Chevrolet has finally unlevied its highly anticipated all-new mid-engine C8 Corvette Stingray. For the first time in the Corvettes sixty-six year history, the engine has been moved from in front of the two occupants to behind them. And bucking the trend of reducing the number of cylinders and adding turbocharging and electrification, Corvette is sticking to its tried and true powertrain formula – attaching a naturally aspirated V8 engine to the rear wheels. No all-wheel drive or hybrid systems for this new C8 Vette.

“Corvette has always represented the pinnacle of innovation and boundary-pushing at GM,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “The traditional front-engine vehicle reached its limits of performance, necessitating the new layout. “In terms of comfort and fun, it still looks and feels like a Corvette, but drives better than any vehicle in Corvette history. Customers are going to be thrilled with our focus on details and performance across the board.”

The new Corvette is the fastest-accelerating base Corvette ever, with sub three second 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) runs when equipped with the optional Z51 package. Power comes from the next-generation 6.2 litre small block V-8 LT2 engine, the only naturally aspirated V-8 offered in the segment. When equipped with performance exhaust, it produces 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, the most horsepower and torque for any entry level Corvette.

“Though now placed behind the driver, the LT2 gives the same visceral experience we all expect from Corvette,” said Jordan Lee, GM’s global chief engineer of Small Block engines. “The LT2 has been designed to deliver excellent low-end torque and high-end power to give thrilling pedal response at any RPM.”

The powertrain’s low position reduces the centre of gravity for better handling. For the first time ever, the base Corvette will use an engine-mounted dry sump oil system and three scavenge pumps for improved track performance. During serious track driving, oil volume remains high to avoid diminished performance. The new Stingray’s lateral acceleration levels exceeding 1G in all directions.

“Our mission was to develop a new type of sports car, combining the successful attributes of Corvette with the performance and driving experience of mid-engine supercars,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette executive chief engineer.

The new LT2 engine is paired with Chevrolet’s first eight speed dual-clutch transmission. This transmission is uniquely designed with TREMEC to provide lightning-fast shifts and excellent power transfer. The double-paddle de-clutch feature allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control. “The performance shift algorithms are so driver-focused, they can sense when you’re doing spirited driving — regardless of driving mode — and will hold lower gears longer for more throttle response,” said Juechter.

The new Corvette has dual trunks for a total of 357 litres (12.6 cubic feet) of cargo volume capable of carrying two sets of golf clubs. It also features completely hidden door, hood and hatch releases so as not to disrupt the sculpted exterior design.

“As America’s most iconic performance nameplate, redesigning the Corvette Stingray from the ground up presented the team a historic opportunity, something Chevrolet designers have desired for over 60 years,” said Mike Simcoe, vice president of Global Design, General Motors. “It is now the best of America, a new arrival in the mid-engine sports car class. We know Corvette can stand tall with the best the world has to offer.”

The new Corvette will be available in twelve exterior colours — Torch Red, Arctic White, Black, Blade Silver Metallic, Shadow Gray, Ceramic Matrix Gray, Long Beach Red, Elkhart Lake Blue and Sebring Orange — plus three all-new colours: Rapid Blue, Zeus Bronze and Accelerate Yellow. The six interior colour themes are Jet Black, Sky Cool Gray, Adrenaline Red, Natural/ Natural Dipped, Two-Tone Blue and Morello Red. Six seat belt colours: Black, Blue, Natural, Torch Red, Yellow and Orange. Two optional stitch packages are Yellow and Red. Standard black interiors have Sky Cool Gray stitching.

There are three seat options. GT1 is a sporty style that emphasizes comfort while providing good support for performance driving situations. GT2 is a first for Corvette. These seats have a racing-inspired look with comfort for long trips courtesy of dual density foam. They include carbon fiber trim, a Napa leather insert, Mulan leather bolsters, a jet black-painted seat back, two-way lumbar support and wing adjustment, plus heating and ventilation. The Competition Sport seats are designed for serious track-focused drivers and include aggressive bolsters, full Napa seating surfaces and carbon fiber trim on the headrest, heating and ventilation, along with an all-new durable performance textile inspired by Kevlar vests.

The Stingray is designed for superior ride comfort on the highway and well-balanced handling on the track. “Thanks to sophisticated suspension geometry, tailored tire technology and exquisite attention to structural details, we have improved ride and handling,” said Juechter. “No Corvette has ever felt so comfortable, nimble and yet completely stable.”

The rear weight distribution aids Launch Control, enabling the new Stingray to get off the line quicker than any Corvette in history. This is the first sports car application of Michelin’s all-season performance tire that can corner at nearly 1G.

Front suspension lift raises ground clearance by approximately 40 mm at the front bumper in 2.8 seconds, protecting against bumps, potholes, steep driveways and other road disturbances. It can operate at speeds up to 37 km/h and be programmed to work automatically through GPS to remember up to 1,000 locations.

A lightweight, 3.2 mm-thick glass panel on the rear hatch allows owners to show off the engine. This panel features a cantilevered trailing edge to evacuate heat from the LT2 engine compartment.

Pricing details have not been released yet but the base MSRP in Canada will be under $70,000 and the base MSRP in the United States will be under $60,000.

A mid-engine supercar that can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds with a base price of under $70,000 CAD or $60,000 USD is quite a compelling performance and value proposition. And in another first for this Corvette, it will be available in both left- and right-hand-drive.