Available as a coupe or convertible, the new 2018 Chevrolet Corvette packs big V8 power, rear-wheel drive and unexpected refinement as it competes on the world’s stage against Porsches, BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes. With supercar styling and as much as 650 horsepower, the 2018 Chevy Corvette continues its reign as America’s most popular and most powerful front-engine, 2-seat sports car, titles it has held almost continuously since the 1950s. Now in its seventh generation, the new Corvette is available in three models, the Stingray, which starts around $56,500, the sharper-handling Grand Sport and the current King of the Corvettes, the supercharged Z06. Each has been tuned on Germany’s famed Nurburgring, and represents an incredible performance value compared to its far more expensive European competition.
For 2018 the Corvette gets significant improvements, including larger standard wheels and tires, standard HD Radio and five new wheel designs; Magnetic Ride Control is now a stand-alone option. There are also new colors and interior refinements, and carbon-ceramic brakes are now a stand-alone option on the Grand Sport.
The big news for the 2017 Corvette is the Grand Sport edition. This racing-inspired Corvette features the wider body and performance enhancements of the supercharged Z06 but retains the Stingray's naturally aspirated V8. With the Z07 package, the Corvette Grand Sport is estimated to pull 1.2g in cornering capability.
Changes for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette are mostly cosmetic. A new flat-bottom steering wheel is added, as is a power-cinch feature for the coupe hatch and convertible trunk. New options include a front curb-view parking camera, Magnetic Ride Control on Stingray models and Apple’s CarPlay capability via the MyLink app.
The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray introduces several upgrades. First and foremost is the Z06 model, available in coupe and convertible, which offers 650 horsepower plus other enhancements. Then there’s the new 8-speed automatic transmission, plus fresh interior trim and other upgrades aimed at solidifying the C7 as the true King of Corvettes.
The Corvette Stingray is all-new for 2014. The convertible was added to the lineup shortly after the coupe debuted, and a supercharged Z06 model with at least 625 horsepower will debut for the 2015 model year.
To celebrate the Corvette's 60th anniversary and the final year for this production C6 car, Chevy is offering a number of unique options including a 60th Anniversary Design Package, black-painted aluminum wheels and a special 427
Convertible Collector Edition complete with 7.0-liter V8, Magnetic Ride Control and carbon-fiber hood, fenders and floor.
While the base Corvette and Corvette Grand Sport trims receive some minor interior upgrades, the big news for the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is found on the Corvette Z06 and Corvette ZR1 models. The Corvette Z06 is available with an enhanced Z07 Performance Package with race-track-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires and a new Performance Traction Management system, which manages torque delivery to put all that power to the pavement. The Corvette ZR1 receives these same upgrades in the new PDE performance package.
There are a number of changes for the 2011 Corvette, most notably the availability of contrasting headlamp housing, cross-drilled brake rotors, Magnetic Ride Control on Grand Sport (includes Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen II tires when equipped with a manual transmission), and a six-speed paddle shift automatic transmission. The Z06 receives standard F1 tires and a newly tuned exhaust, while a new Z07 and Carbon Fiber Package are added to the option's list.
Essentially Z06s in body and suspension (minus the aluminum frame), the 2010 Corvette Grand Sports replace the former Z51 handling package with a happy marriage of Z06 looks and dynamics and the standard Corvette's 430-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. They are offered in removable-roof coupe and convertible models with 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
A new, lower-priced LT1 Convertible joins the fleet, while the LT2 version receives as standard a power operated top. New features for the 2009 Corvette include steering-wheel audio control, optional Bluetooth connectivity, a new variable steering ratio and, on the Z06, a new 10.5-quart dry-sump lubrication system. The Z06 and Corvette Coupe also receive a power hatch pull down.
The Corvette receives an all-new 6.2-liter LS3 small-block V8 engine cranking out 430 horsepower and 424 foot-pounds of torque. Chevy engineers have refined the Corvette's shifter for easy operation and also improved the steering feel. Other improvements include keyless entry and start, standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio, auto-dimming mirror with compass and new split-spoke cast-aluminum wheels.
The Corvette gets a larger glove box as well as a few new options for 2007. An enhanced Bose sound system features steering wheel-mounted controls, while cross-drilled brake rotors are added to the Magnetic Selective Ride Control package. A power soft top is included with the Convertible 3LT option package.