The Chevrolet Corvette C8 has been the subject of much ink since it was launched, especially since its engine is now placed in the rear center position. Soon we may see the introduction of the E-Ray version, which is expected to be hybrid and to replace the Corvette Grand Sport. But today we are going to look at what's new in 2021 Corvette and particularly at its Stingray Coupe 2LT with the Z51 performance package.
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The 2021 Corvette Stingray comes in three main trims: 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. Each of these three trims have both the Couple and Convertible versions. Options also include the Z51 Performance Package, as well as Front LIFT Adjustable Height Memory and Z51 Performance Suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
My 2LT trim included the Z51 package, which makes this 2021 Corvette a track-capable. This package brings all of the Corvette's best performance-oriented gear. But don't need it if you are not a race-track driver. If you get the Z51 package, you will also get a dual-mode performance exhaust, as part of the package. The Z51 package adds more aggressive brakes to the 2021 Corvette and an electronic limited-slip rear differential.
Pricing
Retains carryover prices with MSRP starting at $59,995 for the coupe and $67,495 for the convertible. Both models include destination freight charge. The higher you go with trim the more you have to pay. I reviewed the 2LT trim with the Z51 package and the total price of the vehicle was $81,260. The most expensive 2021 Corvette is the 3LT 2dr Convertible, which starts at $78,850. If you add the total options of $13,965 plus $1,095 destination charge, you will have $93,910 price tag.
Thus the prices of the 2021 Corvette have not changed, but the company offers nine new things and novelties in this year's model.
Engine and Chassis of the 2021 Corvette
My Corvette is paired V8 engine and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This gives the vehicle an excellent power transfer and very fast shifts. The engine is 6.2L and the transmission is available in both modes: manual and automatic.
What's new in Engine and Chassis is the Available Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension without Z51 (FE2), which reads the road better, providing more precise data through suspension-mounted accelerometers.
New in Design of 2021 Corvette
There are lots of new things in the exterior and interior design of the 2021 Stingray Corvette.
While the exterior design is bold and futuristic, it's still distinctly Corvette. We have new colors and new stripes in the 2021 Corvette. Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat exterior color is new. Silver Flare Metallic exterior color is also new. The vehicle comes with full length dual racing stripe package colors: Blue, Orange, Red and Yellow. Also is new the Stinger Stripe in three colors: Carbon Flash/Edge Red, Carbon Flash/Edge Yellow and Carbon Flash/Midnight Silver.
Brake calipers are painted and they are available in Black, Bright Red, Edge Red and Yellow colors.
There are only three things, which are new in the interior.
The first has to do with a color. The Sky Cool Gray/Yellow Strike interior color is new in the 2021 Corvette.
The second new thing in the interior has to do with the infotainment and connectivity. And that is the Standard Wireless Apple CarPlay/Wireless Android Auto
The third new thing inside the interior has to do with the vehicle's safety and security, which has an entire package of safety features. Chevrolet says, "Standard Buckle To Drive, a safety technology that, when active, can prevent the driver from shifting the vehicle out of Park if the driver's seat belt is not buckled for up to 20 seconds; this feature is designed to help remind all drivers to buckle up before driving."
- Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension available without Z51 (FE2).
- Standard Wireless Apple CarPlay/Wireless Android Auto.
- Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat exterior color.
- Silver Flare Metallic exterior color.
- Sky Cool Gray/Yellow Strike interior color.
- New Full Length Dual Racing Stripe Package colors: Blue, Orange, Red and Yellow.
- Stinger Stripes in three colors: Carbon Flash/Edge Red, Carbon Flash/Edge Yellow and Carbon Flash/Midnight Silver.
- Driver mode on-screen visualization and new track digital tachometer.
- Standard Buckle To Drive, a safety technology that, when active, can prevent the driver from shifting the vehicle out of Park if the driver's seat belt is not buckled for up to 20 seconds; this feature is designed to help remind all drivers to buckle up before driving.
