When asked about the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Kirk Epps, general manager of Bosak Chevrolet in Burns Harbor, cuts to the chase.
“One of the most amazing things about the new Corvette — and there are many amazing things — is that Chevrolet made this super car affordable,” explained Epps. “Too often sports cars like the Corvette are priced so high that they are only a dream for the average driver. But Chevrolet has broken through that barrier and delivered a super car that starts at under $60,000.”
$59,995.00 to be exact.
Chevrolet knows that 50% of Corvette buyers purchase that base model, which goes for substantially less than competing Ferraris and Lamborghinis, Epps said.
Pricing isn't the only way Corvette maintains its status as America's sports car. For 2020, the Corvette has shifted to a midengine configuration, considered better for handling.
“We had reached the limits of what we could achieve with the front-engine configuration from a performance and handling perspective so we knew we had to make a commitment to move the engine to the rear to keep Corvette relevant in the super car category,” said Kevin Kelly, communications manager for Chevrolet
“We believe this is the perfect time for us to make this change,” he confirmed. “The market for performance cars remains important for Chevrolet, and the Corvette is a hallmark of the Chevy brand. Introducing the first mid-engine Corvette will also help Chevrolet to attract new prospects who might never have considered a Chevy before.”
Chevrolet is reaching out to the younger enthusiasts. “Chevrolet wanted to do more than build a supercar,” Epps said.
The specs are impressive.
The engine is a dry-oil sump evolution of the C7's LT1 that uses equal-length exhaust runners and myriad assemblies and accessories to accommodate the engine location and allow lower placement. It makes 490 horsepower in regular trim, or 495 with the optional active performance exhaust. Torque is 465 lb.ft and 470 lb.-ft., respectively. A Tremec 8-speed dual-clutch automatic helps the 'Vette do 0-60 in 2.8 seconds in Motor Trend test drives.
The C8 steering is precise and responsive; the by-wire brakes are true. Its solid structure and feel accommodate a convertible with no major alterations.
With magnetic dampers set to Tour mode ride is cruise comfortable without sacrificing performance.
Corvette is available in three trims: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. Each model — Stingray, Z51, Grand Sport and Z06 — is available in 1LT, 2LT or 3LT trim, which add progressively more leather, carbon fiber and suede microfiber to the interior. The Z51 package includes MagneRide with a revised suspension, performance exhaust, improved engine cooling, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and more power.
Ford chose to add its first purpose-built electric to the Mustang stable. Here it is featured at this year's Chicago Auto Show, which opened this weekend at McCormick Place. The Mach-E is also a sport-utility. This pony harnesses 459 horses and promises 0-60 in less than 3.5 seconds. Available as a Mach and a Mach GT, the Mach-E offers rear-wheel and all-wheel drive as well as two battery options. The Mach-E will be available later this year, and the GT will bow in the summer of 2021. The Mach-E blends typical SUV proportions with Mustang details including the vertical rear lights and pronounced rear haunches. The Mustang badge does get some ribbing. The entry-level version promises a range of 230 miles. A 98.8-kWh version is expected to offer a range of more than 300 miles.
Car of the year honors have rained down on the first mid-engine Corvette. The C8, which stands for the eighth generation of America's sports car born in 1953, offers better balance and handling dynamics. Though the new 'Vette is slightly heavier, it sports new styling and super car performance. The two-seater is available as a coupe and convertible. Only rear-wheel drive is offered. Three trims are available: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. It launches with a 6.2-liter, 495-hp V-8 paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. According to Chevrolet, this 'Vette does 0-to-60 in 2.8 seconds and the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 122 mph. Technology includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
The iconic Supra nameplate returns to the U.S. for the first time since 2002. The Supra is "The Fast and the Furious" sports car that seats two. The couple is available in rear-wheel drive with three trim levels: 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and Launch Edition. All as powered by a 3-liter, 335-hp, turbo inline-6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It does 0-to-60 in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Available technology includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights.
