Chevrolet Corvette History: Is the C8 Corvette the Best?

The Chevrolet Corvette has been one of the most iconic American sports cars for over six decades. Since its introduction in 1953, the Corvette has been a symbol of American automotive engineering, innovation, and style.

The Chevrolet Corvette is an American sports car that has been in production since 1953. It is the longest-running, continuously produced passenger car in the world. The Corvette has been produced in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 1981.

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of the Corvette, its design and performance, and the latest features that make it a true sports car.

The Corvette was originally conceived as a concept car for the 1953 General Motors Motorama show. It was so popular that GM decided to put it into production. The first Corvettes were produced in Flint, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri. In 1981, production moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where it has remained ever since.

The Corvette has gone through many changes over the years. The first generation (C1; 1953–1962) had a fiberglass body and a 150-horsepower engine. The second generation (C2; 1963–1967) had a more powerful engine and a more stylish body. The third generation (C3; 1968–1982) had a more powerful engine and a more aerodynamic body. The fourth generation (C4; 1983–1996) had a more powerful engine and a more luxurious interior. The fifth generation (C5; 1997–2004) had a more powerful engine and a more technologically advanced interior. The sixth generation (C6; 2005–2013) had a more powerful engine and a more stylish body. The seventh generation (C7; 2014–2019) had a more powerful engine and a more technologically advanced interior. The eighth generation (C8; 2020-present) has a more powerful engine and a more stylish body.

The Corvette has been a popular car for many years. It has been featured in many movies and television shows. It has also been used by many celebrities. The Corvette is a symbol of American sports car culture.

History of the Corvette – Corvette Generations

The Chevrolet Corvette was first introduced in 1953 as a concept car at the General Motors Motorama show in New York. The first generation of Corvettes, known as the C1, was produced from 1953 to 1962. These early Corvettes were designed to be lightweight, agile, and powerful, with a sleek and stylish exterior.

The second generation of Corvettes, known as the C2, was produced from 1963 to 1967. These Corvettes featured a more refined design and improved performance, with options for bigger engines and more horsepower. The C2 Corvette also introduced the iconic Sting Ray design, with a split rear window and a sleek, aerodynamic shape.

The third generation of Corvettes, known as the C3, was produced from 1968 to 1982. These Corvettes featured a longer, lower, and wider design, with improved handling and a range of engine options. The C3 Corvette also introduced the T-top roof, which provided an open-air driving experience without sacrificing the structural integrity of the car.

The fourth generation of Corvettes, known as the C4, was produced from 1984 to 1996. These Corvettes featured a more modern and aerodynamic design, with a range of new features including ABS brakes, airbags, and a digital instrument cluster. The C4 Corvette also introduced the LT1 engine, which provided improved performance and fuel efficiency.

The fifth generation of Corvettes, known as the C5, was produced from 1997 to 2004. These Corvettes featured a completely redesigned exterior and interior, with improved handling and performance. The C5 Corvette also introduced the LS1 engine, which provided even more power and torque than the previous generation.

The sixth generation of Corvettes, known as the C6, was produced from 2005 to 2013. These Corvettes featured a more aggressive and muscular design, with improved aerodynamics and a range of new features. The C6 Corvette also introduced the Z06 and ZR1 models, which offered even more performance and handling.

The seventh generation of Corvettes, known as the C7, was produced from 2014 to 2019. These Corvettes featured a more modern and sophisticated design, with improved handling and a range of new features including a digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. The C7 Corvette also introduced the Z06 and Grand Sport models, which offered even more performance and handling.

The latest generation of Corvettes, known as the C8, was introduced in 2020. These Corvettes feature a completely new mid-engine design, which provides even better handling and performance than previous generations. The C8 Corvette also features a range of new features including a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a removable roof panel.

Also, the C8 Corvette Z06 was unveiled Tuesday, October 26th, at 12 p.m. EDT and the first allocations were given to Chevrolet Dealers in August of 2022 with the first C8 Corvette Z06s being produced at the end of 2022 in November and December for YouTuber influencers and in January of 2023.

