Underneath the camouflaged exterior, the proportions of the C8 Corvette prototype are obviously that of a mid-engined machine, and the exhaust note — quite muted by Corvette standards — suggests the powerplant might be turbocharged, which has been backed up in the proposed list of engines here.  However, there are stringent sound restrictions at the Nürburgring which could be a factor contributing to the muted burble.

What isn’t up for speculation is how well the car corners. A remarkable sure-footedness, staggering traction, and composure over the bumpier sections of the Nordschleife are obvious. It even tucks its shortened nose in neatly with a rub of the brake (0:40), and due to the shorter length of its snout, is definitely easier to place.

The surprisingly compliant C8 covers the bumpy Karussell at great speed.

That engine placement should also improve braking performance with all four tires more evenly loaded under deceleration, and the nose doesn’t dip much under peak brake pressure. It looks incredibly stable on the binders and into the corner — even out of the corner. Though it might just be a wonderfully balanced car, the corner-exit acceleration is so abrupt you have to wonder whether the front wheels are helping in some way.

The styling might divide the audience, and the Camaro taillights might seem out of place, but there’s no denying the raw pace in all phases of the corner. With world-class cornering and traction that is nearly unrivaled, the performance of the C8 will probably convert some of the purists who hope the Corvette remains front-engined.