Here's why the 2020 C8 Corvette is so GREAT

The reveal of the 2020 Chevy Corvette is making certain cars look so insignificant at the moment, it might as well snap them out of existence. Why is everyone getting so excited over this car? You've probably seen all the specs already, but here's a quick performance rundown before answering that question. First, the Corvette has left its traditional front engine RWD configuration that's been used for 66 years for a mid-engine layout. The limits of that configuration have been exceeded with the C7 Corvette, which offered a 50-50 weight distribution, which is ideal, but a mid-engine 40-60 is better for rotating the car and weight transfer during acceleration, contributing to better traction with the 305 wide rear tires, and all this weighing around 3,400 to 3,600 pounds. Loyalists would say that this is no longer a Corvette, but it is, guys, because it is an evolution of the Corvette. You can only do so much to a front-engine RWD layout, this is not something new because they've delved into this area in the past with Zora. Just think about Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, and F1 racing, and you'll have an idea what kind of drivetrain they're all using. So what you say? There's already a bunch of mid-engine cars, who cares? It might be late in the mid-engine supercar game, but sometimes it's better because you can learn from others' mistakes and improve upon that, especially with recent technology. The aluminum structural chassis components, with addition of a structural tunnel creating a backbone between the front and rear, is not only safer but also provides better feedback, creating an enjoyable driving experience. It's also easier to get in out of because it allows the rockers to be smaller. The aerodynamics reduced drag and strategically placed cooling passages help with temperature control. Of course, there are aerodynamic aids to also help with downforce. Gone are the leaf springs, which have been replaced by coil springs for better handling and packaging, and there's also space for golf clubs and small luggage for those wondering. The naturally aspirated LT1 from the C7 Corvette is rated at 455 to 460 horsepower and dynos around 400 to 420 rear-wheel horsepower, and if that's any indication, the LT2 in the C8 Corvette is 490 to 495 horsepower and might dyno at 440 to 460 rear-wheel horsepower. The LT2 is still based off of the generation 5 V8 architecture, but I would think that the castings are specific to the mid-engine, with consideration for the dry-sump oiling system that'll allow the engine to sit lower. Also, take a look at the intake manifold, which is now taller and should carry the power higher in the powerband compared to previous Corvettes with the shorter intake manifold. Check out the equal length stainless steel headers, which alleviate cross-contamination between cylinders and provide better flow. I would also bet that the shorter exhaust routing also contributes to the horsepower increase. Past Corvettes were offered with an automatic or manual transmission, except maybe the first generation, which I believe was only offered as an automatic. I think this is overlooked, but the key performance component for the C8 is the M1L 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It's newly designed specifically for this generation Corvette. There's no more manual option, but much like the GTR 911 and other supercars, it'll allow the engine to operate in its most efficient powerband. If you haven't driven a dual-clutch transmission, you gotta at least give it a try, because the power is delivered seamlessly. Hopefully, it can take abuse when the aftermarket gets to it. The Porsche 911 Turbo S, McLaren, and Ferrari 458 Italia were benchmarked, and they claim the Corvette can do 0-60 in 2.9 seconds, so a realistic quarter mile time might be in the mid 11s or low 12s, which is still really impressive. If you take a look at the Ferrari 458, which offered a naturally aspirated V8, and probably the closest to the C8 Corvette, it dinos around 450 real world horsepower, and this might be where the C8 Corvette performance numbers are also. All these refinements all for under $60,000, which is a bargain, I'm even considering picking one up now. And no guys, this doesn't include markups or probably delivery charges. And you know what else makes it so attractive? It's the aftermarket potential behind this engine. There are already parts right now that can be swapped over from the LT1, LT4, and LT5, so we should be seeing some fast C8s quickly. The tuning may take some time, since there have been discussions that it might be difficult since GM moved to a more secure engine control unit, so we'll have to wait and see how that'll be cracked. The Corvette has always been the affordable supercar for the common person. This price point can find itself competing with lesser competition, like the upcoming Toyota Supra, all the way up to Porsche, Lambo, Ferrari, and McLaren. The value is where it's always been with the Corvette, and continuing it with the C8, and giving it a proper interior, exterior, and mid-engine placement, is the way to go to compete with today's supercars. And this is only the start, because we haven't seen the Z06, ZR1, or Zora yet, and there might be a hybrid or all-wheel drive to throw in the mix. I hope you guys enjoyed this video. Hit that like button and share it to support my channel. Also, let me know what you guys think about the C8 Corvette in the comments section below.