At this point in March of 2023 there has been about 1200 C8 Corvette Z06s built with the final 2023 production scheduled for April 2023

Design and Performance of the Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette is designed to be a true sports car, with a sleek and aerodynamic exterior, a powerful engine, and a range of advanced features. The Corvette’s design is inspired by racing cars, with a low center of gravity, wide track, and long hood

Corvette ERay Smashes Lamborghini Huracan & Ferrari F8

In this insanely well produced video by Hagerty on YouTube you can see the all new 2024 C8 Corvette Eray hybrid electric corvette smash the Ferrari F8 and Lamborghini Huracan Evo in the quarter mile.

To be fair you can see the Ferrari F8 coming on strong after the all wheel hybrid electric launch on the Corvette ERay makes it dominate from the start. Also, Lamborghini didn’t want to provide a car for the video so they were only able to use a RWD Lamborghini Huracan EVO vs the Corvette Eray instead of an All Wheel Drive Huracan EVO.

We recently posted the results of an All Wheel Drive Lamborghini Huracan Evo vs a Convertible C8 Corvette Z06 but not of the Eray yet.

Corvette E-Ray vs Ferrari F8 vs Lamborghini Huracan EVO

In this world exclusive, we drag race the first-ever hybrid, all-wheel-drive Corvette E-Ray against two Italian Supercars: the Ferrari F8 and Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD.

Is the 2024 Corvette E-Ray quicker than the 2023 Corvette Z06? We explore that using numbers generated from our last episode, where the Z06 beat a Porsche 911 GT3 (992), an Audi R8 V10 Performance, and almost kept up with a Ducati Panigale V4 SP2. Using his signature time-freeze technique, veteran automotive journalist Jason Cammisa shows us the outcome of the race and explains how it happened by walking back through slow-mo time at the finish line. The Corvette E-Ray combines the Z06’s wide body with the base Stingray’s 6.2-liter LS2 V-8 and a front-mounted, 160-hp electric motor. Launches are now wheelspin-free and no-drama as the E-Ray rockets from 0-60 in just 2.4 seconds — making this the quickest Corvette in history. And, at 3925 lb, the heaviest. But also the first AWD Corvette and the first-ever hybrid Corvette.

C8 Corvette ZR1 & C8 Corvette Zora

In the video they give a hint about Chevrolet possibly adding twin turbos to the C8 Corvette Z06 to make the C8 Corvette Zr1. There is also speculation General Motors and Chevrolet are going to add Twin Turbos to the C8 Corvette Z06 flatplane crank engine and then add the hybrid electric motor for the C8 Corvette Zora to get into the 900-1000 HP territory to take on the Tesla Model S Plaid and super cars like the McLaren 765 LT.

C8 Corvette Z06 vs Lamborghini Huracan EVO (AWD)

In this video by Drag Times on YouTube you can see a C8 Corvette Z06 Convertible race a Lamborghini Huracan EVO all wheel drive at the track in the quarter mile. It’s a best of three race series where you get to see both the C8 Z06 and Huracan launch as well as the top end of each car at the end of the Quarter mile.

C8 Z06 vs Lamborghini Huracan Evo Quarter Mile Times

In the three quarter mile races you can see the Lamborghini Huracan EVO have a lot more top end speed then the C8 Corvette Z06.

However the C8 Z06 is heavier especially since this is the convertible variant of the C8 Z06. They both were in the high 10’s in the quarter mile and the C8 Z06 only won because of a red light as well as a bad launch of the Huracan EVO.

The times that this C8 Corvette Z06 aren’t the fastest times we have seen where the coupe model C8 Z06 with a change of rear tires that are better for that track has achieved lower 10s in the quarter mile and more in the 10.3-10.6 second range.

Nonetheless, the C8 Corvette Z06 MSRP ($140k with the spec in the video) is well over 100k less then a Huracan EVO currently without considering all the mark ups that dealers and people are putting on the C8 Corvette Z06 on sites like Cars and Bids.

DragTimes C8 Z06 vs Huracan EVO All Wheel Drive

Hoovies Garage Adds Soul Performance Sport Cats to his C8 Z06

In this video Hoovies Garage adds new Soul Performance sport cats to his Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

Hoovies Garage “lucked” into a C8 Corvette Z06 from the car dealership he use to work at before his YouTube and Autotrader career. Tyler “Hoovie” Hoover said he knows he has hit the lottery with his C8 Corvette Z06 since they are selling well above MSRP and production keeps having issues.

