The new, mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette C8.R has been unveiled, with this new model set to replace the outgoing C7.R.
The new car made a surprise debut at the launch of the Corvette Stingray Convertible road car at an event at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
“The C8.R is much more than just a race-tuned version of the 2020 Corvette Stingray. It’s a culmination of many years of testing and development between GM Design, Propulsion, Engineering and the Corvette Racing team,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “The collaboration between these teams has allowed us to take these vehicles’ performance to the next level, both on the street and the track.”
The C8.R represents a significant break from tradition for Corvette, as its previous GT cars (the C5, C6 and C7) were all front-engined. Corvette Racing remains one of the most successful teams of all time. The team won 13 IMSA team championships and 12 IMSA Driver and Manufacturer titles – including the 2016 and 2017 WeatherTech Championship GTLM driver and team championships.
Corvette Racing also became the first sportscar team in 15 years to win the Triple Crown of endurance racing when it won the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans in the same season back in 2015.
Apart from the new engine layout and design style, the new car also features a new livery, with the #4 car now sporting a silver colour scheme with yellow accents. The #3 will continue to race in its traditional yellow livery, which has become synonymous with Corvette Racing over the years.
The final race for the C7.R will be at the Motul Petit Le Mans next week, bringing a five year tenure to a conclusive end. The new car is set to make its competitive debut at the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona in January 2020.
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