C8 Corvette’s Shiny New Drivetrain Stars at 2019 L.A. Auto Show

Two C8 Corvettes touted their MT Car of the Year award, but we’re most interested in a nifty mechanical display.

By now, you’ve heard and seen pretty much everything there is to know about the all-new C8 Corvette. We’ve taken deep dives into every single aspect of the car, from its price to its design inspiration. And we’ve also delved into what propels the 2020 C8, that amazing LT2 engine and its brand-new Tremec 8-speed dual clutch counterpart. But soon, you’ll get to see this impressive drivetrain up close and personal at the 2019 L.A. Auto Show when it opens to the public November 22-December 1.

Since the show opened up to the press November 18-21, we’re able to give you a nice sneak peek at what you’ll see. And that’s a pair of new Corvettes, of course, touting the car’s fresh MotorTrend Car of the Year status. But GM also brought along a very cool cutaway engine and transmission sitting on stands. And we found that to be the most interesting aspect of their grand display here in SoCal.

It isn’t everyday that you get to see the inner workings of an engine or transmission, after all. Unless you’ve ever blown one up, that is. It’s pretty clear that GM is quite proud of its new C8 drivetrain, and rightfully so. After all, it’s the main component of what makes the C8 the quickest-accelerating production Corvette in history. That starts under the hood, where the car’s new 6.2-liter LT2 V8 uses a host of enhancements to produce 495 naturally-aspirated horsepower 470 lb-ft of torque.

Of course, the C8 Corvette’s brand new dual-clutch transmission plays a big role in the car’s record quickness as well. Developed with Tremec specifically for the car, it’s also geared specifically for max acceleration. Some will lament the fact that the C8 can only be had (for now, anyway) with this advanced cog box. But no human on earth can out shift it, either.

GM continues to push the envelope when it comes to their legendary small block, proving once again that you can teach an old dog new tricks. Couple it with a lightning-quick shifting transmission, and you’ve got an unbeatable combo. But we’re not finished with all the 2019 L.A. Auto Show has to offer just yet. So stay tuned, because we’re coming to you live from SoCal all week long!

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Photos for Corvette Forum by Michael S. Palmer