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CALLAWAY C8 CORVETTE LAUNCH EDITION: THE FIRST DETAILS

The Upgraded C8 Is On Display At Corvettes At Carlisle

Callaway C8 Corvette Launch Edition supercharged lt2 supercharger v8
Image via Callaway Cars Facebook

If you’re at Corvettes at Carlisle this weekend, be sure to check out the Callaway booth. Long known for expertly modifying Corvettes in a way that compliments Chevrolet’s factory offerings, the new Callaway C8 Corvette Launch Edition will be made available for all 2020-2022 model year Stingrays, and represents the latest product in a line of Powerfully Engineered Automobiles.

First off, no, it’s not boosted. But with a bespoke exhaust system, new intake manifold and air inlet system, the new Callaway Corvette really lets the 6.2L LT2 V8 breathe in and out with less restriction, meaning that it’s bound to be more powerful than the stock 490-495 horsepower that Chevrolet advertises.

While main details like pricing and availability, as well as total output, are not immediately available, we have reached out to Callaway in the meantime to see what they say. Meanwhile, there’s still a lot to talk about. Here’s everything that’s been announced at the time of this writing:

Callaway Corvette C8 Launch Edition Standard Equipment:

• Callaway Forged C8 Wheel Set
• Double-D Exhaust System
• Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
• Callaway Interior Group
– Callaway Alcantara Horn Cover
– Callaway Door Sill Panels
– Callaway Billet Pedal Pad Set
– Callaway Embroidered Floor Mats
• Callaway Engine Group
– Callaway Ported Intake Manifold
– Callaway Honker C8 Inlet Air System
• Interior Build Plaque
• Underhood Build Plaque with Vehicle Identification Number
• Callaway Exterior Badging
• Authentication Documentation Package
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty overlapping the GM factory warranty.

Callaway Cars C8 Corvette Launch Edition
Image via Callaway Cars

Optional Equipment:

• Premium Wheel Finish, Callaway Corvette C8 Launch Edition
• Aero Group Level 1, Callaway Corvette C8 Launch Edition
• Aero Group Level 2, Callaway Corvette C8 Launch Edition
• Handling Group Level 1, Callaway Corvette C8 Launch Edition
• Callaway Factory Delivery
• Track Delivery

2020 2021 2022 Callaway C8 Corvette Launch Edition
Image via Callaway Cars

Callaway Forged C8 Corvette Wheels

Out of the gate, the Old Lyme, CT company will offer a fully-forged aluminum nine-spoke wheel in five different colors on the Callaway C8 Corvette Launch Edition. More than just a visual upgrade, the wheels will also help improve overall performance because they remove over 26 lbs (12 kg) of unsprung mass compared to a factory wheel set, despite being half-an-inch wider. That’s a 23 percent decrease in weight. Tires around the new wheels remain the same: the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

The forged aluminum construction offers greater strength at significantly less mass, offering peace-of-mind against typical cast-wheel construction being prone to damage over poor road surfaces. The material properties of the forged alloy allow mass optimization in the design process by way of FEM (Finite Element Modeling) which results in a wheel set 23% lighter than the OE cast wheels. (19% front, 26% rear), despite their increased width, which is 0.5” over original. Offset is slightly reduced for a flush appearance and increased track width.

Reducing unsprung mass and rotational inertia offers many vehicle performance benefits as less energy is required to accelerate, change direction, and decelerate the wheels. The suspension performance is also improved as it has less work to do to maintain tire contact patch to the road surface. This means that driver inputs are more efficiently communicated to the tires: acceleration, steering inputs and braking. They utilize the same Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (ZP) or all-season OE tire fitments and compounds developed for the C8. Finishing the look are carbon fiber center caps and lug nuts, and all wheel finishes are backed by a 3-year warranty.

As we await more information on the Callaway C8 Corvette Launch Edition to get beamed to us, here are the five wheel options:

Ceramic Polished

Satin Black

Gloss Titanium

CALLAWAY FORGED NINE-SPOKE C8 CORVETTE STINGRAY WHEELS - BRONZE

Matte Bronze

CALLAWAY FORGED NINE-SPOKE C8 CORVETTE STINGRAY WHEELS - BLACK CHROME PVD

Black Chrome PVD

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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