It's That Fast

2020 Chevrolet Corvette is as quick as a Ferrari 488 GTB

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Nov 8, 2019, 8:20 am

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette has been shown in its Stingray trim and first reviews indicate it's an impressive entry from the Detroit automaker.

Photo courtesy of Chevrolet

A lot of people's ears perked up and jaws dropped (even just a little) when Chevrolet announced that its new mid-engine Corvette would start under $60,000. Now there's another reason to be impressed.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, the base model, is as quick as a Ferrari 488 GTB when equipped with the Z51 package. That setup gets the car from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Without the package, the base model gets to 60 mph in three seconds flat.

The base model is faster at the quarter mile though they're equally as quick (11.2 seconds). The Stingray gets to 123 mph while the Z51 package-equipped Corvette hits just 121 mph.

This is significantly faster than the previous generation Corvette. The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray base model gets from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

"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."

2020 Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is powered by a naturally-aspirated small-block V8.Photo courtesy of Chevrolet

The Corvette is powered by a naturally-aspirated small-block V8 that gets 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the performance exhaust. It is the most powerful entry level Corvette ever.

Its engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 2020 Corvette is equipped with paddle shifters, which operate three different ways:
  • Double paddle declutch – pull both paddles simultaneously to simulate pressing a clutch pedal.
  • Temporary manual – simply use either paddle while in Drive, and the vehicle will temporarily switch to manual mode.
  • Lowest available gear – hold the downshift paddle and the transmission will shift to the lowest available gear for a quick burst of torque.

The model comes with three drive modes:

  • Tour: Moves to the background to provide quiet, smooth shifts for optimal ride comfort.
  • Sport: Gives drivers altered up and downshifts for more spirited driving.
  • Track: Maximizes vehicle performance with aggressive gear selection expected to keep the engine in a peak performance window.
Dealerships are currently taking orders for the 2020 Corvette, which starts at $59,995 without any taxes and fees factored in.
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New Model News

Understated 2020 Audi S8 will get you to 60 mph in a zippy 3.8 seconds

The S8 is elegant and sophisticated but it's also quick and luxurious.

Photo courtesy of Audi of America, Inc.

Audi's flagship A8 sedan is getting a feisty stablemate. The 2020 Audi S8 will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. This is the first time the U.S. market will get the S8.

Like other S variants in the Audi lineup, the S8 features similar styling to the A8, save unique badging and more aggressive exterior accents. Additionally, there are available 21-inch five double-spoke wheels, Audi Laser Lights, and OLED animated taillights.

2020 Audi S8

2020 Audi S8 exterior back taillights rear

Photo courtesy of Audi of America, Inc.

The S8 has unique exterior features that help differentiate it from the A8.

The real story is under its body. Each S8 comes standard with all-wheel drive, a sport differential, and predictive active suspension.

Below the bonnet sits a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine that produces 563 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. It has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and can get from zero to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. That's quick impressive quickness for a luxury large car.

Like the A8, the S8 is fitted with a host of premium features including dual-pane acoustic glass that keeps road and engine noise at bay. Its front sport seats feature Valcona leather with diamond stitching while an air quality system provides ionization and scents. Inlay on the upper dash is made of Carbon Vector that was designed to feature a 3D depth effect. It's underlined by a brushed matt aluminum lower inlay.

The 2020 Audi S8 starts at $129,500. Each model carries an additional $995 destination charge.

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Heritage

Change.org petition gathering support to name Chevrolet Suburban 'National Vehicle of Texas'

Chevrolet has started a campaign urging people to sign a Change.org petition showing support for the Suburban to be named "National Vehicle of Texas."

Image courtesy of Chevrolet

In 1986, Texas Monthly declared the Chevrolet Suburban the "National Car of Texas," saying that it was, "the most Texas vehicle there is… It's big, it's strong, it's fun, it doesn't put on airs, but it doesn't keep you from putting on a few." In the time since, the Suburban has undergone many iterations, but still maintains its original focus as being a capable people-hauler.

A new Change.org petition started by Chevrolet seeks to bring attention to the Suburban and gain support to name the vehicle the "National Vehicle of Texas." Why not the State Vehicle of Texas? That designation was given to the chuckwagon in 2005.

"Honestly, the petition is not intended to result in any official proclamations," Monte Doran, Manager, Chevrolet Truck Communications said. "Instead, the petition is a way to celebrate the long-lasting connection between Texans and the Suburban." This year, the Suburban nameplate turns 85 years old.

According to Chevrolet, more Suburbans are sold in Texas than in the lower 25 states combined. Five of the top 10 Suburban dealerships in the country are in Texas.

"Suburbans are a familiar sight in the parking lot of the Argyle Club in San Antonio, which is not surprising since it's hard to drive a block in surrounding Alamo Heights without seeing one," said Doran. "At the end of a school day in North Dallas, Suburbans are lined up outside Hockaday and St. Mark's. On weekday mornings Memorial Drive in Houston is a processional of Suburbans hauling children to private schools."

They're not just for families. "Around the Capitol in Austin, Suburbans are so popular with the influence-peddling crowd that they are known as lobby wagons. A single lobbyist can take as many as eight legislators to lunch, while tinted windows all around … ensure the anonymity of his passengers."

Suburbans translate into life beyond the city and suburbs in Texas. You can find them on boat ramps, on rugged ranch roads, hunting and fishing locations, and camping areas. "Last year when the hunting season opened at the venerable St. Charles Bay hunting club in Rockport, there were 12 vehicles in the parking lot and every one of them was a Suburban," Doran (rightly) bragged.

Every Suburban sold in the world is built in Arlington at Arlington Assembly Plant.

The next-generation of the Suburban will be revealed on December 10 along side the redesigned Chevrolet Tahoe. Both SUVs will be 2021 models.

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