The chief engineer said they got the center of gravity right in the seating area so the driving experience is enhanced because the car is basically balanced around the driver. And I imagine they did this for the old geezers who likely will be buying a lot of these, the door sills are redesigned to further ease access/egress into the aluminum alloy frame. And it still has a removable top which can be stowed in the rear trunk. Right in front of the carbon fiber rear bumper bar.
1st gear is ultra low and 2nd-6th are fairly close together to keep the engine in the power band longer, and 7th and 8th are basically the ODs for the fuel efficiency equation.
I've never been a "Corvette guy". I like them, they're pretty cool, but there's never been one that talks to me like KITT and says "Let's go for a ride..." like a Cutlass or 442 does. Until now. It's a new design for it, but I like it. And I wouldn't mind driving one. Never would have thought I'd say that about Corvette, but this time around they did something to catch my eye.
While all this doesn't seem to be new revelations to some of the European supercars, the mid engine design is totally new to Corvette, and I think it's going to be a game changer. Especially with the entry price. Sure, the options will probably add up to ludicrous costs, but even if you spent a "paltry" 70 grand on one you'll be hard pressed to get a better driving car for the money. Of course, that's all relative. This is one of those cars you're either going to love it or hate it.