2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R: Chevrolet's Leap into the Mid-Engine Racing Realm
Chevrolet is embarking on an exciting new era in its illustrious racing legacy with the unveiling of the mid-engine Corvette C8.R, the brand's first clean sheet race car design in over two decades, since the debut of the C5.R back in 1999. Setting the stage for a revolutionary shift in Chevrolet's racing strategy, the C8.R debuted at the Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 25, 2020, and marked the company's first venture into the mid-engine domain in IMSA's GTLM class.
Racing and Production Synergy
The C8.R, fundamentally rooted in the 2020 Corvette Stingray, exhibits an unprecedented level of technology transfer between the production and race versions. This comprehensive interchange of technology has contributed to significant advancements in the race car, with the C8.R sharing more components with its production counterpart than any previous generation.
According to Corvette chief engineer, Ed Piatek, the concurrent development of the race car and its production variant was integral in exploiting the full potential of the new mid-engine architecture. Piatek expects the benefits of this mid-engine supercar, particularly its remarkable balance and connected-to-the-road feel, to manifest conspicuously both on the streets and the racetrack.
Optimized for the Track
Some attributes of the 2020 Corvette Stingray are not required in a race setting, offering opportunities for innovative modifications. An exemplary adaptation in the C8.R involves the placement of a single, centrally-mounted radiator, where the front storage compartment would be in the production car. The C8.R also sports ultra-bright racing headlights in the area designated for radiators on the production model.
In adherence to IMSA's engine displacement regulations, the C8.R is equipped with a 5.5L naturally-aspirated V8 engine that churns out 500 hp and 480 ft.-lb. of torque (approx. 651 Nm). The installation of a compact Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox provides ample space at the rear of the C8.R for a race car specific diffuser.
Achieving Improved Aerodynamics, Weight, and Stiffness
The C8.R is the culmination of relentless efforts focused on enhancing aerodynamics, reducing weight, and increasing stiffness from the previous generation car. Computer analytics played a crucial role in initiating the design of the race car ahead of the availability of any production Corvette components.
Chevrolet made significant use of its state-of-the-art Driver in the Loop Simulator to test a plethora of chassis and aero design concepts. This rigorous testing regime and thousands of 3D-printed rapid prototype parts ultimately birthed a race car that exhibits improved aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and weight distribution.
The C8.R benefits from a production 2020 Stingray chassis structure produced at the Bowling Green Assembly plant. This chassis is then modified to comply with race series regulations. The resultant C8.R chassis structure is considerably stiffer and lighter than its predecessor.
Distinctive Livery in Yellow and Silver
Staying true to Corvette Racing's traditional yellow, the new season also introduces a novel silver livery, seen on the No. 4 race car. This silver scheme draws inspiration from the iconic Corvette concepts such as the 1973 Chevrolet Aerovette and the 1959 Corvette Stingray Racer. The silver car also boasts yellow accents, while the No. 3 race car dons a yellow color scheme with silver accents, thus continuing the successful lineage of the GTLM racing Corvettes.
Debut and Future Plans
Prior to its prominent debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the C8.R took a ceremonial lap at the Road Atlanta Michelin Raceway ahead of the 22nd annual Petit Le Mans race. Looking forward, the C8.R, with its cutting-edge design and engineering, stands as a testament to Chevrolet's commitment to innovation, and fans eagerly await its performance in the 2020 season.
-Ed
2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R
