Quick Take: 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Very rarely does the Cartrast team sample performance vehicles, but when the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a 2022 Corvette on the scenic and twisty roads of Malibu presented itself, we simply couldn’t say no. As this generation of the Corvette now has the engine in the middle for better handling and on-road performance, we wanted to find out the kind of car it has become. So we found ourselves piloting an orange mid-engined Corvette Stingray coupe in the warm June Southern California weather and discovered why it is one of the most difficult cars to obtain at the moment.
All Corvette Stingrays come with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that generates 495 horsepower mated to a very quick-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Our test vehicle came equipped with the Z51 Performance Package, which adds high performance tires, harder suspension, uprated spoiler, uprated brakes, a heavy-duty cooling system, a performance exhaust (which made excellent sounds), and an electronic limited-slip differential, as well as Magnetic Selective Ride Control, which helps provide a very compliant ride on rougher roads, yet can provide a high amount of traction under spirited conditions.
In 3LT trim, the Stingray we drove was exceptionally relaxing when driving normally and equipped with features such as a Bose sound system, ventilated seats, a head-up display, wireless charging for mobile phones, and cameras in the front and back for a better view when parking. In addition, our Stingray had the Competition sport bucket seats that were firm yet cozy and we could imagine being comfortable after long trips, an attribute which many other sports cars don’t possess. Other notable options were the sueded microfiber wrapped interior which made the interior a pleasant place to be, and the adjustable front lift which allows the Corvette to ascend steep driveways without scraping the front bumper.
On the sinuous roads of Malibu, the reason why the Corvette is so popular came to the fore. With the new mid-engined layout as well as the updated Magnetic Selective Ride Control system, the cornering ability is phenomenal with loads of grip, while the engine and transmission combo allow for the power to be put down responsibly in a way that maximizes the speeds out of slow turns. Acceleration was astoundingly quick (the Corvette has delivered 0 to 60 miles per hour times of 2.8 seconds in magazine testing), and there was never any lag in power in the midrange. Steering feedback was outstanding, likely helped by the Z51 suspension, and the Corvette always felt like it had even more speed to give. The experience definitely reminded us of past supercars but the Stingray was so much more usable, and more importantly, livable compared to those cars.
Ultimately, we understand wholeheartedly why the new Corvette is so popular to the extent some buyers are waiting months for them. It is a premier performance vehicle that is extraordinary in the experience that it provides its drivers. With the amazing amount of grip from the chassis and suspension as well as the marvelous energy from its powertrain, the Corvette will be cherished by all who get behind the wheel, not just the owners. And with an as-tested price of $88,225 for our test car, the Stingray performs better than supercars costing twice, if not thrice, as much. At the end of the day, we’re glad we managed to sample the Corvette Stingray and we think more car shoppers should try it to discover an experience they’ve been missing out on.