50 Years of the Chevrolet Corvette

1980

According to Cor Sport, CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) regulations forced Chevrolet to find a way to trim weight on their cars. In response, the 1980 Corvette had lower density roof panels and aluminum Dana 44 IRS (Independent Rear Suspension).
Chrome was also used minimally. Along with weight, engineers tried to get better gas mileage results. They focused their efforts on gas mileage, which they improved by reworking the optional front and rear spoilers as well as bringing back the front grill. Lastly, overall emission control lowered the bhp for all engines.