Budget Supercar

Chevy displayed “Project Opel” at the 1953 GM Motorama Show in New York City simply to liven up the display of stodgy sedans. A two-seater concept car equipped with a straight six-engine and a two-speed automatic transmission, it was so well received it went into production, becoming C1, the first generation Corvette. The 8th Generation Corvette is generating an even larger wave of excitement. The tech is impressive, including the fact this is the first Corvette to not have a leaf-spring suspension. The most compelling observation is the location of the engine. In one gigantic leap, Corvette has joined the ranks of mid-engine supercars. The Z51 performance package option, gets you a 495-hp V8 mated to an 8-speed automatic that goes from full stop to 60 mph in 3 seconds. Whiplash insurance is definitely worth considering. The body looks like the love child of a McClaren and an Acura NSX and the interior is a driver’s delight. At a third or less of the price of the European alternatives, the C8 has reinvented the supercar; Chevrolet.com.