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2020 Chevrolet Corvette to have ‘untunable’ ECU – report

The new electrical system in the eighth-generation Corvette is designed for maximum cybersecurity, but could lead to tuners bricking the car.


The eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette will be a radical departure from all of its predecessors, especially under the skin where everything is all new.

Sources have told Muscle Cars and Trucks the new Corvette will use a new encrypted electronic control unit (ECU).

While encrypted ECUs aren't new, the eighth-generation Corvette will also debut General Motors's new CAN bus electrical platform, which prioritises cybersecurity.

As such, it's said the new system will enter recovery mode if it detects unauthorised code in the system. In this state, the electrical system needs to be rebooted and have official software reinstalled. Until this occurs, the car is effectively bricked or inoperable.

The behaviour of the new security-focused CAN bus could make it hard for aftermarket tuners to reprogram or replace the ECU, or add performance components to the drivetrain.

We expect to know more when the next-generation Corvette is unveiled in California on July 18, US time.

Muscle Cars and Trucks believes the new Corvette will debut with a double-overhead cam V8, dubbed LT2, and a standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Earlier reports suggested the new model will also be offered with a twin-turbo V8 and a hybrid drivetrain. Various issues, including problems with the new electrical system and chassis flex on top-end models, have reportedly delayed the car's introduction.

From spy photos, teaser images and numerous reports we know the new Corvette will ditch the front-engine rear-wheel drive layout it has used thus far for a mid-engine setup capable of handling even more power and torque.

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