C8 Chevrolet Corvette confirmed for July 18 debut

After numerous test mule sightings from as early as 2017, we’ve since had a better look at the successor to the C7-generation Corvette. Chevrolet has finally confirmed the arrival of the forthcoming, mid-engined Corvette that will be officially unveiled on July 18, as hinted by the decals affixed to the side of the still-camouflaged car.

The big change, of course, is the relocation of the car’s powertrain from the front to the rear of the cabin. Little is known about the engine, which will continue to be a V8, though the forthcoming mid-engined car is rumoured to launch with a naturally aspirated 6.2 litre unit with more than 460 hp, likely to be a development of the unit in the base C7 Corvette. Certainly, more potent, possibly forced-induction versions will follow.

Based on recent spy images, we can see that the Corvette’s front end will wear hoenycomb grille intakes at each corner, with what appears to be LED DRLs along the upper edges of the headlamp assemblies. The mid-section as depicted in the promotional image appears much the same as in the spyshots, while the rear end has ben photographed to be fitted with tail lamps and a fascia which appear similar to the C7 Corvette’s.

Our earlier report on the C8-generation Corvette noted that the engine will be mated to a Tremec TR-9007 dual-clutch transmission, while sources have also reported that the name ‘E-Ray’ has been trademarked by Chevrolet, likely a denoting a sub-brand for electrification. This ties in with initial reports that the C8 ‘Vette will be electrfied, either as a hybrid or even a full EV.

With the current C7 Corvette set to continue on into 2022, the mid-engined C8 is likely to join the Corvette line-up in late 2019 or the first quarter of 2020 alongside the current model rather than stand in as an outright replacement.

GALLERY: C8 Mid-engined Corvette spyshots

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