Roadblocks Gone, 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Kicks Off Production

Delayed by a prolonged UAW strike late last year, General Motors announced Monday that that series production of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 has begun. The very first mid-engine Stingray intended for the passenger market has left the retooled assembly line in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with many more to follow.

Everything you’ve seen up to this point was technically a pre-production model, though there shouldn’t be any big changes forcing you to cancel your order. It’s still powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 (495 hp, 470 lb-ft) and should run to 60 mph in under 3 seconds if you launch it carefully. Even if you aren’t enamored with the styling and prefer the front-engined C7, the C8 represents both a performance bargain and a major technological leap for the model. GM has teased mid-engined Corvettes for decades; now they’re real.

Done in black-on-black, the first production C8 (top of the page) is as tricked out as it gets until the pricier variants manifest. It’s the 3LT trim, with every available option selected. It’s also spoken for. The car was purchased last month for $3 million at a Barrett-Jackson auction. Since car number one had not yet been assembled, a red C8 prototype appeared on stage in its stead.

Chevrolet says initial deliveries should start up later this month or in early March, depending upon location. However, you could end up waiting much longer to get your hands on one — even if you’ve already placed an order. The strike delay didn’t just postpone the C8’s launch, it pushed back the whole first year of production.

Dealer allocations have reportedly been scaled back for 2020, likely leaving some customers to wait until the 2021 model year arrives in September. Check with your dealership if you already have an order on the books. There’s a chance you may have to wait until Chevy starts assembling the next batch.

[Image: General Motors]