My neighbor just had to know about the Ferrari in my driveway. I explained that it was “only” a Corvette, but the conversation pointed out how Chevy’s iconic hot rod finally passes muster in a very important sales-point category: Does it look impressive as hell parked in front of your house?
The new Corvette assuredly looks as sharp as a stiletto. It has just emerged from a thorough redesign that not only sculpted its body in edgy, sleek angles, but it also delivered a first-rate interior. At the wheel, gazing over the molded hood, you feel like a jet-fighter pilot. (And, like any pilot, you have to crane around to see behind you.) The driving experience could be called burly, and might surprise someone who has moved over from an upscale sedan imbued with effortless power. GM knows how to make that car, as there are very muscular Cadillacs to choose from. By comparison, the Corvette just feels brawny, especially with the seven-speed manual. (There is also an eight-speed automatic.) You have here a very light body and chassis wrapped around a herculean V-8 that’s ready to yank your arms out of their sockets.
If you’re thinking about starting her up for a run over to the Post Road for lunch, think again. This baby wants you to drive far away on some twisty roads you know and love. The steering is absolutely perfect and the brakes are sensational. The car is happy just gliding along, the engine turning so slowly you’ll get better than 30 mpg. But when you get deep in the throttle and let the revs zoom up to 4,000, along come the lusty howls—from the car, that is, and perhaps from you.
Misgivings? Well, winter driving, probably. There is no all-wheel-drive option, but the Corvette’s price undercuts the grander, rival supercars to such a degree you could just buy another car for winter. The joy of the new Stingray is that, for all its refinements, it still rewards the driver with a hellacious and rowdy insolence.
CORVETTE STINGRAY
Price (as tested): $66,170
Drivetrain: 455-hp, 6.2-liter V-8, rear-wheel drive
EPA mileage ratings: 17 city/29 highway