Corvette Stingray – For a true car enthusiast, there are a few cars that stir the blood when mentioned. The iconic Corvette Stingray is one.
The fact that this sports car has continued to exist from the early 1960 through to now is something to be celebrated. It’s what we call an American classic.
The C8 is the first factory RHD build here for Australia.
And I got to drive the latest C8 Corvette Stingray.
What else could I look at
The Corvette Stingray sits comfortably with the Audi RS5, Jaguar F-Type, Lexus LC 500,
There are if course the more recognised supercars like McLaren GTS, Audi RS7 performance, Lotus Emira, Maserati MC20, Aston Martin Vantage
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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So what does the Corvette Stingray look like
Stunning would the first word that comes to mind.
I drove the Riptide Blue version, and it really stood out.
Low, sleek, wide and squat. It demands attention and gets it everywhere we went.
There are a couple of things that stand out. The front LED headlights that integrate into the sloping bonnet. Massive tyres and brakes. Air scoops in front of the rear tyres and of course the mid-engine layout.
I actually think that words fail to describe the effect that this vehicles has on people.
So, it’s best just to look at the pictures.
What is the Corvette Stingray like inside.
Obviously, it’s a two seat coupe. But you may be surprised by how comfortable it is.
I am 190cm tall with aging hips, back and knees. So, getting in was an exercise in acrobatics. I’m sure I provided much comical relief to casual observers.
However, once I managed to sit inside, its surprisingly comfortable and – yes – spacious.
The front seats – I think they are Alcantara or similar, cocoon you tightly. Both seats are electronically adjustable and again surprisingly, I could get enough leg room.
Normally I am squashed like a sardine in these type of sports cars, but not the Corvette. They are built for bigger Americans thankfully.
Little luxuries like heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel with power adjustment, and heated exterior mirrors are all appreciated. Other features include dual zone A/C,
Visibility is an issue. Forward its ok but the front corners seem to disappear.
Over the shoulder is terrible as is out the rear. Thankfully the Corvette has a digital rear view camera.
Interior ergonomics are all focussed on the driver. Its almost like the passenger is an afterthought.
In front of the driver is an odd, shaped steering wheel However it works brilliantly, feels great in the hands and has a central marker on top for orientation. There is a 12 inch configurable digital instrument cluster and 8 inch central touch screen.
The full colour HUD works well but will polarise out with sunglasses on.
Storage
Always an issue with these type of coupes. But the Stingray isn’t too bad. In the doors there is room for small bottles laid flat. Between the seats are two cup holders and a small console bin and the glove box is a reasonable size.
Boot space is good and has a slot for the removeable hard top panels. In the front is a small storage well that will take soft bags for trips etc.
There is no room behind the seats. There is also no spare tyre as you could guess. They are run flats.
Infotainment, technology and connectivity.
This all revolves around the 8 inch central touch screen. This combines with a BOSE 14 speaker audio system. 14 speakers in a small cabin is a lot and the sound booms out when asked.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is complimented by the wireless charging slot.
Two really handy features are the ability to raise the car 30mm for going over kerbs. This has a memory function as well and it works well. The other is a frontal camera view. Also needed as you really cant see the end of the bonnet and it can easily be damaged. I imagine it would be expensive to fox as well.
Equipped with one USB-A and one USB-C, an AUX plug and SD card slot. Between the seats there is a wireless phone charger slot.
Engine and drivetrain
This is what the Corvette Stingray is all about. Performance.
The Z51 performance package is standard.
Powered by a 6.2L V8 petrol engine that has an awesome exhaust burble.
Power is rated at 369 kW and torque at 637 Nm. This drives the rear wheels through an 8 speed dual clutch transmission.
For those times when you just have to – there is traction control with active handling and launch control. Just to keep things safe
There is also drive mode select with six choices, Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode and Z mode. To keep track there is also a performance data recorder.
To keep the Stingray planted to the road its equipped with Michelin Pilot sport performance tyres. Front are 245/35Z/R19, and rear are 305/30Z/R20.
Suspension is a sophisticated selective magnetic control system with manually adjustable rear suspension. In addition, there is both a front and rear spoiler.
To slow all this down there are massive Brembo brakes.
So, what is the Corvette Stingray like to drive.
While it will go from 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, it will also happily potter around town without complaint. Many supercars will splutter and fuss when driving slowly.
However, head out of town on the motorway or even better your favourite piece of windy road, and the Stingray shines. Take the roof off to embrace the best of the Stingray.
The engine roar mixes with the delightful exhaust burble.
It’s built for this. Switch the drive mode to sport and hang on. It will literally push you back in the seat. The response from the right foot is amazing. Steering response is immediate and direct.
For even more fun, switch to manual and use the paddle shifters. Cars like this are where they are actually useful.
The Stingray goes where you point it. You would have to be doing something extremely stupid to get it out of shape.
And when all that is done and you are stuck in traffic heading home, you find that you have a huge grin on your face.
Safety
While no one expects the Corvette to go through the expensive and often politically motivated ANCAP process, its still well equipped with safety features.
These include:
- Front and side airbags
- Rear cross traffic alert – absolutely needed
- High Definition rear camera and park assist
- Blind side alert
- Forward collision alert with low speed AEB
- Lane departure assist and warning
- Front pedestrian braking
- Intelligent high beam assist.
Corvette Stingray Final thoughts
Corvette Stingray has Supercar looks and performance at a fraction of the cost
The Corvette C8 |
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Model |
Corvette Stingray |
| Model Price | $190.080 MLP* |
| Engine | 6.2 L V8 Petrol |
| Drivetrain | 8 Sp Dual Clutch RWD |
| Battery Capacity / type | N/A |
| Power | 369Kw @ 6.500 rpm |
| Torque | 637 Nm |
| Fuel ADR | 13.5L/100km |
| Fuel on Test | N/A |
| Fuel capacity | 70L |
| Realistic range | 500 KM |
| Safety | N/A |
| CO2 Emissions | N/A |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | 2.9 secs / TBA |
| Servicing | 12 MTh / 15,000km – open price |
| Warranty | 3yr/ 100,000 km |
| Roadside Assist | 1Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating |
92/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 10 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 10 |
| Style / appeal | 10 |
| Technology/connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 9 |