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The Chevrolet Corvette has served as the official pace car of the Indy 500 18 times since 1978. That accounts for half of the 32 times that Chevrolet has been given the honor since 1948, which only highlights the sports car’s endearing legacy. Interestingly enough, this C8 Corvette convertible is the first Indy 500 pace car to have a drop-top since the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro.
The mid engine Corvette, introduced as a 2020 model, was a completely different animal. For 2021 however, changes were minimal. The two basic body styles - coupe and convertible - saw no changes. The drivetrain, which consisted of 6.2 liter V8 L2 engine mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch was the same.
GM had already made a significant statement with the introduction of the 2020 mid engine Corvette C8. It would speak even louder with the 2023 Corvette Z06. Everybody agrees that the big news came from the engine compartment. But there is still a fair amount on the exterior that makes the C8 Corvette Z06 special.