Maisto 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Few automotive redesigns have been awaited with as much anticipation—or as much controversy—as the 8th generation Corvette (the C8 in Vette-speak.) Enthusiasts eager to see “America’s sports car” finally be able to take on world-class exotics on even footing heralded the C8’s revolutionary design feature: an engine that has been relocated behind the driver. Purists saw such a move as heresy—abandoning 65 years of American tradition of carrying its thumping V8 in front. Ultimately engineers and marketing strategists chose performance over heritage and swapped places between man and motor, mirroring the mid-engine layout favored by marques like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren. But mimicking greats does not automatically make one great; Chevy still had to execute on the new design philosophy, and at the same time imbue the new car with enough “Corvetteness” to keep loyal customers happy.

The exterior