Item: Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

As we mentioned in the introduction, the entry-level Chevrolet Corvette undercuts both the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m4/coupe/review/n17199">BMW M4</a> Competition and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayman/coupe/review/n17361">Porsche Cayman</a> GT4, which is all the more remarkable when you consider how well equipped it is in its standard ‘2LT’ configuration.&nbsp;

Not only does the 2LT benefit from ‘go-faster’ goodies such as the Z51 Performance Package, but it also gets a heated steering wheel, electrically adjustable seats, a head-up display, a performance data recorder, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, a digital rearview camera and keyless entry and start.

Even if you step up to range-topping 3LT trim with its extended leather pack, Alcantara interior details and racier GT2 seats, you’re still looking at a near 500bhp, mid-engined <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-sports-cars-2022/n24412">sports car</a> with a list price lower than that of an entry-level Porsche 911 Carrera. That said,&nbsp;don’t expect low running costs: with a claimed combined economy figure of just 23.3mpg, that 6.2-litre V8 engine certainly loves a drink.&nbsp;

There isn’t a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> safety rating for the Corvette but it comes with blind-spot assistance and rear cross-traffic alert (to stop you reversing into the path of other vehicles behind you).

Compared with American-spec Chevrolet Corvettes, the European models produce a little less power (475bhp vs 495bhp) as a result of having to meet more stringent European emissions standards. That’s where the bad news both begins and ends because European spec cars also come with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres that are grippier than the standard-fit rubber you get the States. We also get&nbsp;the&nbsp;Z51 Performance Package including in the price.&nbsp;

The performance package introduces adjustable suspension, larger brakes, enhanced engine cooling, a performance exhaust and shorter gear ratios for faster acceleration. In other words, the kind of kit that would cost you a lot of money if you were buying a European-made <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-sports-cars-2022/n24412">sports car</a>.&nbsp;

Before we dive into how the new mid-engined Corvette handles, we want to get back to that V8 engine. It’s the only naturally aspirated (i.e. non-turbocharged or supercharged) eight-cylinder engine in the Corvette’s segment and it adds a real element of theatre to the driving experience.

When you thumb the starter button, the&nbsp;engine bellows into life. The&nbsp;motor sits&nbsp;so close to your ear that you can hear the whirr of the belts and the growl of the performance exhaust.&nbsp;It’s also properly ‘old school’ in the way that it delivers its power.

On a typical give-and-take B-road, you can simply lock it in a high gear (when in manual mode) and rely on the never-ending swell of low-down grunt to power you from corner to corner. Making cross-country progress really is an effortless affair, unlike in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayman/coupe/review/n17361">Porsche Cayman</a> GT4, a car that needs you to give its six-cylinder plenty of revs for it to truly come alive.&nbsp;

Of course, when you do give the 'Vette the berries, it bellows like a Le Mans racer and delivers enough performance to get the heart racing. While some might bemoan the lack of a manual gearbox, the new eight-speed gearbox shifts ratios smoothly and quickly.&nbsp;

Speaking of the gearbox, sitting alongside the svelte gear selector buttons on the centre console is a BMW iDrive-style dial for scrolling through the six driving modes.

Weather mode dampens accelerator response and ramps up the traction control. Tour is essentially a Comfort mode and switches off half the cylinders when cruising. Sport sharpens up the accelerator and gearbox. Track firms up the steering and suspension. My Mode – as you'd perhaps expect – allows you to customise the car’s parameters.&nbsp;

Finally, there is a Z mode,&nbsp;which is activated with a button on the steering wheel. This not only firms everything up, but also allows you to back off the traction control on a sliding scale, as you can in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m4/coupe/review/n17199">BMW M4</a> Competition.&nbsp;

We spent most of our time flicking between Tour mode and Z mode and were struck at just how compliant the Corvette&nbsp;was in the former. Granted, our press car was fitted with the optional 'MagneRide' adaptive dampers, but on battered urban roads, we’d go so far as to say that it rode better than many executive cars we’ve tried. Even when ramped up to Z mode, the way the body deals with undulations is impressive.&nbsp;

As for the steering, it feels light, consistent and linear, which allows you to place the not insubstantial Corvette accurately on the way into, through, and out of a high-speed corner. Factor in easy-to-modulate brakes and a beautifully neutral handling balance, and the Corvette is both engaging and confidence-inspiring in a way you wouldn’t typically expect of a near 500bhp mid-engined sports car.&nbsp;

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

Chevrolet’s naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8 produces a respectable 475bhp and 452lb-ft of torque. With launch control activated via the dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the Corvette can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds. That’s quick by anyone’s standards.

http://example.com

6.2 V8

62-v8

The Chevrolet Corvette&nbsp;sports car is one of those all-American products that are wildly popular in the good ol' U S of A but haven't really broken the UK market (see also: American Apparel and Dunkin' Donuts).

