Chevrolet and its iconic hero car have finally made the change to a mid-engined supercar layout. Photos: Supplied.
Arriving at a worksite in a Ferrari is not a good look for a builder or developer.
It tells the workers that their boss is doing better than them and is happy to flaunt it.
But rolling up in a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray could actually be good for business.
Instead of creating the envy and anger that go with the impact of a super-costly Italian supercar, the ‘Vette is – and always has been – the reflection of a successful business.
It’s the car that signals, like Holden Special Vehicles’ Commodores of the past, somebody doing well through their own efforts.
Chevrolet, too, is doing well with the Stingray.
The iconic American brand and its iconic hero car have finally made the change to a mid-engined supercar layout with the head-turning looks that stamp it as something (very) special.
It’s also built in right-hand drive for the first time, which is how a $190,000 Corvette Stingray convertible has made it to Australia and onto the test fleet.
There are plenty of choices for Corvette fans, with both coupe and folding hardtop roofs and a couple of trim levels, and supply is now getting much better, with some stock at dealers.
GM Special Vehicles has also cracked down on the dealers who were making big profits by selling well ‘’over the odds’’ from recommended retail, with the new E-Ray electrified model and Z06 quotes for a 12-month wait.
The Stingray comes with brilliant styling, an old-school 6.2-litre V8 engine with eight-speed double-clutch automatic, and rear-wheel drive.
First impressions count and the Corvette makes me realise how Chris Hemsworth must feel when he heads to Bunnings or the local IGA. As if …
Everyone looks, and lots of people smile, in a reaction that is (almost) worth the car’s hefty price tag.
A basic bottom line of $175,000 for a Corvette is a splash of cash, but it brings the brilliant styling, an old-school 6.2-litre V8 engine with eight-speed double-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drive, as well as lovely leather in the cabin, a punchy sound system and all the rest. Luggage space is tight, but workable for a weekend.
The headline numbers are 3.1 seconds to thump to 100 km/h, and a top speed (untested) of 312 km/h.
But it’s other stuff, like the compliant ride over nasty Aussie roads, that gives the ‘Vette a lot of appeal.
The excellent engine and gearbox combination allows you to cruise around the suburbs or thump into action on a closed road.
It’s a very quick car, but not nasty and threatening like some of the European exotics.
That’s partly down to the excellent engine and gearbox combination, which allows you to roll around the suburbs or thump into action on a closed road. Instead of having to rev the engine to 8000 rpm and beyond, it’s easy to rely on torque – and the gearbox paddles – to move smoothly and quickly on your travels.
The handling, too, is grippy but not threatening. Mostly the car just follows the steering wheel, turning without drama and only feeling a little unsettled if you push (way) too hard on the go pedal.
The brakes are excellent, and even the visibility is good, although parking still requires camera assistance, with the engine right behind the cabin.
The seats are supportive but still relatively cushy, the dash layout is easy to navigate and the digital instruments are big and clear, and even access is good with long doors and a big opening.
The electric folding roof does its stuff without any fuss and the top-open driving experience is immersive without going overly blowy, with good wind protection. But, on the downside, the ‘Vette is stuck with an old-school three-year warranty – with no plans for a change – and there is no capped-price servicing.
The seats are supportive but still relatively cushy, and the dash layout is easy to navigate.
To put the Corvette into perspective, a good friend calls it ”The Hillbilly Hotrod’’ and that is both high praise and a slight slap for people who crave a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
But, compared with the Italian stallions – or even a go-faster Porsche – the Corvette is a relative bargain at far less than half the price.
It’s also a car you can enjoy for much more of the time, and not just park it for occasional weekend sprints.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
- Position: US sports car hero
- Price: From $175,000
- Engine: 6.2-litre V8
- Power: 369kW/637Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
- Plus: Iconic, American, V8 power
- Minus: Not cheap, not for everyone
- THE TICK: Winner.
Score: 8.9/10
