torque vector like the NSX. It is unclear if the Corvette could be driven using electric power alone without the engine. Separate rumors claim that Chevy could be working on an EV version called the E-Ray, which may be the 200 mph electric Corvette that Joe Biden mentioned.

The eAWD system has other implications too, likely making its way into higher-performance models like the upcoming C8 ZR1. GM could also cherry-pick this technology, using it in a range of other models. The rumors say the AWD Corvette will arrive in 2023, but it could be later due to ongoing industry delays affecting GM and other automakers.

Check Out All The C8 Corvette Driver Modes

BY JONATHAN LOPEZ — SEP 5, 2020

 

 
The all-new Chevrolet Corvette C8 comes loaded with technology that helps Chevy’s mid-engine superstar pull double duty as either a backside-coddling tourer, or track-killing performer. Part of the tech making it all possible are the various C8 Corvette driver modes, which are outlined right here.

Essentially, the various C8 Corvette driver modes alter the onboard settings for a number of different systems, including the powertrain, steering, suspension, brakes and exhaust. What’s more, for vehicles equipped with Magnetic Ride Control, the settings will also adjust the ride height.

Selecting the various driver modes is easy – by simply using the knob located on the center console. The exception to this is Z-Mode, which can be selected using a button located on the steering wheel. The selected Corvette driver mode will then display in the instrument panel. Pressing the Z-Mode button a second time will revert the system back to Tour mode.

With that covered, let’s check out what each of these modes is designed to do.


    >Tour
Tour is the default mode for the C8 Corvette, and is designed for normal driving around town or on the highway by providing a smooth ride that balances handling benefits with comfort.

   
    >Weather
As one may guess, Weather is designed for use on slippery surfaces, such as snow or rain. General Motors points out that this mode should not be used if the Corvette is stuck, such as on ice, gravel, sand, snow, or mud.

 
    >Sport
Sport mode makes the Vette a little more taut and sharp. Finding a nice medium ground among all the Corvette driver modes, Sport is intended for “spirited driving,” and will activate Performance Shift Features whereby the dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission will maintain a lower gear for improved response and available engine braking. GM adds that “if no spirited driving is detected after a while, the Corvette will revert back to Tour mode.”


    >Track
This is the most aggressive of all the preset Corvette driver modes, and is recommended only for closed circuits. Track model will maximize handling, as well as activate the Performance Shift Features and sharpen the steering response. Throttle response is also adjusted.


    >My Mode
The first of the customizable Corvette driver modes, My Mode, is designed to personalize the various onboard settings for an individualized experience during everyday driving. Various settings available for customization include the exhaust sound (if equipped), steering response, suspension (if equipped) and braking response.


    >Z-Mode
Z-Mode is another customizable Corvette driver mode, which, in addition to all the settings customizable with My Mode, adds in the option to customize the powertrain settings, if desired. What’s more, activating Z-Mode is quick and easy thanks to the steering wheel-mounted button.

NO -The Corvette C8 Z06 Will NOT Have A Twin-Turbo V8
A recent report from a major publication has indicated that the upcoming Corvette C8 Z06 will come equipped with a twin-turbo 4.2L V8. GM Authority is here to set the record straight.


For the last year, GM Authority has reported that the Corvette C8 Z06 will in fact come equipped with the naturally aspirated 5.5L LT6 V8, featuring dual overhead cams, 32 valves and a flat-plane crank. Redline is expected to be set between 8,500 and 9,000 rpm.
                           
This engine was previewed in the race-spec Corvette C8.R, where it delivers a decidedly exotic exhaust note. We’ve also heard the engine give a few blasts in prototype Corvette C8 Z06 models, as featured in the above video.

The reasoning behind the implementation of a naturally aspirated V8 in the upcoming Corvette C8 Z06 gets back to the model’s roots as an atmospheric track rocket. As GM Authority has covered on numerous occasions in the past, the Z06 nameplate is all about street-legal performance paired with high track capability. Although the C7-generation Z06 came equipped with the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4, it also experienced widely publicized overheating issues when pushed on a racetrack.

Indeed, forced induction can actually hamper track performance due to added heat it creates. What’s more, forced induction systems can also add weight, which also hampers on-track performance. As such, the Corvette C8 Z06 will utilize a high-revving, atmospheric V8, as GM Authority has reported for the last year.

That said, there will be twin-turbo models offered in the future C8 lineup, including the ZR1 and Zora, the former of which is expected to produce roughly 700 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque thanks to its twin-turbo 5.5L V8 LT7, and the latter of which will produce roughly 1,000 horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque thanks to its hybridized twin-turbo 5.5L V8 LT7. Check out GM Authority’s exclusive coverage of the future Corvette C8 models and variants for more information.