In fact, until now, the idea of buying and driving a Corvette in Britain has had limited appeal because they've only ever been available in left-hand drive form. Times are changing, though, and the new eighth-generation Corvette C8 Stingray you see before you can be had&nbsp;with the&nbsp;steering wheel on the right. Hallelujah.&nbsp;

That’s not all. To ensure it&nbsp;has the good manners to compete with its sophisticated European rivals, Chevrolet has based its&nbsp;latest Corvette&nbsp;on an entirely new platform.

The engine is now placed in the middle of the car, rather than upfront. That’s a massive departure from the norm, especially when you consider that every 'Vette since 1953 has been front-engined.

The surprises don’t stop there, either. Despite costing less than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m4/coupe/review/n17199">BMW M4</a> Competition and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayman/coupe/review/n17361">Porsche Cayman</a> GT4, the standard car has a 475bhp, 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine, a specially developed twin-clutch automatic gearbox, adaptively damped manually adjustable suspension and a Z51 Performance Package. It’s like eating&nbsp;at a Michelin-starred restaurant for American Diner prices.&nbsp;

Rather strangely, the Corvette can be had as either a ‘coupe’ with a removable hardtop or as a dedicated convertible with an electrically retractable roof. That’s right, all Corvettes allow you to experience the wind in your hair – it's just what happens to the roof that changes.

There's also a faster version on the horizon, called the Z06. That&nbsp;will be a natural rival for the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/r8/coupe/review/n124">Audi R8</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/911/coupe/review/n17328">Porsche 911 GT3</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mclaren">McLaren</a> Artura when it arrives in 2023.&nbsp;

To find out whether the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray feels as at home in Europe as it does in Utah, keep reading this comprehensive review. We'll cover performance, comfort, running costs and more, and compare it with those <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-sports-cars-2022/n24412">sports car</a>&nbsp;rivals we've mentioned.

If temptation gets the better of you, make sure you check out our free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">What Car? New Car Buying service</a>. It can help you put a new vehicle of almost any make and model on your driveway without hassle, and potentially save you thousands of pounds.

The Chevrolet Corvette has won plaudits over the years for its impressive performance, striking looks and competitive price, but it’s never been known for its build quality. Thankfully, that seems to be changing&nbsp;with the C8.&nbsp;

Jump inside and you’re met with a proper fighter-jet style wraparound interior that is packed with modern technology and upmarket materials. On our launch-edition press car, the entire dashboard was swathed in two-tone leather, while the strange square steering wheel was finished in Alcantara.

By the way, the oddly-shaped wheel is actually quite a clever piece of design. The flat top frames the digital instruments perfectly, while the flat bottom provides more space for your legs. It also feels surprisingly natural to hold in your hands.

Even the slightly bonkers looking button arrangement that runs the entire length of the centre console is surprisingly easy to get used to – the higher-up buttons are reserved for the driver&nbsp;while the lower-down ones are for their passenger. We certainly prefer this set-up to the touchscreen-only interface on new Audis and BMWs.&nbsp;

The Corvette comes as standard with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. It’s a pretty basic system with a straightforward user interface but fairly slow response times. You get <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> smartphone mirroring so you can use your phone’s apps instead of the system’s native software. We like the way&nbsp;the screen is close&nbsp;to the steering wheel, meaning you don’t have to reach very far to hit your desired icon.&nbsp;

As you might expect from a mid-engined <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-sports-cars-2022/n24412">sports car</a>, visibility is not brilliant. Not only does the 'Vette have rather wide hips that can be hard to judge from behind the wheel, but the rear window is also fairly small. Thankfully, as well as high-definition front and rear cameras, it has a kerb-view camera and a digital rearview mirror.&nbsp;

Audiophiles will also be pleased to learn a 14-speaker Bose sound system with active noise cancellation comes as standard.&nbsp;

There are three types of seat available – the GT1, GT2 and Competition. We sampled the most extreme performance-orientated Competition seats and they’re as good as anything we’ve tried from BMW or Porsche. They have eight-way electric adjustment and sizeable side bolsters to hold you tight through bends. You can spec them with heating and ventilation.&nbsp;

There is a 'but'. These slim-back seats fitted don’t drop quite low enough to make you feel as cocooned as you do in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/r8/coupe/review/n124">Audi R8</a> and Cayman GT4.

