General Motors was founded in 1908 by bringing together several car companies, including Oldsmobile and Rapid Motor Vehicle Company. They almost bought Henry Ford's company but the deal was deep-sixed at the last moment.
By 1929, General Motors had surpassed the Ford Motor Company to become the leading passenger-car maker in America. Nowadays, they operate production and assembly plants throughout the US, Canada, and many other countries. The company produces automobiles, trucks, automotive components and engines.
The first Corvette, known as C1, debuted as a concept car at the General Motors auto show in New York City. The mighty car could go from 0 to 60 in 11 seconds, which was impressive for 1952. Not to mention that it could max out at 110 MPH.
The Corvette has the title for the longest-running, continuously produced passenger car. Here are 15 things about the 2020 Chevy Corvette that make us salivate.
15 All-New LT2 V8 Engine
The new 6.2l LT2 V8 engine produces 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Only an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission pairs with the engine, no manual transmission will be available. The engine sits lower for improved handling. It is visible through the rear hatch window.
14 3 Trim Options
3 trim options are available: 1LT starting at $59,995, 2 LT at $67,295 and 3 LT at $71,945. The last trim offers the most luxurious driving experience. It includes 13 interior color options, leather-wrapped doors, and suede-microfiber upper interior trim. 2LT and 3LT get the Bose Performance Series 14-speaker audio system.
13 All-New Front Cargo Area
Two cargo areas collectively offer more trunk space than the average sports car. The new Corvette loses a few cubic feet of cargo space but it still has more storage space than most comparable vehicles. Its 12.6-cubic-foot cargo capacity includes a large rear cargo area and a smaller front cargo space.
12 Driver Mode Selector
Driver Mode Selector allows you to change almost every unit in your Corvette based on your driving experience and road conditions. With the turn of a dial, 5 distinct driver modes automatically calibrate 12 variables and optimize everything from throttle control to steering for the best performance in every environment.
11 New Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System
The new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System helps you simplify your daily tasks, whether it is ordering takeout for lunch or checking emails. With the myChevrolet Mobile App, you can remotely control the majority of these features. General Motors partnered with brands like Amazon to offer the most convenient way to keep you connected to the world.
10 Optional Z51 Package
The Z51 Package adds $5,000 to the price. You will get the new performance exhaust that adds 5 hp and 6 pound-feet of torque. The package includes an aggressive body kit that changes the front splitter, diffuser, and the rear wing. The company revised suspension setup, cooling, and the electronic limited-slip rear differential.
9 12-Inch Digital Instrument Display
The company redesigned the steering wheel to ensure a clear view of the 12-inch digital instrument display. There you can choose between Weather, Sport, Tour and Track settings as well as two modes: My Mode and Z Mode. You can also choose between carbon fiber and aluminum for console and door trim plates.
8 Performance Data Recorder
Performance Data Recorder turns your car into a modern analyzing tool. With two clicks, you can record every moment of your travel as well as real-time audio. This feature helps you relive your best moments on the track, then analyze every turn. You need an SD card to store the videos.
7 Electronic Limited Slip Differential
Electronic Limited Slip Differential ensures that each wheel is getting enough torque by use of an Electronic Control Unit. The system monitors input from all the wheel sensors and, if something goes wrong, sends extra torque to the wheel with the most traction. You can also choose presets for driving on the snow or gravel.
6 Optional Engine Appearance Package
The Engine Appearance Package includes carbon fiber rail covers on each side of the engine as well as lights that turn on when someone opens the engine compartment for easy access to oil fillers. The package will cost you $995. You can also choose between 4 premium colors that cost from $500 to $995.
5 Optional Heavy-Duty Cooling System
The heavy-duty cooling system keeps the engine from overheating by transferring the heat to the coolant. If the cooling system doesn't work properly, it can result in costly engine repairs. The system controls critical metal temperatures and prevents overheating failures. It also protects the car against freezing and inhibits corrosion for cooling system metals.
4 Retractable Hardtop
When the retractable hardtop roof is down, the area behind the seats is designed to mimic the humps over the fighter plane. It looks quite cool and prevents air from swirling back around the heads. The rear window can be raised or lowered whether the roof is up or down.
3 Driver-Centric Cockpit
The 2020 Chevy Corvette is built to offer a driver-centric cockpit feel, with carbon fiber, leather, and aluminum appointments that enhance the luxurious experience. The center spine features rows of buttons and delivers simple push-button controls for quick actions. This way the manufacturer tried to capture the attention of young buyers.
2 3 Seat Options
The interior is highly customizable. There are 3 seat options: GT1, GT2 and Competition Sport. GT1 seats feature a sporty style, but they are mostly comfort-oriented. GT2 got race-inspired seats that are designed for long road trips. Competition Sport seats have additional bolstering on the sides and carbon fiber trim.
1 All-New Electronic Shifter
Set up like a row of switches and buttons, an electric shifter looks more complicated than it actually is. Found at the bottom of the center stack, you will get selector buttons for parking, reversing, neutral and drive. The company says that new controls are more user-friendly.