BRILLIANT VEHICLE OFFERS SUPERIOR DRIVER EXPERIENCE
I didn't want to like driving the Corvette C8 as much as I did.
So, a confession from a hot-blooded Mopar enthusiast: the new Corvette C8 is a brilliant car, and that's mainly because it draws upon GM'S technology for features and functions that give drivers the best experience possible, in the widest range of driving situations.
My tester was a 3LT with plenty of goodies, including a mid-mounted 6.2-litre, 495-horsepower V8. Power goes to the rear wheels at the direction of a Tremec-built twin-clutch gearbox and electronic limited-slip differential (ELSD) whose operation can be monitored from the instrument cluster.
Entry and exit can require some flexibility, and occupants sit deep and low within the cabin. There's decent storage in the cabin for smaller items, but not much stretch-out space. The driver gets a tremendous cockpit effect with the tall, curved centre console literally encircling them with the Vette's controls and displays.
My tester's Magnetic Selective Ride suspension system is what I'd call a must-have feature. This optional suspension system includes computer-controlled shocks, and the relationship between the C8's wheels and body is constantly monitored in real time by a computer system. Though tire noise can increase significantly on some surfaces, the Corvette is a comfortable and laid-back cruiser that's suitable for road tripping.
On my highway-intensive test drive through central and northern Ontario, I especially appreciated the C8 when driving in the dark. I noted excellent performance from the lighting system, with strong reach and peripheral illumination inspiring confidence and reducing eye strain.
Dim the instrument panel fully, and the forward dash goes blackout, leaving only a minimal digital readout for speed, fuel and temperature, and the faintly lit gearshift pattern on the console.
Though comfortable for cruising and spectacular after dark, more passionate pursuits are what draw C8 shoppers in for a closer look. On one hand, you could drive your grandmother to church on Sunday in the C8; it's stealthily quiet, rides comfortably, and can ooze smoothly through traffic without breaking 1,500 rpm. But when the chance arises for full throttle, it puts on a hell of a show.
A hard launch is met with an initial squat, a leap forward, subtle wheel spin, and then a steadily rising surge of thrust and noise that piles on and swells up toward the redline. There's a strong feel of rising action to the power curve that's refreshingly engaging, and increasingly uncommon as turbocharging and electrification increase. Just mind the sports exhaust system because the local police will hear you coming if you've got the flaps open.
The Corvette C8's front end doesn't have to support the weight of an engine, so it's light and easier to steer. It feels athletic and highly responsive, as well as eager to entertain. Drivers don't need a racetrack to get the most out of this setup — even tackling a roundabout or on ramp is more entertaining and energetic.
Multiple camera systems compensate for the limited outward sightlines, and the rear-view camera system was one of my favourites, thanks to its high-resolution display graphics and unobstructed widescreen video feed of the area just behind the car. When parking, a 360-degree camera system with similarly impressive graphics can keep an eye on the proximity of the Corvette to nearby infrastructure. This takes a lot of the stress out of moving a low-visibility car around in tight quarters and in traffic. Another stress buster is the optional front suspension lift. Just tap a button and it quickly (but noisily) lifts the C8's nose for extra clearance over curbs, speed bumps and the like.
Elsewhere, my favourite touches included automatic climate control, a head-up display, wireless Android Auto, and a clever smartphone-charging slot in the rear firewall.
From outside, you've got two trunks. The frunk is deep, but not very wide. There's a handy 12-volt power outlet inside, which makes it the perfect space for track-day stuff such as a portable air compressor, helmet, and 12-volt cooler full of ham sandwiches and Gatorade.
Gripes? Mind the leather on entry and exit — it's a tight fit for some, and care is advised to keep from rubbing, kicking or scuffing certain leather-covered parts. Though the leather in most of the C8's cabin has a high quality look and feel, the leather on the steering wheel looked and felt lower budget. The trunk and frunk releases on my tester's remote were a bit fiddly, and the tires and suspension can bind and scrub at times while parking, but that's par for the course for a car with performance capabilities like this one.
Overall, the new C8 Corvette gives drivers a comprehensive technological tool kit that can be deployed to fine tune the driving experience to owner-specific tastes and in a wide variety of situations.