Throttle House, a Canadian YouTube channel that reviews a cubic ton of cars, has reviewed the 2020 Corvette C8 Z51.
What is particularly interesting about this review is that, unlike many other publications and reviews, they are willing to speak out of what they think are a few flaws with the C8.
The first is fairly apparent from those that prefer to row their own, and that is that the C8 lacks a manual transmission. While the reasoning behind the manual being removed from the C8 is sound, namely the torsional rigidity of the Corvette would be compromised by adding one, it still is one of the “disappointments” of the C8.
However, it pales compared to what both reviewers think is the Achilles heel of the C8, that being the rear differential. While it may be a bit of drama to call it catastrophic, understeer on the C8 is one of the most widely reported issues, even making it into podcasts and YouTube channels dedicated to Corvettes.
However, as also reported widely, in track mode the car does not seem to suffer as much understeer. This could potentially be a setting in other driving modes that makes the Corvette err on the side of safety, as for many, a C8 could very well be their first true sports car and they may not be familiar with mid-engined handling.
The two also don’t agree on the looks, with one loving it, the other having some criticisms. The same comes to the steering wheel, another item of much contention in the Corvette community, one of which being that the wheel cannot be positioned high enough for one of them to be able to avoid smacking his elbow on the raised center console.
Side note: Personally, I do prefer the square wheel, as it provides easy access into a low down car, as well as doesn’t obstruct your view forwards of the HUD when it’s turned on. But I’m just one Corvette fan among millions.
