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CORVETTE STINGRAY

Corvette Counterpart: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS

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Is the Chevrolet Camaro SS a 2+2 version of the Corvette? It sure seems that way.

Both models share a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine making 455 horsepower. The Camaro has an output of 455 foot-pounds of torque; the Corvette shoots out 460 foot-pounds. In the Camaro you get a 6-speed manual transmission, while the Corvette has an additional shift point.

From there, the differences become more apparent as the Camaro is at least 300 pounds heavier, a foot longer and sits five inches higher than Chevrolet’s sports car. The styling separation is apparent as well, but if you were to drive both models back to back, you’d quickly note the performance levels are nearly the same.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS
2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro

Six years after resurrecting the Camaro following an eight-year hiatus, an all-new model has taken center stage. The latest iteration shares nothing with the previous generation, except for the badging. The 2016 Camaro is based on the same platform underpinning the Cadillac ATS and comes in approximately 200 pounds lighter and four inches shorter overall than the 2015 Camaro.

These changes add up to one thing: a truly fast sports coupe or muscle car delivering a blistering 0-to-60 mph time of just four seconds. Take that, Ford Mustang GT!

Redoing the Camaro has come as fuel prices have fallen below $2 per gallon nearly everywhere, except in the usual overpriced areas, such as California. That being said, the Camaro was designed with higher fuel prices in mind and that’s why a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine is now available, delivering 31 mpg on the highway. A 3.6-liter, V-6 is standard and now makes 335 horsepower.

The test model served up was a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS coupe (a convertible comes later) in 2SS trim, outfitted with HID headlights with LED signature lights, LED tail lamps, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. This model also has a dual-mode exhaust system, heated leather seats, an upgraded lighting package, and a Bose premium audio system. All SS models come with a unique grille with integrated brake cooling ducts, a distinct hood with functional air vents, and a unique rear stanchion spoiler.

Top-of-the-Line Camaro SS

The standard 1SS package retails for $36,300; the 2SS package starts at $41,300. Chevrolet supplied the latter, adding $3,800 worth of options.

A ceramic white interior accent package ($500) was offered, providing a beautiful contrast to the Hyper Blue Metallic patina gracing the coupe’s brawny frame. Further, other interior color patterns are available, depending on the exterior color chosen.

Magnetic ride control ($1,695) and a dual-mode performance exhaust system ($895) were also present. Inside, an upgraded Chevrolet MyLink telematics system with navigation ($495) and low gloss black 5-spoke 20-inch aluminum wheels ($200) rounded out the main upgrades. Chevrolet even added $15 for the front license plate bracket, bolted to the grille and unfortunately evident in some of the photos you’ll see herein.

All told, the final price on the test model was $46,095 or approximately $20,000 more than the cost of the base model.

Robust, Powerful Sports Coupe Design

From stem to stern, the 2016 Camaro exudes boldness. The front fascia has a look that is almost sinister, sporting a coming-at-you smirk designed to evoke dread in all who dare stand in its way. From the front corners across the lower profile and pushing back to the rear corners, distinctive body sculpting emphasizes the coupe’s sinuous silhouette. Rolling character lines, powerful shoulders, a distinctive rear haunch, and four quad exhaust pipes are among the other exceptional features of note.

Inside, the Camaro SS offers room for four, but in reality only two will fit comfortably inside. The rear seat is mostly useless unless you and the front passenger are short and giving up legroom to accommodate the rear passengers doesn’t present a problem. Otherwise, the rear seat is best served as a supplemental storage compartment. In any event, the entire rear seat back folds down to provide access to the trunk. And you’ll savor that extra room because the trunk measures a mere 9.1 cubic feet.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive as expected. Average bolstering means you won’t feel so honed in that you can’t maneuver. Likewise, you’ll have sufficient support as you navigate the twisties or take on your other on-road theatrics.

Kudos to Chevrolet’s designers for keeping the rest of the interior uncomplicated. Both doors have the smallest of pockets with no room for holding drinks. The two cup holders between the seats are all you need.

Dashboard and Displays

The dashboard offers a straightforward layout with a double-notched instrument panel shield present. Two big analog displays — tachometer and speedometer — dominate the panel, but the center digital driver information display is large too. That panel is controlled by the usual steering wheel face controls.

