[Video] On board the new mid-engined Corvette C8.R at Road Atlanta
We’ve all seen it, and now we get to hear it. This is the new Corvette C8.R Le Mans racer, getting its first official public outing in its finished form at Road Atlanta before the IMSA season-ending Petit Le Mans. And my word does it look quick.
Like the C8 and C8 Stingray Convertible, the big talking point is that the C8 R’s engine is located behind the driver. There was only so far Chevrolet felt the front-engined layout could be pushed, and it appeared the C7 and racing C7 R found the limits.
The C8.R will make its competitive debut at the Rolex 24 in January, the first big motorsport even of the 2020 season. Sadly Chevrolet is still keeping the tech specs under wraps, although, as we’ve said previously, the company has been quite forthcoming in announcing the liveries of the two cars we’ll see in January. One will be silver with yellow highlights, inspired by the colour of Corvette concepts like the 1973 Chevrolet Aerovette, and the second will be painted in a shade of yellow familiar to anyone who’s stood at Le Mans’ Porsche Curves over the last 20 years.
What does appear to be missing is that incredible, naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack. But fingers crossed there will be more of this engine’s character to enjoy in person rather than on video.