Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe 2LT

Perfectly balanced, the new 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe continues to push the sporty car envelope further along. Is it getting softer, though? Napleton News had a go with it this past week. We were reminded once again of what a fantastic bargain it is and how far America’s Sports Car has come. Read on for more!

Just what is the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe?

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is one of the best values in sports cars, but it’s also the first non-concept Corvette to have its engine behind the driver instead of in front of it. It’s actually in front of the rear axle, too, making it a mid-engined sports car rather than a rear-engined vehicle like a Porsche 911.

In standard form, power comes from a naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine making 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Our tester adds the Z51 package with high-performance Z51 exhaust system. These free-breathing pipes increase the horsepower and torque respectively to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft. This engine mates to a well-sorted 8-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. There is no all-wheel drive option, nor is there an available manual gearbox. That’s ok, though, because the automatic transmission is a deliciously fast-shifting unit. Paddle shift levers allow drivers to channel their favorite Formula 1 driver.

Other Z51 features include the Z51 Sports Suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control, high-performance 19- and 20-inch tires, a Z51 rear spoiler and Z51 performance braking with a Z51 logo’d brake calipers. Equipped like this allows the Corvette to sprint from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds.

To boost its green car credentials, the Corvette Stingray Coupe’s 6.2-liter V8 includes GM’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) system that effectively disables up to four cylinders once the vehicle achieves cruising speed.

Sharp, crisp lines

The new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe features a futuristic look that is swoopy and creased but doesn’t become dated so quickly. (Acura NSX?) But one thing is for certain: There is no mistaking the new Corvette for anything but a Corvette.

All new Stingrays will offer buyers the choice of open or closed top motoring. Our coupe included a lift-off body-colored roof panel that stores in the trunk. The convertible allows buyers to lower the roof even while moving.

A look inside the Stingray Coupe.

The 2022 Corvette Stingray Coupe is not especially accommodating for the larger set, although it offers quite a bit of adjustability. Our Z51-equipped model featured competition sport bucket seats with heating, ventilation and more. The Corvette’s interior is cobbled together with an emphasis on driver comfort. Passenger seating may suffer a bit, but hey, it’s a driver’s car! Everything is within easy reach from the adjustable bolstered seat, including the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system its 8-inch HD touchscreen display screen. Just above the display is a two-function mirror that operates as a standard mirror or, via the flick of a switch, a rearview display screen.

One of the more innovative features in the Corvette Stingray is the “spine” of controls that display the automatic climate controls for both the driver and passenger. It also serves as a dividing line to teach passengers to mind their own business on their side of the “wall.”

The frunk (front trunk) offers a surprising amount of space to store groceries, a small roll-aboard or several duffle bags. The choice is yours. Just remember there are only two seats inside, so if you expect to double date in one vehicle, it won’t be in the 2022 Corvette Stingray.

Behind the wheel of the 2022 Corvette Stingray Coupe

It starts with the push of a button that instantly unleashes a growl that can wake most of the neighbors. Figure out the gear selector switches, which can be confusing at first and then become second nature. Flick D for Drive and the car lurches forward excitedly. Once underway, the first thing we notice is how quiet it is. Smartphone conversationalists tell us mid-call that we sound like we are ringing them up from our offices.

All is peaceful inside. That is until we decide to stomp on the skinny pedal. At that point, the engine announces its presence with authority. The sound is intoxicating, and the speed expands exponentially. Talk about “Nuke Laloosh” from the classic baseball film “Bull Durham!” What follows is the feeling that you are being pushed into your seat with a size 11 shoe to the chest.

Once reality sets back in, we bring the Stingray to a gentle idle to wait for the green light to reappear via a quickly approaching traffic light. The Magnetic Ride Control makes it a liveable and highly adaptable vehicle that can be as mild or as wild as you want it to be.

This Vette can take you to work during the week and the track during the weekend. The question is, are you up to the task? There’s only one way to find out.

Step right up and put your money down.

Specifications

	2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe 2LT
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	6.2-Liter naturally-aspirated V8
Horsepower	495 @ 6,450 rpm
Torque	470 LB-FT @ 5,150 rpm
Transmission	8-speed D-C automatic
Fuel Economy	19 mpg (16 city/24 hwy)
Suspension	Magnetic Selective Drive Control
Turning Circle	38.0 ft.
Also Available	1LT, 3LT, Convertible, Z06 (2023)
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	NA
Max Seating Capacity	2
Wheelbase	107.2 inches
Overall Length	182.3 inches
Width	76.1 inches
Height	48.6 inches
Trunk Room	12.6 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	37.9 inches
Headroom, Rear	NA
Legroom, Front	42.8 inches
Legroom, Rear	NA
Shoulder, Front	54.4 inches
Shoulder, Rear	NA