Speaking of the steering wheel, it comes leather wrapped, stitched and perforated. Fairly tame wheel grips are present. In addition, a flat-bottomed design and SS badging are two of its other features of note.

If you hate clutter, then you’ll love the Camaro’s handsome center stack. That stack is dominated by a large, color display acting as the nerve center for the audio, climate control and navigation systems. Plug in your iPhone and Apple CarPlay appears on the screen — it works as promised too: I received and sent emails with it — the software allows you to correct same before sending. As with any voice-activated system, speaking clearly helps, so don’t chew and talk — it just ain’t polite or understood!

Beneath the substantial display are switches and a knob to control same. Further below that is a row of 14 switches ranging from seat heating and cooling management to climate control.

Two large circular dials are at the base of the stack and go beyond what they’re intended to do: deliver air to the cabin. Indeed, they’re an engineering feat and an artistic marvel rolled into one — scroll either dial to the left and your section of the cabin is cooled. Scroll to the right and more heat is supplied. In the center of each dial is another knob to open or close the vents. Its a nifty design, meant to conserve space.

Stick Shift and Drive Mode

Probably the most important feature in the cabin is the stick shifter itself. Or perhaps the shifter along with the three-pedal action taking place as you drive. The stick is joined by three nearby switches — traction control on/off, driving mode and the electronic parking brake. You’ll become intimately familiar with all three, if for nothing other than for different reasons.

Working our way back with the switches, the parking brake is a must to engage. You might forget to leave the transmission in first gear (if you’re parked facing uphill) or in reverse (if you’re parked on a downward slope). Yes, it happened to me — the Camaro rolled when I thought the stick was engaged. Fortunately, I was still behind the wheel and took corrective action.

The mode switch is where the fun begins — it is automatically set for touring, but you can also choose sport, track and a snow/ice mode. I used all four, including the last one for driving on a thinly graveled road. But the fun is everywhere else, especially in track mode as you feel the steering play tightening, sense the suspension system pulling in and enjoy quicker flicks of the transmission through the gears. The exhaust note resets to a deeper baritone too. In any mode, turn off stability control as you see fit.

Just one more note about the interior: leather is nearly everywhere — on the seats, across the dashboard, surrounding the steering wheel and covering the door inlays. When natural light eases, the interior bedazzles as outline lights surrounding the color display as well as the door inlays switch on. You can control the color choices by way of the touchscreen to employ a riot of reds, oranges, blues and whites to correspond with your drive mode.

Performance: The Be All and the End All

Everything about the Camaro SS boils down to one thing: performance. This is where Chevrolet’s sports coupe nearly matches the brand’s sports car in performance. The only separation is five extra foot-pounds of torque in the Corvette Stingray and a few hundred additional pounds of body weight in the Camaro. Other than that, Chevrolet designed the Camaro to go from 0-to-60 mph in an even four seconds with the automatic transmission or just a fraction off the pace of the Corvette Stingray. Such a closeness in numbers might rile Corvette faithful, but it also allows the Camaro SS to vanquish its chief nemesis, the Ford Mustang GT.

If the new and lighter frame underpinning the Camaro SS doesn’t convince you of its virtue, then the hulking V-8 should sew up the deal. Enthusiasts will want the 6-speed gearbox, what comes with a limited slip differential and active rev matching for downshifts. No doubt the 8-speed automatic will be preferred by some if only for the slight speed edge. Then again, if you’re an older driver and have tired of shifting or most of your driving is in the city, then eschewing the manual becomes more appealing. In any case, you’ll have paddle shifters to fall back on whenever a more engaged driving experience is desired.

Stomp the gas pedal and your Camaro SS is gone. If you’re especially quick at shifting you’ll see 60 mph before you know it. Let’s just say I was still in third gear when I hit that all-important performance threshold with fourth gear readied for engagement. No worries about redlining — just keep shifting as fast as you can. You might also reset the instrument panel’s display before you get started to show you the g forces at work. Clutch play is clean, although I would give a slight edge to the Mustang GT in that category.

As important as the powertrain is, the SS shines in the handling department. Muscle cars of yore provided excellent off-the-mark acceleration and confident braking, but came up far short in handling. The Camaro eliminates those deficiencies as it borrows some parts from Cadillac, including the CTS’ steering as well as GM’s famed magnetic ride control adaptive dampers, the first time we’ve seen the latter on the SS. Throw on the included Brembo brakes with 20-inch Goodyear Eagle tires and you’re ready for the track.