Chevrolet C8 Z06 SOUL Sport Catalytic Converters

Price: $3,960.00

Built around larger catalytic converters than previous generations due to the higher demands of the new 5.5L LT6 V8, our Sport Catalytic Converters for the C8 Z06 replace the factory units to extract additional sound and power from one of 2023’s most anticipated performance cars.

+  All Soul Performance Products exhaust components are backed by a renowned Lifetime Warranty for both street and track use
+  Added performance with NO check engine light
+  Designed and built in-house at our Willow Grove, PA facility

You can buy the sport cats from Soul Performance here and mention you saw them on C8CorvetteBlog.com

Tyler Hoovie Hoover mentions he went with just sport cats since the stock C8 Corvette Z06 cat back is already valved and there wasn’t a need for it.

In the video you can hear the sport cats add more volume to the C8 Corvette Z06 system making the C8 Z06 a lot louder.

C8 Corvette Plant Shut Down Again, C8 Z06 Orders Cancelled?

In this video Rick Corvette Conti gives an update on the C8 Z06 and clarifies his message of the Bowling Green Kentucky Corvette plant being shut down for more than one week.

Chevrolet sent out emails to certain people including someone at 3400 status that was suppose to have a C8 Corvette Z06 built this week that their C8 Corvette Z06 order was cancelled.

Luckily as Rick points out after checking with sources the email was an error and part of an automated message from Chevrolet.

With the Corvette plant being shut down it will shift build and production weeks pushing them out even further. Ever since the C8 Corvette came out in 2020 it has been nothing but a nightmare with this car and the new C8 Z06.

The supply chain and parts issues are still a problem as well as dealers lying to people on lists and mark ups well over MSRP with most being marked up over $50,000 on the New C8 Z06s ordered for stock vs allowing a customer to order and design it themselves.

Even on Cars and Bids C8 Z06s have been sold for well over MSRP already and there hasn’t even been more than 1,500 made since the first allocations were given in August of 2022.

MARCH 2023 C8 Z06 ALLOCATION NEWS PLANT UPDATE

In this video Rick Corvette Conti shares information about the March 2023 C8 Corvette Z06 allocations and mentions Chevy dealers in the entire country didn’t receive any.

He mentioned now Chevrolet dealers need to wait until April 2023 to see if they can get any more C8 Corvette Z06 allocations to fulfill their C8 Corvette Z06 wait lists.

C8 Corvette Z06 vs. Corvette Stingray Difference: U Drag Drag Race!

In this video Edmunds Cars compares the differences in performance and handling of the new C8 Corvette Z06 vs the base model Corvette C8 Stingray.

C8 Z06 Stats

  • 5.5 L V8 Flat Plane Crank
  • 8 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission
  • 670 Horsepower and 460 foot pounds of Torque
  • Starts at $109k
  • Weighs 3,681 pounds
  • 5.49 pounds per horsepower

More about the C8 Corvette Z06

Base Model C8 Corvette Stingray Stats

  • 6.2L V8
  • Same 8 Speed DCT Dual Clutch Tremec Transmission just geared different
  • 495 Horsepower, 470 foot pounds of torque
  • Starts at $59,995 or $50,000 less than the C8 Corvette Z06
  • Weighs 3,649 pounds
  • Weight to power of 7.45 lbs/hp

More about the C8 Corvette

Listen, we all know this race is going to end with the 2023 Corvette Z06 running circles around its lesser Stingray sibling. But just how drastically will the Z06 annihilate the Stingray? That’s what we wanted to find out, so we put them on our Edmunds U-Drag track to see how things shook out. Edmunds’ Clint Simone takes you through our Corvette Z06 vs. Stingray U-Drag in the video above! What is a U-Drag race? A U-Drag race consists of both cars heading down the track like a standard drag race, then braking hard, flipping around and then heading back. Source Edmonds

Conclusion of the C8 Z06 vs C8 Corvette Stingray Model

The C8 Corvette Z06 with the Z07 carbon fiber track package and carbon fiber wheels gapped the base model C8 Corvette Stingray by about 3-4 car lengths.

