Very plunging short nose, forward cabin and long rear hood: the eighth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette soon in the Chassay showroom, the specialist in the genre in Tours and the only declared distributor in France for the moment, is unrecognizable.
For the first time in its history, this rolling legend abandons the pre-engineered architecture that was believed to be immutable and converts to the mid-engine, like supercars.
A revolution that Aston Martin has also just led with the Valhalla.
Considered to be an asset in terms of agility and handling efficiency, the installation of the engine behind the backs of the passengers determines the style.
To discover
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Chevrolet
The appearance of the "Vette" thus approaches most European super sports cars with imposing air intakes in the rear wings to cool the mechanics, visible under the bubble of the rear hatch.
For this first, however, the designers failed to match the European achievements and the result lacks finesse.
The modernity of the design is also verified in the adoption of a structure mainly in aluminum and a body in composite materials, in favor of rigidity and weight control.
The Corvette is 60 kg lighter, not exceeding 1655 kg.
It must be said that its V8 does not add any supercharging or hybridization device.
Chevrolet
By switching to the central engine, the template changes category, exceeding the Corvette C7 by 137 mm and the Porsche 911 by 120 mm in length, while culminating 66 mm lower than the German reference. Yet the American sports car fails to match its rival in terms of livability. It remains a strict two-seater when the 911 offers two back-up seats. On the other hand, the American sports car has two chests, at the front and at the rear. As long as you have the right luggage for the spaces, the rear hood occupies the entire width of the car but is shallow. With 356 liters, the cargo volume is far from ridiculous. If it is lower than the model it replaces, this does not affect accessibility on board,facilitated by the presence of a classic door that is opened using a keeper hidden under the black plastic ring crossing the sides. On board, we find the cockpit spirit of the previous one, but in a more luxurious atmosphere, reflecting a lifted finish and more refined materials. Our test C8 was thus fully upholstered in a suede upholstery with topstitching. One-piece bucket seats with reinforced side support or comfort and a double flattened steering wheel with electric adjustment on both planes, the Corvette maintains an excellent driving position.Our test C8 was thus fully upholstered in a suede upholstery with topstitching. One-piece bucket seats with reinforced side support or comfort and a double flattened steering wheel with electric adjustment on both planes, the Corvette maintains an excellent driving position.Our test C8 was thus fully upholstered in a suede upholstery with topstitching. One-piece bucket seats with reinforced side support or comfort and a double flattened steering wheel with electric adjustment on both planes, the Corvette maintains an excellent driving position.
Chevrolet
The ergonomics are just as remarkable.
It can count on a central driver-oriented infotainment screen and digital instrumentation that varies according to the driving modes selected from a rotary dial: rain, cruise, sport and circuit.
The engineers have thought of everything and you can also configure many elements: steering, suspension, engine and gearbox response, braking feeling, engine sound.
An unmistakable sign, the Z mode button on the steering wheel determines the sportiest combination of settings.
Another novelty: the arch separating the two seats and descending from the top of the board accommodates all the air conditioning controls and ventilated and heated seats.
Two types of bodywork
A question of sensitivity but also of uses, the Corvette was immediately marketed with two types of bodywork: coupe and convertible (+ € 6,550).
If the latter relies on an electric folding of the headgear, a first, the coupe can also remove the top in composite materials but manually.
It can be stored in the rear trunk, provided that it is not occupied by luggage.
Chevrolet
Push-button Stingray firing: The V8 squeals like a race car before dropping a tone. Depending on the engine speed and the mode used, the sound increases in intensity but overall, it disappoints. The emphasis has been so much on comfort and soundproofing that one has the impression of being cut off from the world despite the V8 which works a few centimeters from the eardrums. We really benefit from the vocalizations hair in the wind or when we lower the rear window of the convertible. The acceleration is frank, but the new Stingray unrolls its 482 horsepower with constancy but without virulence. This new V8, still with two valves per cylinder, may well be the most powerful in the history of the Corvette, it lacks character, for lack of a rewarding sound and sufficient length.Supervised by a Magnetic Ride suspension with controlled damping which adapts very quickly, the chassis fixed to the ground reconciles efficiency and great ease of driving. So true that the rider no longer has to contend with the long clutch pedal stroke and firm gear lever locks: the new Stingray converts to the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Depending on your mood and appetite, you can let the automation operate - in casting, the ratios change at 1,800 rpm - or take control with the paddles on the steering wheel. Either way, the box is never fast enough.So true that the rider no longer has to contend with the long clutch pedal stroke and firm gear lever locks: the new Stingray converts to the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Depending on your mood and appetite, you can let the automation operate - in casting, the ratios change at 1,800 rpm - or take control with the paddles on the steering wheel. Either way, the box is never fast enough.So true that the rider no longer has to contend with the long clutch pedal stroke and firm gear lever locks: the new Stingray converts to the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Depending on your mood and appetite, you can let the automation operate - in casting, the ratios change at 1,800 rpm - or take control with the paddles on the steering wheel. Either way, the box is never fast enough.
Our opinion
The latest Corvette Stingray is well born as evidenced by its second place at Le Mans in GT, last August.
Its services are of high quality, without departing from an unbeatable price that has helped forge the legend.
As it became easier to drive, the Corvette lost its tough character.
The next C8 Z06 should remedy this deficiency.
Technical sheet
Engine: V8 petrol
Displacement: 6,162 cc
Power: 482 hp at 6,450 rpm
Torque: 613 Nm at 4,500 rpm
Type: Propulsion
Transmission: Auto gearbox.
8-speed dual clutch
Dimensions (L / W / H): 4,634 x 1,934 x 1,235 mm
Safe: 356 liters
Weight: 1,655 kg
Performance (0-100 km / h): 3.5 seconds
Speed: 296 km / h
Consumption (Mixed EU): 12.1 l / 100 km
CO2 emissions: 277 g / km
Price: 88,620 €
