The new mid-engine eighth-generation (C8) sports car is beginning to show up at events across the country, both in new videos and in the flesh (although you can’t buy one until later in the year). The excitement is easy to understand: The 495-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 is in the back of the car, which is the first time for any Corvette. There is no manual transmission for the rear-wheel-drive machine, but it uses an eight-speed automated manual with paddle shifters. Chevrolet claims the Stingray — its for-real name — can sprint to 60 mph from zero in less than three seconds. With the removable roof panel on top of the car and not stowed (a convertible variant will also be offered) there’s still room behind the engine for a set of golf clubs. Under the front hood, you can pack a carry-on-size bag. With an estimated base price of $60,000, the new Corvette becomes a bargain-basement supercar that will likely match or exceed similar models costing considerably more. Hold on, Corvette fever is here all over again.
The new mid-engine Corvette might not dissuade Lamborghini customers (their cars also have the engine in the back, too), but the ’Vette is priced low enough (the base is about $60,000) that they might want to own both.
