2021 Corvette Stingray Gets Performance and Appearance Changes

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray starts at just $58,900, making it a remarkable bargain for someone who wants a very strong performance car without spending six figures. Chevrolet has become known in the performance world for their Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, which allows the driver to pick world class handling, a smooth ride or somewhere in the middle with the push of a button. Magnetic Ride Control is available on the 2020 Corvette Stingray, but only as part of the Z51 Performance Package.

For 2021, that is no longer the case, as C8 Stingray buyers will be able to order the Magnetic Ride Control suspension system without getting the whole Z51 package.

Corvette Z51 Package
The Z51 Performance Package for the 2020 Corvette is an awesome option for someone looking to squeeze more power and performance out of their C8. It includes upgraded Brembo brakes, the performance exhaust system that adds 5 horsepower and 5 lb-ft of torque, an electronic limited slip differential with a unique gear ratio, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tire, an enhanced cooling system and unique body bits. For what you get with the Z51 package, the MSRP of $5,000 seems more than reasonable, but for someone who wants the trick suspension without all of the other upgrades, $5,000 is a nice chunk of change.

Fortunately, the 2021 Corvette Stingray will be available with Magnetic Ride Control suspension setup independent of the Z51 package. We don’t know what the upgraded suspension system will cost as a standalone option just yet. For the 2019 Corvette Stingray, the magnetic suspension was a $1,795 option, but there is no guarantee that the pricing for the new generation be similar to the C7 numbers.

In any case, the suspension system as a standalone option will cost less than the Z51 package. This means that 2021 Corvette Stingray buyers who want improved handling and ride quality will be able to save a few bucks if they don’t want the extra power, braking and aero bits of the Z51 Performance Package.

Other News for 2021
In addition to the magnetic suspension becoming a standalone option, there are some other, less significant changes coming for the 2021 Corvette. Wireless Apple CarPlay will be standard on all trim levels. Blade Silver Metallic and Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat will no longer be offered, but in their place is Silver Flare and Red Mist Tintcoat. A new package called “Stingray R” will add unique graphics and wheel center caps. There will be several new stripe options and on the 3LT there are two new interior options - Strike Yellow suede with Sky Cool Gray seats and Jet Black leather with Sky Cool Gray seats.

Patrick Rall is a professional writer and photographer with a passion for all things automotive. Patrick has been sharing his automotive expertise in automotive journalism from Detroit for more than a decade covering the Big Three. Having grown up in his father’s performance shop, he spent extensive time at the oval track and drag strip – both driving and wrenching on various types of vehicles. In addition to working as a writer, Patrick previously worked as an automotive technician before moving on to a business office position with a chain of dealerships, and this broad spectrum of experience in the industry allows him to offer a unique look on the automotive world. Follow Patrick on Youtube and Twitter.