When Chevrolet finally introduced its long-awaited mid-engined Corvette, it stepped more in line with the products it was ambitiously aiming for–Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren and the like. It remained true to its longtime ethos of performance at a fraction of those name-brand price tags. The foundation was good, but to some, it was just that–a foundation.
Off the shelf, the C8 Corvette delivered nearly 500 horsepower and its mid-engined configuration and aggressive styling explicitly expressed its performance intentions. But after finally being blessed with this long-sought fantasy, the aftermarket took it from there.
Vinny’s C8 Corvette is an amalgamation of the industry’s work in maximizing the potential of the Corvette prior to the introduction of the Z06. The LT2 V8 is amplified by SOUL’s Valved Exhaust Package, and accelerated by Lingenfelter’s Stage 1 Supercharger package, rated at 700 horsepower and 675 lb-ft of torque. The sensation is dramatic and theatrical–and instantaneous.
But performance is not just rated by horsepower numbers, especially when approaching figures such as those. Vinny’s Corvette is equipped with an active rear wing from Victor Racing which can be set to various angles for certain conditions to maximize speed or deceleration, with fast-acting actuators enforcing those decisions. Configuration of this system was done in-house, then tested and proven on the road. To additionally assist with access and handling of the speeds the car is now capable of, a full set of GiroDisc rotors was installed in-house, ensuring consistent braking performance when it is needed most.
As the icing on the cake, to provide the presence that matches the performance, Vinny’s Corvette wears an even more aggressive bodykit including a new hood, carbon fiber rear diffuser, sideskirts and canards. Brixton Forged PF10 wheels in Brushed Olympic Bronze complete the ultimate one-off look.
It became clear that Corvette was shooting much higher with the C8 platform, and we were more than happy to support a customer looking to extract every bit of that performance in his build.