The new 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette apparently ran into issues while testing.
We’ve been awaiting the arrival of the all-new, mid-engine 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette for awhile now. Recent reports suggest a variety of issues ultimately delaying its arrivals, and what spy photographers caught today could show some of those issues. Today, we received new spy shots of the C8 Corvette broken down at a gas station. So what happened?
Those tending to the car tried for about 20 to 30 minutes to restart the car, according to spy photographers. After engineers unsuccessfully tried to revive this C8 Corvette, they covered the car up and patiently awaited the tow truck. One of GM’s support vehicles ultimately towed the unresponsive car back to Milford Proving Grounds.
2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette reportedly delayed: the details
Hagerty published a report last week breaking down what could be causing delays for the C8 Corvette. That report covered three main reasons Chevy’s mid-engined Corvette could be delayed, although it’s important to note these haven’t been confirmed. Hagerty cites “well-placed sources” in covering the new Corvette’s possible issues.
First was an unspecified problems between the car’s engineers and designers. The report contends it could be some issue regarding a compromise between the car’s performance and its ergonomics. Hagerty‘s sources would not elaborate on exactly what the concern was.
On top of that potential problem, the C8 Corvette is reportedly experiencing problems with its aluminum spaceframe. The Drive featured a headline, “The C8 Corvette Is So Powerful It Keeps Bending Its Frame, Report Claims.” This report suggests a 900-1,000 horsepower prototype with a twin-turbo V8 twisted its frame to the point where it fractured the glass hatch covering the engine. It’s good they discovered that issue now — and that’s exactly why manufacturers test their vehicles extensively — but that’s not likely the reason why it wouldn’t start in today’s spy shots.
The most plausible reason this C8 Corvette may not have started comes down to its electrical system. Hagerty‘s sources posit the issue comes to GM’s shift toward a new electrical architecture. More than 100 computer modules have to communicate flawlessly with the CAN (computer area network) bus inside the car. If a critical module isn’t communicating to the car’s other computers correctly, the car won’t start.
Then again, it may be a mechanical issue as well. We’re not certain why it wouldn’t start, nor were the spy photographers on the scene. We don’t suspect General Motors will be keen to explain why the car wouldn’t start, either.
Here’s what we know
The 2020 C8 Corvette will still likely arrive sometime this year. However, there is no confirmed reveal date from General Motors just yet. Since it most likely won’t appear at the New York Auto Show, the general consensus is it will appear sometime this fall. The National Corvette Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary at the end of August — that would be a great time to debut such a blockbuster car.
It will still have a V8 engine, although it’s mounted midships this time. On the basis, Chevrolet seems poised to take on the likes of Porsche and Ferrari more directly. However, we don’t know exactly what squaring the C8 Corvette in the Europeans’ firing line will cost the average buyer. Right now, the C7 Chevrolet Corvette starts around $56,000. We expect the new C8 Corvette to be substantially more expensive.
Reports suggest a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission may be the only option in the 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette. If that does come to pass, it means the C7 will be your last chance to get your hands on a manual Corvette.
As for the names, we’re fairly certain the base models will retain the “Stingray” name. That said, GM filed a trademark application for the “Zora” name, so we may see that on the high-performance models.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates, including breaking news on the 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette!
