Are Italian Supercars Worth Huge Prices in the C8 Corvette Era?
While the new Corvette is a certified savage, does it deliver enough supercar performance to turn the heads of exotic fans?
There is no doubt that the new generation C8 Corvette is a truly remarkable car. From its debut last year, the 2020 Corvette has racked up some consistent raves and honors. And the new ‘Vette has given drivers exactly what they craved. It is simply amazing, and marked an important turning point in the sports car’s history. However, is it really likely that Corvette could put the hurt on a bona fide six-figure supercar?
Automobile decided to put a base 2020 Corvette C8 to the test. And they chose a seasoned heavyweight to enter the ring: a 2020 Lamborghini Huracan Evo. From the get-go, they are clear that this isn’t really typical car versus car test.
Automobile’s Comparison
In fact, Automobile says upfront that the results are not likely going to really rattle any Lambo owners. “Someone shopping for the Huracan definitely wouldn’t step foot in a dealership that also sells white bread stuff like the Equinox and Spark,” says writer William Walker. “And no would-be Corvette buyer is cross-shopping a new Lamborghini.”
Looking at the numbers, Lambo’s 2020 Huracan Evo is packing major heat with a 5.2-liter V10, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch. It makes 631 horsepower, and 443 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is 202 mph, and it sprints 0-60 in just 2.9 seconds. The 2020 Corvette has a 6.2-liter V8, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch. Making 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque (or 495 hp and 470 lb-ft with the performance exhaust), it hits 0-60 in 2.8 seconds and boasts tops speeds of about 190 mph.
But one number that cannot be denied is the price tag. Corvettes start at $60K. A Lambo? Add about $200K.
The results are interesting in that there is no clear defined winner between the two cars. Ultimately, Automobile concluded it comes down to how you prefer your drive, and your experience.
“The C8 can hang with the Lamborghini in straight-line speed—with less power (but greater torque) and without all-wheel drive,” they write. “Take your pick on which engine sounds better—the Vette’s classic American soundtrack or the Lamborghini’s exotic V10 wail, but know that the Huracan’s engine power seems to hit harder, likely a consequence of the drama-free all-wheel-drive traction it enjoys.”
These are two very different beasts; but still beasts nonetheless. “The C8 delivers a downright supple ride. Our test car came with the adaptive suspension, which, left in its default Tour mode, soaked up bumps smoothly and quietly. The Lamborghini is more bucking bull, with a firm, unyielding suspension and a tendency to allow bump impacts to reverberate through the structure and cause cabin booming. At the track, both mid-engine sports cars are capable, despite their vastly different personalities.”
So, yes Corvette can hold its own against Lamborghini. Both of these cars deliver a thrilling, aggressive, toe-curling ride. In differing ways. And differing is the operative word. Because, at the end of the day is there really a competition? Automobile feels Corvette and Lambo travel in different orbits, and even test drives are unlikely to lure Lambo enthusiasts.
“The Corvette is a screaming deal, delivering the looks and performance of a more expensive vehicle. In the past, that’s been enough to occasionally pick off a Porsche in a head-on comparison—but is it enough to vanquish a Lamborghini?” they say. “There will be almost no overlap between C8 and Huracan Evo buyers, so the question is basically abstract.”
Corvette Forum Members Weigh In
With the C8 reaching new heights, surely some drivers want a taste, no matter what marque they have pledged allegiance to in the past. So naturally, we found plenty of interesting and differing opinions in the Forums.
“Wow. Unbelievable results!” said Cardood5000. “It is truly remarkable that they say the Corvette is just as good as a car that costs several times the price! I simply do not see how the Lamborghini price is justifiable, when the only significant advantages I see are the V10 sound and the exotic badge. Would I still buy a Huracan if I could afford it? Yes, if only for that screaming V10. But do I think it is a complete ripoff? Also yes.”
Sin City simply feels that Corvette and exotic car buyers are not likely to dovetail or jump ship.”I don’t think Lambo is quaking in its boots. The C8 will bring previous Corvette buyers back into the market and expand the market–but it’s not going to have much effect on the overall premium market. If you want a Lambo, you will buy a Lambo. It’s not numbers that will change your mind.”
But many showed they are hardcore ‘Vette, such as New Car Dude. “Read the article carefully. There is way too much confirmation that says the C8 is a superior automobile,” he writes. Before anyone attacks me please read the article carefully. It is confirming what I have been saying all along. The C8 is a better-engineered car than a Lamborghini Evo. Anyone who says differently isn’t paying attention to expert reviews.”
What do you think? Hop into THIS THREAD and let us know.
Photos: Automobile; Corvette Forums; General Motors
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