Sports

Picture a Chevrolet and chances are something huge and all-American springs to mind. However, in reality, the cars sold on these shores were all a sensible size, aimed at budget-conscious buyers.

The early cars, for example, started life as Daewoos but were rebranded after Chevrolet’s owner, General Motors, bought the ailing South Korean firm’s car division. Meanwhile, later models were based on Vauxhalls.

Chevrolet withdrew from Europe in 2015 after struggling to make an impact, but used examples do at least have the virtue of being incredibly cheap.

CHEVROLET

CORVETTE

Effortless performance, great ride quality and a plush interior put the Corvette on a par with some of Europe's best sports cars

The Chevrolet Corvette’s electrically adjustable steering wheel offers plenty of adjustment and the interior is wide enough that you never brush elbows with whoever's sitting next to you. Headroom could be a little better, though. This is not due to a low roof, but the fact that the seats don’t drop very low.&nbsp;

There is, at least, a reasonable amount of storage space (for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-sports-cars-2022/n24412">sports car</a>), including&nbsp;a decent-sized glovebox, a couple of cupholders and a wireless charging pad located between the front seats. The door pockets could do with being a little deeper but they’re easier to access than the ones in the Porsche Cayman GT4.&nbsp;

Being mid-engined, the Corvette has not one but two boots. While neither offers a massive amount of space, the front boot is deep and square, while the rear compartment is shallower but wider. We wouldn’t advise sticking your picnic in the latter because it gets pretty warm when the engine’s running, but it is the perfect size for either two sets of golf clubs or the Corvette’s removable hardtop roof.

Launch Edition

launch-edition

We’ve waited a long time for the Chevrolet Corvette to reach our shores, but we’re glad GM waited until now. With a plush interior, impressive ride quality (on the optional MagneRide dampers), effortless performance and a competitive list price, the Corvette, now in its eighth generation, finally feels like it can take on the best from Europe. 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

The Mazda MX-5 embodies sports-car spirit without wearing an exotic price tag, and has deservedly gained a strong following over the years. Much newer to the scene is the mid-engined Alpine A110. It may carry a name from the past, but this potent, mid-engined sports car was designed with the very latest lightweight thinking.&nbsp;

Rounding off our shortlist, though, is a name that'll be familiar to even those to whom sports cars hold little interest. The Porsche 911 was born an icon in 1964, and the latest generation bridges the gap between sports car and supercar. Yet, somehow, it manages to preserve a distinctly civilised character.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Entertainingly agile handling</li> <li>Eye-widening acceleration</li> <li>Fruity exhaust note</li> <li>Punchy and characterful engine</li> <li>Great driving position</li> <li>Everyday usability</li></ul>

The best performance cars combine sports car-rivalling acceleration with&nbsp;engaging handling. However, they also retain the&nbsp;impressive everyday usability of the conventional saloons and estates on which they're based.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio currently sets the standard. However, the models from BMW's M division and Mercedes-AMG also tend to impress.

Performance car

Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray review

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Read review covering Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray boot space, size and dimensions, front and rear seat comfort by the expert What Car? test team.

The Chevrolet Corvette’s electrically adjustable steering wheel offers plenty of adjustment and the interior is wide enough that you never brush elbows with whoever's sitting next to you. Headroom could be a little better, though. This is not due to a low roof, but the fact that the seats don’t drop very low. ,There is, at least, a reasonable amount of storage space (for a sports car), including a decent-sized glovebox, a couple of cupholders and a wireless charging pad located between the front seats. The door pockets could do with being a little deeper but they’re easier to access than the ones in the Porsche Cayman GT4. ,Being mid-engined, the Corvette has not one but two boots. While neither offers a massive amount of space, the front boot is deep and square, while the rear compartment is shallower but wider. We wouldn’t advise sticking your picnic in the latter because it gets pretty warm when the engine’s running, but it is the perfect size for either two sets of golf clubs or the Corvette’s removable hardtop roof.,

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