Both the C8 ZR1 and C8 Zora will slot above the C8 Z06, but are not intended as track beasts. Rather, these models fall more into an exotic or grand tourer categorization, and although both can obviously be driven on the track, they are intended for different purposes overall, unlike the Corvette C8 Z06.

We’ll continue to provide the straight news and info expected, so make subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.

Aerolarri’s Carbon Fiber Duckbill Spoiler Looks Right at Home on the C8 Corvette
    

If you’re the proud owner of a 2020 Corvette and are lamenting the loss of the high wing spoiler as an official GM option, you might want to take a look at this new “duckbill spoiler.”

Personally, we like the high wing spoiler better, but this duckbill definitely makes a valid statement on the rear of the new mid-engine Corvette.

RSC Tuning offers the duckbill for $1,595, but the selling vendor, Aerolarri, is offering an introductory price of just $1,295 plus a 10 percent discount that makes the final price $1,165.50 plus $189 for shipping in the lower 48 states. That’s comparable to the cost of the now-defunct high wing spoiler, which was an $1,150 option through Chevy.

The duckbill, said to be made from high-quality carbon fiber with a 2×2 weave covered with a glossy UV-resistant clear coat, comes with a two-year warranty.

If you’re the proud owner of a 2020 Corvette and are lamenting the loss of the high wing spoiler as an official GM option, you might want to take a look at this new “duckbill spoiler.”

Personally, we like the high wing spoiler better, but this duckbill definitely makes a valid statement on the rear of the new mid-engine Corvette.

RSC Tuning offers the duckbill for $1,595, but the selling vendor, Aerolarri, is offering an introductory price of just $1,295 plus a 10 percent discount that makes the final price $1,165.50 plus $189 for shipping in the lower 48 states. That’s comparable to the cost of the now-defunct high wing spoiler, which was an $1,150 option through Chevy.

The duckbill, said to be made from high-quality carbon fiber with a 2×2 weave covered with a glossy UV-resistant clear coat, comes with a two-year warranty.
If you like to go way over the top with your mid-engine Stingray, you might want to consider Aerolarri and Victor Racing’s C8.R Style Carbon Fiber Wing. It sits much higher than the high wing spoiler but unlike that now-defunct Chevy option, the C8.R style wing mounts directly to the rear deck to allow unobstructed access to the rear hatch.

The C8.R-Style wing is currently available exclusively through Aerolarri.com for $1,699, plus $149 shipping to the lower 48. Aerolarri is also an official partner of Victor Racing and the designer of the two available end cap styles. Wing customers can choose between C8.R-mimicking trapezoidal end caps or what they have dubbed the “SR-22” style that draws inspiration from the SR-71 Blackbird and F-22 Raptor jets. Both are finished in UV-resistant exposed carbon fiber and will be a $249 add-on after the wing has been on sale for 45 days. In the meantime, early adaptors will be rewarded for their wing purchase with a free set of their choice of end cap styles. The first batch of C8.R-style wings was slated to ship the week of Aug. 9
This Is Likely the Mid-Engine Flat-Plane V-8 Corvette Z06 Testing Out in the Open

The Corvette switching to a mid-engine layout is huge news, but it's not the only major change happening with the car. In October, Chevy revealed the race-ready C8.R, now packing a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V-8 engine—a big step away from the pushrod V-8s found in the new road car and last-generation race car. A Chevy engineer confirmed the engine would make its way to a road-going Corvette, and this test car is likely it.

GMAuthority.com managed to snag a video (above) of what seems to be the next-generation Z06 accelerating through the entrance of General Motors' Milford Proving Grounds back in June. The car's looks aren't what interests us—it's the sound. Unlike the normal Corvette, which has a traditional, deep pushrod V-8 noise we're familiar with, this one sounds more like the flat-plane C8.R. It has more in common sound-wise with a Ferrari 458 than it does with any Corvette.

This isn't the first time we've heard this engine. Back in January, Facebook user Jim Lill shared a video (below) to the C8 Corvette Owners group showing what looks to be a heavily camouflaged Corvette testing in the mountains east of San Diego on a cloudy afternoon.

Though Chevy hasn't officially confirmed it, the dual-overhead-cam flat-plane V-8 will likely be the engine powering the C8 Z06. In the race car, it uses direct injection, and makes around 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, according to engineers. It's expected to make more in the road car. We're curious to see what Chevy has in store.

Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter
Talks About the Future of the C8 Corvette


The Petersen Automotive Museum is hosting a Virtual Car Week celebration and today they featured a “C8 Tech Talk” video with Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter!