Regardless of drive mode, steering is brawny, but especially so in track mode. At the same time, a quick flick of the wheel to either side moves the front wheels, imbuing driver confidence as you slice through the turns. Steering and handling is on par with anything coming out of Europe —- I put the 2016 Camaro just ahead of the Mustang GT. In fact, this model is faster than the GT, although the Shelby GT350 and Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat are faster yet. And much more expensive too.

I would be remiss if I left out one important factoid regarding the interior that has a substantial impact on the driving experience: the sight lines up front are excellent, but are awful on the sides. The smallest rear coupe windows are present, so you’ll need to lean heavily on the side mirrors to be aware of your surroundings. For some motorists driver assist features, including side blind zone alert, are a must. You’ll find it included with the top-end 2SS trim package.

Meeting and Exceeding Expectations

In summation, the current iteration of the Camaro does everything to uphold what enthusiasts want in a modern sports coupe. It also goes well beyond that by delivering a stylish, competent and thrilling model that takes no prisoners. Moreover, GM has invested heavily in advancing the Chevrolet brand in recent years and the all-new Camaro is one of its shining achievements.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS Specifications

  • Sticker price from $36,300
  • Price as tested: $47,500
  • Seats 4
  • 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine
  • 455 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 455 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 RPM
  • 4.06 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.5-to-1
  • Six-speed manual transmission
  • Wheelbase: 110.7 inches
  • Length: 188.3 inches
  • Width: 74.7 inches
  • Height: 53.1 inches
  • Passenger volume: 52 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 9.1 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline recommended
  • Fuel tank: NR
  • Curb weight: From 3,685 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: NR
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Lansing, Michigan

Chevrolet Camaro SS photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Top Down Fun With the Corvette Stingray Z51

by 10 Comments

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package

Review anything about the Corvette and you’re bound to offend someone for omitting an important point. Such is the strength of this iconic model — nay, brand — that has no lack of followers or at least enthusiasts who immediately become giddy when you offer them a ride.

I’ve had my share of sports cars wind through my press fleet over the years, including the Nissan GT-R, Jaguar F-TYPE, Lexus RC F, BMW M6, Porsche 911 4S, and the Porsche Cayman. Not one of these models stoked the same level of interest as the Corvette from people who know me, but that doesn’t mean the preeminent Chevrolet product is the best of the lot.

What Corvette represents is the most recognized and attainable model of the group. Further, nearly everyone has a story about a friend’s Vette or a movie that they saw or some other life experience involving this sports car. Quite frankly, the Corvette represents the warp and woof of the American performance machine.

Instead of rehashing the usual comments about the Corvette’s look, drive, and feel, we’ll examine some of the more noteworthy attributes of this model.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package

1. Make it a Stingray.

Currently in its seventh generation, this halo Chevrolet model is officially known at the Corvette Stingray, the first time the dual appellation has been used in nearly 40 years. Introduced in 1953, it has remained in production ever since, although no 1983 model was manufactured.

Always available as a coupe, no convertible model was built from about the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. By the way, the supercharged model is known officially as the Corvette Z06. So, call the entire family “Corvette” and you wouldn’t be wrong.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package

2. Drop the Top.

Beyond its high-end performance capabilities, the Corvette Stingray is an engineering dream come true, even in the little things. Take the convertible top, please! The test model, delivered in torch red paint, was a convertible with a black roof matching the other blackened highlights — that is, on the hood vent, wheels, side vents, around the tail lights, and on the diffuser.

The best part of the roof is that you don’t have to do much of anything except press a switch located to the left of the steering wheel on the lower dashboard. No clamps to deal with and no adjusting the trunk (unless you have something sitting in the trunk). The roof automatically retracts, folds and hides within the trunk, getting the job done in about 20 seconds.

Reverse the switch when you’re ready to close up shop and the trunk lid lifts, the roof emerges, unfolds and secures itself in position. An electronic notice on the dashboard confirms when everything has been securely put in place.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package

3. Shifting Has Never Been Easier.

I cut my driving teeth on manual transmissions and have driven my share of stick-shift models through the intervening years. But there isn’t a smoother and cleaner shifting manual gearbox than what is present in this model. Seven forward speeds — count ‘em! — and you have much to play with. You have to try hard to grind the gears, but even then the clutch seems to compensate and finish the job for you. If you are prone to do as I do on occasion — such as jump from second to fifth gear — the gear number is displayed within the instrument panel, essentially reminding you to make an adjustment.

