We've all been waiting with bated breath for the release of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8. Now, for some, that wait is over - and much earlier than expected!

While the Corvette's public release date is still slated for July 28, the Petersen Automotive Museum will show off the new Chevy at its Zora Duntov Tribute Reception, held at 6:30pm at the Bruce Meyer Family Gallery. You can buy tickets for this great opportunity here: https://petersentickets.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2370910f0bf7e887cfd7b6df&id=50504d0f27&e=d27a2832ee. Be quick, though - they're limited!

Over the last ten years or so, rumors have been circulating of a mid-engine Corvette, but nothing ever seemed concrete. But surprisingly, those rumors turned out to be true.

Purists of the brand may have felt a twinge of shock - the Corvette has been a front-engine rear wheel drive car for its entire lifespan, so why change now? - but others are fully on board. Why change?  Well, why not? The new model lets GM truly puts its hat into the ring against European and Japanese competitors who embraced mid-engine power some time ago. On paper, the new Stingray looks like it could be a viscous Nurburgring contender for years to come.

The 2020 Corvette will sport an all-new 6.2L LT2 V8, along with a standard dry-sump system and continuously Variable Valve Timing. This engine puts out a meaty 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Mated with an 8 speed dual clutch transmission, it’s a real performer regardless of where the engine sits.

What else makes it stand out from its ancestors?

• Only one part has been carried over from the last generation
• Door handles and the hatch and hood releases have been hidden for a perfectly clean appearance and improved aerodynamics
• The all-new LT2 V8 engine is visible through a rear hatch window
• Available Engine Appearance Package adds carbon-fiber components as well as LED lights to illuminate the engine

Some other cool features of the 2020 Corvette are its use of GPS and hydraulics to automatically lift the car over speed bumps, which is pretty neat. This feature can really come in handy for those dreaded speed bumps.

This Corvette represents a huge step for the bowtie brand, especially after they chose to say goodbye to the Camaro nameplate. It’s a bold move forward, and those quick and lucky enough to get into the Zora Duntov Tribute Reception will get to witness it firsthand.