The release of any Corvette is significant, but this one is even more special. The latest model‘s engine is behind the passengers. While other cars like the McLaren 720S and Ferrari F8 Tributo have already shifted their engine placement, this is the first time Corvette has made this move. The new Corvette Stingray’s mid-engine is not the only reason everyone’s talking. Here are more details about the new supercar.

Engine and transmission

The Corvette Stingray comes fitted with the LT2 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 495 hp with 470 lb-ft of torque. The engine is coupled to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. The car does not come with a manual option though you can control cog swaps manually through the paddle shifters placed on the car’s steering wheel.

The Z51 model comes with improved cooling, larger breaks, and tweaked suspension. It’s estimated to be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds. This makes it Chevrolet’s second fastest car after the ZR1 which makes 755 hp.

Similar to its predecessor Corvette model, the Stingray will offer four driving modes for different circumstances: track, weather, sport, and tour. The car gives you a few customizations via MyMode, while Z mode enables you to customize every attribute, like traction control and suspension.

Exterior and interior

Unlike the seventh-generation Corvette that had a traditional frame with parallel rails, the Stingray instead opts for an improved backbone structure. Apart from aluminum, the car uses carbon fiber only for its underbody close-out panel and rear bumper beam.

The car has two exhausts on each side instead of bunching all of them together in the middle. The doors have deep channels that funnel air, with hidden handles to create better aerodynamics and a cleaner look.

The car comes with additional interesting features. The shifted engine allows the Stingray’s storage compartment to reside at the front. However, some extra space at the back can accommodate your set of golf clubs. The space uses fiberglass to make the temperature manageable while keeping the weight down.

Though a supercar being able to lift its nose to provide extra clearance for speed bumps is not uncommon, the Stingray takes this a step further by using GPS to mark the location of those speed bumps, automatically raising the nose whenever you are near that area.

Highlighted by the car’s hexagonal steering wheel, the interior comes in four color options. Instead of a conventional shifter, Chevrolet opted for a set of buttons it calls the Electronic Transmission Range Selector.

Having no engine at the front, the car’s passenger cell is moved forward and the seats’ low positioning, coupled with the wide doors, makes it easier for you to get in and out of the car. For further comfort, the cockpit achieves its user-friendly nature. Aside from the buttons placed on the car’s center console, there’s an eight-inch touchscreen.

The car is set to go into production late this year. It should hit the markets shortly after that. While a retail price has not been confirmed, it’s estimated that it will start at $60,000. What Chevrolet has already announced has us on the edge of our seats.