Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray Review

The Corvette has been an iconic moniker and a manufacturing marvel for American manufacturer Chevrolet. The all-new Corvette features a plethora of changes inside and out, making it look more attractive than ever. Part of its overhaul also sees improvements to its performance, making it stronger to take on its iconic Italian and British rivals.

Exterior

When viewed from the front, you would be right in saying that it isn’t an outright design change over its precursor. The low-slung profile still exists in this generation as well. However, there are minor tweaks given to the car:

• The headlamps have become more angular and elongated, featuring two streams of LEDs running on the borders.
• The hexagonal grille houses gigantic air intakes with a matte black finish and the Corvette name embossed on it, making it look flashy.
• The lines on the hood create an aggressive appearance.

The side profile dazzles with an abundance of lines and creases, creating a complex look. Notably:

• The door handles have been replaced by buttons concealed in matte black coverings.
• The front and rear fenders are extremely wide, enhancing the car's road presence.
• The coupe-like roofline aids in aerodynamics, propelling the vehicle swiftly.

The rear features a large spoiler, bulky air vents, and quad exhausts for an aggressive appeal. While some may argue that the rear seems overdone, it remains visually pleasant without being jarring. However, the sloping outline may restrict rear visibility.

Interior

The interior of the new Corvette C8 Stingray resembles an aircraft cockpit, featuring:

• A generous amount of leather and matte black finishes for the controls.
• A 12” digital gauge cluster and an 8” infotainment screen oriented towards the driver.
• Notable features such as a heated steering wheel, memory seats, wireless charging device, and a performance data recorder with high-resolution camera.
• Other conveniences include a navigation system, automatic climate control, blind spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert.

Additionally, a large rectangular panel displays functions for the AC, automatic climate control, and drive modes, enhancing accessibility for the driver. Ample storage spaces are provided, and the flat-bottomed stubby steering wheel deserves special mention. Overall, the car exhibits a concept-oriented neat interior silhouette that is user-friendly.

Engine and Performance

Ubiquitous across all Corvette generations is the tried and tested 6.2L V8 engine, which produces a remarkable 495 hp and approximately 640 Nm of torque. Chevrolet claims a 0-100 Km/h time of under 3 seconds, which is impressive given that the predecessor required a staggering 755 hp to achieve the same time of 2.8 seconds. This iteration introduces an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission from Tremec, which Chevrolet states is lightning quick in response, improving lap times as the car doesn’t decelerate while shifting gears.

Verdict

With this generation, Chevrolet assures groundbreaking performance with its added power and lightweight body. The Corvette is undoubtedly a stunning vehicle, capable of serving as a city companion, thanks to its ample storage spaces and adaptable suspension setup that absorbs bumps effortlessly. But the question remains, can it outshine its rivals such as Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R, and Jaguar F-Type? Only time will tell...