Personally, I could do with five and am happy with six forward gears, but the seventh gear enables this hot performer to make 29 mpg on the highway — the same strong number put up by the 8-speed automatic. For the record, I averaged 23.9 mpg covering 232 miles of local and highway driving.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package

4. The Z51 Performance Package Nails It.

There is the Corvette Stingray and then there is the Corvette Z06. In the middle of the pack is the Corvette Stingray with its Z51 performance package, what delivers many of the amenities of the supercharged model, but without the blistering performance. The Z51 performance package brings an adaptive control system to manage the dampers, making multiple adjustments per second.

Add in a set of larger wheels, high performance tires, and the available magnetic ride control package and you have a machine that behaves as you see fit. Indeed, the drive mode controller provides five modes — weather, eco, tour, sport and track — to suit your mood with steering, throttle and stability control adjusted accordingly. I stayed in Sport mode for nearly the entire time I had the sports car, enjoying the wheels slipping underneath as I took even the most standard turns.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package

5. Just Bathe Me In Comfort.

Whoever said that your Corvette Stingray has to leave you feeling stiff after a long drive? With most owners being “of a certain age,” having access to key features in a bid to ease the discomfort inherently felt when driving such models is a must. That’s where the 3LT preferred equipment group package ($9,745 option) comes in. 3LT provides seat adjusters with power bolstering and lumbar support. You also get heated and ventilated seats, Napa leather inserts, power heated side mirrors, a premium Bose audio system, and an upgraded theft deterrent system.

Curb view cameras and a color head-up display are also included. Thus, the Corvette Stingray is not simply a machine — it is a technological beast, but without the distracting and cluttered instrument panel and console.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package

6. Connectivity Features are Welcome.

Long-time Corvette fans may not care as much about today’s technologies, nevertheless such amenities are a welcome feature and are now part of the Corvette Stingray experience. Not only does this sports car serve up an 8-inch color display, but it does so with the very usable Chevrolet MyLink telematics system.

Among the features present are: Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay with smartphone compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wholly beneficial navigation system.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package

7. Everything Else Really Doesn’t Matter Much.

So, what have I left out? Comparatively minor details such as the body’s form, trunk space, and the delicious quad pipes. But those are matters I’ve covered before and you probably have heard about ad nauseam.

Of course, the convertible supplies you with a proper trunk, while the hardtop delivers what amounts to a hatchback.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package

Corvette Considerations

In the sport car matrix, the Corvette holds its own. Importantly, more than six decades after its release, the legend continues and quite easily this one may be the best of the seven-generation lot.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package
2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package
2016 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible w/Z51 Package

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

  • Sticker price from $64,400
  • Price as tested: $79,415
  • Seats 2
  • 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine
  • 455 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 460 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,600 RPM
  • 4.06 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.5-to-1
  • Seven-speed manual transmission
  • Wheelbase: 106.7 inches
  • Length: 176.9 inches
  • Width: 73.9 inches
  • Height: 48.6 inches
  • Passenger volume: 52 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 10 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 17 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,362 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: NR
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Bowling Green, Kentucky

Sweet Dreams: 2015 Corvette Stingray

by 8 Comments

One glorious week with a C7.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Beyond compare: this “velocity yellow” paint scheme is super bright.

The seventh-generation Corvette (C7) may be GM’s best effort so far in this still young 21st century. The current interpretation of this iconic sports car made its debut in 2014 and has been pulling down well-deserved awards since. Officially known as the Corvette Stingray, for 2015 it receives several important updates. I had the privilege of spending a thrilling week behind the wheel of one during the heart of autumn, a specimen adorned in a fetching paint scheme that whoops, “Let’s drive!”

Corvette Stingray Exterior Overview

The current rendition of the classic Corvette is instantly recognized for what it is: a halo sports car for Chevrolet. This model also transcends the brand, putting forth its distinctive Corvette face and familiar muscular, low-to-the-ground stance. The most significant changes start from the front wheels on back with larger and additional vents, a tempered B-pillar and the inclusion of rear-quarter windows.

