We’re digging the styling of the new 2020 Corvette C8, at first, it was WTF!? However, the side intakes instantly gave away the rear mid-engine layout. Since it was first introduced 66 years ago the Corvette has always used the front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout. The Corvette C8 rips up the old rule book and in doing so makes a statement “we intend to compete with the Europeans”. But this is where the Americans do the rear mid-mounted engine philosophy a little bit different to the Europeans.

The 2020 Corvette C8 will be powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 which is rated at 490 hp (365 kW; 497 PS) at 6,450 rpm and 465 lb⋅ft (630 N⋅m) at 5,150 rpm. All-in it represents a power boost of 40bhp over the Corvette C7.

The C8 will be offered with the optional Z51 performance package. This adds a sport exhaust system to the Stingray, boosting power to 495 hp and 640Nm of torque (470 lb⋅ft)^. The C8 can accelerate from 0-60mp under 3 seconds.

Thankfully there is no manual gearbox, the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, and the power wiil be diverted to the rear wheels. That’s very American.

What is really interesting about the 2020 Corvette C8 is the use of carbon fiber and aluminum parts. That’s very un-American for a modern-day Corvette. All-in-all the Corvette C8 weighs 1,530kg. That’s considered light-weight for a current modern-day performance car… Very un-American.

Corvette engineers have concentrated on ensuring the handling is up there with the best of European performance cars. As such the suspension and steering are designed to provide a more connected, more detailed feedback to the driver… Very un-American.

Remember that Performance Package? it also upgrades the suspension further still, the cooling system,you get grippier Michelin Sport 4S tyres, and larger disc brakes. That’s 13.3 inches (345 mm) front and 13.8 inches (350 mm) rear.

The interior will feature the latest in-car digital instrument dials and infotainment systems. Apple connectivity, a premium sound system, upgrade packages and more besides. But the big deal is that you get all of this for a starting price of $60,000.

American muscle cars have always been cheaper, louder and prouder than similar but more refined offerings from Europe. Will the C8 mark a turning point, will it exude quality or will it fail on the quality control?

And will the Corvette C8 have the handling finesse of its European counterparts? If it can do all of the above for $60,000 against pricer rivals then we say “yeee and might I add haaa!”. If the Corvette C8 can shake up the starch-collared Europeans we’re all for it. How about it boss?

The Corvette is available to order now using the interweb via a Tesla style reservation system… Just go Google it.