2022 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY

CHEVY CORVETTE STINGRAY ASSUMES

‘SUPER CAR’ STATUS WITH LATEST REDESIGN

The Great American Sports Car will celebrate its 70th birthday next year, but like fine wine and quality bourbon, it just keeps getting better with age.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is every bit as revolutionary as the first production model that rolled off the assembly line in Flint, Mich., on June 30, 1953 (the famed Bowling Green, Ky., plant didn’t open until June 1, 1981).

The 2022 Corvette is the third since the company moved the engine from the front to just behind the passenger compartment in the transformative redesign of 2020, and though it has always been an eye-catcher, it now gets the attention once exclusive for the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini and other so-called “Super Cars.”

Bearing the “Stingray” sobriquet that dates back to 1959, the 2022 Chevy Corvette comes in coupe or convertible form with the coupe featuring a removable targa top for an open air experience. (It’s designed for one person to remove and replace, but a lot easier with two handling the chore.)

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe that serves as the basis for this review came in 2LT trim, which sits in the middle of the base 1LT and top-of-the-line 3LT models.

Standard comfort features for 2LT models include 8-way power leather seats that are heated and ventilated and with power lumbar control, dual-zone air conditioning, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a heated steering wheel, 14-speaker Bose sound system, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen and navigation.

All of that is in a luxurious interior that can be argued is the best ever in the ’Vette’s long lifespan. The 3LT package takes that even further with premium over standard leather seats, leather-wrapped interior panels, and a microfiber headliner.

Among other standard features in the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT coupe are a head-up display, keyless start, remote start, OnStar services, LED headlights, and a performance data and video recorder. 

Standard safety systems include a curb-view front camera to assist with parking, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot warning, and a digital rear-view mirror.

No, I didn’t forget the drivetrain. All 2022 Corvettes get a 6.2-liter V8 with a max 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an 8-speed double-clutch automatic transmission, fuel mileage is reported at 16 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 19 combined, and it zips from zero-to-60 in under three seconds, according to various sources.

Alas, no manual transmission is offered on this, the C8 generation of Corvettes. Manual gear selection is accomplished via paddle shifters once Drive has been chosen on the button on the center console. 

Possibly one of the best things about the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe is that although it has the profile of a six-figure super car, MSRP starts at under $70,000 even in 2LT trim. With $1,295 for destination, my test ’Vette carried a base price tag of $69,495.

Options ran that up into the mid-$80,000 range with the Z51 Performance Package adding $6,345 by itself. That package includes a performance exhaust, high performance tires and suspension, upgraded brakes, and a heavy duty cooling system.

Other extras such as front-lift height adjustable system, competition bucket seats, and carbon fiber interior trim (including a microfiber-wrapped square steering wheel) ran the final bottom line to $85,970.
Try taking that to a Ferrari dealer and see what you come out with.

What I liked about the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe: The performance is exhilarating, and the interior is highly sophisticated with creature comforts like heated and ventilated seats. Numerous infotainment features are user friendly. Seats are supportive, and the ride surprisingly quiet despite the location of the engine.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe: Rear vision is somewhat restricted. Cargo space is not too bad for a true sports car, but limited to a small front compartment when the targa top is stowed in the rear behind the engine. I also wish it came with a manual transmission.

Would I buy the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe? In a heartbeat. If you are looking for a Super Sports Car at a reasonable price, this is it. Even with its top-end capabilities, it also is right at home as a daily commuter.