The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most iconic cars in American history. It has been a symbol of power and freedom since it was first introduced back in 1953. This car has stood for so much more than just what meets the eye, but even if you don’t know about Chevy’s past, it is easy to see why people are still drawn to this vehicle today.
With a history dating back to the 1950s, the Chevrolet Corvette is a pillar of performance-car culture. The current C8 model continues that legacy with a 490-hp V-8 engine positioned behind the passenger compartment. When equipped with the Z51 package, the Corvette becomes a track day favorite thanks to its high performance and surgically precise handling—but its smooth ride over harsh areas and comfortable interior make it suitable for everyday usage.
The Chevrolet Corvette has two body variants: a coupe and a convertible. The open-air top on the coupe can be lowered for motoring, but the lift-off roof panel on the convertible must be raised before being driven. There is enough cargo capacity in the back for an extended weekend trip, although don’t expect hatchback practicality comparable to previous Vette generations.
Pricing
| 1LT | $62,195 |
| 2LT | $69,495 |
| 3LT | $74,145 |
To commemorate the C8.R sports car’s inaugural season, Chevrolet offers a unique appearance package on the Corvette inspired by the IMSA GTLM championship-winning race version. Accelerate Yellow or Hypersonic Gray exterior paint with Carbon Flash mirror caps and rear spoiler are used in the package. Only 1000 will be produced, and adding $6595 to the 3LT base price is part of the deal.
The Corvette racing logo is included in the design, and the cabin is painted yellow and gray to match. In addition to a new optional low-profile rear spoiler, three additional colors, and a few modifications to the car’s mechanicals, such as a new fuel pump and fuel injectors for 2022.
The Z51 performance package adds several features, including a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system with navigation and phone connectivity blind-spot monitoring, and more to the 2LT model. The Z51 performance package is also recommended since it includes all of the Corvette’s best performance-oriented equipment.
The 6.2-liter V-8 remains in its original position behind the passenger compartment, although it now produces 490 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque instead of 575 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. It generates 495 hp with the dual-mode performance exhaust that comes as part of the Z51 package. The Z51 option includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential, stronger brakes, and summer tires.
The sole gearbox is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, a first in a Chevrolet vehicle. It’s operated either by a push-button button on the center console or by utilizing two huge steering-wheel shift paddles. The manual option isn’t available. Our testing achieved a zero to 60 mph time of 2.8 seconds and a quarter-mile distance of 11.2 seconds at 122 mph in a car with the Z51 performance package and optional FE4 magnetorheological dampers.
