Written by Alan Taylor-Jones Updated: 14 September 2022

Overview

We dare say some of you have a few preconceptions when it comes to the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible. You might think it’s little more than a two-seat muscle car that likes straights as much as it hates corners and consumes fuel like a fighter jet, but that couldn’t be further from the truth these days.

Sure, it has a hearty 6.2-litre V8 that’s closely related to those you’d find in a truck, yet the latest C8 Corvette has it mounted in the middle and driving through a very modern eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Even the entry-level car has nearly 500hp and a claimed 0-62mph time of less than four seconds, so performance is very 21st Century, too.

Although you couldn’t call the Corvette cheap, it certainly compares favourably to rivals. Despite dripping with standard equipment, it undercuts the basic Porsche 911 Cabriolet and instead costs a similar amount to a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 or the Jaguar F-Type P450 Roadster. If you want similar supercar vibes, you’ll be spending tens of thousands more on an Audi R8 Spyder.

What’s it like inside?

The Corvette’s interior is dramatically styled, with the central spine contributing to a cocooning effect whilst housing the air-con and heated/ventilated seat controls. They take a little getting used to, but quickly prove easy to navigate even on the move. Similarly, the squircular steering wheel might make you think Allegro, but it’s comfortable to hold and doesn’t prove problematic when cornering or manoeuvring. Besides, if it’s good enough for Ferrari….

11

Quality for the most part is very impressive. Virtually every surface is wrapped in attractively stitched leather, with grippy suede available for the steering wheel and seat centres. There are some cheaper materials if you look hard enough, though. The cupholders are made out of a particularly cheap-looking plastic, while the window and mirror switches on the door look like they’ve been lifted from a Florida-based rental car.

However, while a 911 or R8 feels better screwed together, the Corvette’s dramatic shapes and high centre console make it feel the more special place. It has a decent touchscreen infotainment system that’s easy to navigate, responsive and fitted with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus a clear and configurable digital driver’s display. There’s even a superb Bose stereo and sharp, informative head-up display as standard.

Storage inside isn’t particularly amazing, although there are a couple of large cupholders under a lidded cubby, more space under the central armrest and an acceptable glovebox. The door pockets are a bit on the stingy side as is the boot up front. There’s another behind the engine which is big enough for a couple of squishy overnight bags or a week’s shop, so it’s a shame it gets very warm thanks to the close proximity of the engine.

Comfort

Our tallest and shortest testers were able to find a driving position that suits despite there being around a foot in height separating them. The seats have all the movement you could possibly need and have full electric adjustment with memory on all versions.

In use they prove supportive in corners with ample bolstering to stop you sliding about without being a pain to get in and out of like some racing-style seats. They’re even comfortable on a long journey, with plenty of lumbar support and just the right amount of cushioning to stop your backside falling asleep.

11

Space isn’t an issue either, with plentiful head and legroom plus generous amounts of space between you and your front seat passenger. With heated and cooled seats as standard, we’ve sat in less comfortable and accommodating executive saloons.

Safety

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Euro NCAP hasn’t crash tested the Corvette. Given the strong structure that underpins the car, we’d expect it to perform well in the event of a crash especially given the array of front and side airbags.

As with some rivals such as the R8 Spyder, the Corvette isn’t quite as good at preventing a crash in the first place. While you get blind spot monitoring and a rear cross traffic alert system, automatic emergency braking isn’t even available as an option.

If you want that peace of mind or just like the convenience of adaptive cruise control, we’d point you towards the Porsche 911.

What’s it like to drive?

So far we’ve only sampled the ‘entry-level’ Corvette; there’s an even more rapid Z06 version with in excess of 600hp due to arrive in 2023 that we can’t wait to get our hands on. Not that there’s anything wrong with the Stingray’s 482hp 6.2-litre V8, itself good for a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.5sec. Although we’d take that figure with a pinch of salt – the allegedly slower Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet feels noticeably faster – outright performance isn’t the Corvette’s best feature.

For a start there’s something very appealing about the NASCAR-like rumble that permeates the cabin at all times, even in the so called ‘Stealth’ mode which proves to be a downright fib. Despite the old-school soundtrack the engine is happy to rev past 6000rpm and has throttle response that a turbocharged 911 could only dream of. It’s even happy to settle down to a subdued cruise where it managed over 28mpg on a long run.

Tyre roar isn’t as intrusive as some rivals such as the aforementioned 911, while wind noise is well contained thanks to a folding hard top. You won’t feel the odd shimmy and shake like the F-Type either. That’s because even the Stingray Coupe has a removable roof panel, causing Chevrolet to focus hard on making the car’s structure as stiff as possible without a roof. In fact our only real gripe is that the gearbox is a bit juddery at low speeds, although it’s fine once you’re rolling.

11

Even with standard fit 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, the Corvette is surprisingly good at soaking up bumps. With the optional adjustable suspension set to its most supple Comfort mode it proves more compliant than many ordinary cars, smoothing off even pockmarked road surfaces. It’s no luxury limo, but you’d happily jump in it and cover several hundred miles without sweat.

Despite this the Corvette’s handling is still its standout feature. It’s great in the softer modes, with precise and communicative steering keeping you involved at all speeds, while stiffening things up makes it feel even more agile. Grip levels are exceedingly high although you can unstick the tail if you really want to. It’s a little sudden when it lets go but you’d have to be really trying in the dry. Ultimately a 911 is even more capable, yet it requires you to be travelling significantly faster before it really comes alive while an F-Type feels softer and less agile.

Ownership costs and maintenance

The Corvette is exceptionally well priced considering what you get and can be surprisingly economical; we saw 28mpg on a long run but enthusiastic driving will quickly drop that figure into the teens or worse. We’d expect servicing to be cheaper than some rivals due to the relatively simple engine, and there’s a three-year/60,000-mile warranty should things go wrong.

However, there’s only one Corvette dealer in the UK and they’re located in Surrey. That’s fine if you live in the South East, not so much if you live at the top of Scotland.

What models and trims are available?

There’s only two trim levels and they both come stacked with kit. Included on base 2LT are electric seats with memory, cooling and heating, two-zone climate control, front and rear parking cameras, a Bose stereo, head-up display, a switchable sports exhaust and cruise control. There are certainly very few options you’d want to add.

11

Top 3LT trim essentially just spruces up the interior without adding any additional gizmos, while most options are to do with colour and trim. We’d certainly recommend the optional adaptive suspension, though.

What else should I know?

You’ll find the Corvette easy to get in and out of just so long as you don’t park too close to anything. While the doors open wide, they’re very thick which can be troublesome in tight gaps.

Click through to our verdict to see if we’d recommend the Corvette Convertible.