2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Review by Larry Nutson +VIDEO

2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Review

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

During the winter, I spent time in the more moderate climate of coastal Southeastern U.S. where weather conditions and less dense traffic make for very good Corvette driving.

Recently I had my third drive experience in the eighth-generation Corvette. Each drive has been in the Coupe body style equipped with the 2LT trim and the Z51 Performance Package.

Coupe or convertible body styles are available in 1LT, 2LT or 3LT trims. Nicely packaged in the space behind the cockpit is a 490-hp 6.2-L V8 mated to a Tremec 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The optional Z51 package includes a performance exhaust which lets the engine breath a bit better and boosts the rating to 495-hp. Zero to 60 mph in the Z51 coupe is in under 3 seconds. And, a Z51 will cover the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds.

We’re now in the third model year of the C8 Corvette Stingray. This 2022 coupe is sporting a new color, Caffeine Metallic. In bright sunlight it’s a bit more brown than shown in my photos taken in early morning light. Also new is Hypersonic Gray Metallic, and Amplify Orange Tintcoat.

The 2022 Corvette Stingray Coupe in the base 1LT trim has a starting price of $60,900 plus a $1,295 destination and freight charge. The Stingray Convertible starts at $68,400 plus the $1,295.

The price can climb quickly with added features. My 2022 Stingray Coupe 2LT had a base price of $68,200. The Z51 package adds $6,345. Z51 Performance Suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride control is $1,895; Front lift adjustable height is $2,260; 19" front/20" rear 5-trident-spoke machined-face Sterling Silver-painted aluminum wheels adds $1,495; GT2 bucket seats is another $1,495; body color exterior accents cost $995; tan seat belts cost $395 and a Chrome Exterior badge package is $100. Adding the delivery charge brings the bottom line to $84,475.

I have only driven the Corvette on public roads. Track time will come, someday.

So, how is it to live with a Corvette as your only vehicle? My wife and I are average size folk. There’s decent room for two. We both found the Nappa leather GT2 seats provided plenty of comfort with good lateral support. Getting in and out of the low seating position wasn’t too challenging.

The standard rear camera interior rearview mirror with its wide field of view allows you to see what’s behind you very well. Otherwise, view out back through the rear glass and hatch is limited.

There are two trunks. The front trunk holds a couple bags of groceries, or small duffle bags or one rollaboard suitcase standing vertical. The rear trunk is more roomy. It’ll hold two legal rollaboard (22" x 14" x 9") suitcases. Groceries can go in the rear too, but be aware of some heat buildup near the engine and exhaust system. That gallon of ice cream might be better off up front, especially if it’s a hot day.

A downward facing curb-view front camera helps you to not hit parking space concrete bumpers or curbs. Rear cross traffic alert came in handy a couple times when backing out of my driveway into the street.

The optional front lift adjustable height was very much needed to prevent scraping when both entering and exiting the small driveway curb-cut ramp from the street. This system allows you to store multiple locations so it remembers and does it automatically.

I also used as many of those engine “ponies” as I safely could out on the open road. I favor dual-clutch transmission, so I’m not one to complain about not having a manual. The Corvette team did a great job of calibrating the transmission especially when it came to downshifts. Rolling to a stop for a red light nicely brings the Corvette to a near stop with well-timed downshifts.

Selecting track or sport mode opens up the performance exhaust to let you enjoy melodic pops during upshift and downshift as the throttle closes and opens.

Local streets with traffic-calming speed bumps need slow and careful navigation. The high performance tires make their presence known with a bit more noise especially on concrete road surfaces. And yes, the suspension is firm and telegraphs road surface flaws.

Have a look at www.chevrolet.com for more Corvette information, facts and figures. A recent report from KBB.com says the Corvette Stingray is the best sports car for resale value and ranked fourth among the top ten vehicles for best resale value.

The 2022 Corvette Stingray has been in production since last fall. 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of Corvette, the longest running nameplate of any car on the road today. A 70th Anniversary Package will be available on Corvette Stingray 3LT and Z06 3LZ coupe and convertible models. Everyone is waiting for the ZO6 that’s coming for 2023 with its all-new 5.5L LT6 670-hp naturally-aspirated V-8. It’s the highest horsepower naturally aspirated engine to hit the market in any production car, ever. An all-new light-weight flat-plane crankshaft design lets the engine rev to a lofty 8,600 rpm.

The Corvette Stingray is certainly livable as a daily driver. Sure you need to make some considerations. As sports cars go, the Stingray is a tremendous value with the creds to go up against the most expensive luxury sports cars.

Happy motoring!