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The Corvette is an american Sportcars-Myth lived in Europe for seven generations not really pulled though. The eighth edition does a lot differently than its predecessor. Is that enough to be on a par with the European placeholders?
Almost two years after the market launch in the USA, the eighth generation of the Corvette is now officially coming to Europe. However, the attentive observer could already admire a few copies on German streets - as imported US copies. In this country, the classic sports car is now starting at prices from 86.900 euros for the coupé and 93.400 euros for the convertible.
Much remains the same
The new Corvette will continue to be appended with the suffix “Stingray”, but that is almost the only thing that has remained when switching to the eighth generation. Never before since it was first introduced in 1953 have the changes been greater. Okay, the two-seater is still powered by an eight-cylinder (small block) and the fiberglass-reinforced plastic body, as always, is set in exactly the same way as the removable targa roof of the coupé. Otherwise, however, a lot is different, some even completely new.
For the first time, for example, the V8 can no longer be found under a long bonnet; the unit with an output of 354 kW / 482 hp now sits behind the driver. There it can also be seen spectacularly under a transparent fiberglass hood, but only on the Coupé. This change has an impact on the design of the sports car. The dashboard, and with it the driver and front passenger, has moved 42 centimeters forward. The front hood is logically shorter, slopes steeply from the large windshield to the flat radiator grille and is shaped by four body folds.
The relatively powerful headlights, which are positioned higher in comparison, run out into the side of the fenders in the style of the time. Overall, the front view is a little reminiscent of Ferrari, especially if you order the stingray in red.
Are optimizations really necessary?
At the back you can see two powerful tailpipes each on the left and right, with large air outlets above them. While the flat windshield is very large, the side windows are on the small side and the rear window is actually tiny. So tiny that you wanted to give the driver a better view to the rear - in the form of a camera rearview mirror, but you can also switch to "normal" view.
You buy a Corvette because of its uninhibited design, but most of all because of its drive system. The eight-cylinder with its almost archaic displacement of 6,2 liters works behind the driver's back. Its torque of 613 Newton meters is sent directly to the rear axle. For the first time, an eight-speed dual clutch transmission is used for power transmission.
Fun vehicle
A look at the data and the driving values: We like to believe the 296 km / h top speed and the 3,5 seconds sprint time, even without having had a chance to check, but the 12,1 liter average consumption tends to be less. Anyone who drives a Corvette has to be able to treat the gas station attendant to sales and ignore CO2 emissions to a certain extent. Or limit yourself to a few enjoyable kilometers per year.
Because the Corvette is always fun, even more fun than ever before. The Chevrolet, which has always been optically chic for almost 60 years in its time, has also won from generation to generation as a sports car, but without being able to scratch the European icons such as Ferrari or Porsche in its driving characteristics. The model was always too much designed for American roads, American speed limits and American driver types.
Not for restless hands
Even the new Corvette has not yet fully arrived in the old world. For example, the performance chassis, which is standard in Europe, was not always up to the powerful torque when cornering and tended to break away, especially in wet conditions, which was quickly prevented by the ESP. The steering, on the other hand, is perhaps too pointed, which makes the vehicle react extremely nervously. The Brembo brakes are convincing, but could certainly give the driver even more feedback. An electronic limited slip differential and a special cooling system as well as high-performance tires from Michelin (front: 245/35 ZR 19, rear: 305/30 ZR 20) are always included.
Nevertheless, the American is convincing, especially compared to its predecessor, especially when the road is dry. The bearish small block always develops more than enough power and torque, also from the low revs, the attentive double clutch leaves little room for criticism. Despite the low weight thanks to the plastic chassis (1.530 kg), consumption of more than 14 liters will be the rule.
Interior a matter of taste
One of the positive surprises is the interior, which is narrow, but significantly more valuable than what we were used to from US models just a few years ago. The cockpit is of course digitally set up, a 12-inch screen houses the infotainment system. Whether the steering wheel had to be flattened at the top and bottom, we would check under a matter of taste.
The US version of the Corvette built in Kentucky starts at $ 60.000 there. The European versions offer a lot more equipment and are also (see above) adapted to our road conditions. Nonetheless, the surcharge is enormous: the Coupé costs just under 87.000 euros, while the Cabriolet costs another 7.000 euros. Compared to Porsche, Ferrari or Lamborghini, the Corvette still remains a bargain. And if the price is too cheap or the performance is still too weak: At the end of October, Chevrolet will be adding the Supersport version Z06, with a slightly smaller but more modern engine and rumored 650 hp.
Technical data
Two-door, two-seat sports car; Length: 4,63 meters, width: 1,94 meters, height: 1,24 meters, wheelbase: 2,72 meters, trunk: 357 liters (front and rear)
6,2-liter eight-cylinder mid-engine naturally aspirated gasoline engine; 354 kW / 482 PS, maximum torque: 613 Nm at 4.500 rpm, rear-wheel drive, 8-speed dual clutch transmission, 0-100 km / h: 3,5 s, Vmax: 296 km / h, standard consumption: 12,1 liters / 100 kilometers, emissions standard: Euro 6d, CO2 emissions: 277 g / km, efficiency class: G.
Price: from 86.900 (Coupé) / 93.400 euros (Convertible)
In brief
Why: powerful sports car with a great design at a relatively low price
Why not: Chassis not always sovereign, engine and fuel consumption seem out of date
What else: AMG GT, Aston Martin DB11, Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 Carrera S.
When does he come: in stores now
What's next: The Z06 Supersport variant will be presented at the end of October