Unveiled in 2019 for the 2020 model year, the C8 Corvette is “revolutionary” in more than one way. For the first time, it features a mid-engined layout and can play in the same league with sports cars like the Ferrari 488 GTB or the Lamborghini Huracan Evo. It is an entirely new car, boasts more technology than any Corvette from the past, and, of course, it is also the quickest and more powerful naturally aspirated model of its kind. But there is a catch: the Corvette C8’s engine software can’t be modified, despite many tuners trying to find a solution for that. SlyStyle Performance joins the list of tuners that wants to put more power under the C8’s hood, and it already made the first steps in that direction.
The eighth-generation Corvette is offered with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that delivers a total of 490 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, or 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque if you opt for the Z51 Performance Package. Ever since its official launch, GM was very clear: the C8’s engine is un-tunable and not even Hennessey would be able to do something about it. The reason behind it is very simple: the V-8 comes with an encrypted ECU. Of course, many tuners have tried to work with GM and come up with a solution, but so far with no success.
The guys over SlyStyle Performance didn’t find a way to add more power under the hood, they offer an in-house Stage 3 performance upgrade that significantly improves the car’s performance specs. The package includes a K&N high-flow air filter insert, customized intake and exhaust ports of the intake manifold, an Oil Catch Can, and a Grail exhaust system that ends with 114-millimeter tailpipes. As a result, the tuner managed to lower the Corvette’s sprint time from 100 to 200 km/h by more than half a second. At the same time, the upgrade generates significantly better responsiveness and a noticeably more powerful pull.
Upgrades continue with a body kit that transforms the Corvette into an even more eye-catching machine. Changes include an aggressive front splitter, side sills with fins protruding in front of the rear wheels, plus a rear spoiler and rear diffuser attachments. The new elements, made from a combination of CFRP and GFRP, do not only emphasize the vehicle’s exterior look, but also improve its aerodynamic specs. For example, the front splitter alone generates up to 50 kilograms of downforce, while the rear one up to 80 kilograms of downforce.
The car rides on a new set of Drago one-piece wheels, finished in black and sized 9x20 up front and 11.5x21 in the back. The models equipped from factory with the Front Lift System will also get stainless-steel lowering collars that will lower the front axle by around 20 millimeters.