The Chevrolet Corvette was introduced in 1953 as a convertible sports model with an in-line six-cylinder engine and longitudinal front arrangement, but very soon – in 1955 – it turned to the V8 block that has accompanied it to this day. After hundreds of rumors, spy photos, marketing actions, and a long wait, the new generation of the central-engined Corvette Stingray, which equips a new 495-horsepower V8 LT2 propeller, has finally been introduced.
It should be noted that this is not the first time that the Corvette has resorted to a mechanical configuration with the engine behind the cabin, as we explained in this article that reviews its precedents, but it is the first time that the American model has been marketed with this architecture.
Its convertible variant is the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY: OUTDOOR
Apart from its mechanical aspects, although clearly conditioned by them, the design of the new Corvette Stingray features lines that vaguely recall its predecessor but modifies its proportions to accommodate the V8 block at the rear, while the front hood is shorter and steeper than usual in the American model. They maintain the tension lines on the doors, hood, roof, and shoulders, as well as the unique shape of their rear pilots.
A curious fact: the rearview mirrors are not the same. The passengers protrude a little more than the driver's, and as if to show a button. The CorvetteBlogger page measured the distance of each mirror to make sure. If you look at the image below, you can appreciate it.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY: INTERIOR
Inside we find a completely renovated design in which the driving position envelops the user and the technology is ubiquitous, with digital instrumentation and an almost vertical screen next to the steering wheel. The quality of the finishes has taken a step forward with surfaces completely upholstered in leather and without the presence of the usual plastics.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY: MECHANICAL
In the mechanical section, the new V8 LT2 atmospheric engine is actually an evolution of the previous 6.2-liter block, the LT1, present in the Corvette C7. Deliver 490 horsepower with a torque of 630 Newton meter. With the Performance Z51 pack, it features 495 horsepower and a pair of 637 Newton meters.
Accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers/hour in 3 seconds, which is a gain of 0.7 seconds. With the Z51 pack, it is 2.9 seconds. The Z51 package also features a more effective exhaust, as well as exclusive brakes and an even firmer suspension.
It is precisely in the braking system that we find one of the main peculiarities of the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. It has three different operating modes with which the driver has the possibility to adapt the touch and the response of the pedal in charge of stopping the vehicle. The first of these is the Tour, prepared for the day to day and thus offers a more comfortable answer. The second, called Sport, offers a more aggressive feel, while the third, dubbed Track, is similar to that of a racing car with a very hard touch for the first time that is ideal for carrying out the demanding braking that a circuit may require.
Later – never before 2021 – the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will feature a more powerful Corvette-style engine with the Corvette C7 Z06. Everything points to the new unit being a V8 bi-turbo – Automobile Magazine points to the 4.2-liter V8 Cadillac as a base – capable of delivering a power of about 800 horsepower. This will also mean that the Corvette has to equip some aerodynamic additions and probably larger surface tires that force the redesign of the wheel steps.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY: EQUIPMENT
From the most basic finish, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has fairly complete equipment that includes, among others, elements such as the rearview camera, the rear parking assistant, or the traction and stability controls. It also presents a curiosity that allows even the youngest drivers to get behind the wheel of this vehicle safely. This is Teen Driver Mode, whose translation would be something like 'teen driver mode'. Already present in other models of the brand, it is associated with a specific driver through his key to, among other things, prevent the aids to key driving from being disconnected, activate an alarm for maximum speed or limit the maximum volume of the sound equipment, something that the firm of General Motors considers ideal for the newer to gradually learn what it means to tame a vehicle of this characteristics.
The Corvette C8 Stingray comes standard with a sound system consisting of 10 Bose speakers, expandable in optional to 14. According to Bose, this is the most powerful sound system you've ever prepared for a sports car. Some of the customizations take into account the fact that it is a convertible vehicle. The biggest challenge is isolating the occupants from the roar of the V8 engine. The manufacturer presumes to have achieved it.
CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY: PRICE
The starting price of the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is $59,995, which at the current time is just over 54,000 euros. This figure corresponds to the 1LT finish. Above is the 2LT, which starts from $67,295 – 60,700 euros – while the 3LT, the cap, for now, costs a minimum of $71,945 – 64,900 euros. In addition, the prices of the Z51 packages – $5,000, 4,500 euros – and Engine Appearance Package have been announced, with carbon details and led lights for the engine compartment – $1,195, 1,078 euros.
Corvette Stingray began production in February. The first units were delivered in March 2020, although the coronavirus pandemic caused delays.
In June 2020, it was announced that the new Corvette will arrive at European dealers in the second half of 2021 from EUR 102,500. He will debut first in the UK and then on the continent. It will arrive in the so-called 'Launch Edition', which includes the Performance Z51 pack. Unlike the American version, you will have telemetry, a head-up display, the browser on a 12-inch screen, a Bose sound system and rearview mirror with the camera, heated seats, parking aid, and blind-spot alarm. In Europe, cost
UPDATE LOG
Date Update
05/03/2020 The first units are leaving the factory.
04/02/2020 The new Corvette enters production.
24/01/2020 Chevrolet claims that the first units arrive in February.
12/12/2019 Sold out 40,000 units of the U.S. market.
07/11/2019 The start of production of the model is delayed until February 2020.
26/08/2019 The most powerful version will arrive in 2021.
25/08/2019 Details about its equipment.
16/08/2019 Prices.