However the C8 Corvette Stingray did hang with the C8 Z06 at the launch but loses once the C8 Z06 gains traction and the top end kicks in.

C8 Z06 vs McLaren 765LT

The C8 Corvette Z06 was only 1.8 seconds off the Edmunds U Drags Leaderboard champion the McLaren 765LT. Keeping in mind the McLaren 765LT is well over $200k more just on MSRP numbers coming in at $358,000 not including any mark ups on either car.

Label Motorsports Builds a 2nd Widebody C8 Corvette for SEMA

We have covered many Widebody C8 Corvettes over the years. And one of out favorite custom Widebody C8 Corvette builds was done by Label Motorsports for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas of 2021.

Well they did again with another badass Widebody C8 Corvette fully customized from brakes, wheels, engine, to the interior.

They are known not to just sell custom carbon fiber or aftermarket parts for the C8 Corvette. They actually only offer full custom builds and you can see why in the details and the results of the builds.

Their Widebody C8 Corvette video was just launched today on YouTube so you can see the process of their Carbon Fiber Widebody they built for show about 4 months ago.

If you want to learn more about Label Motorsports Widebody C8 Corvette “Vouno” custom build option reach out to them and let them know C8CorvetteBlog.com sent you.

Widebody C8 Corvette with Carbon Fiber

In just over 30 minutes, watch the final assembly process of our 2022 SEMA Feature build, the official Chassis #2 of our Project Vouno’ Carbon Fiber Widebody C8 program! Completed final photos included at the end of the video taken prior to its official reveal at SEMA this year. Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to see more stunning upcoming builds like this and others we have in the works!

More Widebody C8 Corvette content

C8 Corvette Variants and Models We Know So Far

The C8 generation of the Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most dramatic changes to the ‘Vette since its inception. For starters, it’s the first to sport a mid-engine design and not a front-engine layout.

Despite this, it doesn’t mean that the C8 isn’t an excellent choice for anyone looking to get behind the wheel of a high-performance sports car. HotCars digital artist Timothy Adry Emmanuel created this render showing what the C8 Corvette might look like if it stayed front-engined, rather than mid-engined.

Stingray

Powered by a mid-mounted 6.2L LT2 V-8, the Stingray offers 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet claims it accelerates from 0-60 in 2.5 seconds, making it the quickest Corvette to date.

The C8 Stingray is available in coupe or convertible body styles. The coupe features removable roof panels, available in carbon fiber or transparent, while the convertible has a power-folding hardtop.

With a mid-mounted engine, the Stingray has the potential to be a versatile performer. It is comfortable and civilized when you want it to be, then turns into a snarling sports car when the need arises.

Despite the Stingray’s wide width, it is not a problem for most drivers. It is a joy to drive and will quickly become your favorite ride.

Z06

The Z06 model is the most performance-oriented iteration of the C8 Corvette. This means it comes with a range of features that help it reach higher speeds than its Stingray sibling, as well as plenty of options to personalize it.

The engine powering the Z06 is a 5.5-liter small-block V8 that’s the first to use a flat-plane crankshaft, a design that reduces weight while improving airflow. This also creates a distinctive exhaust note that’s unlike anything you’ll find in a traditional Detroit V8.

Even when paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, this engine is more than capable of blasting the C8 Z06 from 0-60 in 2.6 seconds. Chevy claims it’s the fastest naturally aspirated RWD vehicle you can buy.

This car is track-bred, which means it’s a real-life racing machine that needs to be driven on the racetrack in order to be appreciated. That’s why it’s available with a range of aerodynamic enhancements, larger Brembo brakes and a wider set of gripper tires to keep you out of trouble on the track.

E-Ray

The E-Ray model is the quickest Corvette and one of the most affordable models in the C8 range. That’s thanks to the small-block V8 and electric motor powertrain that make 655 horsepower.

It also is the first Corvette to feature a feature called auto start-stop. The switch will shut off the engine when idling to save fuel.

Chevrolet says the Corvette Eray system also uses regenerative braking and coasting to recharge the batteries. The result is that the E-Ray doesn’t need to be plugged into a wall, unlike most hybrids.

The E-Ray’s intelligent eAWD system constantly reads the road and makes changes based on traction, such as applying more power to the front wheels. It works in conjunction with Magnetic Ride Control and all-season tires, making the car suitable for a variety of driving situations.

