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The New C8 Corvette Z51 Can Reach 60mph In Just 2.9 Seconds

We knew the Chevrolet C8 Corvette was going to be a serious machine, especially when you take into account its extremely low price of just $59,995. Looking down the spec sheet you’d be surprised at a 0-60mph time of just 3 seconds, but add on the new Z51 pack and it starts pushing hypercar territory.

Thanks to its mid-engined setup – the first time for a Corvette – this sports package will beat the base model to 60 with a time of 2.9 seconds. Weirdly though, put them both on a quarter-mile drag strip and despite both cars completing it in 11.2 seconds, the standard car will reach a higher top speed of 123mph, 2mph over the Z51.

The New C8 Corvette Z51 Can Reach 60mph In Just 2.9 Seconds

 

These impeccable times are all thanks to the new weight bias, which is slightly to the rear enabling the rear wheels to gain more traction. Of course, a mid-engined chassis is also much more efficient at extracting performance, and the new 6.2-litre LT2 puts previous engines to shame with a massive 495bhp. The gearbox is also biased towards acceleration with smaller ratios and extremely quick shifts thanks to a twin-clutch setup.

The Z51 comes standard with a limited-slip differential, but are offered with an electronic option which Chevrolet says is much more effective than previous designs. According to the minds who built it (or its marketing department), it offers ‘ultimate control’ on track.

The Z51 also offers a host of other upgrades over the base car, including:

  • Michelin PS4 summer performance tires
  • Performance suspension
  • Adjustable threaded spring seats
  • Larger brake rotors with Z51 graphics
  • Enhanced cooling systems
  • Unique rear spoiler and front splitter
  • Front brake cooling inlets
  • Performance exhaust system

Alex Harrington

Alex started racing at a young age so certainly knows his way around a car and a track. He can just about put a sentence together too, which helps. He has a great interest in the latest models, but would throw all of his money at a rusty old French classic and a 300ZX. Contact: [email protected]

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