For the 2020 model year, the only C8 Corvette you can buy is the Stingray. Though not as speedy, the Z51 Performance Package does unlock… well, more performance from the LT2 small-block V8 and in terms of acceleration.
First things first, the 6.2-liter engine gains 5 additional horsepower and pound-feet of torque thanks to an upgraded exhaust system bundled with the $5,000 option. 490 horsepower (497 PS) and 470 pound-feet (637 Nm) are more than enough for the entry-level ‘Vette, more so if you remember that the C8 launches harder off the line than the seventh generation.
But that’s not all there is to the Stingray Z51.
Even though there’s no difference in terms of transmission gear ratios, the rear-axle gearing changes from 4.89 to 5.17 in the Zee-Fifty-One. As a rule of thumb, the higher, the better the car will accelerate at the expense of maximum speed. On paper, Chevy claims the non-Z51 hits 60 mph (97 kph) in 3.0 seconds flat while the Z51 needs 2.9 seconds.
On the quarter-mile run, both manage 11.2 seconds but at different speeds: 123 versus 121 mph (198 versus 195 kph) for the Z51.
The question is, how does the Cee-Eight accelerate off the line on a rain-soaked track? Automotive Affairs is much obliged to answer. “We had access to Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, and we took this access to test the acceleration times of the Corvette.” Instead of 60 miles per hour, these guys have timed the C8 at 62 mph or 100 kph.
And the result is impressive, alright!
At the 30-second mark of the video, AA lists the time at 3.3 seconds. That would be closer to 3.1 if it were a zero-to-60-mph test, which is incredible performance for a bone-stock car with the bone-stock tires. Even more impressive, the C8 Corvette Stingray Z51 stays straight as it shoots off.
On that note, have you heard what’s new for the 2021 model year? Spoiler alert: pricing remains unchaged for the 1LT at $59,995 including freight.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News