AutoNSider Review | 2020 Corvette Stingray Coupe

Photo credit Photo Credit: Bob Jackson/RADIO.COM

By AutoNsider with Daryl Killian, News-Talk 1380 WAOK

Do you think Lambos McLarens, and Ferraris can have “Corvette Envy”?
Just could happen…………
After all…184 - 194 top end…2.9 – 3.5 seconds to 60…supercar / supermodel
styling….and pricing from around 60 thousand.
No…I didn’t leave out a “1” or “2” before that 60 thousand…prices really DO
start just a hair UNDER 60K.
You might remember…before it hit the streets, this new mid-engined Stingray
was rumored to be priced in the six-figures…and well worth it. And while you
can option-up your Stingray to close to that level, the base machine is perhaps
the best performance bargain available today.
Yes…it’s as good as you’re probably heard…and more. I was actually surprised
to discovered a couple of “extras” that you just don’t expect on the average
Supercar.
But let’s get back to the basics for a minute here.
6.2 liter non-turbo V-8, 490 HP standard and 495 with Chevy’s Z51 package.
Ironically, it’s the Z51 that has a claimed 0-60 in under 3 seconds, but due to the
different gearing, it’s the standard 490 HP that has the 194 MPH top end. The
Z51 “only” does 184.
No manual is offered. The only transmission is a fast-shifting 8-speed dual
clutch automatic….an automatic that executes upshifts and downshifts in 100
milliseconds…or leaves the shifting up to you with one of the most advanced and
track-ready paddle shift systems on the market.
Even the base trim, your ’20 Stingray will come with some pretty serious stuff like
Brembo brakes, race-inspired active handling, traction control, and 245 X 35 X
19” performance rubber in the front and 305 X 30 X 20” in the rear. Handling in
the twisties is so good that you’ll almost feel that braking is optional.
You’ll also get heated and ventilated front seats and an easily removeable roof
panel that’ll make your Stingray a “semi-convertible”. The roof panel stores in
the rear luggage area, tho’…taking up some luggage space.
So let’s get to the first surprise. You can take this machine from “Track to
Truck”. Well, that’s an exaggeration, but I did make a run to the Depot and

packed a 40 lb bag of seed, a 40 lb bag of pebbles, a 75’ hose and a sprinkler in
the hatch…and then went to Kroger and put two bags of groceries and a
pumpkin the “frunk”…the front storage bin.
My point? Chevy’s new Stingray could actually be a daily driver.
And if used as a daily driver, another surprise is the mileage. 15 city and 27 on
the road…and those are realistic figures.
The real surprise, tho’, was the level of comfort…once inside. Unlike any other
supercar that I’ve driven, the ’20 Stingray…in normal shift mode, actually gives
you a comfortable ride. Not soft by any means, but a ride that my delicate
significant other found quite comfortable. That’s just not the norm in a car like
this. And if you want to get aggressive, there’s always Sport and Track settings
that definitely live up to their names.
Our base $58,900 Stingray added only a performance exhaust system, red brake
calipers, and $895 worth of “Bad Boy Blue” ( Chevy calls it “Rapid Blue” ) paint
and matching seat belts. Even with transportation fees, the window sticker was
still under $63,000. A truly amazing value.
And if you want to option it up, Chevy’s ready for you. One option that I’d
definitely recommend is Chevy’s optional front-end lift. The Stingray rides low,
and you’ve gotta’ be careful going over bumps and steep inclines. The front end
lift automatically stores up to 1,000 locations in its GPS system and recognizes
them when you arrive…and automatically raises your front end a couple of
inches. Trust me…you want this.
So the irony about Chevy’s new Stingray? As fast as it is, be sure to budget
extra time to get somewhere and get back.
It’s the shape…the Blue…the sound…but wherever you park, you’re likely to be
drawing crowds…making new friends…and spending a whole lot more time
talking than you planned on!