Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Chevrolet Corvette review

The Chevrolet Corvette is an American icon, and this all-new version plays on its past by reviving the Stingray name

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
  • Low price, interior gadgets, Exhaust noise
  • LHD only, brash image, fiddly seven-speed manual
Find your Chevrolet Corvette
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The Chevrolet Corvette was always designed as the supercar for the people, so despite packing a thunderous 460bhp V8 and outrageous styling, this new model costs around a quarter of the price of a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

A removable roof panel means you can take advantage of any breaks in the cloud and hear the quad exhausts in full song. Like the new Porsche 911, a seven-speed manual is fitted as standard with a satisfying mechanical action, while all UK cars get a Z51 performance pack as standard that adds an aero package, upgraded suspension and an electronically-controlled limited slip differential.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Two-stage adaptive dampers mean the Corvette can deal with track work as well as bumpy roads.

Engines, performance and drive

Unlike some European supercars that are too harsh to be driven everyday, the Corvette is just at home on long motorway trips as it is pulverizing a B-road into submission; slot it into seventh gear, and the Corvette’s 460bhp 6.2-litre V8 ticks over at just 1,500rpm at 70mph.

Toggle your way through the various driving modes, which tweak the throttle, suspension, steering weight, exhaust volume and behaviour of the electronic differential, and the Corvette comes alive, with a savage turn of pace. The sound from the four trumpet-like exhausts is epic on full throttle, and a removable roof panel let’s you enjoy the sound in all its glory.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The steering is sharp, although we’d prefer a little more weight to inspire confidence at higher speeds, while the gear lever slots around neatly. However, with seven ratios, finding the right gear when you concentrating on the road ahead isn’t always so straightforward.

If you’re feeling brave the traction control can be switched off completely, letting you pull flamboyant tail slides wherever the track allows. All UK cars come with a Z51 performance pack as standard; this adds bigger brakes, an aero pack and firmer suspension for even more control in the corners. 

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

If you think that the Corvette Stingray’s low price tag will be the end of the big bills, think again. Running a Corvette won’t quite cost as much as something more exotic – like a Lamborghini or Ferrari for instance – but it won’t be far off.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 460bhp 6.2-litre V8 for example has quite a thirst – returning 26mpg and 253g/km on the official combined cycle. However, flex your right foot and in the real world that economy figure will tumble to the high teens. And it’s not just the cost of servicing and fuel that will hurt your wallet - perishable components like tyres and brake pads will be need frequent replacing, especially if you take your Corvette on track. 

Interior, design and technology

You don’t buy a car like this unless you like to be noticed, so the Corvette Stingray is unashamedly brash to look at. It retains similar proportions to its predecessor, with a long bonnet stretching out in front of the driver, a low and wide stance and short rear overhang, but the details are all new.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Every surface with enough space features a slash, vent or a razor sharp crease, while at the rear four comically-large exhaust pipes protrude from a huge rear diffuser.

The interior isn’t quite as dramatic, but the build quality is a major improvement over its predecessors. A swooping dashboard envelops the driver and provides a grab handle for passengers to cling onto, while the wide sports seats are comfortable on long trips.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There are a number of clever touches in the cabin, too, including a screen that slides down to reveal a secret compartment for your phone and other valuables. 

Practicality, comfort and boot space

You don’t buy a 460bhp, rear-wheel drive, two-seater coupe for its practicality, but the Corvette isn’t nearly as snug as you might think. The dashboard swoops around and envelops the driver, but you never feel cramped, while there are two small cubbies in the central armrest.

The wide boot provides a surprising 424-litre of space – 100-litres more than the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and plenty for a couple of sets of golf clubs. It also features nets for keeping your shopping bags from smashing against the sides if you’re feeling lively on the way back from the supermarket.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"112874","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"280","width":"420"}}]]

The removable roof panel lifts out when you unclip three latches, and slots neatly into the boot, or you can leave it at home. 

Reliability and Safety

American V8s might not be as sophisticated as their European counter parts, but they are built to last. The large cubic capacity and lack of a turbocharger mean the 6.2-litre V8 is relatively unstressed, and will stand up to hard driving and high mileages.

