2020 Corvette Z51 Officially Does 0-60 in Just 2.9-Seconds
Quickest-accelerating Corvette ever will also do 0-60 in 3.0-seconds flat with a base price of under $60k.
We already knew that the new, mid-engine 2020 Corvette was going to be quick. After all, GM told us at the car’s unveiling that it would do 0-60 in under 3.0-seconds. But of course, until those numbers are made official, anything can happen. But now that GM has officially announced the car’s performance numbers, we can confirm that the C8, when equipped with the Z51 performance package, is the quickest-accelerating Corvette ever.
The Z51 does indeed break that 3.0-second barrier, reaching 60 miles-per-hour in just 2.9-seconds. Keep going, and it’ll cover the quarter-mile in 11.2-seconds at 121 mph. But even those who go bargain hunting and buy a base model won’t miss out on much. In fact, even the cheapest C8 will do 0-60 in just 3.0-seconds and the quarter-mile in an identical 11.2 at a faster 123 mph.
Those are pretty incredible numbers for a car that costs just a hair under $60k. But they’re even more impressive for a car that puts out 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque from a naturally-aspirated V8. So how, exactly, did GM manage to engineer a car capable of outrunning much more expensive and powerful machines? Well, it’s a bit of engineering magic, really.
“The performance of the 2020 Stingray has far exceeded our expectations,” said Alex MacDonald, Chevrolet vehicle performance manager. “Moving more weight over the rear wheels helps us get off the line quicker, but it’s the integration between the powertrain and chassis that really takes the performance to new levels.”
Yes, this is a total effort created by a perfect a formula of rear weight bias, tire technology, aerodynamics, chassis tuning and of course, the powertrain. The new 6.2-liter LT2 V8 is Corvette’s most powerful base engine ever. But it’s also incredibly responsive, with power available on demand. It, along with the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, are both mounted as low as possible in the chassis. Those mounting locations were specifically chosen to enhance weight distribution.
But truthfully, the Tremec-designed transmission might just be the real star of the acceleration show. “The goal from the beginning was to design a transmission worthy of an exotic supercar that is fun to drive everyday,” said Terri Schulke, GM global chief engineer of transmissions. “We achieved that goal by combining the best attributes of the LT2 and the DCT. And I think the impressive performance numbers speak for themselves.”
The DCT uses dual concentric wet clutches working in tandem to provide uninterrupted torque delivery. The unit’s gar ratios were engineered to be incredibly low-end biased for maximum acceleration. First gear, with a ratio of 2.91, takes advantage of the car’s additional traction to get off the line quickly.
The C8’s standard mechanical slip differential has an effective final drive ratio of 4.9:1 and is designed to optimize straight line acceleration. Step up to the Z51, and you get an electronic limited slip differential with an effective final drive ratio of 5.2:1. Both share a common ring and pinion gear ratio of 3.55:1.
Best of all, achieving these lofty acceleration numbers is as easy as it gets. First select Track mode. Then double press the traction control button. This puts the car in Performance Traction Management for Magnetic Ride Control-equipped cars, or Competitive driving mode for base models. Then fully depress the brake and gas pedals, wait until you hit 3,500 rpm, and let go of the brake.
Using a combination of powertrain technology and advanced engineering, GM managed to create a Corvette that seemingly defies the laws of physics. The C8 is truly an incredible car. And one that’s sure to send other manufacturers scrambling back to the drawing board. That is, if it hasn’t already.
Photos: Chevrolet
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