Tuners will need to spend a lot of time cracking the code for the Corvette.
Rumors have been circulating round the clock, releasing yet-to be confirmed details about the Chevrolet Corvette C8. Many reports have surfaced about the engine, gearboxes and other details of the first Chevrolet Corvette C8. We’ve heard rumors that Chevy installed an “untunable engine control unit (ECU), to stop aftermarket specialists from messing with the engine.
But is that true? Some people will say that there is no uncrackable code. We do know that Mark Reuss, GM President, recently spoke with Muscle Cars And Trucks about what he said while discussing the ECU’s difficulty tuning. This is the same website where the original report on the ECU being difficult to tune was published last week.
Reuss stated that “we are going to do all we can to protect customers from a cybersecurity perspective.” Reuss went on to say that the next-generation Corvette would use a new Global B electrical architecture, which was first announced in 2015. The “digital platform”, as it is being called by GM, will allow for over-the air updates and will be used in a number of future products.
Referring to Mark Reuss’ interview, he said that the 2020 Corvette C8 ECU was “very, very well done” in terms of being “able to connect”, while also opening up the possibility of “Super Cruise, AutoVet, and EV.” However, electrification is still possible. Side note: A pure electric Corvette is already available in the C6-based, 800-horsepower Genovation.
He also spoke briefly about the possibility of tuners modifying the C8’s software system. “I don’t want to cut anyone out from an aftermarket perspective, but we must pick and choose the good guys.”
It will be interesting to see if tuners are able to modify the ECU to get more power. The hybrid model, which is capable of producing 1,000 horsepower, is also rumored. The electrified version is expected to arrive later in the year. Even if the four-digit horsepower is true, aftermarket experts will still want to crank the output up.
We’re certain the world knows that the Corvette C8 will finally debut on July 18, as we know.