C8 Corvette Options

Choosing which Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray options you’ll want to add to your new car is important. You’ll find that there are several different trim levels to choose from, each offering a different level of luxury, convenience and performance.

Fortunately, you can narrow down the choices by focusing on what’s most important to you. For example, if you’re looking for a more sporty driving experience, you may want to go with the 2LT or 3LT trims, both of which feature upgraded leather upholstery and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

If you’re a true enthusiast, then you may also want to consider adding some of the more advanced safety features. These can help you avoid accidents and reduce your risk of injury during your drive. Also, other than some minor tweaks with the C8 Z06 vs the Stingray the Corvette C8 interior isn’t that much different other than the new Eray model that will have more data on the electrified system.

One of the best things you can do is add more carbon fiber to your C8 Corvette interior to stand out and give it more of a supercar feel.


Stradman’s C8 Z06 Sells for $218,200 on Cars and Bids

After taking delivery of his Accelerate Yellow 2023 C8 Corvette z06 in November 2022 from Whitmoyer Chevrolet the Stradman has sold his C8 Corvette Z06 on Cars and Bids for $218,200.

The Winning bid came from “Climat” who says on Cars and Bids in the comments of the auction;

I have a small channel that I post my HPDE sessions on and this is my car for this season so it will be out there, I am an instructor for NCM, Porsche Club and 1010ths motorsport.

Cars and Bids

Cars and Bids is a car bidding website started by YouTuber Doug DeMuro where people can auction their cars to the highest bidder.

Buyers pay a 4.5% commission, capped at $4,500. Sellers list for free and receive 100% of the sale price.

Doug DeMuro brings the eyeballs from his Car Reviews YouTube channel and they offer a lot of customer support buying and selling cars.

cars and bids

Stradman C8 Z06 Warranty and Transmission Issue

So part of Chevrolet and General Motors new policy with the C8 Corvette Z06 is that if it is sold prior to they original owner owning it more than 6 months the warranty is voided.

As stated in the Cars and Bids auction for the C8 Z06 Stradman sold there he did include that disclaimer as well as made in an depth video of everything about the car including the C8 Z06 transmission pan gasket being fixed under warranty while he had it.

cars and bids stradman c8 z06 warranty information

Responding to Allegations of Illegally Selling my Z06 Corvette.

StreetSpeed717 Takes a C8 Corvette Off-Roading

In the latest StreetSpeed717 video he buys a new Rapid Blue C8 Corvette from Whitmoyer Chevrolet and takes it off-roading.

As he prefaced in the beginning of the video he possibly might be building this C8 Corvette to compete with the likes of the new Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. or even a Porsche 911 Dakar.

Since Corvette is talking about possibly expanding the Corvette line up with an SUV why not build an off road C8 Corvette. This also plays into Mike StreetSpeed717 mentioning he has already built C8 Corvettes with new C8 Corvette after market wheels, carbon fiber or even car wraps.

So using his creativity being a YouTuber and influencer why not do something different with an Off-Road C8 Corvette similar to the other exotic car manufactures and beat Chevrolet and General Motors to it.

Chevrolet and Corvette recently released an all wheel drive hybrid electric C8 Corvette the E Ray and now Mike StreetSpeed717 is showing them what he can do building a new C8 Corvette into an off road monster.

In the Corvette ERay promo videos they showed it doing some mean all wheel drive donuts and drifting. In these off-roading videos by Mike you can see the Mid Engine C8 Corvette slipping and sliding all over the farm in rural Pennsylvania. Towards the end of the video StreetSpeed717 had to have his off roading C8 Corvette pulled from a pond by his brother in law RF Racing on YouTube.

In his upcoming videos we will be posting him jumping the C8 Corvette outside on a private farm property in Pennsylvania from his homemade built dirt ramps. He has done this before with his Ram TRX.

Bookmark our site, share this post on social media and be sure to check back as we keep this post updated with the latest off road C8 Corvette StreetSpeed717 is building.

Update: StreetSpeed717 Mike Jumps the C8 Corvette!

BRUTALLY Jumping a New C8 Corvette Until it Explodes… *HOW MUCH ABUSE CAN IT TAKE*