It’s been one year since the reveal of the 2020 Corvette and now we have the C8 Coupe, Convertible, and the C8.R racecars in the current portfolio. Tadge offers a quick update on the recent success of Corvette Racing over the last three races before moving on to the latest news with new Corvette production which can be summed up with the following:

We’ve literally built thousands of corvette coupes 2020 coupes since we started production in February, even though we did have to take a pretty substantial break for a few months for the COVID pandemic. Our first priority of course was the safety of our team members at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant. But now we’re back up and running, and we’re running full steam ahead. We want to build as many cars as we can for the customers that have been waiting for many many years…”

Tadge goes on to talk about how they extended the 2020 model year as long as they could to build those Corvettes that were ordered. The 2020 Convertible has also started production and Tadge points out that the Accelerate Yellow Convertible behind him in the GM Heritage Center is the car he has been driving all summer.

When it comes to revealing the “future” of the C8 Corvette, Tadge shares the latest 2021 model year information and what’s new for the C8’s sophomore year. The biggest news for Tadge is that the Magnetic Selective Ride Control that can be ordered without Z51:

Probably the biggest change we made for 2021 is that we’re making the magnetic selective ride system that previously could only be gotten with the Z51 package. Now you can have that on every Corvette. It’s almost a “magic shock absorber system” that combines the best of roadworthiness and compliant plush ride.

The C8’s color offerings for 2021 are being updated with the two new colors, Silver Flare and Red Mist. Tadge says the Silver Flare features “a lot of travel,” meaning that the difference between the bright sections and darker sections depending on the way the car is lighted is much greater than most silver exteriors. Red Mist is a favorite color of the Chief Engineer and he says “photos don’t do it justice,” and adds “It looks really rich but it has a fire that comes through that tintcoat that’s unlike any paint color we’ve done in recent memory.”

The 2021s will start immediately after 2020 model year orders are wrapped up and Tadge says there will be “essentially no break” between the model years and that they are going to “Roll into 2021 to build as many cars as they can.”

GM Responds to 2020 Corvette Z51 Brake Duct Installs During the PDI Process


By  Keith Cornett   Aug 10, 2020
Ever since we caught that video from JMC Rides on YouTube showing a 2020 Corvette with fire and smoke coming out of its wheels after debris was sucked into the lower Z51 brake ducts, we’ve come to find that many Chevrolet dealerships were performing their Corvette PDIs incorrectly.

In that scary video, the Corvette’s owner confirms the lower Z51 brake ducts were installed when he picked up the car.


Back before the first 2020 Corvettes were delivered, we featured this copy of the official PDI checklist for new Corvettes. Unfortunately, it appears that some service technicians skipped the required reading and were either installing everything that came with the car, or installing none of the pieces as required during the Pre-Delivery Inspection.

Those lower rear Z51 brake ducts are only supposed to be installed for track use, however, the upper rear Z51 brake ducts should be installed during PDI according to a GM spokesperson. The spokesperson was responding to a request for clarification from our friends at the MidEngineCorvetteForum. John from MECF writes that members were asking questions about the PDI installs of the Z51 brake cooling ducts specifically after learning that not 100% of all dealerships were installing the required ducts correctly.

The GM spokesperson said the following in regards to the Z51 brake duct installs during PDI:

“During the 2020 Stingray Z51 pre-delivery inspection, the lower and upper front rubber brake intake cooling ducts and the upper rear brake intake duct shall be installed on every Z51 C8.” Also as specified in the PDI, “the cooling ducts attached to the lower rear control arm are for track use only and should not be installed during the PDI.”

If you have a 2020 Z51 in the driveway, now may be a good time to make a visual inspection to ensure your required Z51 brake ducts were installed while the two optional lower rear brake ducts are not. At the very least, confirm that you have only two ducts remaining in the bag that was given to you at delivery. Here’s where they are according to the 2020 Corvette Owner’s Manual. Click on the images below to enlarge:

Chevy Recalls the C8 Corvette Because People Can Get Trapped Inside the Front Trunk

This is one of those "DUH" moments for GM.

Chevrolet today issued a recall for certain 2020 model-year Corvettes that fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 401, which requires vehicles to have an interior trunk release in case someone gets trapped inside. From the factory, the new Corvette enters a low-power "sleep" mode 10 minutes after powering off, and according to Chevy, the release button may not work when the car is in that mode.

According to a notice released by Chevrolet on August 6, 2020, affected Corvettes will have a software update applied that will "lower the voltage required to wake the vehicle from the low-power 'sleep' mode." This will, according to the carmaker, allow the interior release button to function as intended whenever the car is shut off. The update can be issued over-the-air if owners accept the applicable terms and conditions, or in-person at the dealership.

