2020 C8 Corvette Stingray Can Hit 194 MPH In Base Coupe And Only 184 MPH In The Z51

The 2020 C8 Corvette is really shaping up to be a supercar right out of the gate. GM isn't waiting for the performance models of this car to do the work the base model can't. In the past, GM has reserved the insane performance for the Z06 and ZR1 models but with the 8th generation Corvette they are going straight for the definition of performance immediately.

With the announcement of the C8 Corvettes ability to hit 0-60 in less than 3 seconds you know GM isn't messing around. It was recently discussed that the C8 Corvette Stingray is going to have a top speed of 194 mph which is pretty amazing for a "base" car. With the launch of their C7 Corvette ZR1, GM was able to put out an insane car that averaged 212 miles per hour, which again, is absolutely amazing. The ZR1 has always been known for its insane performance, though, so a top speed of over 200 mph was expected however, a base model C8 Corvette coming this close to 200 wasn't really as expected.

This, Of Course, Comes With A Caveat.

The base model 2020 C8 Corvette is not likely to be the car that many people buy. Most people who can afford the new Corvette are likely to check a few boxes and one of those boxes is likely to be the Z51 option. This performance option will cost you an additional $5,000 and it gives you a few performance upgrades such as: a performance exhaust, performance suspension, electronic limited-slip differential, bigger brakes and rotors, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, enhanced cooling and new front brake cooling inlets. This is likely to be a highly requested feature due to it basically making the car more "track ready".

With all of that said, the Z51 package actually limits the top speed. Now you may be asking yourself "well why does the track package option limit something as important as top speed?" The answer is, drag. The Z51 package includes a front splitter and rear wing that together deliver 400 lbs of downforce. This is huge to improve handling and this will drop the top speed of the Z51 equipped car to 184 mph, but that’s still more than enough for street use and pretty much any track in your area.

Does This Matter For You?

Probably not. The spoiler and front lip kit that the Z51 package gives you on the car is great for creating down force to keep the car planted on the track but the problem is it also creates drag which holds the car back at high speeds which is unfortunate but to most it won't be a huge deal since it is "only" 10 mph difference and the downforce that the extra aero creates is typically more useful than worrying about a slight reduction in top speed.

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Justin Nohe - My name is Justin and I am a car fanatic. Everything automotive is my passion. Ever since I was a little kid owning a Corvette was my dream and I recently achieved that dream with a 2015 Corvette Z06. I have such passion for the automotive world and enjoy sharing it with anyone who will listen! You can contact me, send me tips and follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube.