Generation 8 Corvette: V8 naturally aspirated, large displacement, and affordable prices

Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray—Like a hypercar with manners

2025-02-24 From sp-x | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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V8 naturally aspirated with large displacement, superior performance, a spectacular appearance, and comparatively affordable prices. There is much to be said for the Corvette even in the eighth generation.

In its eighth generation, the Corvette features a mid-engine.(Image: Chevrolet) — In its eighth generation, the Corvette features a mid-engine.
(Image: Chevrolet)

Only those who change remain true to themselves. Chevrolet has embraced this saying with the new edition of the Corvette as its motto and completely reimagined the traditional sports car. Thanks to the mid-engine concept, the eighth generation now looks like an ultra-exclusive hypercar, yet with a starting price of just over 100,000 euros (104.780,00 USD), it remains clearly below the level of the visually more understated competition from Porsche and Mercedes. On the road, however, the American is more civil than its appearance might suggest.

The Corvette has been around for over 70 years, and for seven generations, the engine was located under the long hood at the front. In the eighth edition of the sports car classic, it moves behind the driver and passenger. This completely changes the proportions: the visual center is no longer the short and flat front, but the hefty engine compartment in the rear, resulting in the typical mid-engine wedge shape. Normally, this style is reserved for supercars in the highest price segment, but the Corvette offers it for half the money.

Restrained sound

approx. As a buyer, you don't have to make concessions on the drive: as has been customary for generations, a V8 naturally aspirated engine sets the rear wheels in motion in the standard Corvette. Currently, with 6.2 liters of displacement, it delivers 354 kW/482 hp and 613 Nm of torque. That's more than enough to get the nearly 1.8 tons of the US sports car moving: 0 to 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph) is reached in 3.5 seconds, 200 km/h (approx. 124 mph) is clocked in just under 13 seconds, and it only stops at 296 km/h (approx. 183 mph). In a card game, you'd have quite decent cards here, which could win some tricks against the usual competition.

The character of the engine is not reflected in numbers. Initially, the V8 seems somewhat acoustically restrained. This applies not only to the volume inside the cabin but also to the variability of the soundscape. Unlike many competitors, Chevrolet refrains from adding sounds that don't originate from the operation of the large naturally aspirated engine. Especially in normal city and highway traffic, the V8 is a rather quiet companion, only showcasing its immense power when under load. Depending on personal preference, this restraint can be seen as a pleasant contribution to everyday comfort or as an unemotional damper on fun.

Gallery

Alongside the coupe, there is also a convertible.(Image: Chevrolet)

In terms of price, the Corvette remains a comparatively affordable choice even after the change in drive concept.(Image: Chevrolet)

The stingray can be seen on the rear hatch.(Image: Chevrolet)

The new Stingray has shed the somewhat rough appearance of its older predecessors for the mid-engine era.(Image: Chevrolet)

Gallery with 6 images

In a way, this balance applies to the entire car. The latest Corvette has emancipated itself from the wild boisterousness of some previous models: the drivetrain, chassis (with adaptive dampers), steering, and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission are all harmoniously tuned. Whether cruising in city traffic, fast country jaunts, or long highway drives, the American performs as confidently as possible for a low, tight sports car. No Corvette has likely been easier to drive, partly because the more rearward engine placement remedies the notorious reluctance to turn of some predecessors, which were primarily intended for straight-line driving.

Corvette can also be different

However, the wild side of the Corvette can and must be coaxed out intentionally. This is possible by firmly stepping on the gas or pressing the drive mode button on the steering wheel to switch settings from "Tour" to "Sport" and "Track". Then, the engine roars, the rear wheels grip the asphalt, the automatic transmission slams into a lower gear—and the two-seater makes a vigorous leap forward.

In terms of design and interior, the Corvette reasserts itself as an uncompromising sports car. The doors swing wide open, the seats are just above street level, and the two luggage compartments in the front and rear hold little more than light weekend luggage. Original but ultimately somewhat egocentric: the driver-oriented cockpit. The occupant in the right seat is separated by the high, barely visible center console and feels more like a passenger being transported rather than a co-driver. In terms of operability and visibility, the concept offers no noticeable advantages. A somewhat more classic architecture would certainly not have been amiss here. However, the quality impression and ambiance inside have significantly improved over its predecessors—the drab hard-plastic landscapes are a thing of the past.

Mature, but not tame

In terms of pricing, the Corvette remains a comparatively affordable choice even after the change in the drive concept. The base "2LT" coupe costs around 103,000 euros (107.923,40 USD), while the slightly better-equipped "3LT" starts at just under 107,000 euros (112.114,60 USD). The prices for the convertible are each about 7,000 euros higher (7.334,60 USD). Since all cars in Europe are equipped with the otherwise optional "Z51 Performance Package," the equipment is always at least decent, including Brembo brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, sports suspension, and sports exhaust.

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Nevertheless, even with the 3LT model, there are numerous options to further enhance the sports car, especially visually, such as different bucket seats, body trim parts, and elaborate forged wheels. The test vehicle thus came to just under 130,000 euros (136.214,00 USD) but then left nothing to be desired.

The new Stingray has shed the somewhat rough demeanor of its older predecessors for the mid-engine era. Some may lament this, but in terms of everyday usability, it's clearly a plus. Even though the new proportions appear even wilder than those of the front-engine models, the C8 is not a burden in city traffic or on the highway. And when needed, it still shows its familiar claws and lets the V8 roar robustly when revved out.