Even the base C8 Corvette Stingray can hit 60 mph in 3.0 seconds flat

By now you’ve almost certainly heard that the long-awaited mid-engine Corvette is a performance animal, and that the Z51 Stingray can rip from 0–60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Now, Chevrolet has released this little tidbit—the base 2020 Corvette without the Z51 pack can still do it in 3.0 seconds flat.

On top of that, the standard Stingray and the Z51 can bang off the quarter-mile in an identical 11.2 seconds, albeit at 123 mph instead of the Z51’s 121 mph. The culprit for this discrepancy is likely the additional drag that the Z51’s aero kit adds (along with up to 440 pounds of improved downforce). GM’s press release also suggests that the 3.0-second sprint is possible using a base Stingray with the optional performance exhaust, which costs $1195 and takes the LT2 V-8 from 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.

The performance exhaust is included in the Z51 package, along with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, bigger brakes, manually adjustable performance suspension (MagneRide is optional), and an electronic limited-slip differential (instead of the standard mechanical LSD).

Given its sub-$60,000 price before destination fees, there’s no question the C8 Corvette is in a performance league of its own. Although Chevrolet just confirmed today that the car’s production start is now delayed until February 2020, for many Corvette fans across the country it will be worth the wait.