2020 Corvette Unveiled...the Good...and the Disappointing

On July 18, Chevrolet took to the stage to unveil the new C8 Corvette.

If you haven't already heard:

• Mid-mounted 6.2l small-block V-8 

• 490hp (495 with performance exhaust) 

• 0-60 in under 3 seconds 

• Larger interior than the C7 

• Starting price under $60k (though that is almost certainly something like $59999 before destination) Convertible to be shown later 

However, only one thing leaves us thinking the new Corvette is anything other than perfect.

Primarily of concern is the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. That is all that was announced. And, while a dual-clutch with paddle shifters is no-doubt the fastest way around a track, can it truly be a Corvette with no available manual transmission?

It appears that there is room in the new center console for a shift lever to reside, but the designers have decided to put the infotainment jog-wheel in front of that area...meaning a manual transmission would have to lose that part of the interior - which does not feel like a decision they intend to make at this moment.  We may have to wait until a mid-cycle interior redesign if enough potential buyers balk at the lack of 3 pedals and the engagement of self-shifting.

So, what do you think?  Is the Corvette a non-starter without a proper manual?  Should Chevrolet reconsider this decision as soon as they can for that part of the enthusiast community?

2012 Corvette to get new 5.5l DI Smallblock

GM Insiders have told Motor Trend to expect that the next generation smallblock V-8, in 5.5l size will show up between the fenders of the C7 Corvette.

The C7's new engine will maintain its OHV configuration, but will be packing aluminum block and heads and will be the latest engine in GM's stable to have direct injection technology.

Chevy expects the engine to easily put out 440hp (slightly more than the current Vette's 436, while scoring significantly better fuel economy).

This is a bridge car, based largely on the current C6 platform, while GM works feverishly to develop a C8 Corvette for later in the decade that will be smaller, lighter, and able to stay in the lineup without damaging GM's ability to meet increasingly strict mileage requirements.

Some rumors put the C8 as being based, in part, on the upcoming Alpha rear-drive platform currently under development for Cadillac and expected to underpin the next Camaro.  In Corvette guise, the platform would be able to pack a V-8 but might be light enough that a high-power V-6 might see use as a base powertrain (the first time in decades that a 6 has powered a production Corvette).

Source: MotorTrend.com