Bowing as a 2021 model, the Chevrolet Suburban is all-new, offering a redesigned interior and exterior, as well as a new diesel engine option. The full-size SUV seats 7 or 8 passengers. Rear-wheel drive is standard with four-wheel drive optional. Six trims are offered: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country. Three engines are available: a 4.3-liter, 355-hp V-8; a 6.2-liter 420-hp V-8; and an all-new 3-liter, 277-hp, diesel 6. All are wed to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available technology includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights.
The refreshed Stelvio luxury compact SUV gets new exterior colors and a body-color appearance kit. It offers a base 2-liter, 280-hp, turbo 4-cylinder engine and a 2.9-liter, 505-hp, twin-turbo V-6 in the a top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio. An 8-speed automatic is the sole transmission for all trim packages, with rear- or all-wheel drive available. Add a host of new safety features, exterior styling tweaks and an upgraded multimedia system for a more upscale presence. Interior upgrades include a new leather-wrapped steering wheel and a new center console that features a machined-knurled aluminum-look rotary dial, upgraded knob materials and increased storage capacity. The multimedia system has an 8.8-inch touchscreen as well as enhanced interactivity and visibility. Also redesigned is the standard 7-inch TFT (transistor) instrument cluster screen with a new layout, real-time data and improved graphics.
The refreshed Giulia compact sports sedan gets new exterior colors and a body-color appearance kit. It is powered by a base 2-liter, 280-hp, turbo 4-cylinder engine and a 2.9-liter, 505-hp, twin-turbo V-6 in the a top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio. An 8-speed automatic is the sole transmission for all trim packages, with rear- or all-wheel drive available. Besides a host of safety features, Giulia adds larger cupholders and a new phone storage area with available wireless charging. Most of the noticeable changes are inside, with upscale materials and appearance updates, including a new leather-wrapped steering wheel and center console that features a machined-knurled aluminum-look rotary dial, upgraded knob materials and increased storage capacity. The multimedia system offers an 8.8-inch touchscreen as well as enhanced interactivity and visibility. Also redesigned is the standard 7-inch TFT (transistor) instrument cluster screen with a new layout, real-time data and improved graphics.
Toyota’s RAV4 compact SUV was redesigned for 2019 and has added variations for different buyers. Along with gasoline and greener hybrid models, as well as Adventure and TRD Off-Road versions. Now comes the 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. It’s more of a gutsy RAV4, promising 302 total horsepower and sportier looks than Adventure and TRD models. With a 176-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a total system output, RAV4 Prime offers standard electronic all-wheel drive. It arrives in dealerships in the summer.
The new-look compact SUV is another example of the Kia’s bold styling, value, and high-tech strategy. Seltos was designed and engineered to be a global model, so it'll be nearly identical no matter where it's sold. Its rugged good looks are complemented by the availability of 16-, 17-, or 18-inch premium wheels and tiger nose grille. The cabin in the two-row, five-seat Seltos incorporates elegant shapes and advanced tech such as a large infotainment system featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen. High-end optional features include an 8-inch head-up display and a premium eight-speaker Bose audio system. Available engines vary by market.
Concepts, redesigns, and rollouts await at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 8-17 in McCormick Place. Here are just a few of the things not to miss:
Ford chose to add its first purpose-built electric to the Mustang stable. Here it is featured at this year's Chicago Auto Show, which opened this weekend at McCormick Place. The Mach-E is also a sport-utility. This pony harnesses 459 horses and promises 0-60 in less than 3.5 seconds. Available as a Mach and a Mach GT, the Mach-E offers rear-wheel and all-wheel drive as well as two battery options. The Mach-E will be available later this year, and the GT will bow in the summer of 2021. The Mach-E blends typical SUV proportions with Mustang details including the vertical rear lights and pronounced rear haunches. The Mustang badge does get some ribbing. The entry-level version promises a range of 230 miles. A 98.8-kWh version is expected to offer a range of more than 300 miles.
