2021 Stingray puts physics to work for great speed, handling
While the motor press has reported ecstatically on the mid-engine C8 Stingray, one Corvette design engineer says it’s not all about engine placement.
“This was not just about moving the engine. This was a ground-up rebuild,” Kirk Bennion said at a Corvette event in Florida. “The biggest benefit, really, is that it moved the occupants 16.5 inches forward. That was a huge change. It gave the car better balance, better weight distribution … and it improved traction and handling.”
Analysts and enthusiasts alike have been amazed at the dynamic design of the C8, now in its second model year. One humble Corvette technical engineer, Besy Philip, said there’s really “nothing tricky” about it. “We don’t try to cheat the law of physics,” he said. “We try to get it to work for us.”
Best of all, the C8 is still one of the best bang-foryour-buck sports cars in the world, a track star yet graceful and comfortable enough for daily commutes and road trips. Its wide stance is enhanced by a broad, blacked-out grille, large air intakes in front and bulging from the sides, and a broad rear with squared-off quad exhausts.
The hardtop convertible ($7,500 option) was a first for Corvette. Surveys showed a preference for the hard top over fabric. Not only does it look cleaner, Chevy says, it offers better aerodynamics. With a tap of the key fob, it drops down in just 16 seconds even at speeds up to 30 mph.
Beyond good looks and speed, the C8 also handles like no Corvette before it. With extra weight over the rear wheels, balance and traction are noticeably improved through twisty roads and corners. Also, kudos for a nicely weighted and precise steering system.
Drive modes include Sport, Track, Tour, Weather and another to customize settings. Flip into Tour and the C8 relaxes suspension, steering and throttle for breezy commutes and beer runs. Track mode allows the driver to use the Launch Control and record performance numbers and video.
The C8 has some growl with its bite but it’s not a loudmouth. There is a button to enhance the rumble from the squaredoff quad exhausts, if you like to announce your arrival. And here’s a tip for the noisemakers on the boulevard: Pull back on both paddle shifters for a quick slip into neutral, then rev it up!
One design oddity is a 16-inch wall of climate-control buttons separating the driver and passenger. Maybe it was designed by a dad with daughters? It is tedious finding the right button quickly but that will ease up over time.
Materials are first-class across the board: leather, metal trim and suede fabrics even on base trims.
Putting “physics to work” has placed the C8 in the company of supercars when it comes to performance. Fortunately, with an MSRP around $60K and most supercars at two or three times that, it still is behind the pack when it comes to price.