Overview

The Chevrolet Corvette has a long history dating back to the 1950s. The current C8 model continues this legacy in a new direction with a rumbling V-8 positioned behind the passenger compartment and a still-affordable price. When outfitted with the Z51 package, the Corvette has performance in the supercar category and surgically precise handling, making it a track day favorite. However, its ride over bumpy stretches is surprisingly pleasant, and its cabin is comfortable enough for daily use. There are two models available: a coupe and a convertible. The coupe has a lift-off roof panel for driving in the open air. It's affordable pricing, superb performance, and unexpected practicality make it a great value. Storage spaces beneath the engine and in front of the cabin provide adequate cargo capacity for a weekend getaway.

Engine, Transmission, Performance

Though it is now beneath the passenger compartment rather than in front of it, the engine is still a 6.2-liter V-8, albeit one that produces 490 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft of torque. It has 495 horsepower when equipped with the dual-mode performance exhaust included with the Z51 package. The Z51 option includes summer tires, more aggressive brakes, and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. The only available transmission is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, a Corvette first. A push-button gear selector on the center console or two sizable shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel is used to operate it. There isn't a manual transmission available. In our tests, a vehicle with the Z51 performance package and the optional FE4 magnetorheological dampers achieved a zero-to-60-mph time of 2.8 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 11.2 seconds at 122 mph. We were able to stop at a speed of 70 mph in 149 feet while measuring 1.03 g's on the skid pad. But even in its most basic configuration, the 2017 Corvette can handle heroically and provide intense thrills on the road and the racetrack.

Interior, Comfort, Cargo

The futuristic interior of the Corvette, which is still only a two-seater, is lined with materials like leather, real metal trim, and imitation suede, and even has a fancy stitched headliner. The roof can be removed from the coupe precisely like the ones on earlier Corvettes and fits within the trunk immediately behind the engine. Two golf bags can also do in the back trunk, and a front box is available for goods or luggage while the top is stowed. The 12.0-inch reconfigurable gauge panel and a vast infotainment touchscreen are both tilted toward the driver for comfort. The driver is seated behind a squared-off steering wheel. The cockpit is divided in half by a tall bank of temperature control system controls, which maximizes the driver-focused approach. The new Vette's cabin is generally very decent. The 3LT option offers better materials, including stitched leather on most of its interior surfaces and carbon fiber trim. The new Corvette has two trunk spaces totaling 13 cubic feet, one in front of the passenger compartment and one behind the engine. According to Chevrolet, two sets of golf clubs may fit in the Corvette's back room when piled on top. Our testing revealed that we had no trouble fitting our set of clubs, supporting Chevy's assertion. When determining whether there was space for our carry-on-size luggage, we managed to cram two into the back of the Corvette and one into the front trunk.