When Chevrolet introduced an all-new Corvette last year, it did more than just redesign the car.
It fundamentally re-formulated the recipe to take performance to the next level, putting the V8 engine behind the seats and in front of the rear axle, transforming the American sports car into a legitimate exotic mid-engine that competes with vehicles that double in price.
The 2021 Corvette Stingray is available as a coupe with a removable roof panel (which I tested) or a traditional convertible. The three trims 1LT, 2LT and 3LT, are each based on the previous one with available features and options.
The Corvette 3LT is luxurious enough to banish complaints about the quality of the past, but the Corvette 2LT is best recommended for its combination of equipment and value.
The 2LT brings a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, a necessity given the terrible rear visibility from the driver's seat. Also great feature is 2LT's available front lift system, which helps to avoid scratching the car's nose.
Powertrain
All models are powered by a mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8 engine with 490 horsepower, 465 pound-feet of torque, which sends power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Interior Design
Perhaps as striking as the exterior design, the Corvette's interior is certainly eye-catching. While it is relatively easy to use, there is quite a bit of controversy surrounding the location and layout of the climate control buttons. They are just not intuitively organized. Passengers can also feel left out, as there are few things they can interact with.
The interior is lined in materials such as leather, real metal and faux suede and even has a stitched headlining. The roof, is removable like previous Corvettes, and fits inside the trunk of the car, just behind the engine compartment.
The Corvette is a bit more difficult to get into than other high-end sports cars, and getting out of it is even more difficult. This situation is exacerbated in tight parking situations. But buyers will probably find a way and not bother too much.
Compromised rear visibility will also take some getting used to. Mid-engined sports cars are not well known for their practicality. But the Corvette makes good use of its available space.
The front trunk can hold a couple of shopping bags and the rear is large enough for two golf bags.
Technology
The Corvette benefits from Chevrolet's newest infotainment system. Graphics are sharp and modern, and the touchscreen's proximity to the driver makes it easy to operate.
Chevy added a rearview mirror screen with a camera to help, but the blind spots created by the rear pillars are still significant.
As small as the interior is, the optional 14-speaker Bose audio system manages to produce a decent soundstage with plenty of power. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard.
Safety
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, side-impact airbags, and a rearview camera.
It lacks adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, but rear cross-traffic assist is a very welcome feature, as are cameras that help with low-speed maneuvering.
An optional nose lift system can use GPS to remember steep roads, which is more practical than you might think. Of course, Chevrolet's Performance Traction Management software is available and excellent.
Driving The 2021 Corvette On The Highway
The Corvette stands out. The V8 is so powerful and flexible that it is a dream engine. That spirited performance is accompanied by a symphony that shouts from the tailpipes.
Braking performance isn't that impressive, but that's mostly due to the narrow front tires. Steering and handling are vastly improved over previous Corvettes and the car's considerable limits can be explored even by drivers of moderate skill.
Likewise, the new eight-speed automatic transmission impresses with its smooth and fast shifts. The steering gives you excellent feel and response, while the grip from the tires is extraordinary.
Adjustable traction and stability control systems also allow drivers to safely approach the vehicle's handling limits.
It offers you excellent compliance on a variety of road surfaces and smooths out potholes that are likely to annoy other sports cars.
Added to the comfort is the relative lack of wind and engine noise, although tire noise can be prominent on uneven road surfaces.
For those who use it on a daily basis, it remains the comfortable sports car, which only makes it difficult to get in and out, to the ones that added more weight to your body.
Conclusion
It's hard to overstate how this new 2021 Corvette C8 has improved compared to previous incarnations. The Stingray wasn't built for one-price customers, because it feels world-class in just about every way, and that's priceless.
It's hard to match a Stingray with the competition, because for enthusiasts, the interior comfort, soft grip, and overall maneuverability make Corvette's price a bargain against high-caliber competitors.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
Reference: Chevrolet Media, Puros Auto.
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