John J. Watkins, The Times
Car of the year honors have rained down on the first mid-engine Corvette. The C8, which stands for the eighth generation of America's sports car born in 1953, offers better balance and handling dynamics. Though the new 'Vette is slightly heavier, it sports new styling and super car performance. The two-seater is available as a coupe and convertible. Only rear-wheel drive is offered. Three trims are available: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. It launches with a 6.2-liter, 495-hp V-8 paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. According to Chevrolet, this 'Vette does 0-to-60 in 2.8 seconds and the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 122 mph. Technology includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Provided/Dan MacMedan
The iconic Supra nameplate returns to the U.S. for the first time since 2002. The Supra is "The Fast and the Furious" sports car that seats two. The couple is available in rear-wheel drive with three trim levels: 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and Launch Edition. All as powered by a 3-liter, 335-hp, turbo inline-6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It does 0-to-60 in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Available technology includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights.
Provided
Bowing as a 2021 model, the Chevrolet Suburban is all-new, offering a redesigned interior and exterior, as well as a new diesel engine option. The full-size SUV seats 7 or 8 passengers. Rear-wheel drive is standard with four-wheel drive optional. Six trims are offered: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier and High Country. Three engines are available: a 4.3-liter, 355-hp V-8; a 6.2-liter 420-hp V-8; and an all-new 3-liter, 277-hp, diesel 6. All are wed to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available technology includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights.
Provided
The refreshed Stelvio luxury compact SUV gets new exterior colors and a body-color appearance kit. It offers a base 2-liter, 280-hp, turbo 4-cylinder engine and a 2.9-liter, 505-hp, twin-turbo V-6 in the a top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio. An 8-speed automatic is the sole transmission for all trim packages, with rear- or all-wheel drive available. Add a host of new safety features, exterior styling tweaks and an upgraded multimedia system for a more upscale presence. Interior upgrades include a new leather-wrapped steering wheel and a new center console that features a machined-knurled aluminum-look rotary dial, upgraded knob materials and increased storage capacity. The multimedia system has an 8.8-inch touchscreen as well as enhanced interactivity and visibility. Also redesigned is the standard 7-inch TFT (transistor) instrument cluster screen with a new layout, real-time data and improved graphics.
Provided
The refreshed Giulia compact sports sedan gets new exterior colors and a body-color appearance kit. It is powered by a base 2-liter, 280-hp, turbo 4-cylinder engine and a 2.9-liter, 505-hp, twin-turbo V-6 in the a top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio. An 8-speed automatic is the sole transmission for all trim packages, with rear- or all-wheel drive available. Besides a host of safety features, Giulia adds larger cupholders and a new phone storage area with available wireless charging. Most of the noticeable changes are inside, with upscale materials and appearance updates, including a new leather-wrapped steering wheel and center console that features a machined-knurled aluminum-look rotary dial, upgraded knob materials and increased storage capacity. The multimedia system offers an 8.8-inch touchscreen as well as enhanced interactivity and visibility. Also redesigned is the standard 7-inch TFT (transistor) instrument cluster screen with a new layout, real-time data and improved graphics.
Provided
Toyota’s RAV4 compact SUV was redesigned for 2019 and has added variations for different buyers. Along with gasoline and greener hybrid models, as well as Adventure and TRD Off-Road versions. Now comes the 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. It’s more of a gutsy RAV4, promising 302 total horsepower and sportier looks than Adventure and TRD models. With a 176-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a total system output, RAV4 Prime offers standard electronic all-wheel drive. It arrives in dealerships in the summer.
Provided/MAGROUND GmbH
The new-look compact SUV is another example of the Kia’s bold styling, value, and high-tech strategy. Seltos was designed and engineered to be a global model, so it'll be nearly identical no matter where it's sold. Its rugged good looks are complemented by the availability of 16-, 17-, or 18-inch premium wheels and tiger nose grille. The cabin in the two-row, five-seat Seltos incorporates elegant shapes and advanced tech such as a large infotainment system featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen. High-end optional features include an 8-inch head-up display and a premium eight-speaker Bose audio system. Available engines vary by market.