It has certainly been a long time coming. And finally, now that the quintessential American sports car has become available downunder in ex-factory, right-hand drive form, what we’re getting is a new Corvette model that is fundamentally different from all previous versions.
What stands the latest C8 model apart from all previous Corvettes is its drivetrain layout. The engine is not up front, but rather is situated behind the driver in mid-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration.
It’s a monumental overhaul for a car so steeped in General Motors lore and tradition, and it’s been done for one simple reason: the pursuit of speed. The mid-engine layout delivers better traction, and that equals faster straight-line acceleration and speedier lap times.
Admirable focus on the things that count then.
