Highlights: An optional front view camera is available to keep from scrubbing the curb. Moreover, the convertible top can be opened and closed on-the-go at speeds up to 30-mph.
Test vehicle’s MSRP: $79,415 (Base Price $56,395)
Seating Capacity: 2
Standard Safety Features: air bags; all-speed traction control; a rearview camera; ABS; and OnStar
Standard Equipment: 18-inch (front) and 19-inch (rear) wheels; a 7-speed manual transmission; HID; a removable roof panel; a stainless steel exhaust tape; a 3.42 rear axle; a speed sensitive power steering system; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a push button ignition starter system; a built-in Wi-Fi; a power operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; an electric locking storage box behind the infotainment screen; and an 8-inch infotainment screen
Options On Review Model: power bolster seat adjuster with lumbar support; heated and ventilated front seats; power heated outside mirrors; automatic dimming mirror; Napa leather inserts; custom leather wrapped panels and doors; premium audio system with surround sound; satellite radio; performance data and recorder with navigation; an advanced theft deterrent system; heads up display system; curb view cameras; a magnetic ride control system; a carbon fiber interior package; customer red brake caliper; black painted 19-inch front/20-inch rear aluminum wheels; red custom leather stitching throughout the vehicle; and a black convertible top
Other Trim Levels:
Base
Z06
Suspension System: 4-wheel independent
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a Bose 9-speaker AM/FM radio with Satellite radio and streaming for music; Pandora, TuneIn radio, Stitcher and Siri Eyes
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 mile warranty
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 100,000 mile warranty
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 6.2-liter, 8-cylinder/455-hp
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage: 17-city/29-hwy
What’s New: With the exception of a few design package tweaks and a segment exclusive, optional front curb view parking camera, the sports car is basically a carryover.
Pros: The sleek rear wheel drive Corvette Stingray, with its flared-out Ferrari like rear end, is available as a hard top or a soft top convertible in several trims: a base model, a 650-horespower Z06 trim and the Z51 model, which we reviewed.
Since the current generation Corvette Stingray made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in 2013, we’ve been eagerly waiting to get behind the wheel. Finally, after being extremely patient and prayerful for the past three years, our dream ride rolled in Labor Day weekend. And this wasn’t just the standard Corvette Stingray, which would have been okay with us. This was one was a vibrant Torch red, 7-speed manual, with a hands free power operated convertible soft top.
For us, a manual transmission and a drop top just upped the ante, adding to the fun factor. This was just what the doctor ordered. And for those who aren’t interested in shifting through 7 gears of heaven, or in our case 6 gears of heaven, a clutchless automatic transmission is available.
Now while our vehicle was outfitted with a 6.2-liter, 8-cylinder engine, which spewed out 455-horsepower, those thrill seekers yearning for more oomph, should be able to fulfill their desire by stepping up to the pricier Z06 trim, which unleashes a whopping 650-horsepower. That should be enough to tickle any one’s fancy. It definitely would be for us.
To get back on track, no pun intended, we found the Corvette Stingray’s standard engine, with the 7 gears, to be more than enough for us! In fact, we never used the 7th gear. In our eyes, it just screamed, the danger zone. So, by all accounts, it’s safe to assume by not shifting beyond the 6th gear, this allowed us to remain street legal and steer clear from drawing any additional unwarranted attention (and speeding tickets too).
The 6.2-liter engine we reviewed, with the spirited manual transmission, was outfitted with an optional Z51 package, which consisted of a performance suspension, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear black painted aluminum wheels, a rear differential cooler, a multi-mode performance exhaust system, a dry sump oil system and Z51 gear rations. Ironically, outfitting the Corvette Stingray with the Z51 package changed the driving dynamics, the sound and the overall look of this already hot drop top.
So, with the ZO6 package, this further accentuates what many enthusiasts really care about, the speed. Yes, the speed is one of the key components that define a sports car. Fortunately, the Corvette Stingray, which clocked 200-mph on the digital speedometer, pulls through like a work horse in this area.
Our street legal hot rod was capable of zooming from 0 to 60 in less than 4 seconds, according to one of our reliable sources. Unfortunately, we would have preferred being able to capture and record the speed, without relying on a source, had the proper SIM card been available to install in our optional performance data and video recorder. The performance data and video recorder really comes in handy when the car is being turned over to the valet, especially one that is looking to hoarse around in the vehicle. Thank God big brother is always around, the optional performance data recorder.
Furthermore, besides the overall exterior design and the performance, the car we’ve have been praying to land our hands on for over three years was equipped with everything, but the kitchen seat. Yes, literally. Unlike other vehicles in the segment, our Corvette Stingray included GM’s popular in-car hotspot system. Yes, even those with a two seater, has to slow down, park and get some work done. How else could they afford the healthy monthly payments?
Moreover, the new Corvette Stingray was also equipped with different driving modes: economy, tour, sport, track and weather. As an added factor to enhance the driving comfort of our Corvette Stingray, our review vehicle was outfitted with a magnetic ride control system. So, not only is this performance-oriented two seater great for twisty curves and cruising the city streets, it’s great for long distance road trips, too, which is not the case for most sports cars. In fact, there is enough car room to store luggage, too for short or long distance hauls. The power ventilated seats provide loads of comfort and support.
Added to the comfort, the interior designers, unlike in the previous generation Corvette, paid close attention to detail, offering premium materials. The new Stingray Corvette was surrounded by leather stitched panels and doors along with a flat bottom steering wheel. The engineers even incorporated GM’s signature hiding slide-away storage area, which is located behind the infotainment screen.
Lastly, this is the most fuel efficient Corvette to date. Yes, another oxymoron, gas and sport cars. Go figure? Chevrolet proves that it’s doable. With the standard engine, the vehicle can achieve close to 30-mpg. This is unheard for a performance car. Surprising, there are number of non performance compact crossovers that struggle to achieve a number like this.
Cons: While we had no concern about the fit-and-finish or the performance, we were disappointed with the sound system.
First, it lacked the crystal clear, concert sound we were expecting from a vehicle of this caliber, especially when the convertible top was in use.
And, the infotainment system doesn’t allow for traditionalist like us a place to slide in our CDs. To us, it’s somewhat oxymoronic to bring back the Stingray name and not offer a CD player. It’s not like we’re asking for an 8-track player or a cassette player.
Verdict: The well-built current generation Corvette Stingray is priced below the competition. America’s iconic two-seater provided us with a thrilling and eye-catching experience many could only dream of. This current generation Corvette is worthy of reclaiming the Stingray name, which hasn’t been used in decades. With the sales success of the current generation Corvette Stingray, it’s no wonder why the higher priced Viper realized it is no longer an appealing or affordable option, seeing that its slated to bite the dust in 2017.
Competition: Porsche 911 and Nissan GT-R
