Corvette C8 Stingray First Drive Review! American V8 hits the UK… 7 Jul 2021

What a first drive of the new Corvette Stingray C8. Very recently, it hit UK roads with a 6.2l naturally aspirated V8 developing 496bhp and 637nm all mated to a twin clutch gearbox! The American model packs a serious punch, with striking road presence.  

I was joined by Oliver Gavin, Chevrolet Racing and Development Driver. He talked us through the the mid-rear engine Corvette, he shared that this concept coming to fruition was a real privilege to witness, and I can see why. With the mid-engine concept, the heat expelled from the front radiators can flow down the side panel and away, with the back radiator providing extra cooling, with the addition of the fresh air intake to keep the system in equilibrium.  

Inside, the seat is 40cm further forward than the previous version for maximum visibility. The layout of the car is effortlessly accessible to the driver, the feel of the leather clad wheel and seating. The driving feedback, due to the seat positioning, makes it feel as if the car is adhering to you as you arc corners, making for an intuitive experience.   

Some stats; 470hp and a 6.2L LT2, brand new engine and a naturally aspirated V8. The mid-rear engine configuration allows for practicality with front and rear cavities for storage.  

Once we took to the road, Oliver talked me through the vision and road connection that you experience with the Corvette. It’s an entirely immersive experience, and the smoothness with which it rounded corners was beyond belief and the instant responsiveness of the engine was something to behold. In track mode, the speed of the shifts was particularly astounding. 

For my round in the driver’s seat, although reluctant to give any driving impressions on this occasion, the actuation of the gearbox was outstanding. Oliver shared: “Even the launch control that we have on the car, it shortens the gear shifts and it’s the way that the gearbox reintroduces the torque”. The interoperability of all the components is clear to see in these subtle details.  

It was eye-opening to get an insight into the Corvette C8 Stingray on this side of the pond, and we were delighted to see it at the Festival of Speed this year too!  

NEW Corvette C8 Stingray First Drive Review! American V8 hits the UK… - YouTube