IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
This level of overall performance and “curb appeal” usually costs thousands—if not tens of thousands—more.
BUT…
Rear visibility is poor, and the low-set seats can make ingress and egress challenging.
WORTH NOTING:
Even the base-model Corvette can sprint from 0-60 mph in only three seconds. That’s fast.
WHAT IS IT?
The Corvette is a two-seat, rear-drive sports car available as a coupe with a rear hatchback and a removable “targa” roof panel, and as a retractable-hardtop convertible. For 2020, the Corvette underwent the most significant engineering change in its storied history when it was redesigned as a mid-engine vehicle, with the engine located behind the passenger compartment (like many high-end exotic sports cars). For now, the sole engine is a 6.2-liter V8 with 490 horsepower (or 495 with the optional “free flow” exhaust system included in the Z51 Performance Package), which is coupled to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters (sorry traditionalists, a true manual transmission is no longer offered). Available features include a head-up display, front curb-view camera, rearview camera mirror, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charger, and an adjustable front suspension that raises the nose of the car to avoid scraping on steep driveway entrances and the like.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Corvette’s engine gets an upgraded direct fuel-injection system, improved engine calibration, and an enhanced Active Fuel Management range. Three new paint colors, new trim options, and a limited-production IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Edition model (with unique trim features and graphics inspired by the Corvette C8.R race cars) join the lineup. A revival of the high-performance Z06 model is set to debut for 2023.
FUEL ECONOMY
The Corvette’s EPA numbers aren’t bad, considering the impressive power on tap: 16 mpg city/24 highway. In Consumer Guide® testing, a Z51-equipped 2LT coupe averaged 23.2 mpg in 75-percent highway driving, and a convertible averaged 15.8 mpg in 90-percent city driving.
VALUE IN CLASS
The mid-engine C8 Corvette stays true to the styling and engineering character, relative practicality, and relatively affordable pricing that have long been Corvette trademarks. To get anything approaching the Corvette’s level of acceleration/handling performance and exotic-car feel, you’d have to spend tens of thousands more. And despite the Corvette’s super-car design, it’s reasonably practical and comfortable in everyday driving, boasting a broad range of available comfort and convenience features and enough luggage space for an extended weekend getaway for two.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $60,900 – $79,850 |
| BODY STYLES | 2-Door Coupe, 2-Door Convertible |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 490/495-HP, 6.2-Liter V8 |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | USA |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 16-24 MPG |
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