A narrow nose cuts through the air. Large side intakes supply the engine with oxygen. The tails are held down by a huge wing.
We have a new set of spy photos that gives us a glimpse at the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette racing trim. After the recent IMSA race in Elkhart Lake (Wisconsin), photographers snapped photos of this camouflaged vehicle.
This race car was not like the prototypes for the road-going Corvette. Instead of using vinyl fabric to conceal the body, used a camouflaged wrap that provided a better view of the styling. Although the styling elements may be modified by the racer for competition purposes the street-legal version should look very similar to the original.
We don’t instantly associate the styling with a Corvette. The design doesn’t need the traditional long hood or short rear deck proportions. Instead, it shifts the engine behind the driver. The nose is now low and has small overhangs. The fascia is dominated by a large central intake. Ducts in the hood would direct the airflow to other important areas.
The large, pointed intakes instantly catch your attention when viewed in profile. These intakes look capable of delivering plenty of cool air to a mid-mounted engine. The pieces on the racer are significantly larger than the road car’s test mules.
The most distinctive element in the back is the large wing perched on the tail. A large rear diffuser is also available to improve track performance and clean up underbody airflow.
It is still unknown what powertrain the C8 Corvette uses to drive on the road. This leaves open the question of how the engine drives the race car. The C7.R has a 5.5-liter V8. Rumours suggest that the street-legal version will be available with up to three engines. These could include a 460-horsepower (343 kilowatts) 6.2-liter V8, or a 650-hp (485 kW) 4.2-liter twin turbo V8, or a 5.5 liter twin-turbo with as much as 800 hp (634kW).
The North American International Auto Show, Detroit, January 2019 could see the production-spec C8 Corvette make its debut. The racer could then take to the track in anger at the end of the month at the Rolex 24 Daytona.