The Wonderful Fever Dream That is the Z51 C8

You always get to drive

The question isn't 'what are we going to do', the question is 'what aren't we going to do?' The C8 is the first Corvette that can seriously challenge the upper crust of the sports car world from a base level standpoint in razor good looks, performance, and practicality. While the C8 is a brand new creature from GM, it is still rife with Corvette DNA that is quite unmistakable. A nice way of thinking of the C8's relation to the rest of the Corvette line is an angry little Gremlin to a sweet playful Mogwai. They are the same creature in essence but completely different where it matters most. Both can be great companions but one may attempt to throw your grandmother out of a window via a chair lift. 

Well hello, gorgeous

A lot of enthusiasts compare the C7 to the C8 and that makes sense since it's the direct progression of the Corvette lineage. However, I found a much more fascinating connection in the Corvette family and that is the C4. Yup, that's right. The wonder boy born of the heady "greed is good" pastel tinged 1980s gave us so much before it's time and yet we haven't given it it's due. The C4 gave us such wonders as a digital dash, an aircraft-style cockpit, and a modern design that offered better fuel economy and performance. Does any of that sound familiar? Fast forward to today and we have the mid-engine C8 with a body that was made for Knight Rider like escapades while still retaining the approachability that each Corvette model has maintained.  

>>Join the conversation about the C8 with the Z51 package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

If you build it, they will come

I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with the C8 and walked away impressed. This latest Corvette is everything that I hoped it would be and then some. The Torch Red paint with Natural Dipped tan leather interior fulfilled my deepest Magnum, P.I. Ferrari 308 GTS yearnings from my youth. Watching the speedometer leap and dive on the heads up display while going through driving modes is as interesting as it is motivational. The C8 is the definitive supercar for the everyman. that still draws lustful glances from those who spent 6 digits on a competitor's product. The car that looks just as much at home on Rodeo Drive as it does in a McDonald's drive-thru getting a Travis Scott or J Balvin meal. Straight up. 

>>Join the conversation about the C8 with the Z51 package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

I see slow people

So, bringing things back to the C4 there are reasons that back up my retro crazy pants argument. The C4 is the longest-running Corvette model we've had thus far and there are many conspiracy theories on why. With the C8 being mid-engine and having a whole new sandbox to play in with this chassis we could see a myriad of variations. Couple that along with an extended lifespan to make up for the COVID-19 production woes and we could see the C8 grow gracefully with more and more powerful upgrades. 

>>Join the conversation about the C8 with the Z51 package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

Body positivity

Another interesting thing about the C4 is that the model changed the architecture of Corvettes to come. The C1, C2, and C3 are more original and standalone while the C5, C6, and C7 are all sleeker variations of the C4. Sure, there are modern touches to each generation but the general shape doesn't really all that much change. When you look at the C8 it becomes as plain as the day is long that the car is a melding of the C4 with a heaping helping of various CERV prototypes. I am warning you though that once you see it, it will be nigh impossible to unsee. 

>>Join the conversation about the C8 with the Z51 package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

All the right moves

A very interesting thing about the C4 is that it was born in the time of emissions regulations and electronic engine management was still in its developmental period. Engine output was low compared to earlier generations of the Vette but the C4 stated it's worth with Muhammed Ali-like handling. Take the C8 through a turn with some speed and you'll see exactly what I mean as the rear plants and the nose sticks while riding on invisible rails. However, the C8 does come with a supercar-esque bite if you overstep your talents but that was meant to be included in the secret sauce. According to Steve Padilla, lead in charge of vehicle dynamics, ride, and handling for the C8 Corvette, the tail is prone to tap dancing because Corvette enthusiasts would expect it to. Padilla remarked that GM could have tuned out all of that rear ruckus but it would have neutered the car. 

>>Join the conversation about the C8 with the Z51 package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

The C8 is on a mission from God

One can always, with enough broad strokes, make a case for the C8 being a daily driver family-ish car. Can you take it grocery shopping? Yes, but that depends on how many people you're shopping for and if you're avoiding the big buy stores. Can you fit your spouse and child for a fun baby's day out? Yes, but that could require some Tetris style maneuvering and creative seating. The thing about this car is that once you hit the engine start button, nothing else really matters. Okay, that's a bit of hyperbole but life kind of melts into a much more chiller version of itself. The C8 is an amazing car, but you can tell that just like there was clearly enough room for Jack on that doorframe with Rose, the engineers were holding performance back. The Z06 C8 and/or whatever they're cooking up at GM is going to be so gnarly and very much worth the money when it hits the streets. 

When my time was up with the C8 I realized that I had fallen head over heels with this car. As a matter of fact, I did something that I have never done before while reviewing a car. I bought two lottery tickets with the distinct desire that if I win, I will hold a weekly one-car parade throughout Los Angeles spreading the gospel of the C8. Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail me now. 

>>Join the conversation about the C8 with the Z51 package right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!