The first-generation Chevrolet Corvette debuted back in 1953. Since then, it has maintained its status as the quintessential American muscle car. There have been seven generations of Corvette, each delivering the sleek exterior design and roaring power the lineup has become known for. Now, there’s a new eighth-generation here with a huge update in style that is instantly shaking things up with a revolutionary mid-engine design. Some people likened the new shape to Ferrari or McLaren, which is hardly bad company to be in.

With its all-new 6.2L LT2 V8 engine, generating a 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8 horsepower of 495. Designed to sit lower for better handling on tracks and highways, the engine employs a standard dry-sump system to enhance performance when g-forces are high. Meanwhile, Continuously Variable Valve Timing further heightens performance. Corvette has taken huge steps in pushing the boundaries of engineering to deliver a machine that combines exotic car design and track performance.

For my custom build I selected the Z51 Performance Package. This option adds a sportier suspension setup, beefed-up Brembo brakes, an electronic limited slip differential, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires. All these help the car corner like its on rails, and the Z51 Performance Suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control maximizes the track capabilities of this car, while also improving on-road comfort. Whether you’re driving the new Corvette on the road or at the track, drivers of all skill levels will enjoy this car immensely.  Additionally I opted for the front lift adjustable ride height making it possible to go over large speed bumps and up steep driveways without worrying about scraping the front bumper.  A neat feature is the car can store GPS coordinates in memory of locations where you need to raise the front end such as your home driveway to eliminate the need to push the button every time.

I took delivery of my custom ordered C8 in January 2021.  I was fortunate that I had to wait less than 60 days from order to delivery.  Many people were not as fortunate to receive theirs due to high demand, supply chain issues, and pandemic shutdowns had many waiting over a year to receive their custom builds from the factory.  My first impressions when I first saw it was “Wow!” this is like the Batman car!  That is exactly what I hear from people when they also see it.  One of the best things about driving this car is watching the reactions people had to this car was almost as entertaining as driving it.  Necks would snap and cars driving beside me would either slow down or speed up to check out the car.   Everywhere I went in the car it drew attention and people would come snap pictures or take selfies next to the car.  I even got offered 20,000 USD (6134 KWD) over retail price to buy my car in a grocery store parking lot.  

I stand about 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and the interior has plenty of legroom for me compared to most Lamborghinis.  Starting up the car you get a tremendous growl as the engine come alive.  Then when you press the petal the explosive acceleration is astounding.  You immediately fall in love the roar of the naturally aspirated V8 engine.  I drove this car as my daily driver for seven months and took a 6 hour road trip to New Orleans in it.  The only downsides is the limited trunk space as it comes with a front trunk space (frunk) and a rear trunk space.  If you manually take off the top of the roof it takes up all the storage space in the rear.   Grocery shopping in this car is next to impossible as the frunk has enough space for a small ice chest and the rear has enough space for a set of gold clubs.  Then again this car isn’t made for trips to the supermarket, it is made to turn heads in the streets and press you back in the seat from its horsepower on the highway.

As orders eventually get delivered for the new 2023 Z06 Performance edition, you will soon get to see the Corvette with the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in production deliver 670 horsepower with a 2.6 second 0-60mph time.  That will certainly establish Corvette as a supercar amongst the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, and Lamborghini with a sticker price that is significantly less than that list.  This new direction by Corvette has them finally elevating an American car to true supercar status at an affordable price tag.