Chevrolet has recently introduced the racetrack-only Corvette C8.R. Today, it was revealed that a limited number of ‘civilian’ Corvettes might get the same engine.
Representatives of the company revealed some info about the engine during the Petit Le Mans race in Atlanta, USA. They said the C8.R came equipped with a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 capable of 500 hp (373 kW) and 650 Nm (480 pound-feet) of torque, and sent this to the wheels via a six-speed Xtrac sequential transmission.
In contrast, the road-legal Corvette C8 has 6.2 liters of displacement and sends 497 hp (371 kW) along with 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque to the wheels. In the high-end Z51 Performance trim, these figures slide up to 502 hp (374 kW) and 637 Nm (470 lb-ft). Both use the same eight-speed semi-automatic transmission design.
Compared against its more mundane counterpart, the C8.R boasts lower ride height, tweaked chassis and suspension, better cooling and aerodynamics, and different lighting. Despite this, the manufacturer claims there is much less difference between the two Corvettes now than there has ever been.
When the racecar series goes on sale, it will be available in two colors: yellow (an homage to the 1973 Chevrolet Aerovette Concept) and silver (a nod to the 1959 Corvette Stingray).
Back to the topic at hand, though: the engine the company had originally designed for the C8.R in full compliance with the IMSA racing regulations might eventually make its way to the public roads. Rumors insist a special Corvette series is in the works that will get the 5.5-liter racing-spec mill. The production run will likely be limited to just 300 units. It is also possible that the Corvette Z06 will be the one to benefit from the stronger engine.
The Corvette C8.R will celebrate its professional motorsports debut at the Rolex 24 race in Daytona in January 2020.