Changes were needed on the Corvette C8.R for the new (and improved?) IMSA GTD PRO class. To change the car from GTLM spec to meet GTD technical regulations, here are some items:

The mass of the C8.R is increased by 65 kilograms (143 lbs.) relative to Daytona 2021. To accommodate the ballast box required by the GT3/GTD regulations to hold the extra weight, the Corvette Racing had to reconfigure the entire passenger side floor compartment. This required the move of the air conditioning unit, fire bottle, battery box and other electronics. This was no small feat with integration requiring significant effort by the Corvette Racing engineering team, according to Corvette.

The 2022 Corvette GTD entry is running on customer Michelin tires that are required for the category. This is a change from GTLM where the C8.R ran on expensive confidential tires – ones that were specifically designed for Corvette Racing.

The power output of the C8.R’s flat-plane V8 is significantly reduced under GTD rules. The difference between the size of this year’s Daytona air restrictor and 2021 is nearly 1.7mm. Not a chance Corvette will give AutoInformed output numbers.

Related to that, the GTD PRO Corvette is running with a higher angle of attack on the rear wing than previous years. This creates a greater level of drag on the race car and significantly reduces top speed. Sound similar to the spoiler controversies in Formula One last year between Red Bull and Mercedes?