[VIDEO] The Mid-Engine C8 Corvette’s Exhaust Sounds and Lightning Quick Shifts

GM has been working overtime for Corvette enthusiasts over the last few years. The C7 Corvette lineup that was first introduced for the 2014 model year is now complete with four distinct models raging from Stingray to ZR1, and now we can turn our full attention to the development of the next generation mid-engine Corvette that is expected to come sometime in 2019 as a 2020 model.

It’s been rumored that the mid-engine Corvette will be sold alongside the C7 models until the 2022 model year. It’s anyone’s guess at this time whether or not Chevy will introduce a new front-engine Corvette model or if they will go strictly to a mid-engine design across the board. Our guess is that it’s up to you the Corvette buyers as the power of the purse will dictate the availability of multiple engine layout configurations or just one.

Either way, these are exciting times for Corvette owners!

Late last week the spy photographers were at it again and this time we finally have some decent video of the mid-engine C8 Corvette’s exhaust note and the shifts of the transmission.

The initial timeline we are following would see the release of the mid-engine 2020 Corvette in its base form first, followed by additional models that would increase in performance and price. The word on the street (and in previously leaked CAD images) shows the inclusion of the current LT1 V8 as the base engine. Although I’m no expert in telling you the engine based on the sound, it sure does sound like a LT1 is powering the mid-engine shown below.

The other interesting component of this video is the quick shifts as the car takes off from a dead stop. If the rumors are true, the manual stick-shift transmission will be gone and in its place is a DCT automatic paddle-shift that could be mated to the 10-speed transmission currently utilized by the 6th-generation Camaro or we could see a new transmission altogether. Car and Driver recently speculated that a Tremec TR-9007 seven-speed DCT will be the only transmission available for the C8 Corvette.

As the car pulls away in one of the scenes, it goes through at least three gears in about a 150-ft span of road. And the gear changes are quick and crisp from what you would expect out of a dual-clutch transmission.

We also get a good look at the Michelin tires on the car. This prototype has Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that are sized 245/35 ZR19 in the front while on the rears it wears a 305/30 ZR20.

Check out the video and let us know what you think you hear from the engine and transmission, as well as any other general observations you would like to chime in with.

Source:
Video Credit: Spiedbilde

Related:
[VIDEO] Short Clip of the Mid-Engine C8 Corvette at a Stop Sign
[SPIED] The C8 Mid-Engine Corvette Spotted Again with a Porsche 911 Carrera S on Public Streets
[PICS] Car and Driver Renders the Mid-Engine C8 Corvette for the May 2018 Issue