IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
This level of overall performance usually costs thousands—if not tens of thousands—more.
BUT…
The low-set seats can make ingress and egress challenging, and all the high-tech features complicate the control layout.
WORTH NOTING:
Even on base models, 0-60 mph takes less than four seconds. That’s fast.
WHAT IS IT?
Corvette is a two-seat, rear-drive sports car available as a coupe with a removable “targa” roof panel and rear hatchback, and as a convertible with a power-folding soft top and conventional trunk. The base Stingray has a 6.2-liter V8 with 455 horsepower (or 460 with the optional “free flow” exhaust system—which sounds terrific—included in the sporty Z51 Package), which can be coupled to either a 7-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The top-line, ultra-
performance Z06 boasts a supercharged 650-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, along with an upgraded suspension and lots of exclusive high-performance hardware. The mid-level Grand Sport slots between the Stingray and Z06 in the model lineup; it essentially blends the body and suspension upgrades of the Z06 with the powertrain of the base ‘Vette, along with some unique trim pieces.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Corvette celebrates its 65th year of production with a limited-run “Carbon 65 Edition” trim package for Z06 and Grand Sport models. Stingrays get 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels as standard, (replacing the previous 18s and 19s) and now offer GM’s Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension as a stand-alone option. Also new are an improved rearview-camera image and a number of trim, color, and option-package revisions across the model lineup.
FUEL ECONOMY
Corvette’s EPA numbers are respectable considering the impressive power on tap: 16 mpg city/25 highway with the manual transmission, and 15/26 with the automatic. The Z06 is notably thirstier; it’s rated at 15/22 with the manual transmission and 13/23 with the automatic. Premium-grade gas is recommended but not required on the Stingray and Grand Sport and required on the Z06. In Consumer Guide® testing, a manual-transmission Grand Sport convertible averaged 15.6 mpg in 70-percent city driving.
VALUE IN CLASS
Although there are a handful of cars that are quicker than a base Corvette, most cost multiples as much. As such, the Corvette makes its mark as a performance bargain. But it’s really much more than that. When properly equipped, it’s also a comfortable touring car with a luxurious interior, decent cargo space, and all the latest infotainment gizmos. The über-performance Z06 model solidifies the Corvette’s standing as a premium world-class sports car that doesn’t cost as much as all the other premium world-class sports cars. The flashy Grand Sport makes the top-dog Z06’s handling and styling upgrades available at a more accessible price point.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $56,490 – $84,490 |
| BODY STYLES | 2-Door Coupe, 2-Door Convertible |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 455/460-HP, 6.2-Liter V8; Supercharged 650-HP, 6.2-Liter V8 |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | USA |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 13-26 MPG |
Other Best Buys in this Class
None