The hood and the roof are formed by carbon fiber, every body crease is more extraordinary than before and the front fascia takes on an even more pronounced, menacing look. The fresh look has been carefully translated to the rear with its own distinctive and aggressive tail lamp arrangement. The quad-centered exhaust pipes mean business, putting forth a symphony of cat-back bings, belches and booms that will both astonish and delight you.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

There are many other touches the designers carefully considered when crafting this masterpiece. One example: the boomerang-shaped daytime running lights punctuate the front fascia, serving as twin exclamation points and, perhaps, a warning to all who see this sports car approaching in their rear view mirror.

An important side note: I have never been so followed, chased or otherwise stared down as I was in the Corvette Stingray. From the first day I had it to its departure, it seemed as if every sports car owner and pretender pulled up behind me, sat in my blind spot or beckoned me to a race. Passengers whipped out their smart phones, taking pictures and making calls, and one police officer suddenly appeared in my rear view mirror as I entered the highway, pulled along side me, but thankfully kept his blue lights off. The Corvette was the celebrity and I was simply the willing servant, performing my role dutifully and without complaint.

2015 Corvette Stingray

View manufacturer details and pricing

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Build Your Corvette Stingray

There is no one-size-fits-all Corvette Stingray. Never has been and probably never will be. My weekly driver retailed from $53,000 (the price has since increased to $54,000 or $54,995 with destination charge) and listed for $67,445. That’s more than $13,000 in options, hardly unusual for any Corvette.

Indeed, it is doubtful that there is a base Corvette sitting on any dealer lot. During my week with the sports car, I talked fairly extensively with two new C7 owners who explained the process of ordering a model to their exact requirements. Definitely, you can take one home from the showroom floor — if available — more than likely you’ll want to outfit yours as you see fit.

Pull up the build and price configurator at Chevrolet.com and you’ll find both coupe and convertible body styles. The convertible is priced at $59,995, exactly $5,000 more than the coupe. Standard 1LT models may be upgraded to a Z51 performance package, adding $5,000 to the base price. Chevrolet prices the 2LT from $59,155 and the 3LT from $64,445.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

As delivered, my weekly driver came with the following: a ZF1 appearance package ($1,995), a performance data and video recorder, including navigation ($1,795), an all-new for 2015 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters ($1,725), a multi-mode performance exhaust ($1,195), velocity yellow tint coat ($995) with matching yellow brake calipers ($595), black painted aluminum wheels (19 inches up front, 20 inches to the rear) for $495, sueded microfiber seat inserts ($395) and a carbon flash painted spoiler and side mirrors ($100).

The ZF1 appearance package brings in larger 5-split spoke silver-painted aluminum wheels, performance summer-only tires and a body-colored rear spoiler. In other words, the standard 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inch wheels to the rear get bumped up.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Engine and Transmissions

Every 2015 Corvette Stingray is powered by a 6.2-liter, 16-valve V-8 engine making 455 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque. This naturally-aspirated engine is paired with a 7-speed TREMEC manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and an available limited-slip rear differential.

The new for 2015 automatic can move into manual mode for quick shifting on the track. Last year’s model offered a six-speed automatic. The manual provides rev-matching on both up- and down-shifts. Choose the Z51 performance package and your Corvette receives closer gear ratios for the manual, the electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, additional cooling features for the gearbox, brakes and the differential, larger brakes and Michelin run-flat summer tires.

EPA ratings come in at 16 mpg in the city (17 mpg for the manual) and 29 mpg on the highway for a combined 20 mpg. I averaged 20.3 mpg, driving for 469 miles and mostly open road driving at that. Credit a few things with helping this Corvette Stingray achieve its decent fuel economy numbers: cylinder deactivation, performance tires, a low coefficient of drag and a 3,298-pound curb weight.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

A Look Around Inside

The voluptuous Corvette body comes with a beautiful interior too. The bucket seats are formed to hold you in place, providing the necessary support as your head snaps back when you’re blasting down the road. The leather seats are heated and cooled, providing lumbar support and ample movement despite a small area. The seats back up to the hatchback and it is at this point the roofline tapers.

The Corvette Stingray features a digitalized instrument panel with the tachometer centered prominently. To the left is a 205 mph speedometer; to the right are fuel and oil temperature gauges. As you would expect, a digital driver’s information center is found within the tachometer, what serves up such useful information as: engine hours, lifetime revs, fuel usage, fuel economy, trip information, average speed and then some.

