C8 Corvette Z51 Officially Crowned Quickest Accelerating ‘Vette Ever

2020 Corvette will do 0-60 in a blazing 2.9-seconds with the Z51 package, and 3.0-seconds flat without.

When GM pulled the covers off the 2020 Corvette a few months ago, they weren’t quite ready to share concrete performance numbers with us just yet. But they did state that when equipped with the Z51 performance package, the C8 would accelerate to 60 miles-per-hour in under 3.0-seconds. Now, GM has confirmed that fact by releasing official performance data for the new mid-engine marvel. And needless to say, it’s impressive no matter how you slice it.

Officially, the Z51-equipped 2020 Corvette will do 0-60 in just 2.9-seconds. Keep going, and it’ll reportedly run an 11.2-second quarter-mile at 121 mph. And even better, sticking with the base model Stingray won’t exactly penalize you much in terms of quickness. The cheapest Corvette you can buy will still do 0-60 in 3.0-seconds flat, and the quarter in 11.2 at an even quicker 123 mph. Not too shabby for $60k, eh?

These are incredible numbers, especially for a car with a relatively “low” output of 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. So how did GM manage to make the C8 the quickest-accelerating production Corvette ever? Well, there’s more to it than power, of course.

“The performance of the 2020 Stingray has far exceeded our expectations,” said Alex MacDonald, Chevrolet vehicle performance manager. “Moving more weight over the rear wheels helps us get off the line quicker, but it’s the integration between the powertrain and chassis that really takes the performance to new levels.”

Along with the drivetrain, the C8 uses a complex formula of rear weight bias, tire technology, aerodynamics, and chassis tuning to achieve max acceleration. But of course, the new 6.2-liter LT2 and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission are the stars of the show.

“The LT2 is one of our best efforts yet in Corvette’s history of naturally aspirated high performance small block V8 engines,” said Jordan Lee, GM’s global Chief Engineer of Small Block engines. “This engine is incredibly powerful and responsive. Power is readily available when the driver needs it.”

Then there’s that glorious new transmission, which was developed especially for the C8 in conjunction with Tremec. Designed to provide uninterrupted torque delivery, it’s a perfect match for the naturally-aspirated LT2. The DCT also sits low in the chassis, further aiding weight distribution and acceleration.

“The goal from the beginning was to design a transmission worthy of an exotic supercar that is fun to drive everyday,” said Terri Schulke, GM global chief engineer of transmissions. “We achieved that goal by combining the best attributes of the LT2 and the DCT, and I think the impressive performance numbers speak for themselves.”

Of course, the DCT’s gear ratios were also carefully selected to be incredibly low-end biased for maximum acceleration. First gear, which has a ratio of 2.91, takes advantage of the car’s additional traction to get off the line quickly. The mLSD has an effective final drive ratio of 4.9:1 and is intended for straight line acceleration and dynamic handling. An electronic limited slip differential, offered on the Z51 package, has an effective final drive ratio of 5.2:1. The two work in tandem and share a common ring and pinion gear ratio of 3.55:1.

Even better, you don’t have to be some pro drag racer to hit these numbers time and time again. All you have to do is start by initiating a performance launch. Once in Track mode, double pressing the traction control button will put the vehicle in Performance Traction Management for Magnetic Ride Control-equipped cars. Or, Competitive driving mode for all others. Then, simply fully depress the brake and accelerator pedal together. Finally, release the brake pedal when you hit 3,500 RPM and enjoy the ride.

Above all, it’s pretty clear that GM intended to make the C8 Corvette one heck of a quick car. And they managed to do just that, engineering a vehicle capable of outrunning cars with much, much more power. Isn’t science a beautiful thing?

Photos: Chevrolet

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