Jeff Seabrook

• View photos in the photo gallery:  Chevrolet Corvette C8.R

BRASELTON, Ga. —  Chevrolet begins a new chapter in its storied racing legacy with the introduction of the new mid-engine Corvette race car, known as the C8.R. The C8.R will be Chevrolet’s first mid-engine race car 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 Rolex 24 at Daytona on Jan. 25, 2020.

The C8.R is based on the strong foundation of the 2020 Corvette Stingray. There is a deeper level of technology transfer between the race car and production Corvette than ever before, which helps contribute to many of its advancements. As a result, the C8.R shares the highest percentage of parts between the production and race car than any previous generation.

“It was important for us to develop the new race car alongside the production car, so that each product could properly take advantage of the new architecture,” said Ed Piatek, Corvette chief engineer. “The benefits of this mid-engine supercar, including its incredible balance and connected-to-the-road feel, will be obvious on the street and the track.”

Engineered for the Racing Environment

Since certain features of the 2020 Corvette Stingray aren’t necessary in a racing environment, the engineering and design teams found innovative ways to get benefits out of every part of the vehicle. For example, on the C8.R, a single centrally-mounted radiator was placed in the area used as the front storage compartment on the production Corvette. Ultra-bright racing headlights were packaged on the race car where the radiators are located on the production car.

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.

“We have looked forward to racing a production-based mid-engine Corvette for a long time,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “The debut of the C8.R is the result of immense collaboration between GM Engineering, Propulsion, Design and the Corvette Racing team. As Corvette Racing enters its third decade of competition, we’re excited to begin the next chapter.”

Designed to Improve Aero, Weight and Stiffness

Improving aerodynamics, increasing stiffness and decreasing weight from the previous generation car were all primary focuses of the C8.R development.

The use of computer analytics made it possible to start the design of the race car well in advance of any production Corvette components being available. Chevrolet’s state of the art Driver in the Loop Simulator was heavily utilized to evaluate numerous chassis and aero design concepts. The engineering and design teams produced thousands of 3D-printed rapid prototype parts for chassis and wind tunnel testing. The use of these development tools resulted in a race car with improved aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and weight distribution.

The C8.R utilizes a production 2020 Stingray chassis structure produced in the Bowling Green Assembly plant. The chassis is then modified to meet race series requirements. The new C8.R chassis structure is significantly stiffer and lighter than its predecessor.

With a lower center of gravity and more even weight distribution on the wheels, Corvette Racing worked closely with Michelin to optimize the tire compound and construction to best support the unique traction needs of a mid-engine race car. The C8.R will ride on 18 inch MICHELIN^® Pilot^® Sport GT competition tires.

Sporting Both Yellow and Silver

While yellow continues to be a mainstay of Corvette Racing, it is now joined by a new look for the 2020 season.

The No. 4 race car features a new silver livery, inspired by the color of iconic Corvette concepts such as the 1973 Chevrolet Aerovette and the 1959 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 continues the lineage of the successful GTLM racing Corvettes.

“Since the mid-engine race car is such a revolutionary vehicle, we felt it would be fitting to honor Corvette Racing’s legacy with both a redesigned, modern livery along with a traditional livery in Corvette yellow,” said Vlad Kapitonov, lead creative designer, Chevrolet Performance Cars. “Both liveries pay homage to Corvette’s Racing storied heritage, as well as the impressive engineering and design milestones that led to up to this extraordinary race car.”

Debuts at Road Atlanta, To Race at Daytona

Prior to its 2020 debut at Rolex 24 at Daytona, the C8.R will stretch its legs on the Road Atlanta Michelin Raceway by performing a ceremonial lap on the track prior to the 22^nd annual Petit Le Mans race this weekend.

Corvette Racing partners for the 2020 season include Mobil 1, Michelin and SiriusXM.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Open-air driving has always been a part of the Chevrolet Corvette’s heritage. In fact, when the Corvette debuted in 1953, it was available only as a convertible. The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible builds off that heritage as the first hardtop and mid-engine convertible in Corvette history.

“We put the world on notice when we introduced the first mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette a few months ago, and now we’re raising the bar with the first-ever hardtop Corvette convertible,” said Brian Sweeney, Chevrolet U.S. vice president. “And the convertible will be priced only $7,500 more than entry 1LT Stingray coupe.”

• Additional photos in the gallery: 2020 Stingray Convertible

First and foremost, a convertible

The mid-engine 2020 Corvette Stingray was engineered first and foremost as a convertible. The convertible maintains the tunnel-dominant structure and use of high-integrity die-cast parts found in the Stingray coupe.

The team engineered the hardtop to stow seamlessly into the body, maintaining the Stingray’s impressive ability to store two sets of golf clubs in the trunk even with the top down. The convertible also keeps the coupe’s front storage compartment, which can fit an airline-spec carry-on and a laptop bag.

The hardtop provides a quieter cabin, increased security and a cleaner look compared to the previous softtop designs.

