In 2020, Chevrolet stunned American automotive enthusiasts, as well as those around the world by releasing their much-taunted mid-engined Corvette. The C8 would mark the first time that the engine would be placed just behind the passenger compartment, and the Corvette would be a serious contender for European sports and entry-level supercars costing much more. Of course, they took it racing, and at the 2020 Rolex 24, the cars came in at 4th and 7th. To celebrate this, they released the limited edition C8.R as a package for the Stingray. This 2022 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R 3LT is number 607 of just 1,000 produced and wears just 2,500 miles on its wheels.

Exterior and Interior

The design of the C8 was a fairly radical departure, given the necessary change in proportions to accommodate the engine placement change. Nevertheless, a Corvette must look like a Corvette and the C8 is faithful to this philosophy. This 2022 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R 3LT shows off the design in a stealthy gray exterior with black alloy wheels wearing Michelin high performance tires. However, there’s a splash of yellow in the shape of the brake calipers and twin stripes running down the spine of the car, narrowing and terminating at the Chevrolet emblem on the hood. You’ve also got some C8.R Edition decals to highlight that this isn’t a regular Stingray. Quad exhausts tips on the rear, another Corvette mainstay for several generations emit the engine’s song for all to enjoy. The gray and black interior is, as has been in Corvettes for eons, a strict affair for two. Driver and passenger only. They are treated to electrically adjustable Competition Sport seats that are heated and ventilated. Dual-zone climate control allows each to choose their preferred temperature while they listen to the tunes emanating from the Bose sound system that’s controlled by a touchscreen infotainment system. Or they could, you know, listen to the sound of the naturally aspirated V8 if desired. Cargo space is surprisingly decent, with a frunk at the front and a trunk at the rear behind the engine compartment combining to offer 13 cubic feet of space.

Engine

A Corvette cannot wear the hallowed name if it doesn’t bear a V8; purists will take to the streets and protest outside GM’s headquarters if this were to happen. Happily, this 2022 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R 3LT causes no controversy as it packs a very American 6.2L LT2 crossplane V8 that’s got dry-sump lubrication, variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation on part throttle to save fuel and more tech. When on full song, it belts out 490hp and 465lb-ft. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed Tremec dual-clutch automated transmission with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The C8 is the first Corvette in many generations to not offer a bona-fide three-pedal manual transmission option. Don’t be sad though, as it can leap to sixty from rest in under three seconds and flirt dangerously close to 200mph if unfettered.