When it comes to performance vehicles, there are a lot of really cool cars out there. Drivers can choose their performance level, from affordable pony cars to exotic hypercars and everything in between. However, many everyday drivers have a few stipulations. They need a performance car that is street-legal, affordable, and still a lot of fun. For the past seven decades, drivers have satisfied these needs with a very specific vehicle, and for its 70th anniversary, the 2023 Chevy Corvette Stingray promises to be every bit as cool as it has always been.
Not only does 2023 bring us the most powerful production Stingray to date, but Chevy has somehow made the Corvette sleeker, more aggressive looking, and even more incredible than ever. Inside and out, the Corvette has been engineered to be fast, nimble, precise, and sporty without losing its street-legal status or pricing itself out of the market. Take a look at the 2023 Chevy Corvette Stingray to determine which version would look best with you behind the wheel, and get ready for some time-tested driving excitement.
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Drivers do not shop for a Corvette because they want a mild-mannered, economical, family-friendly vehicle. Drivers shop for a Corvette because they want to observe their surroundings streaking by from the cozy cabin of a well-bred sports machine. Offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, the 2023 Stingray was created by placing a lightweight composite body on a perfectly engineered metal frame. The result is astounding aerodynamics and solid, responsive steering.
What about the engine? After all, a performance car requires power. The 2023 Corvette has this part of the equation well under control with a 6.2L V8 that sits right behind the driver to propel the whole package forward at unprecedented speeds. More importantly, this engine is naturally aspirated, which means there are no turbochargers involved. The 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque come naturally for the Stingray.
If you are looking for a little extra zip, you can select the Z51 Performance Package. Complete with a modified exhaust system, this package bumps the engine output to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Also included in the Z51 package are a special performance suspension, unique Brembo brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced cooling, and more. Another available performance option is Magnetic Selective Ride Control, which enhances stability at all speeds.
Drivers can control the rear-wheel drive experience with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that offers near-instant shifting capability. While hard-core fans might be surprised at the lack of a manual transmission option, you'll forget it's not there when traveling from zero to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds to hit a top speed of 194 mph.
Of course, going fast and looking cool are just part of the Corvette's 70-year recipe for success. Chevy has an even longer-running reputation for creating vehicles that don't focus on just one area, which is why this performance vehicle is also equipped with features that provide comfort and convenience.
There are two body styles available, as dictated by tradition. The coupe includes a removable roof panel that can be stored in the truck for an open-air driving experience. You might not recognize the convertible models at first glance because they feature a power-folding hardtop that blends in with the body. As an added bonus, the convertible can be lowered while the car is in motion––though not at that 194 mph top speed. The top speed for lowering the convertible top is a modest 30 mph.
Three trims are offered for each body style: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. The 1LT starts things out on a positive note with a 10-speaker Bose sound system, Mulan leather sports seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and an HD Rear Vision Camera with Rear Parking Assist.
The 2LT brings even more top-shelf features to the party with a deluxe 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system, a premium infotainment system with built-in navigation, HD front and rear cameras, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and driver-assist features like Rear Cross Traffic and Side Blind Zone Alerts.
The 3LT unleashes a bold level of adventure with signature GT2 performance bucket seats featuring Napa leather, carbon fiber inserts, and a seatback halo to provide additional stability when blazing through corners at top speed. The cabin of the 3LT is swathed in leather and sueded microfiber to create a soft, suave, and sound-dampening interior that soothes as the world passes by at top speeds.
Chevy honors the Corvette's platinum anniversary with a special edition available for drivers who select the 3LT trim. While the vehicle remains the same 2023 Corvette Stingray in terms of performance, Chevy has gone to great lengths to differentiate this special edition from the rest of the lineup.
The 70th Anniversary Edition is offered in White Pearl Metallic and Carbon Flash Metallic exterior colors. Those who select the White Pearl version can add Satin Matrix Grey racing stripes, while those who prefer Carbon Flash can select optional Satin Black Metallic racing stripes. Both exterior colors accentuate the Stingray's aggressive aerodynamic body style, highlighting the curves and angles that help it zoom at intense speeds.
A red stripe and 70th-anniversary center cap on the wheels accentuate the Edge Red brake calipers, and drivers who select the coupe will enjoy a 70th-anniversary inscription on the rear window. The colorful accents continue inside the cabin, with Ceramic White leather seating with red stitching and Torch Red seat belts. Chevy also includes a two-piece leather travel bag set with red stitching to complete the ensemble.
While 70th Anniversary badging is tastefully displayed on the interior and exterior, drivers will be interested to note that these models have a special plaque and unique VIN sequence, which means that imitations can be spotted right away. Given the collectibility of Corvettes, it stands to reason that this VIN sequence will be important to those looking to add this model to their collection.
There are a few choices that you can only make if you're looking to purchase a Corvette. For example, choosing between available orange, red, yellow, natural, and blue seatbelts isn't typical for most vehicles. Then again, a Corvette Stingray is not most vehicles.
In addition to the Z51 Performance Package and 70th Anniversary Special Edition, Chevy provides plenty of options and accessories to make your Corvette one-of-a-kind. Red leather seating, carbon fiber interior accents, and the Stealth Interior Trim Package allow drivers to customize the interior of their vehicle to their liking. The Stingray R appearance package adds a black center hood stripe, Jake logo, and Stingray R badging around the vehicle.
A feature exclusive to 2LT and 3LT Stingray trims is the Performance Data and Video Recorder. Generally intended for track use, this system uses a windshield-mounted HD camera. Depending on the mode selected, you can record and review speeds, lap times, g-forces, 0-60 runs, and quarter-mile times.
When you are not at the track, this system allows drivers to record videos of spectacular views through Touring Mode. For drivers who have a keen interest in what happens when they hand the keys over to another individual, Valet Mode keeps an eye on performance data and records video to prevent unauthorized joyrides.