All-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette a supercar bargain

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 23, 2020) The all-new 2020 Corvette is by far the hottest and most talked about car of the year. Corvette has been a part of the car scene for almost 70 years and is as American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. And until now, Corvette has been instantly recognizable as, well, a Corvette.


The eighth-generation 2020 Corvette, known as the C8, is completely different in every way from all Corvettes that preceded. For starters, for the first time the engine is now located in the middle of the vehicle, behind the seats and showcased through the glass rear hatch. Also different is the new 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission the only one available. Again, for the first time a manual transmission is no longer available. That’s not a ba
d thing. After driving the new Corvette it’s easy to see why Chevrolet made the change.

Here are a few important numbers about the new Corvette: It’s powered by a 490-horsepower naturally aspirated V-8 engine with 465 lb. ft of torque. We clocked a zero to 60 mph time of just 2.8 seconds. While that’s an impressive number, an even more impressive one is the starting price of just $58,900. There is simply no other vehicle like this in the world with this kind of power and driving performance for that amount of money. Add $7,500 if you want a convertible. All coupe models come standard with a removable roof panel.

There are three trim levels offered: 1LT, 2LT and 3LT (which mostly adds upgraded technology, a higher-level audio system, cameras, and upgraded interior trim). Our 2LT test Corvette came equipped with the Z51 Performance Package ($5,000) that adds five more horsepower, performance exhaust, larger Brembo brakes, performance suspension, exterior modifications and more. 

On the road, it’s clear the Corvette delivers extreme power and performance handling unlike any preceding Corvette. Grip is tenacious, acceleration ferocious, yet it is agile and confident, with a surprisingly serene ride quality.

Overall the new Corvette is beyond new; it’s radically different in capability, technology, and design, more akin to Lamborghini, Ferrari or Ford GT. Thoroughly impressive, it’s a supercar bargain.

Editor's note: Chevrolet has announced there will be no price increases on the 2021 Corvette, and Chevrolet is now taking orders for the 2021 model.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $58,900
Price as Tested: $72,295
Engine/Transmission: 6.2-liter 470-hp naturally aspirated V-8 paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy: 15/27/19 mpg - City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 2

Where Built: Bowling Green, Ohio

Crash Test Results: The 2020 Corvette has not been crash tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Institute for Highway Safety as of this writing

Competes With:
Alfa Romeo 4C
BMW Z4
Jaguar F-type
Lexus LC
Porsche Boxster
Porsche Cayman

Fab Features:
Gorgeous new design inside and out
Powerful yet refined
Quiet, comfortable and high-tech interior