Chevrolet has taken the wraps off a its first ever production Corvette with a mid-mounted engine.
Equipped with Z51 Performance Package, the new Stingray will do the dash from 0-100km/h in less than 3.0 seconds.
Former Holden boss and now President of General Motors, Mark Reuss, explained the traditional front-engine layout had reached the limit of its performance potential, necessitating the change.
“In terms of comfort and fun, it still looks and feels like a Corvette, but drives better than any vehicle in Corvette history,” he said.
“Customers are going to be thrilled with our focus on details and performance across the board.”
Power comes from Chevy’s next-generation 6.2-litre Small Block V-8 LT2 engine, the only naturally aspirated V-8 in the segment.
It produces 369kW and 637Nm of torque when equipped with performance exhaust — the most power and torque for any entry Corvette.
The next generation LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, which provides lightning-fast shifts and excellent power transfer.
Driver modes have been expanded from four to six, allowing drivers to tweak the feel to their personal preference.
The familiar Weather, Tour, Sport and Track modes remain, and there are two new modes:
- MyMode, a configurable setting for preferred driving style that can remain between key cycles.
- Z mode, named after the famed Z06, ZR1 and Z51 Corvette performance packages, is activated through a “Z” button on the steering wheel. This is a single-use mode that takes MyMode configurations one step further, allowing drivers to adjust the engine and transmission as well.
Chevrolet says the new mid-engine layout provides several advantages:
- Better weight distribution, with the rear weight bias enhancing performance in a straight line and on the track.
- Better responsiveness and sense of control due to driver positioning closer to the front axle, almost on top of the front wheels.
- The fastest 0-100 time of any entry Corvette ever — under three seconds when equipped with Z51 Performance Package.
- A race car-like view of the road due to lower positioning of the hood, instrument panel and steering wheel. Excellent forward sightlines throughout the vehicle for both driver and passenger.
- An enhancement of Corvette’s traditional utility strengths, with dual trunks for a total of 357 litres of cargo volume, ideal for luggage or two sets of golf clubs
True to its aeronautical and racing roots, Stingray’s canopy-forward stance was inspired by F22s, F35s and other modern fighter jets and Formula One racing.
The look is a bold and futuristic, with mid-engine exotic proportions — but still unmistakably Corvette.
Vice president of Global Design and another Holden expat Aussie Mike Simcoe said the redesign had presented the team a historic opportunity, something Chevrolet designers have desired for over 60 years.
“It is now the best of America, a new arrival in the mid-engine sports car class,” he said.
“We know Corvette can stand tall with the best the world has to offer.”
A supercar level of craftsmanship, premium materials and attention to detail were critical in designing every component of the Stingray.
The new location of the engine is the focal point and sits like a jewel in a showcase, visible through the large rear hatch window.
The added attention to detail optimised the appearance of every wire, tube, bolt and fastener, similar to those found in modern track and all-road motorcycle design.
The Z51 Performance Package introduces a host of new technology:
• Performance suspension with manually adjustable threaded spring seats
• Larger brake rotors with Z51 logo on calipers
• Enhanced cooling
• Specific axle ratio
• Front brake cooling inlets
• Performance exhaust
Corvette has always represented iconic American design, performance, technical ingenuity and attainability.
The entry 2020 Stingray continues that tradition as a no-compromise value proposition, as it will start under $US60,000.
2020 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY PRELIMARY SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
| Type: | LT2 6.2L V8 VVT with direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) |
| Bore & stroke (in / mm): |
4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92 |
| Block Material: | A319-T7 cast aluminum with cast-in iron cylinder liners and nodular main bearing caps |
| Oiling System: | Dry sump-type (7.5-qt. capacity); includes oil-spray piston cooling |
| Oil Type: | Dexos 2 0W40 synthetic |
| Cylinder Head Material: | 319-T7 cast aluminum |
| Combustion Chamber volume: | 59cc |
| Compression Ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Valvetrain: | Overhead valve, two valves per cylinder; dual-equal variable valve timing. |
| Valve Size (in / mm): | 2.13 / 54 hollow (intake) & 1.59 / 40.4 sodium filled (exhaust) |
| Fuel Delivery: | Direct injection with Active Fuel Management: Max pressure: 2,175 psi (15 Mpa / 150 bar) |
| Firing Order: | 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 (all cylinders); 1-7-6-4 (with deactivation) |
| Throttle body: | 87mm single bore (electronic) |
| ECU: | GM E99 (32-bit processing) |
| Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): |
SAE-certified to 495 / 369 @ 6450 rpm (with performance exhaust) |
| Torque (lb.-ft./ Nm @ rpm): |
SAE-certified to 470 / 637 @ 5150 rpm (with performance exhaust) |
TRANSMISSION & AXLE
| Type: | M1L 8-speed dual clutch (DCT) |
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
| Front Suspension: | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; monotube shock absorbers (46mm /); Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 available on Z51. Adjustable front lift with memory is available |
| Rear Suspension: | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, forged aluminum upper and cast aluminum L-shape lower control arms; direct-acting stabilizer bar; monotube shock absorbers (46mm); Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0 available with Z51 |
| Steering Type: | Bosch/ZF variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist; includes Active Steer Stops with available Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 |
| Steering ratio: | 15.7:1 |
| Turning Circle (ft. / m): |
11.6 m (std.) 11.1 m (with FE4 Magnetic Ride Control) |
| Brake Type: | Front and rear E-boost-assisted discs with Brembo four-piston/two-piece front calipers and four-piston/monobloc rear calipers With Z51 – Front and rear E-boost-assisted discs with Brembo four-piston monobloc caliper at front and rear |
| Brake Rotor Size (in / mm): |
Front: 12.6 x 1.18 (321 x 30) Front: 13.3 x 1.18 (345 x 30) – with Z51 Rear: 13.6 x 1.02 (339 x 26) Rear: 13.8 x 1.06 (350 x 27) – with Z51 |
| Wheel Size: | Front: 19-inch x 8.5-inch (w/5 x 120mm bolt pattern) Rear: 20-inch x 11-inch (w/5 x 120mm bolt pattern) |
| Tire Type and Size: | Stingray: Michelin Pilot Sport ALS Stingray with Z51: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Front: 245/35ZR19 Rear: 305/30ZR20 |
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase (in. / mm): |
107.2 / 2722 |
| Overall Length (in. / mm): |
182.3/ 4630 |
| Overall Width (in. / mm): |
76.1 / 1934 |
| Overall Height (in. / mm): |
48.6 / 1234 |
| Track (in. mm): | (front) 64.9 / 1648 (rear) 62.4 / 1586 |
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
| Headroom (in. / mm): | 37.9 / 962 |
| Legroom (in. / mm): | 42.8 / 1086 |
| Shoulder Room (in. / mm): |
54.4 / 1381 |
| Hip Room (in. / mm): | 52.0 / 1321 |
WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES
| Dry Weight (lb. / kg): |
3366 / 1530 |
| Cargo Volume (cu. ft. / L)^: |
12.6 / 356.8 |
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