In the 67 years since the first model rolled off a GM assembly line, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has become the embodiment of the classic American sports car. It has been the “dream car” for many an automotive enthusiast, with performance meeting or exceeding foreign manufactured vehicles costing many times its price.
From 1953 through 2019, there were seven different generations of the Corvette, known as C1 through C7. Each of those generations were evolutionary in design and introduced new performance and safety technologies which later became standard on other vehicles.
However, during 2019, GM announced the development of the eighth generation of Corvette that represents a radical departure from the past. For the first time, the C8 Stingray would abandon its traditional front engine mount in favor of an all-new mid-engine design. While the new design caused a good deal of discussion among sports car fans, it didn’t take very long before venerable Motor Trend magazine named the 2020 Corvette Stingray the 2020 Car of the Year.
Hendersonville Lifestyle got a sneak preview of the new Stingray during the C8 Mobile Tour at Serra Chevrolet-Buick-GMC of Nashville on Jan. 29. A large crowd of curious car fans attended the all-day event in order to get to see and touch the new Stingray in person. They also had the opportunity to discuss the details and options of the new Stingray with a certified GM specialist, as well as to place custom orders for delivery over the next four to six weeks.
GM made the decision to depart from the traditional front-engine chassis design for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, Corvette designers realized that they were rapidly reaching the performance limits of the front-engine configuration. By moving to a mid-chassis design, engineers were able to shift engine weight toward the rear axle, resulting in dramatically improved rear-end traction, faster acceleration and improved braking.
Next, GM wanted the new Corvette to be more than just an American sports car. Most of its higher priced competitors, such as the Ferrari 488, the Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Huracán, have been using mid-engine design for many years. In order to gain additional penetration into foreign markets, GM had no choice but to move to a rear-engine configuration.
Despite all of the technical and performance upgrades, the base Corvette Stingray coupe (1LT) is priced at $59,995, with the convertible model starting at $67,495. Two additional configurations, 2LT and 3LT, are also available in both coupe and convertible body styles, starting at $67,295 and $71,945, respectively.
Along with its reasonable starting price, the 1LT configuration comes with a long list of standard equipment to enhance the driving experience. The base Stingray includes a 6.2-liter V8 engine rated at 490 horsepower and a top speed of 194 miles per hour, an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters, 8-way power seats with Mulan leather, hidden door handles and trunk/hatch releases, a removable body-color roof panel, a Bose 10-speaker premium sound system and an 8” diagonal color touch display offering Chevrolet’s latest infotainment system.
The 2LT configuration adds a wide variety of upgrades, including a color heads-up display, a heated steering wheel, a Bose 14-speaker Performance Series audio system and blind spot detection. The 3LT model includes all of the 2LT upgrades, as well as GT2 seats with Napa and Mulan leather seating surfaces, a custom leather-wrapped interior and suede-wrapped interior door trim.
Along with the three configurations, the Stingray can also be ordered with the popular Z51 Performance Package for an additional $5,000. This upgrade package includes a performance exhaust system, a performance-tuned suspension, an electronic limited slip differential, a rear spoiler and larger front and rear disc brakes.
All in all, the 2020 Corvette is the most exciting vehicle to hit the streets in many years. With a sleek design and world-class performance, the C8 Stingray will be at home in any sports car enthusiast’s garage.
Serra Chevrolet-Buick-GMC of Nashville
2340 Gallatin Pike N.,
Madison, TN 37115
615.543.5456
