Daily Freeman (Kingston, NY)

Iconic Corvette is back and better than ever

- By Marc D. Grasso

For everyone who has always wanted to own a Chevrolet Corvette, this is the one to have.

When I heard that the C8 mid-engine Corvette Stingray was available to test, my mouth began to salivate.

I love anything Corvette. I have owned two of them (C7 ZO6 and C6 Grand Sport). My father owns two (a 1970 convertibl­e and a C6 ZO6). I was absolutely in love when our Elhard Lake Blue metallic tester showed up.

The 2LT trim package boasted excellence in its comfort, design and accoutreme­nts. Additional­ly, our tester came with the extravagan­t Z51 package, a must for the suspension/exhaustenj­oying junkie for only $5,000 more. We utilized sport driving mode and had

Z configurat­ion “on” for the entire test, an ear-bender to say the least.

The 6.2-liter V8 engine, with 495 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, was f lawless and exceptiona­lly quick. The eight-speed push-button Tremec dualclutch transmissi­on made the vehicle do exactly what its designed for — go fast and shift faster than a human can think. Its zero-60 time came in at 2.9 seconds; a heart-stopper.

This sleek jewel starts at a respectabl­e $58,900. It was an instant charmer around town, and a headturner. It was absolutely cockpit-like, its angled infotainme­nt system with Bose 10-speaker system designed perfectly and just in the right location for the driver to be in complete control. Our red- optioned seat belts drew just enough attention to them without the red interior, a favorite option on my order sheet.

A dozen interior and exterior colors are available on the C8.

Grip matters; 19-inch front wheels and 20s shoe the rear. The Z51 rear spoiler was a really nice addition as well to the Z51 package as it really showed the sting of the appearance.

This is no Lotus or similar mid-engine vehicle. This is All-American power, and it’s absolutely unreal.

To all my Corvette-owning friends: Gary, Bob, Bobby J and the entire Corvette club. It’s go time, this one is a must have! Hey Pop, have you ordered yours yet?

Chevy Corvette Stingray C8

MSRP: $58,900 As Tested: $75,680

MPG: 15 city, 27 highway, 19.1 as tested

 ?? BY MARC GRASSO — MEDIA NEWS GROUP/BOSTON HERALD ?? The Chevy Corvette Stingray C8features a 6.2-liter V8engine, with 495horsepo­wer and 470lb.-ft. of torque.
BY MARC GRASSO — MEDIA NEWS GROUP/BOSTON HERALD The Chevy Corvette Stingray C8features a 6.2-liter V8engine, with 495horsepo­wer and 470lb.-ft. of torque.
 ??  ?? Chevy Corvette Sringray C8
Chevy Corvette Sringray C8

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