Recently, there have been a lot of buzz on the newly revealed Chevrolet Corvette C8 Convertible and rightly so. It is basically one of the best, if not the best mid-engined car in the market, giving the performance of a supercar while still in the more affordable price range.
What’s New?
For the first time ever, Corvette will be offered in right-hand drive variants, and this is very welcome news for European drivers.
The 2022 Corvette will also have a limited-edition IMSA GTLM Championship Edition package and it will be limited to only 1,000 cars with the package price starting at $6,595. It will be available for the 3LT models that has the Z51 Performance Package.
For more environmentally conscious drivers, they are also working on releasing a hybrid version of the car although no release date has yet been given.
The convertible variant is equipped with a fully electric retractable hardtop roof. It was also given a bigger luggage space. The retractable hardtop can be deployed in 16 seconds, and it operates even at speeds of 30 mph.
The best part is that it is one of the most affordable or most reasonably priced supercar in the market for now. Price for the 1LT Coupe starts at $60,900, the 2LT Coupe starts at $68,200, while the 3LT Coupe price starts at $72,850.
Engine
Another change that they did with the 2022 Corvette C8 is that the engine was moved towards the back behind the passenger compartment instead of the front. The engine is a 6.2-liter V-8 that can produce 490 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 – 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds with a recorded top speed of 194 mph.
As another Corvette first, the C8 was given an 8-speed dual clutch automatic as its only transmission. There are two ways to control it, either via the push button gear selector that is in the center console or through the shift paddles placed on the steering wheel.
Interior and Cargo
The new 2022 Corvette C8 has two trunk spaces. There is one in front of the passenger and another behind the engine giving the car a combined 13 cubic feet of storage space. They claim that the rear compartment can easily fit two sets of golf clubs if stacked, one on top of the other.
Trims and add-ons depend on the type of Corvette C8 picked. The most basic 1LT Coupe is the lightest option, but it still has the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, removable roof panel, Bose premium 10-speaker system, Rear Park Assist, HD Rear Vision Camera, and the standard 8-way power GT1 seats, as well as power tilt/telescoping steering column.
The most luxurious is the 3LT and it has all the bells and whistles of the 1LT except that the audio system has been upgraded to 14-speakers and the Infotainment has Connected Navigation. It also has color-matched, leather-wrapped interior with 8 color options to choose from. The instrument panel and the doors will also have custom leather and suede-microfiber upper interior trim.
The heated/ventilated seats will come with lumbar/wing adjust and will be clothed in Napa leather.
Other features include Memory Driver and Passenger Convenience Package, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Performance Data Recorder, and Side Blind Zone Alert.
Much like before, the new Corvette is driver-focused, but taken to a new level. The tall, center console separates the driver from the passenger with a variety of switches. A 12-inch reconfigurable gauge display is behind the unique squared-off steering wheel, and even the large infotainment touchscreen is angled more towards the driver.
Overall, the 2022 Corvette C8 can give the same performance and luxury expected of a modern supercar, but with a more reasonable price point than its counterparts.
