DESIGN OF THE TIMES: The all-new 2020 Corvette
January 9, 2020
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Chris Griggs
The soon-to-be-released eighth-generation Corvette will venture into territory no Corvette has been before with an all-new mid-engine layout. VIN 001 of this true American supercar will be selling as Lot #3007 during the 2020 Scottsdale Auction, to benefit the Detroit Children’s Fund.
The Corvette has long been thought of as America’s sports car. Since the introduction in 1953, it’s been the go-to for those who want a two-seat, V8 sports car without an exotic-level price tag. The formula has been the same for 66 years – powerful engine up front with a long hood and rear-wheel drive out back – but for 2020, it all changes.
The soon-to-be-released eighth-generation Corvette will venture into territory no Corvette has been before with an all-new mid-engine layout. With only one single part being carried over from the previous generation (interior door latches), the design is completely new and a first for the Bowtie brand.
This isn’t the first time Chevrolet has toyed with the idea of a mid-engine Corvette, though, as there have been several concept cars built over the years, but none made it past that stage.
Powered by the all-new LT2 engine, the new Stingray produces 495 horsepower and 470 ft/lbs of torque, good for a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed just under 200 mph. Although the purist crowd may relent the lack of a true manual transmission, the dual-clutch gearbox can shift gears in a fraction of a second, faster than even the most skilled professional drivers.
The suspension is completely redesigned, incorporating coilover dampers on each corner, and those that opt for the Z51 Performance Package will get the Magnetic Ride Control system that can adapt to changing conditions in under 15 milliseconds. The exterior styling provides an aggressive and aerodynamic profile, while the interior gives a true cockpit feel with all controls tailored around the driver.
It’s anticipated the first production cars will hit showroom floors as early as February 2020 with a long waiting list of buyers, but one lucky bidder at the 2020 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction will have the opportunity to get theirs sooner, as VIN 001 will sell on Saturday, January 28, to benefit Detroit Children’s Fund, as Lot #3007.
For up-to-date information on the VIN 001 2020 Corvette, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles headed to the 2020 Scottsdale Auction, click HERE.