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Mid-Engined C8 Corvette ZR1 Is the Stuff of Dreams

The base C7 Corvette went from being the car everyone wanted to photograph to one that was only worth renting or leasing. However, the all-new C8 Stingray should be safe from that because it's mid-engined, like a supercar.
Mid-Engined C8 Corvette ZR1 Is the Stuff of Dreams 3 photos
Photo: Corvette Forum
Mid-Engined C8 Corvette ZR1 Is the Stuff of DreamsMid-Engined C8 Corvette ZR1 Is the Stuff of Dreams
Chevy may say that the engine in the new 'Vette is so powerful that it destroys its chassis, but we all know they will do everything possible to put even more insane versions of the road, perhaps starting with the Z06.

As the official debut of the model gets closer and closer, one member of the Corvette Forum decided to render something that won't be ready, a ZR1. This nameplate belongs to what is already an American supercar killer, with aero and suspension technology aimed at lap records.

However, this new render has a completely different balance. Yes, the ground effects are similar to the current ZR1, but the overall proportions are more like a modified Acura NSX. The party is at the back, where the engine is. The new air diffuser looks like it belongs on a real race car, while a giant wing forces even more downforce.

But what about the engine? Well, the LT4 in the Z06 and the LT5 in the current ZR1 are both supercharged V8s. But rumor has it the C8 will instead use a twin-turbo V8, like the German boys. The obvious candidate is Cadillac's 4.2-liter making 550 horsepower and 627 lb-ft in the CT6.

However, we think this would be a mistake. You see, Americans love to own cool cars, but the German twin-turbo V8s are difficult to repair and costly when they go wrong, while Chevy has decades of experience with the supercharged small-block. In addition, this has better throttle responses.

Further down the line, probably in 2021, the C8 Corvette is going to have a hybrid system with electric motors over the front providing torque vectoring. Obviously, you're thinking of the Acura again, but the real aim is to have a 1,000 horsepower American car and show Ferrari the middle finger again.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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