“Our goal from the beginning was to make sure customers didn’t have to sacrifice any functionality, performance or comfort when choosing the hardtop convertible,” said Josh Holder, Corvette program engineering manager. “We managed to keep the same design theme as the coupe, as well as the exceptional storage capacity and track capability.”

Inspired by jets

Like the coupe, the Stingray convertible’s design was inspired by fighter jets. The tonneau cover features aerodynamically shaped nacelles influenced by the housing used for jet engines. The nacelles, which were also used as inspiration on the Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle (CERV) I and II, as well as the Corvette SS and SR2 concepts, help reduce air recirculation into the cabin and provide a remarkably exotic profile with the top up or down. The tonneau also provides a rear power-adjustable window and a vent for mid-engine cooling.

The two-piece top can be activated at speeds up to 30 mph and retract in as few as 16 seconds. It is powered by six electric motors — a Corvette first — and uses encoders for precise control. Switching to electric motors from hydraulic systems helps increase reliability. A body-colored roof is standard, while Carbon Flash metallic-painted nacelles and roof are optional.

Careful attention was paid to make sure the engine could breathe when stored underneath the tonneau cover. The sheet-molded composite top stows in a compartment made from lightweight composite panels and heat shields to manage heat from the engine.

A divider glass window in the middle of the vehicle can be power adjusted with the top up or down. The glass has been optimized to reduce air recirculation and wind noise in the cabin for improved quietness. The roof system design, combined with the same rear spoiler used on the Stingray coupe’s Z51 Performance Package, results in identical drag between the coupe and convertible with the top up.

Engineers tweaked the chassis for the convertible, with springs and dampers tuned specifically to provide nearly the same performance as the coupe.

No compromise performance

Like the Stingray coupe, the convertible is powered by the next-generation 6.2L Small Block V-8 LT2 engine, the only naturally aspirated V-8 in the segment. It will produce 495 horsepower (369 kW) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque when equipped with performance exhaust — the most horsepower and torque for any entry Corvette.

The LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which provides lightning-fast shifts and excellent power transfer. This transmission is uniquely designed to provide the best of both worlds: the spirited, directly connected feeling of a manual and the premium driving comfort of an automatic. The double-paddle de-clutch feature even allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control.

When combined, the advanced propulsion system, revised chassis tuning and retractable hardtop make the 2020 Stingray the most no-compromise Corvette convertible in history.

Build and price tool now available

Interested Stingray shoppers can now build and price their own Corvette coupe or convertible on the 2020 Corvette visualizer at Chevrolet.com.

A dedicated Chevrolet Corvette Concierge team will provide 2020 Corvette customers with answers about the vehicle discovery, buying and ownership process. The team can be reached by calling 866-424-3892. Customers can also live chat with a Corvette Concierge by visiting Chevrolet.com. The team is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT Mondays through Fridays.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe goes into production at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly in late 2019, with the convertible following in late first-quarter 2020. A right-hand drive version of the convertible will be available in select international markets at a later date.

2019 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1

FAST FACT
Corvette was introduced in 1953. Only 300 were produced, each of them Polo White with a red interior.

BASE PRICE
$119,995 (incl. DFC) – coupe
$122,990 (incl. DFC) – coupe with ZTK Track Performance Package
$123,995 (incl. DFC) – convertible
$126,990 (incl. DFC) – convertible with ZTK Track Performance Package

EPA VEHICLE CLASS
Coupe with removable roof panel or Convertible

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• The 2019 ZR1 is a supercar that advances Corvette’s performance legacy with the highest power, greatest track performance and most advanced technology in its production history
• Offered in 1ZR an 3ZR trims in coupe and convertible body styles
• The ZR1’s LT5 6.2L V-8 engine advances Corvette’s supercharging legacy, offering the highest output ever for a Chevrolet production vehicle, thanks in part to a new, more-efficient intercooled supercharger system that offers 52 percent more displacement than the Z06’s LT4 supercharger
• GM’s first dual-fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection, helps the LT5 achieve 755 horspower and 715 lb.-ft. of torque
• The ZR1’s aggressive appearance is driven by function, with a unique front fascia designed to channel air for propulsion-system and drivetrain cooling, including four new radiators bringing the heat-exchanger total to 13
• A special carbon-fiber “halo” hood is open in the middle to clear the LT5 engine’s supercharger/intercooler assembly
• Additional features, including aero packages with stanchionmounted wings, help push the ZR1 harder onto the track for more confident handling and faster lap times
• Two aero packages are offered: A standard rear Low Wing, which delivers the highest top speed and an available two-way-adjustable High Wing that offers maximum downforce on the track for the quickest lap times
• The adjustable High Wing is part of the available ZTK Track Performance Package ($2,995), which also includes a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer-only tires, and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning for greater cornering grip
• Both of the ZR1’s wings are tied into the chassis, like the Corvette Racing C7.R racecar, for strength and stability
• Available Sebring Orange Design Package. Contents include: Sebring Orange Tintcoat exterior color, orange-painted calipers, ZR1 Carbon Flash-painted aluminum wheels, orange custom leather stitch, orange-painted striped ground effects, Jet Black leather seating surfaces with sueded microfiber inserts with orange stitching, Competition Sport bucket seats, carbon fiber and sueded microfiber-wrapped rim, flat-bottom steering wheel, orange safety belts, ZR- logo floor mats with orange accents and bronze-tinted aluminum interior accents
• Performance Data Recorder is standard on 3ZR and available on 1ZR
• Chevrolet Infotainment system with 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone projection capability
• Chevrolet 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot (3GB/one-month trial)
• Standard leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel on 1ZR; carbon fiber and leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel is standard on 3ZR
• Keyless open and start
• Curb-view cameras included on 2LZ and 3LZ trims
• Head-up display is standard on all trims
• Bose 10-speaker audio system with bass box included on 3ZR; nine-speaker system on 1ZR
• Heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats are standard on 3ZR
• Competition Sport seats are available on 1ZR and 3ZR
• Leather wrapped interior with sueded upper interior trim included on 3ZR
• Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
• Available performance air intake (dealer-available accessory)
• Corvette Museum delivery and Customer Engine Build Program are available

