2020 Corvette Revealed - 'A Jet Fighter For The Road'

By Darlene Donloe

With much pomp and fanfare, the all-new 2020 Next Generation Corvette was recently revealed in Tustin, Ca.

The Corvette community is sure to love this sporty mid-engined vehicle with rear-drive, 195 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque.  The mid-engine gives it a more forward feel.

The biggest difference in this incarnation is that the engine is in the middle instead of the front – something that’s been talked about for quite a while. It’s the most significant change in Corvette’s 66-year history.

The price is said to be just below $60,000.

Phil Zak, executive design director Global Chevrolet told the crowd that this Corvette and all the ones that came before it have a “strong and powerful presence.”

Zak said this latest incarnation of the Corvette is something they’ve never done before and that every element in the car is on the highest level of craftsmanship.

“Chevy maintained some Corvette time cues that are timeless and translate well to the new configuration,” he said. 

Bold front face, and LED lights and the strong fender piece over the front wheel and the rear quarter gives it the expected muscular appearance. The sleek sculpture is low, tough and aero-driven. The horizontal crease down the body side is the main design element that gives Corvette its sleek appearance. They hid the door handle releases underneath the side intakes to keep it clean and uninterrupted.

“Our mission was to make the finished product not just unmistakably Corvette, but an exotic supercar version of the Corvette,” said Zak.

The driver’s center cockpit has a new squared-off two-spoke steering wheel that leaves an unobstructed view of the 12-inch reconfigurable cluster display.  The square shape gives more visibility, more legroom and the ability to hold the steering wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock for maximum handling. The controls, which are all around you, cater to the driver’s experience.

Highlights:

Engine – 6.2L V8

Transmission – 8 speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

Drivetrain – RWD

Power – 495 HP (performance exhaust)

Torque – 470 LB-FT (performance exhaust)

Fuel Economy (EPA Combined) – N/A

Curb Weight (pounds) - >3,366 BS (dry weight)

0-60 MPH (est.) <3.0 SEC

Length – 182.3

Wheelbase 107.2

Width – 76.1

Height – 48.6

Front Headroom – 37.9

Front Legroom – 428

Front Shoulder Room – 54.4

Cargo volume (CU-FT) – 12.6

A Review: The 2019 Suburban 4WD 1/2 Ton Premier

By Darlene Donloe

  

THE CAR: 2019 Suburban 4WD ½ Ton Premier

Surprisingly, for its size, the Suburban is pretty easy and comfortable to drive. It took me about 30 minutes to feel relaxed handling this behemoth vehicle. It’s a lot of steel to maneuver. It doesn’t feel large while you’re driving it. Once I got comfy it was almost like driving any other car.

I’ve always loved being high in the saddle when I drive so that I can see what’s going on in front of me. You can’t get much higher than the seats in the Suburban.

I love remote starts.  When you remote start the Suburban, the LED daytime running lights come on as does the LED taillights, to let you know the car is running. There is a large chrome grill, nice storage pockets in the door, and tinted privacy glass in the rear.

Rear cameras ROCK!  I also like to see how close I am to a car in front of me. Unfortunately, there is no front camera – which would really make this complete.  I like the dash. It’s convenient with concise buttons.

There is a ton of room inside, Wi-Fi and a full-leather strap on the steering wheel. By the way, how cool is it that the steering wheel is heated?   There are two USBs, two cup holders, a Bose audio system and a wireless charging pad for your phone. Seats are comfortable and there’s a padded armrest. There is also a ton of cargo space.

For one week I drove the top of the line Suburban with the blue velvet metallic exterior and the jet black/mahogany brown interior.  I enjoyed every minute.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 5.3L V8 Ecotec3 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, fully automatic locking rear differential, magnetic ride control, engine oil cooling system, front, and rear park assist, trailering equipment, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, duralife brake rotors, transfer case single speed, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, low speed forward auto braking, rear vision camera, tire pressure monitor system, theft deterrent system, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, remote keyless entry, 20” polished aluminum wheels, 17” steel spare wheel, power handsfree liftgate, perforated leather-appointed heated and vented front seats, driver seat pedals column and mirrors memory settings, second-row power release bucket seats, heated second-row seats, third row 60/40 split bench power folk flat seat, power tilt and telescoping steering column, power adjustable pedals, auto dimming inside mirror, leather wrap steering wheel, steering wheel controls, heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic HVAC, 110-volt AC power outlet, Onstar (subject to terms see onstar.com), 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable(subject to terms see onstar.com) Chevrolet infotainment system, 8” diagonal color touchscreen voice recognition, Bluetooth audio streaming APPLE Carplay and android auto capable in VEH Apps capable, SiriusXM All Access and Service subscription sold separately by SiriusXM after three months.

  

MSRP: $80,870

FUEL ECONOMY: 14/20

THE DRIVE: Pleasing!

Darlene Donloe

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, The Wave, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, This Stage, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Grammy, and more. Contact her via ddonloe@gmail.com