2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Hardtop Convertible: The Brand's Affordable Super Exotic Sports Car

Highlight: This is the brand’s first hardtop convertible.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $83,875 (Base Model 1LT: $68,495)

Seating Capacity: 2

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; traction control; camera; side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators; day time running lights a rear park assist system; a limited slip rear differential; a tire pressure monitoring system; and OnStar

Standard Equipment (1LT): rear-wheel drive; V8 engine; 19-inch front tires; 20-inch rear tires; 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission; body colored heated, driver-side auto dimming power folding outside mirrors; LED headlamps; carbon flash metallic painted outside mirrors; in-car Wi-Fi; a 12-inch driver information center; power front seats; an air filtration system; cargo nets; an 8-inch infotainment screen; customer wrapped leather upper instrument panel, door trim panels and console cover; a dual zone automatic control system; heated steering wheel; leather seats; and a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Standard Equipment (2LT): auto-dimming power folding outside mirrors; 14-speaker Bose system; a navigation system; HD front and rearview camera; Heads Up Display; heated and ventilated seats; inclinator sensor detects if the vehicle is being lifted with a tow truck or a vehicle jack; alarm is activated when unauthorized entry or movement is sensed; memory seating for both driver and passenger; power driver lumbar seat control; power driver/passenger seatback bolster; a rear cross traffic alert system; a side blind zone alert system; a theft deterrent safety system; and a universal home remote system

Options: a 14-speaker Bose audio system; navigation system; cargo nets; a heads up display system; HD curb view camera; memory seats; a performance data and video recorder; heated and ventilated front seats; power lumbar seats; a heated steering wheel; a wireless in-car charger; 9 additional months of SiriusXM; a power heated outside mirror; power folding mirrors with turn signal indicators; an auto dimming driver side mirror; a rear cross traffic alert system; a side blind zone alert system; Z51 performance brakes; Z51 performance suspension; a performance exhaust system; a performance rear axle ratio; an electronic slip differential; a Z51 rear spoiler; high performance tires; rear flat tires; a heavy duty cooling system; GT2 bucket seats with competition sport appearance features and carbon fiber trims; front lift height adjustable height memory; optional exterior paint color; and edge red painted brake caliper

Other Trim Levels:

3LT

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a Bose 10-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 6.2-liter, 8-cylinder engine/490-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 15-city/27-hwy

What’s New:  The eighth-generation Corvette Stingray in 2020 evolved from a rear wheel drive sports car into a mid-engine performance vehicle. Since the Corvette hit the scene in the early 50s, this is the first time Chevy’s halo vehicle has been placed the engine behind the rear seats.

Why:

    Looks like an exotic super car

·        Priced well below an exotic super car

·        Cool factor

·        Available in a coupe or convertible

·        An array of exuberant colors

·        2-Seater

·        Powerful standard V8 engine

·        First mid-engine design in a Corvette

·        Driver oriented interior design

·        Interior execution – Vertical Climate Control

·        Two cargo spaces (traditional hood and trunk)

·        Hidden exterior door latch – does not take away from the design

·        Easy-to-use information system

·        Vibrant exterior colors available

·        6 interior color choices

·        6 seatbelt colors

·        Racing inspired seats available

·        Front suspension lift that raises to clear curbs, when parking

·        Z51 performance package available

·        0 to 60-mph within 3 seconds with the performance package

·        Wireless charging

·        Available of 2 Bose audio systems with the ability to house up to 14 speakers

·        A performance data recorder system

·        A piano key center cockpit system with gear selector and the like

·        2-piece power top can be activated at speeds up to 30-mph

·        Customization with the vehicle from the factory

·        Great for on and off track driving

·        Suitable for a cross-country road trip

·        A variety of driving modes

But: 

·        No manual transmission available

·        2-Seater.. too bad more can’t experience the fun

·        Basic maintenance requires returning to the dealership (beyond the warranty)

·        Sits too low to the ground

·        HUD (heads up display) should be standard on all trims

·        Speakers not integrated into headrest

·        2LT security system should be standard on 1LT model too

·        No electrified performance vehicle (as of yet)

·        Only one engine available

Verdict: The 2020 Corvette Stingray arrived on the scene wearing a dramatic new design that has turned the heads of both the young and the old alike. The eye-catching two-seater has evolved into an exotic looking super car, while maintaining its affordable American roots.

This generation’s Corvette, with its mid-engine placement, is available as a hardtop and a power hardtop convertible for the first time. Despite the Corvette Stingray lacking a manual transmission, this year’s Corvette Stingray, which spews out almost 500-horsepower, is a great alternative to many of the super exotic sports cars priced over $100,000.

Let’s just say, it doesn’t disappoint when inside the cabin and behind the wheel either. The Corvette Stingray provides a thrilling driving experience that is suitable for curvy back roads or long stretches of highway driving. Chevy’s team of engineers and designers have hit the mark with this generation’s model both inside and out. We can’t wait to see how this generation’s work of art on wheels evolve in terms of horsepower, trims and the like.

Competition: Acura NSX; Porsche 911 Carrera; Ferrari 488 Spider; and Nissan GTR