This recall is unrelated to the recent reports of Corvette front trunk lids flying up while the car is on the move, a phenomenon experienced by several owners who have reported their findings online, per Jalopnik. According to a statement given by GM to The Drive, the company has "not been able to identify any mechanical issues related to this situation," and plans to increase the volume of warning chimes and change the messaging that appears on-screen to indicate the trunk is unlatched.

2020 Corvette Orders Moved To 2021 Will Pay More For Options


BY 

 AUG 8, 2020

 


This month, we’ve reported on several price increases for various Chevrolet Corvette C8 options, all of which are scheduled to go into effect for the 2021 model year. It was previously unknown how these price hikes would affect those 2020 Corvette customers whose orders were pushed back to the 2021 model year. Now, GM Authority has an official answer.



As it turns out, customers who ordered a 2020 Corvette, but had their order shifted to the 2021 model year, will need to pay the price hikes for any and all affected optional features included in their order.

“As we announced in May, we were holding the base price of the Corvette Coupe and Convertible the same for 2021,” General Motors said in a statement to GM Authority. “We did adjust the pricing for a few options, including the Z51, and those price increases will be in place on all 2021s.”

Base pricing for the 2021 Corvette remains at $59,995 for Coupe models and $67,495 for Convertible models, matching figures for the 2020 Corvette. However, certain popular options will see price hikes with the latest model-year changeover, including the Z51 Performance Package (+$995), the Front Lift Suspension (+$500), and the 5-Trident Spoke Black-Painted Aluminum wheels (+$200).

Back in May, it was reported that 2021 Corvette production would be moved back to November, while in June, General Motors confirmed that it would be unable to fulfill all 2020 Corvette orders as a result of a two-month production halt resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the remaining 2020 Corvette orders will be shifted over to the 2021 model year.

Now, General Motors has confirmed that those 2020 Corvette customers whose orders were shifted to the 2021 model year will pay for any optional equipment price hikes put into effect for the 2021 model year, including those listed above.

Another 2020 Corvette Hood Opens While Driving

Last month, we reported that the NHTSA had received two separate complaints from 2020 Corvette owners that said the vehicle’s frunk opened by itself and without warning while they were driving. A number of videos taken using the car’s built-in Performance Data Recorder camera have also surfaced online, showing 2020 Corvette owner’s hoods opening by themselves as they drive down the road, seemingly backing up the claims made in the separate NHTSA reports.

Now, yet another video has surfaced allegedly showing this same problem playing out. This latest video was uploaded by a YouTube user this week with the following description: “PDR camera footage of 2020 C8 Corvette hood (frunk) opening on its own damaging the hinges and chipping the paint on the hood.”

The footage is pretty straightforward. The driver makes a right-hand turn onto a roadway from a side street and accelerates at a regular pace before the hood suddenly pops up, blocking their vision. The driver is able to safely pull the vehicle over to the side of the road, gets out and closes the hood without further incident, but the damage to the paint had already been done. Like other similar incidents, we assume the hood was properly latched when the driver first got into the vehicle.

Even if the hood was not properly latched, the C8 Corvette is supposed to give both an audible and visual warning when the frunk is ajar. As we pointed out in a previous article, the top speed of the C8 Corvette is limited to 82MPH when the front hood is unlatched as well, so we know that GM has installed systems to prevent this from happening. The 2020 Corvette owner’s manual says the following with regard to driving with an unlatched hood:

“Do not drive the vehicle if the hood is not latched completely,” the paragraph reads. “The hood could 
open fully, block your vision, and cause a crash. You or others could be injured. Always close the 
hood completely before driving.”


One of the complaints filed with NHTSA pointed out that GM should have installed a secondary hand-operated latch on the frunk in addition to the electronically controlled latch. While this would require owners to first pop the hood and then reach underneath to push a latch to open it, it would theoretically solve this apparent problem.

“They failed to engineer the appropriate safety latch features into the hood that would prevent this from happening,” the NHTSA complaint said. “Hoods are required to have a secondary latch that must be physically operated to open completely.”

         Install a Radar Detector in Your C8 Corvette With Power from the Rearview Mirror
Here’s a quick way to hook up your radar detector to your C8 Corvette’s rearview mirror power source from our friend Rich at C8VettePartsOnline.com.

The process requires an RJ11 cord with wire plugs on the end. You can see an example here at Amazon, but you need to get whatever power source fits your radar unit. Rich says he got a three-pack and it was the smallest wire plugs that fit into the rearview mirror’s power source.

In the video below, Rich points out how to remove the mirror’s back cover and then the power coupling inside to hook up the power leads. Then it’s just a matter of matching up the red wire to red and black wire to black. The quality of the video is a bit on the lower resolution side, but it sounds like that once you get the back cover off, everything else should be self-explanatory.


AN ALBUM COMPILATION OF EVERY SINGLE C8 PICTURE RETAINED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE C8

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