C8 Is the Most Anticipated Car Ever, Doug DeMuro Explains Why
Can the C8 Corvette really compete with the more expensive exotics? A close look at the features and quirks reveals the answer.
Over the years Doug DeMuro has reviewed hundreds of cars on his YouTube channel. These reviews include high end exotics such as the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren Senna, and even the 8-figure Koenigsegg Agera RS1. Yet none of those cars have garnered more requests for a review than the new C8 Corvette. Finally, that review is here, and DeMuro in his typical fashion, takes a detailed look at all the features and quirks of Americas sports car.
We all are quite familiar already with the big changes, the manual transmission is gone, and the engine moves behind the driver. However, those are complemented by a host of more subtle updates that make the C8 one of the best performance cars to ever hit the streets. As DeMuro says: “Never before in the history of the automobile could you get a sports car with this level of performance and this level of power for this money.”
DeMuro starts with a walk around of the car, pointing out various features such as how to open the hood and rear hatch. Hey, look at that, there is a 6.2-liter engine under that rear hatch. This car has the engine appearance package option which includes LED lighting and some carbon fiber trim to further enhance the look. The removable targa roof will also fit back there and the hatch can then be easily lowered and secured utilizing the soft close feature. That rear hatch also houses another neat feature which is the rear-view mirror camera. In the cockpit you can flip a switch on the mirror, and it will then display what that hatch mounted camera shows.
Once inside DeMuro focuses on some of the Corvettes real party tricks. One of those tricks is the front camera which is active by simply pressing a button. It shows the driver exactly where the front of the car is in relation to curbs etc. “It’s a brilliant feature, I wish I had it in my sports car, I love it. And I love how easily accessible it is.” Says DeMuro.
He also loves the axle lifting system. It not only lifts the nose of the car by two inches in about three seconds, it has technology that allows it to remember where that needs to be done. DeMuro explains: “So, you are going into a gas station you often visit where there is a steep driveway, you can set that in the memory. And then every time you approach that location the car will raise the axle automatically because it remembers that’s a spot it has to do that.” Pretty cool.
Staying inside the cabin DeMuro points out some of the interesting packaging challenges that Chevrolet faced when designing the car. That is why the hazard light button is mounted above the rear-view mirror and the cigarette lighter is on the passenger side, underneath the dash. You will also be treated to the thinnest climate control vents that GM has ever fitted to any vehicle.
The performance data recorder is reviewed next. For the track rats it will not just capture video of your laps but also allow you to configure various data elements that you can overlay on the video. “It is a pretty cool feature to have built into the car.” Says DeMuro. However, as he goes on to explain, it can do even more. “You don’t have to use it just for performance. You can also configure it to be a dash cam.” “This is a brilliant idea; all cars should come standard with dash cams.” DeMuro concludes.
Finally, it is time to get the C8 out on the road. First impressions are that there is plenty of room inside the car, even for drivers that are over 6 feet tall. DeMuro says: “One thing you notice right away when you start really driving is the transmission is just so smooth.” Of course, the acceleration is amazing as well, but the overall interior quality is a huge step up for Corvette. “To me, this is the first Corvette with an interior that matches the price point in the world they are trying to go after.” Says DeMuro.
So overall what is the verdict? “Generally speaking, it is hard not to be impressed by this car.” DeMuro says in summary. He offers his ‘Doug Score’ and it tops the more expensive and equally new Porsche 911, and is just barely behind the many times more expensive McLaren 720S and Ferrari 488 Spider. So, to answer our original question, yes, the new Corvette can absolutely compete with the exotics. This car is a game changer.
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