SEMA SNEAK PEEK: C8 Corvette X APR Performance Ft. MagnaFlow

SEMA Show, better known as just “SEMA,” is an annual trade show put on by the Special Equipment Market Association since 1967. But of course, you probably already knew that. For those initiated into the world of aftermarket automotive equipment, SEMA is akin to Christmas. All the biggest names in the industry are in attendance, and the inspired builds and products featured at the event indicate the trajectory of the market moving forward. 

Prepping For Showtime

Like it is for everyone else, SEMA is our biggest show of the year, giving us a chance to show off our coolest concepts, products and ideas for the future. SEMA 2021 is nearly upon us, and we’ve collaborated with our friends over at APR Performance on quite a special build: a 2020 Corvette C8 with enough power and downforce to thread any apex in its sights. The Sebring Orange Tintcoat beast functioned as APR’s testbed to develop a complete, 22-piece carbon fiber aero kit for the C8, including a front bumper air dam, front bumper center cover, front bumper bezels, side rocker extensions, canards, diffuser, tall wing, side mirrors, quarter panel scoops, door garnishes and rear hatch vents. They also developed a carbon fiber engine appearance package kit and rear license plate backing plate to match the rest of the set.

Other modifications include a KW Suspensions Variant 3 coilover kit, as well as Volk Racing G025 Matte Gunblack/Rim Edge DC Forged +30 offset one-piece wheels (19” x 8.5” front, 20” x 11” rear) wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888R R-Compound tires. The suspension setup, alignment and corner balancing were completed by WR Teknica.

We Brought The Tunes

Because we’re a partner on the project, the ‘Vette is rocking a top-of-the-line MagnaFlow xMOD Performance Exhaust System (#19545). This stainless steel, black chrome finished exhaust kit utilizes the latest and greatest technologies that we offer on any of our products, including three interchangeable modules that allow you to customize your exhaust note quickly and easily. From drone-free driving (thanks to MagnaFlow’s No Drone Technology) to straight-pipe fury, this exhaust system can do it all. To find out more about the xMOD Performance Exhaust System for the C8 Corvette check out our previous blog that goes into further detail.

KC over at APR Performance said that “the xMOD exhaust craftsmanship was beyond expectations!” They especially liked the design of the control valves, which he described as “spot on.” These are the valves that integrate seamlessly into the C8’s own optional exhaust control valves. This allows that awesome feature to be carried over to the new exhaust system. KC said that the kit was “easy to install and we love the sound coming out of the xTreme Delete straight pipe module.” Most importantly, he made it clear that “it is one of the biggest noticeable improvements on the C8” thus far.

Pushing The Limits

APR Performance has spent the better part of a year developing all their aero components for the car. According to KC, the 40/60 front/rear weight distribution of the mid-engine C8 proved the greatest challenge overall. Whereas their aero kits for the C6 and C7 Corvettes took advantage of the near 50/50 weight distribution of those vehicles by making the most of the downforce produced by the rear wing’s attack angle, the light front end of the new car’s layout necessitated a different approach. Instead, the front air dam of the C8 APR Performance aero kit is an inch longer than its C7 predecessor, enabling the nose of the car to be pushed down more effectively at higher speeds to maintain optimal downforce.

All these upgrades have resulted in a vehicle that can drive as hard as it looks, and sound great while doing so. Come visit APR Performance’s booth at SEMA 2021 to check this hot orange ‘Vette out for yourself! We’re proud to be a part of this beautiful build and are happy that APR Performance is so pleased with the car’s exhaust system..

Interested in upgrading your car’s own exhaust? MagnaFlow.com has all the components, exhaust kits and catalytic converters you could possibly need. There you can search for exactly what you’re looking for by year, make, model, trim level and more. Have questions about our products? Give us a call at 1-800-990-0905 and we’d be happy to help.

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