The 2022 C8 Corvette is, dare we say it, arguably the best one yet. Every Corvette has always been iconic in its own way. But now, finally, the C8 series offers a genuine competitive challenge to the high-end sports cars of Ford, Japan, and Europe. This is at a very affordable price, as well.
The 2022 C8 Corvette is a monster of a thing. From the previous generation Corvette, you will find only one part the same. Nobody seems to know what part this is just yet – it isn’t in the public domain. But it’s a mightily impressive statement from Chevrolet. As they explain, the car has been completely redesigned from the ground up. Now that’s what you call meticulous attention to detail.
Tech Specs
Everyone wants to know a quick overview of the technical specifications of any new or old car that takes their eye. The new Corvette (depending on any upgrades and what model you buy specifically) will put out up to 495 hp from its mid-engine V8. This is with up to 470 lb-ft of torque. Impressive, you say? We’re just getting started, we say.
You’ll also find a mind-boggling 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds, enough to almost exert 1 G of force on the car. In scientific and technical circles, this is usually referred to as “wow, that’s a lot.”
On the standard 2022 C8, you’ll be able to reach 194 mph (technically). Of course, there are very few roads in the world where this could be done. So unless you plan on using your new Corvette for racing around a track, the top speed is unlikely to make much of a difference in your day-to-day life. It’s always nice to have it for the Top Trumps appeal, though.
The 2022 C8 features “Magnetic Ride Control 4.0” – this is a suspension system that automatically adjusts the fluid in the damper (shock absorber) to react to the road surface. This technology isn’t quite unique these days – many cars utilize this type of suspension – but its automatic reading of the road surface and adjustment of the firmness of the suspension give it somewhat of a unique selling point.
Another nice feature on the 2022 C8 is the “Front Lift.” Traditionally, a terrible problem with low-riding cars is just that – they’re low-riding. This can give you nightmare moments: those with your heart in your mouth when you’re going over speed bumps or approaching steep driveways.
We’ve all been there, when you are gently going over a speed bump, inch by inch, wincing the whole way. Suddenly there’s a slight screech as the chassis scrapes over the floor, and you put your face in your hands and sigh. Well, “Front Lift” is designed to change that. Using this system will raise the front of your car (at low speeds) by 2 inches, allowing you to clear these types of obstacles.
We decided to use the “build” feature on Chevrolet’s website. Putting together as much performance as possible will probably set you back around $100,000, but as a base model, it’s only $58,900.
What Else is There to Talk About?
There’s not much else to say.
Oh, wait. Actually, there is. Unless you’ve already pre-ordered one, it’s essentially impossible to get one until the second-hand market starts to open up. Why, you ask? Because, according to an apparently leaked email that was posted on Corvette Forums, dealers will not be taking any more orders for the new car.
Part of the reason for this, the email continues to say, was the strike of 55,000 workers last year. This has led to the production start-time being pushed back. We can also assume that, with the current state of affairs in the world with regards to the coronavirus lockdowns in place, this production time will be pushed back more and more, although this is not mentioned in the leaked email.
GM later confirmed this in a statement to Business Insider, saying, “Chevrolet has decided to stop taking sold orders after March 18, 2022.”
Instead of this, orders will begin for the 2022 Corvette in late May. It’s also been reported that the production lines are reopening, but whether or not the production of the 2022 model has resumed, we aren’t too sure.
This is both good and bad. There appears to be little choice for the company, with their backs against the wall, in the current situation. Due to unforeseen circumstances, both past and present, the production quantities of the 2022 Corvette has been dramatically affected. To keep customers happy and to keep their trust, they have done the right thing.
There will be fewer and fewer available due to a high demand yet a low supply. The price of the 2022 Corvette may skyrocket, but we shall see. Due to the strikes and the coronavirus, this will likely be one of the rarest Corvettes ever.
Conclusion
The 2022 C8 Corvette is a beast of a car, and it will likely be remembered as a rare masterpiece. We don’t know what will happen to the prices in years to come – it’s anyone’s guess – but if you’re a diehard Corvette fan, there’s very little not to love.