Refreshing or Revolting: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Is it a stunner, or did the C7 Corvette do it better?
By now, we've all read the specs, seen the pictures, toured the interior, and rummaged through the customization options on the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Now that we've examined the new sports car from every angle, it's time to consider how the Corvette's design has evolved from its predecessor. Moving into its eighth generation, the Corvette Stingray gets a completely new look that reflects its shift from a front-engine to a mid-engine car. But does the new look work? Let's examine the styling changes below.
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Corvette designers achieved a bolder look up front with a wider lower grille. Overall, you'll find sharper lines, from the grille to the hood creases, and even the headlights, which are more stretched out and angular, coming to a sharp point at either end. Compared to the C7 Corvette, the headlights on the new model don't bulge out as much from atop the hood. Also, you won't find a hood vent on the new Corvette Stingray.
When viewing the Corvette from its side profile, the move from front- to mid-engine is abundantly clear. As you can see, the Corvetteloses its cab-rearward design now that the engine is behind the passenger cabin. In fact, the driver has been pushed forward 16.5 inches compared to the C7 Corvette as a result of the new mid-engine layout. This gives it the well-balanced proportions we've seen on supercars like the Ford GT, Ferrari 488, and Audi R8. A large diagonal side vent is a key new design feature, accentuating the Corvette's prominent hips. The new Corvette is 5.4 inches longer than its C7 predecessor, with a wheelbase that is half an inch wider. Height has dropped by 0.2 inch.
The boxy rear end was a point of contention when the C7 Corvette debuted several years ago, but fortunately, the look has changed with the C8. Now a little more sculpted, the rear features a low-slung look and bold vents just below the taillights. Speaking of those taillights, they represent an evolution of the previous Corvette's design, with the dual light signatures taking on a new C-shape. Instead of four tailpipes all clustered together on the bottom, there are now twin tailpipes at either side.
We were satisfied with the C7 Corvette's interior when it was new, but we're glad the C8 Corvette takes it up a notch further with higher-quality materials and more personalization options. Six interior color themes are available, as well as six seat belt colors and two optional stitch packages. There are also three seat options with different materials and bolstering. The touchscreen is now canted toward the driver and sits close to the digital instrument display. Instead of a traditional gear stalk that the C7 model had, the new Corvette introduces a push-button shifter. And controversially, it has a long row of 20 buttons on the center console separating the driver from the passenger. Keep in mind that cargo space has dropped from 15 cubic feet to 12.6 cubic feet, and that the capacity is split between a frunk and trunk.
Do you think the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is refreshing or revolting? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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