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TEST DRIVE Proof of Concept 2020 Stingray

DAN LYONS | text and photos Special to the Times Union

hile the 2020 Corvette is all new, the idea behind it isn’t. The mid-engine design that’s

Wthe star of this was first floated over sixty PHOTOS © DAN 2020 LYONS years ago. Corvette’s founding father - Zora Arkus- Duntov - laid the groundwork, with engineering prototypes like the CERV-I and CERV-II, and concept like the Astro II. Finally, concept becomes production reality in the 2020 Stingray. Visually, there’s a lot to take in with the eighth generation (C8) Corvette. Collectively, it’s exotic, ultra low, with creases galore and nary a flat panel. The car has the cab-forward profile common to many modern . But, after decades of long nose/short deck ‘Vettes, the new look comes as a surprise to the eyes. Two body styles are offered. The has a removable, Targa roof panel that stows in the trunk. In the convertible, the Targa top is retractable, powering down beneath a reverse opening tonneau. Coupe or convertible, the c-pillars remain fixed. The top can be raised or retracted at speeds up to 30 mph. The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: The new look is a surprise to the eyes. process takes about 16 seconds, with the touch of a button. Top up, the cabin is quiet. And with the roof block 6.2L V-8. It’s rated at 490 h.p. @ 6,450 r.p.m. and to be fractionally behind that number. And for those for 465 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5,150 r.p.m. Either model can opt whom nothing succeeds like excess, hotter versions of 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible for the Z51 Performance package ($5,000). This bundle the C8 motor will undoubtedly follow. MSRP: $58,900 (Coupe) $66,400 (Convertible) $82,680 (As Tested) specifies beefier brakes and suspension, a heavy-duty Regardless of power output, the engines are matched cooling system, run-flat tires, a shorter, final drive ratio, with an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. razed and windows up, the amount of wind buffeting is electronic limited slip differential, rear deck spoiler and This is the first DCT ever offered by GM. It’s also impressively light. Conversations are easily held, and a performance exhaust system. In addition to improving the first Corvette not have an available, manual the sound system can be clearly heard. the mechanical soundtrack, the freer flowing exhaust transmission since 1954. A moment, here, to note the Both models are offered in three trim levels (1LT, passing of the stick. Set the Wayback Machine to 1970. 2LT, 3 LT). The 1LT trim has a solid baseline of Fifty years ago, 70% of all Corvettes sold were stick shift standard equipment, though side blind zone alert is Refined and redefined, the new cars. In contrast, by the end of the last (C7) generation, (surprisingly) neither standard nor available. The 2LT level is desirable because of its increased roster of C8 may well be the best ‘Vette yet. the take rate on manuals had dropped below 20% - too standard gear (e.g. side blind zone alert, rear camera little to justify the added engineering expense, on the mirror, heated/ventilated seats, upgraded (14-speaker) mid-engine design. As a long time owner Bose system, head-up display, etc.), and it also unlocks also bumps the power ratings up to 495 h.p. and 470 lb.- (including a number of Corvettes over the years), I’ve access to another tier of options. ft. of torque. Chevy says that the 0-60 time for a Z51 C8 always felt that driving any car with a stick makes me Power for the C8 is provided by a fresh engine and is 2.8 seconds, which makes this the quickest showroom feel more in tune with the car; more participant than transmission. The motor is a naturally aspirated, small stock Corvette ever – rare air. are expected passenger. But, that’s increasingly a minority opinion. Continued on next page PIGSKINPICKS PRO FOOTBALL CHALLENGE

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