Chevrolet Debuts Mid-Engine Corvette C8.R, Stingray, E-10 Concept Truck at 2019 SEMA Show Reveal

SEMA EDITORS Chevrolet introduced the new mid-engine Corvette race car, known as the C8.R, Monday November 4, at the 2019 SEMA Show Reveal. Based off the production ’20 Corvette Stingray, the C8.R will be the first mid-engine Corvette to compete in IMSA’s GTLM class and the first clean-sheet race car design since the C5.R debuted in 1999. It will make its racing debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, January 25, 2020. The TC8.R shares the highest percentage of parts between the production and race car than any previous generation. In compliance with IMSA engine displacement rules, the C8.R will feature a 5.5L naturally aspirated V8 engine, producing 500 hp and 480 ft.-lb. of torque. A new compact Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox was developed in order to provide room at the rear of the C8.R to package a race-car specific diffuser. The C8.R utilizes a production ’20 Stingray chassis structure that’s been modified to meet race series requirements and will ride on 18-in. Michelin Pilot Sport GT competition tires. The No. 4 race car features a new silver livery, inspired by the color of iconic Corvette concepts, such as the ’73 Chevrolet Aerovette and ’59 Corvette Stingray Racer that pushed the envelope both in design and on-track performance. This car also features yellow accents. It will be joined by the No. 3 race car in a yellow color scheme with silver accents that continue the lineage of the successful GTLM racing Corvettes. Also at the SEMA New Vehicle Reveal, Chevrolet introduced the ’20 mid-engine Corvette Stingray, which is virtually all new, with only one part carried over from the previous model. The new C8 is powered by a next-generation 6.2L small-block LT2 V-8—visible through a rear-hatch window—that’s capable of producing 495 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, and a claimed 0–60mph time of 2.9 sec. and top speed of 194 mph. It’s backed by an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the powertrain rides within a body structure that’s said to be 10% more rigid that the previous generation. The G8 rides on 19-in. front and 20-in. rear wheels, and the Z51 Performance Package includes Brembo brakes and an electronic limited-slip (ELSD). The new C8 sports a host of leading-edge technology and convenience features. A Drive Mode Selector allows the operator to electronically calibrate up to 12 performance variables to tailor the vehicle’s ride and handling characteristics to suit the demands of the road. My Mode and Z-Mode features allow the operator to save settings between drives. The “digital driver” Performance Data Recorder (PDR) provide a 1080p recording of each drive. An available Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 damping system “reads” the road every millisecond and adapts vehicle damping in as little as 10–15 milliseconds. The two-piece convertible hardtop can activate at speeds up to 30 mph using six electric motors. A Bose premium 10-speaker audio system is standard, as are eight-way power GT1 seats.