The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8 updates and improves an already brand-new sports car

The life of the new Corvette C8 has not been easy since its conception. The first ‘Vette with its engine placed somewhere other than closest to the front logo, controversy was guaranteed. A situation that was quickly settled once the first press tests began and the first impressions were published: it is one of the best in history, at least in recent Chevrolet history.

Either way, doubts about its commercialisation and the arrival of a global crisis have once again complicated the existence of this iconic model, which has little or nothing in common with, for example, the Corvette C7. Yet once we accept that this model, like many others, no longer replicates or keeps a configuration like those that made its predecessors cult cars, it must be taken as an American sports car of the new era.

Therefore, after the first production phase of this vehicle, starting at the end of the year, the 2021 Corvette C8 will become the benchmark for the legions of followers of this icon.

While the second stage of sales of this car may surprise many, since visually the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8 is identical to the one it replaces, despite having likely undergone the usual touch-ups that justify marketing departments launching campaigns labelling it with adjectives such as ‘new’, the update comes hand in hand with elements that enhance the driving experience.

Constantly improving

Keeping the same engine, the massive 6.2-litre V8, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and 6 driving modes to choose from, one of the improved aspects is the suspension equipment.

The Magnetic Selective Ride Control system is now an optional item in the catalogue for all variants of the car, and not only for the Z51 Performance package.

Regarding this configuration, it should be noted that, thanks to a new exhaust system and without needing to modify the electronics, the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z51 Performance now delivers 5 CV more and breaks the 500 barrier, with homologated power of up to 502.

It also features its own cooling system, 245/35ZR19 tyres on the front axle and 305/30ZR20 on the rear, as well as high-performance brakes, an electronically limited-slip differential, and exclusive front and rear bumpers…

And if we are talking about emotional driving, improving liveability is a commercial necessity so that such brand-new vehicles do not fall into oblivion.

To this end, the new 2021 Corvette C8 now comes with 4G connectivity and synchronisation with mobile phones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all versions. The infotainment system features an 8-inch HD touchscreen and voice recognition.

As for the safety and comfort features, the new HD rear-view camera, together with the parking assistant, eases parking manoeuvres while also enhancing safety in manoeuvres where visibility and attention are compromised or divided.

And if we speak of increasing safety, especially with regard to others, the updated Chevrolet Corvette C8 also does so for its occupants, since it comes as standard with the Buckle to Drive assistant, a virtual watchman that reminds drivers to fasten their seatbelts correctly.

Regarding the seats, up to 3 possible seats are available in the catalogue: GT1, GT2 (optional) and, for the more racing-minded users who plan to use their car on, for example, a track day, the Competition Sport buckets.

Finally, to increase the appeal and enjoyment of using and driving such a car, the colour palette expands with 2 new options: the spectacular Red Mist Metallic Tincoat and the elegant Silver Frase Metallic, given the inclusion of racing-inspired decorations, where, among other things, the team competing in the American IMSA championship counts among its ranks Madrid-born Antonio García as one of its key drivers in recent years.

Arrival in Europe

The Corvette C8 2021 assembly line will not start operating until November of this year. For now, it is already possible to place reservations for these cars which, as is well known, will be sold in Europe, although with modifications specific to the continent, such as, among others, its RRP.

The starting price of the new Chevrolet Corvette C8 for the United States starts at 59,995 dollars, and from 67,495 for its convertible variant.