Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Review: The American Supercar
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray isn’t just a car—it’s an icon. For decades, the Corvette has been synonymous with American performance and muscle, but the new mid-engine design takes it to a whole new level. Here at AutoPro Nashville, a premier used car dealership serving both the Nashville and Brentwood, TN areas, we’re proud to offer the Stingray to our customers nationwide. In this review, we’ll dive into the Stingray’s evolution, explore its specifications, and offer some tips for buying the right model. Whether you’re local or shopping from afar, this guide is designed to help you find the right Stingray for your needs.
Get ready to feel the roar and power of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray—watch this video to experience the thrill of American engineering at its finest!
The Evolution of the Corvette Stingray: An American Icon Redefined
The Corvette Stingray has come a long way since its introduction in 1953. Fast forward to 2020, and the launch of the C8 generation was nothing short of revolutionary. For the first time, Chevrolet moved the engine to the middle, transforming the Stingray from a front-engine muscle car to a true mid-engine supercar. This bold move brought it closer to European rivals like Ferrari and McLaren, but with a price that made it accessible to the everyday enthusiast.
The C7 (2014-2019) was a major leap in design and performance for the Corvette, but the C8 (2020-present) takes that leap even further. This generation introduces the Corvette to a broader market, offering not only the typical American muscle fans but also international buyers who seek precision, performance, and style.
At AutoPro Nashville, we’ve seen interest from all over the country, especially as car buyers realize they can get a supercar without the supercar price tag. And with our nationwide services and competitive warranties, buying from us is easier than ever.
Corvette Stingray Specifications & Features
C7 Corvette Stingray (2014-2019)
The C7 Corvette Stingray marked the last of the front-engine models and featured a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine, pushing out 455 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. With the Z51 performance package, you could enjoy a slight boost to 460 hp, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds. It was an era that refined the Corvette’s aggressive style, offering options like Magnetic Ride Control for a more comfortable driving experience.
Strengths:
Excellent performance for its price, magnetic suspension for smooth rides, and sleek design.
Weaknesses:
Interior quality wasn’t up to par with European competitors, and rear visibility was somewhat limited due to the long hood.
In my experience, driving the C7 feels like piloting a rocket ship on wheels. The raw power and torque make it exhilarating to drive on the open road, yet the magnetic ride control ensures you don’t feel every bump in Nashville’s streets.
Corvette Stingray (2020-present)
The C8 Corvette Stingray turned heads with its mid-engine design, a first for the Corvette line. Powered by the all-new 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine, it produces up to 495 hp with the optional NPP exhaust and 470 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s positioning improves weight distribution, leading to better handling and agility, especially when cornering. Equipped with the Z51 performance package, the C8 hits 60 mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds, rivaling European exotics.
One thing I particularly loved about driving the C8 is how the engine roars just behind your head—it’s an auditory experience as much as a driving one. The interior is also a massive upgrade, offering leather, microsuede, and carbon-fiber options, plus an impressive 8-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Strengths:
Mid-engine design for better handling, premium interior materials, advanced tech features.
Weaknesses:
Limited cargo space despite having two trunks, and no manual transmission option.
2024 Corvette Stingray: What’s New?
The 2024 Corvette Stingray builds on the success of the C8 but introduces even more refined features. For starters, it retains the LT2 6.2-liter V8, but Chevrolet has improved the Performance Data Recorder with a higher resolution camera. The Stingray also now features over-the-air updates, allowing owners to receive performance tweaks and software fixes remotely.
Trims:
C8 models are available in three trim levels: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. The 1LT is the entry-level trim but offers impressive performance and standard features like the 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose sound system. The 2LT adds more luxury with heated and ventilated seats, navigation, and the Performance Data Recorder. The 3LT tops the range, boasting upgraded leather, microsuede, carbon-fiber trims, and the 14-speaker Bose audio system. With these choices, buyers can pick the Stingray that best suits their performance and comfort needs.
If you are interested in Z06 model you can read Chevrolet Corvette Z06: A Review And Buying Advice blog.
Buying Guide: Best & Worst Years for the Corvette Stingray
Best Years to Buy
If you’re in the market for a used car, the 2017 C7 is widely considered one of the best years for the C7 generation. It offered reliability improvements over the earlier models, and many of the kinks in the transmission and electronics had been worked out. For the C8 generation, the 2021 model is a great option, offering the mid-engine performance without the new-car price.
Worst Years to Avoid
For the C7, it’s best to avoid the 2014-2015 models, as these had notable issues with the automatic transmission and some electrical components. Early 2020 C8 models had teething problems related to the new mid-engine layout, including transmission glitches and software bugs, though most have been resolved through recalls and software updates.
Common Issues
C7 Corvette Stingray:
Transmission issues, particularly in automatic models, were common. Be sure to test the transmission thoroughly.
C8 Corvette Stingray:
Early models faced software bugs and occasional issues with the infotainment system. The dual-clutch transmission is generally reliable but should be inspected if buying used.
Tips for Nationwide Buyers
- If you’re buying from outside of Tennessee, make sure to request a detailed vehicle history report, which we provide at AutoPro Nashville.
- Schedule a virtual test drive—we offer video walkarounds so you can see every detail before making your purchase.
Ask about our up to 5-year warranties, which are available to customers across US.
Why Choose AutoPro Nashville for Your Corvette Stingray?
At AutoPro Nashville, we make it easy to buy your dream car, no matter where you are in the country. Our location at 1610 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN puts us at the heart of the Nashville area, but we cater to buyers nationwide. Here’s why you should choose us:
Wide Selection:
Whether you’re looking for a used Corvette Stingray or something else, our inventory includes a wide range of used cars from top brands.
Nationwide Shipping:
We can ship your Corvette to your door, anywhere in the U.S.
Test Drives:
Before making any decisions, take the Stingray for a spin on a test drive. Feel the power.
Up to 5-Year Warranties:
Enjoy peace of mind with our extended warranty options that protect your investment for years to come.
Financing Options:
We provide flexible financing solutions, no matter where you’re located.
Please give us a call at 615-377-6101 or stop by during our hours of operation: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We’re here to help you find the perfect used car for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is an incredible car that offers supercar performance at an accessible price point. Whether you’re shopping locally in Nashville or browsing from across the country, AutoPro Nashville is here to make your buying experience seamless. Get behind the wheel of a Corvette Stingray today!
What is the difference between the C7 and C8 Corvette Stingray?
The C7 Corvette (2014-2019) features a front-engine design, while the C8 (2020-present) is Chevrolet’s first mid-engine Corvette, offering improved handling and acceleration.
How fast can the Corvette Stingray go from 0 to 60 mph?
The C7 Corvette Stingray can reach 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds, while the C8 Stingray with the Z51 package accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
What are the common issues to watch for when buying a used Corvette Stingray?
For C7 models, automatic transmission issues are common, while early C8 models may have software bugs and dual-clutch transmission concerns. Always request a vehicle history report.
How can I schedule a virtual test drive with AutoPro Nashville?
You can schedule a virtual test drive by contacting AutoPro Nashville directly at 615-377-6101. They offer video walkarounds and detailed inspections for all vehicles, making it easy to buy remotely.