DAYTONA, Fla. — Chevrolet today introduced the 2019 Corvette Drivers Series special edition Grand Sport models designed in collaboration with the Corvette Racing team.

Each of the four versions has a specific exterior color and unique graphics package inspired by Corvette Racing drivers Tommy Milner, Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia.

“The Corvette Drivers Series celebrates Corvette Racing’s winning legacy, which is driven by a world-class team of drivers from around the globe,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet passenger car and crossover marketing. “Each driver worked with Chevrolet designers on the graphics for their respective edition, giving the cars distinctly personalized appearances.”

Offered on Grand Sport 1LT, 2LT and 3LT trims, the color and graphics packages for the vehicles include:

• Tommy Milner Edition: Elkhart Lake Blue exterior with silver stripes and red hash marks, body-color mirrors, black wheels with red stripe and red brake calipers. Jet Black Suede interior (leather seats on 1LT) with red seat belts.
• Oliver Gavin Edition: Shadow Gray exterior with Torch Red center stripe and Torch Red hash marks, Carbon Flash mirrors, black wheels with red stripe, red brake calipers. Adrenaline Red interior with red seat belts.
• Jan Magnussen Edition: Arctic White exterior with Crystal Red stripes and gray hash marks, body-color mirrors, black wheels with red stripe and red brake calipers. Jet Black interior with red seat belts; red stitching on 3LT trim.
• Antonio Garcia Edition: Racing Yellow exterior with “Jake” stinger stripe, red hash marks, Carbon Flash mirrors, black wheels with red stripe and red brake calipers. Jet Black interior; yellow stitching on 3LT trim.

SHENZHEN, China — Chevrolet announced today that Corvette Racing will close its 20th season of competition in grand style by competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2018 race in Shanghai. The C7.R race car, which will wear a special Redline livery for the competition, will be the first factory-run Corvette to race in Asia.

The 6 Hours of Shanghai will take place November 16-18 at the 16-turn, 5.45-km Shanghai International Circuit. Built in 2004, the venue plays host to a number of motorsports’ top championships, including the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix.

“Corvette is a global icon that we are excited to be bringing to race in China — the second-largest market for Chevrolet,” said Scott Lawson, general director of Chevrolet for SAIC-GM.

The WEC is one of the world's key sports car series and features racing at venues across the world with all races at least six hours in duration. The Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race is the WEC's most famous stop and will take place twice in the 2018-2019 calendar. The race tests not only speed and driving skills, but also the stability and fuel economy of cars in extreme driving.

“Corvette Racing has proven itself as a world-class racing program,” said Mark Kent, Chevrolet director of Motorsports Competition. “Competing in the Shanghai race provides us an additional opportunity to test ourselves against the top manufacturers and teams in the FIA WEC.”

Corvette Racing team highlights:

• Winner of 107 races around the world.
• 12 manufacturer championships in International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) competition.
• 11 driver’s championships in IMSA competition.
• 11-time class champion of the Sebring 12-hour endurance race.
• Eight victories in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.
• Three-time class champion of the Daytona 24-hour endurance race.
• Captured wins in Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans endurance races in 2015.

Racing has been part of Chevrolet’s DNA since the brand was established by race car driver Louis Chevrolet more than a century ago. This performance-inspired DNA continues to influence the entire Chevrolet lineup today.

Redline

The Corvette C7.R will wear a special Redline livery for the race in Shanghai to promote the launch of the special edition in China across Chevrolet’s portfolio.

Redline made its global debut in concept form at the 2015 SEMA Show. Inspired by a strong positive response, it became the broadest cross-portfolio special edition ever offered by Chevrolet.

Last year, Chevrolet introduced its Redline special edition portfolio for China at Auto Guangzhou 2017 and announced that four Redline models will enter the domestic market in 2018. In the future, nearly all Chevrolet models in China will have Redline variants.

“Chevrolet is strengthening its brand in China by boosting our product lineup and our overall customer and ownership experience. We have begun rolling out our more youthful and sporty Redline edition to help us reach younger customers,” said Lawson.