Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: 2015 Review and Comparison

Brief History of the Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette, a distinguished sports car produced by the American automaker Chevrolet, a branch of General Motors (GM), is now in its seventh generation. The journey began in 1953 when Harley Earl designed the inaugural model, a convertible debuted as a concept car at the GM Motorama. Named after a small, agile warship called the ‘Corvette’ by Myron Scott, the car has since evolved significantly. Notably, the Chevrolet Corvette clinched the ‘North American Car of the Year’ award in 2014.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Review

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a marvel of modern engineering and design, available in both coupe and convertible forms. It epitomizes the principles of being low, light, and lean. The exterior design exudes speed even when stationary, with ventilation features that reduce lift, minimize drag, and drive airflow from front to rear, effectively cooling critical components.

The design follows the traditional Corvette aesthetic but incorporates sharp lines and crisp angles, giving it a supercar-like appearance. Inside, luxury abounds with real aluminum, optional carbon fiber, and hand-crafted leather. Technological enhancements include two 8-inch high-definition color LED screens and a Head-Up Display that projects data onto the windshield.

Advanced features like RemoteLink Key Fob Services, part of the OnStar RemoteLink app, allow drivers to remotely start the car, and lock/unlock it even when not nearby. This adds convenience for pre-cooling or pre-heating the vehicle’s interior and locating it in crowded parking scenarios. In case of an accident, OnStar Automatic Crash Response alerts an advisor, providing immediate assistance via the car’s built-in sensors.

The Z51 3LT coupe variant boasts a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine delivering an estimated 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. Drivers can choose between a 7-speed manual transmission and a new 8-speed paddle-shift automatic.

Anticipation for the Z06 Model

The eagerly awaited Z06 model, previously limited to manual transmission, will feature a new eight-speed automatic transmission, akin to systems in Ferrari, Lamborghini, and the Porsche 911 GT3. Its supercharged LT4 small-block V8 engine delivers an astonishing 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine developed by GM to date. The new GM 8L90 eight-speed automatic offers 0.1 seconds faster acceleration from 0 to 60 mph compared to previous models, reducing quarter-mile times to an impressive 11.9 seconds.

Constructed with aluminum and magnesium, the eight-speed transmission is also eight pounds lighter than its predecessor, enhancing performance with better acceleration and improved fuel economy. The Z06 features an aluminum space frame, carbon-fiber hood, and removable carbon-fiber roof panel, incorporating a Driver Mode Selector for performance customization and a Performance Data Recorder.

The 2015 Corvette Z06 is the only supercar offering 650 horsepower with a choice of two transmissions and both coupe and convertible configurations, setting a high standard in the automotive industry.

Comparisons with Other Supercars

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray vs. Dodge SRT Viper

Both the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Dodge SRT Viper are iconic in the muscle car arena, offering a captivating blend of power and style. The Stingray’s 455 horsepower contrasts with the Viper’s formidable 640 horsepower from an 8.4-liter V-10 engine. While the Viper excels on the race track, the Stingray’s 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox enhances everyday driving pleasure. Interior enhancements and significant fuel economy make the Stingray a compelling choice compared to the noisier, more expensive Viper.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray vs. Porsche 911

When comparing the Stingray to the esteemed Porsche 911, the Corvette stands out for its V8 power against the Porsche’s refined engineering. The base price of the Stingray at $52,000 is notably competitive. Performance metrics show close competition, with the Stingray slightly edging out the Porsche in some races, while the latter excels in precision driving. Fuel economy also favors the Stingray, making it an economically astute choice without compromising on luxury or performance.