2020 Chevrolet Corvette

History/Overview

Car manufacturers are often reluctant to make major changes to a proven model, especially one as high-profile as the Chevrolet Corvette. And yet, for 2020, Chevrolet has practically turned the eighth generation of its signature sports car 180 degrees, moving the engine from its traditional place in the front to behind the seats, making this the first-ever mid-engined Corvette.

Available Trims

Chevrolet offers the Corvette in 1LT, 2LT and 3LT trim levels. All are powered by a 6.2L V8 and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That (along with the lack of a manual gearbox) is another Corvette first.

Standard Features

Corvette 1LT standard features include eight-way power seats, Mulan leather upholstery, a removable roof panel, Brembo brakes with electric power assist, active handling and launch control, passive keyless entry, six drive modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, capless fuel filling, heated side mirrors, HD backup camera with rear park assist, power pull-down tailgate, leather-trimmed steering wheel with electric column adjustments, a 10-speaker stereo with 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster display, Bluetooth connectivity with near field communication device pairing, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting and automatic on/off headlights.

2LT trim adds a full-colour head-up driver display, seats with power lumbar and wing adjustments, wireless smartphone charging, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, 14-speaker stereo, navigation, performance data recorder, garage door opener, power-folding side mirrors, rear camera mirror with auto dimming function, power seat memory settings, front curb-view camera, satellite radio, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, anti-theft alarm and cargo nets.

Finally, 3LT models add upgraded seats with Nappa and Mulan leather and carbon fibre trim, a custom leather-trimmed interior, suede-wrapped upper interior trim and leather-trimmed door panels.

Key Options

Chevrolet offers a Z51 performance package that comprises performance exhaust and suspension systems, electronic limited slip differential, front splitter, rear spoiler, larger brakes with front cooling inlets, performance tires, enhanced drivetrain cooling and a different axle ratio.

The performance exhaust is a stand-alone option. 2LT and 3LT can also be had with a front suspension lift that raises the front end to prevent curb and speed bump damage. It allows up to 1,000 locations to be stored for automatic activation.

Fuel Economy

As of this writing, Chevrolet has not published fuel consumption estimates for the 2020 Corvette. Ratings for the 2019 model with its eight-speed automatic transmission were 15.6/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway).

Competition

Corvette's price gives it a serious advantage over its European competition. Performance-wise, a Corvette is best cross-shopped against cars like the Porsche 911, Audi R8, various Aston Martin models, and a handful of Italian exotics. The Corvette brings the fight to any of those cars for a fraction of the cost, and this new design threatens to hold its own even better.