I like the Corvette’s head up display for two reasons. First, because it is there and is a feature I enjoy on any car. Second, it can easily be moved to float above the hood at various heights. It includes your current speed, a tachometer and a G-meter for track mode. You’re piloting this jet and the HUD is your guide star.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

A leather-wrapped electronic tilt and telescopic steering wheel comes with sport stitching and an extra thick grip. The center console is easily customizable and is also retractable. When deployed you have a hidden storage area large enough for your wallet or other valuables. It also has one of three USB ports; the other two are located in the center storage compartment. Buttons and knobs operate the audio system, itself controlled by voice command, if desired.

One area where I would like Corvette’s designers to make a change is in the area immediately to the right of the stick shifter. Instead of simply offering a concealed cigarette lighter, a place to hold a smartphone upright would be ideal. Bonus to the designers if they can still find a way to keep the lighter and provide a smartphone dock.

The other suggested change would involve the cup holders. As currently designed, if you place a pair of bottles in the holders, they will not stay in place if you step on the gas. I’ve seen much less expensive cars provide “grippable” cup holders. That same grip could be applied to the smart phone dock.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

On the Road

There is just no way to appropriately describe the Corvette’s attributes. Its reputation precedes it and its swagger is legendary and well known. The Corvette is a dream car — a screamer for the back road or on the track. Or wherever else you can light her up without a blue light special in your rear view mirror.

What the Corvette does do is make you glad that you’re alive. Not simply alive either, but breathing in everything that this sensual four-wheeled monument to automotive craftsmanship puts out. It has a unique smell, likely a combination of its leather and carbon fiber. It also has a unique feel, what you control with a mode select dial located just aft of the stick shifter. You can choose E (economy), W (weather), T (touring), S (sport) or TR for track. I had it in sport mode 98 percent of the time, but turned off the accompanying stability control only once.

Push the start/stop ignition button and the Corvette Stingray lets out the first of many rumbles. The cat-back system immediately percolates and hums until you step on the gas. It is at varying speeds and actions when the exhaust note sings, ranging from a multi-octave moan to a symphonious outburst. Your right foot controls the four-pipe organ, venting it to varying degrees as you see fit.

The Corvette’s 50-50 weight ratio, low stance and wide track keeps this sports car hugging the road. On the straightaway you’ll hit 60 mph inside of four seconds with the automatic, slightly longer with the manual. Its electronic power steering, a bane for some driving purists, isn’t all that bad — the Corvette’s engineers worked diligently to increase system stiffness by moving the steering gear to the cradle and reinforcing the steering column. Take it on any twisty road with its share of rises and falls and you’ll enjoy the full benefit of involved driving.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Arriving Early 2015: Corvette Z06

As much as the Corvette Stingray is a hoot to drive, there is a segment of the fanboy/fangirl populace that demands more. As in a certain exclusiveness found only in a top-end, ultra-high performing model.

And that edition is the Corvette Z06, a model with a 1.7-liter Eaton R1740 TVS supercharger, providing 200,000 rpm of spin or 5,000 rpm more than the supercharger gracing the ZR1’s LS9 engine. The top-of-the-range Corvette is rated 650 horsepower and 650 foot-pounds of torque. Just imagine that!

Chevrolet says that the full-blown Z06 will come outfitted with larger and wider Michelin tires, massive Brembo brakes and enhanced rotors. Other goodies will set this model apart from the standard edition, what will go on sale in early 2015.

In the 2015 Corvette Stingray I gained a much greater appreciation for both the history and capabilities of this masterful sports car. I also discovered that the fan base for the Corvette is enormous with dreamers and aspirants joining owners in shared admiration for what is arguably GM’s best model.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2015 Corvette Stingray

  • Sticker price from $53,000
  • Price as tested: from $67,445
  • Seats 2 occupants
  • 6.2-liter 16-valve V-8 gasoline engine
  • 455 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
  • 460 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,600 rpm
  • 4.06 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.5-to-1
  • 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 106.7 inches
  • Length: 176.9 inches
  • Width: 73.9 inches
  • Height: 48.6 inches
  • Passenger volume: 52 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 15 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 16/17 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline recommended
  • Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,298 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: NR
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Bowling Green, Kentucky

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

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2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.