C8 Corvette Fuel Efficiency: A Closer Look
While fuel economy may not be the primary focus for any C8 Corvette owner, the vehicle’s performance in this area is surprisingly commendable. According to Corvette Chief Engineer Ed Piatek, the C8 has been officially rated at 15 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway by the EPA.
Power and Performance
The Corvette is driven by an LT2 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces a powerful 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. This means that while achieving 15 mpg in urban conditions is commendable for such a robust engine, the 27 mpg on the highway is particularly noteworthy. The Corvette’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission plays a significant role in optimizing performance at speed, while a cylinder deactivation system contributes to improved fuel efficiency.
Long-Distance Travel
Moreover, the C8 Corvette is positioned as a capable road-trip vehicle, thanks to its generous 18.6-gallon fuel tank. With a fully filled tank and sensible driving, enthusiasts can expect to cover over 500 miles before needing to refuel.
Comparing Fuel Efficiency
For context, it is beneficial to look at the fuel efficiency of the C8 Corvette’s rivals in the sports car segment. The Porsche 911 Carrera S achieves 18/24 mpg despite having a smaller flat-six engine, while the BMW M850i manages 18/25 mpg from its twin-turbo V-8.
Further down the spectrum, the Ferrari 488 GTB displays less impressive figures of 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, whereas the Lamborghini Huracan falls even shorter, rated at just 13/18 mpg.
Consumer Considerations
While C8 Corvette buyers are likely attracted to its radical design and exhilarating performance, the decent fuel economy figures provide a practical benefit. With a good balance of efficiency and performance, the C8 minimizes trips to the gas station—provided drivers can resist the temptation to frequently test the car’s exhilarating 2.8-second 0-60 acceleration time.
Future Possibilities
Looking to the future, there is speculation that an even more fuel-efficient version of the Corvette could be on the horizon. The upcoming C8 Corvette ZR1 is expected to leverage hybrid technology to attain close to 900 hp, promising thrilling performance while potentially enhancing fuel efficiency even further.