The interior has received a complete overhaul too, replacing the cheap brittle plastics with a combination of leather, aluminium, carbon-fibre and soft-touch plastics – it’s still no match for a Porsche 911 or an Audi R8 but it should wear well if the Corvette is regularly used.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Corvette

New Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 features America’s most powerful V8
C8 Corvette ZR1 - front cornering

New Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 features America’s most powerful V8

The fastest, most powerful Corvette ever uses a twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 engine with over 1,000bhp
News
26 Jul 2024
Best convertible cars and cabriolets to buy 2024
Best convertibles - header image

Best convertible cars and cabriolets to buy 2024

Love the feeling of the wind in your hair while driving? These are the cars for you
Best cars & vans
26 Jul 2024
Best supercars on sale 2024
Best supercars - header image

Best supercars on sale 2024

These are the cars at the absolute pinnacle of performance, driving thrills and head-turning style, the best supercars on sale…
Best cars & vans
23 Feb 2024
Hardcore new Corvette ZR1 lifts a wheel at the Nurburgring
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - header

Hardcore new Corvette ZR1 lifts a wheel at the Nurburgring

Chevrolet’s most serious Corvette looks set to rip up the track
News
11 Oct 2023
New 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray storms in with 646bhp hybrid V8
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray (white with blue stripe) - front tracking

New 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray storms in with 646bhp hybrid V8

The E-Ray is the fastest accelerating Corvette in history, thanks to an electrically-assisted V8 and four-wheel drive
News
17 Jan 2023
New Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 2021 review
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible - front

New Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 2021 review

The new right-hand drive Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is a class act, inside and out
Road tests
8 Oct 2021
Best 60s cars: the 30 greatest cars of the 1960s
Best cars of the 60s - header

Best 60s cars: the 30 greatest cars of the 1960s

The swinging sixties brought a vast array of unforgettable cars that would establish the path of the industry for decades to come. We pick our top 30 …
Best cars & vans
21 Jun 2021
New 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray now available in the UK

New 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray now available in the UK

Chevrolet’s latest Corvette Stingray is on sale in Britain – in right-hand drive – with prices starting from £81,700
News
4 Jun 2020
New Chevrolet Corvette C8 2020 review
2020 Chevrolet Corvette - front

New Chevrolet Corvette C8 2020 review

We find out if the new mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette C8 can live up to its legendary name
Road tests
15 Oct 2019
755bhp Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 launched
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Sebring Orange front

755bhp Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 launched

The brand-new ZR1 is the fastest ever Corvette, with a 210mph top speed
News
13 Nov 2017
New Corvette Grand Sport unveiled at Geneva show
Corvette Grand Sport - Geneva 2016 - stand shot

New Corvette Grand Sport unveiled at Geneva show

Race-inspired Corvette Grand Sport edition is designed to handle circuit work
News
2 Mar 2016
Skip advert
Advertisement
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray UK review
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray UK corner

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray UK review

Can the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray finally give Europe’s finest a run for their money in the UK?
Road tests
22 Feb 2015
Chevrolet reveals pair of Corvette special editions
Chevrolet Corvette Pacific

Chevrolet reveals pair of Corvette special editions

Atlantic and Pacific design packs show off the luxurious and more track-focused parts of Corvette’s personality
News
28 Apr 2014
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible revealed in New York
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible revealed in New York

Seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 goes topless at the New York Motor Show
News
16 Apr 2014
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 revealed
Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 revealed

625bhp Corvette Z06 official specs and details confirmed at Detroit Motor Show
News
13 Jan 2014
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible review
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible front

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible review

New version of classic Chevrolet Corvette Stingray sports car drops its top
Road tests
5 Dec 2013
Blog: Corvette Stingray, what's the big deal?

Blog: Corvette Stingray, what's the big deal?

The launch of the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is huge news in the States, but should we take notice?
News
15 Jan 2013
Right-hand drive Corvette confirmed
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Right-hand drive Corvette confirmed

Chevrolet will build right-hand-drive versions of the Corvette Stingray for the first time, Auto Express has learned
News
15 Jan 2013
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray revealed
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray revealed

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray revealed

Full details and pictures of the all-new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, following its debut at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show
News
14 Jan 2013
Next Corvette to debut at the Detroit Motor Show
2014 Chevrolet Corvette crossed flags logo

Next Corvette to debut at the Detroit Motor Show

Chevrolet has confirmed it will unveil its all-new Corvette at Detroit
News
19 Oct 2012