The Chevy Corvette is America’s sports car, a car lionized on track as well as through song and verse. Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” certainly had another meaning, but there’s little doubt that any other car has stirred the hearts of Americans than this hottest of all Chevys. An all-new, mid-engine model is waiting in the wings. Thus, 2019 represents its last hurrah.
What’s New
This is the final year for the C7 or seventh-generation Corvette. To mark the occasion, Chevrolet rolled out its most expensive and powerful model yet, the ZR1. Priced from $123,000, the big supercharger helps bang out an incredible 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque.
Corvette pricing begins around $57,000 for the Stingray and approaches $135,000 for a fully-equipped ZR1. Customers have a choice of three other trims, including ZL1, Grand Sport, and Z06. Add $4,500 for the convertible.
Chevy Corvette Design Highlights
From every angle, the Corvette shouts “supercar,” although its pricing is mainstream. Long sinewy lines, raised edges, pronounced body sculpting, and a distinctive rear haunch amplifies this road-hugging machine. Functional vents in the hood and rear quarter panels add visual interest. The beautiful boomerang LED lights up front are only eclipsed by the statement-making lights and quad exhaust panel on the rear fascia.
The cabin is sports car snug with thickly bolstered, yet comfortable seats. There isn’t much room to maneuver, but even tall passengers should find the space sufficient. The driver-focused cockpit features a sports cluster with the tachometer centered. Soft-touch materials, LED lighting, metal pedals, and leather seats are standard. Work your way up the trim ladder and heated and ventilated seats, premium leather, and suede materials arrive. The Corvette coupe has 15 cubic feet of generous storage capacity, more than most models. The convertible supplies 10 cubic feet.
Technology & Safety
Chevrolet equips the Corvette with a 9-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, smartphone compatibility, two USB ports, Siri Eyes Free, and an 8-inch color display. A 10-speaker system and a navigation package are optional.
You won’t find the usual cadre of safety equipment with the Corvette. Items like lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and the emergency braking are not on the docket. Certainly, they are not a priority for most drivers, but they are important features nonetheless.
Check Your Performance
Every 2019 Corvette comes with a 6.2-liter V8 paired with either a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Notably, it is what Chevrolet does with this engine that impacts its performance numbers, which range from 460 to 755 horsepower.
Most models come with a naturally aspirated engine, while some utilize forced induction. Specifically, a supercharger of varying sizes. Moreover, the Corvette’s small, lightweight frame makes a big difference too, as this sports car tips the scales at 3,298 pounds. Even fully equipped top-end models add just 320 pounds, making the Corvette feel light on its feet, extremely nimble, and a blast to drive.
There is no weak point to the Chevy Corvette besides ride comfort, a model that delivers excellent handling feedback, a rip-roaring exhaust system, and firm brakes to bring you to a safe stop. Your 0-60 mph time is under 4 seconds or 3 with the top-end models. You can’t shift fast enough to achieve those numbers, which is one reason why the available automatic transmission sells so well. But if you’re a manual fan, the gearbox delivers quick shifts and exquisitely clean clutch uptake.
So Long, Farewell
This is your last chance to purchase a new, front-engine Corvette. Beginning in 2020, a mid-engine replacement arrives, bringing with it the most significant change in the ‘Vette’s near-seven-decade history. Our pick for the current model is the Grand Sport, our test vehicle. This one comes with Z06-style upgrades, including a front splitter, molded rockers, and a gurney flap spoiler. Choose the 2LT package, which includes an upgraded Bose audio system, expanded interior color choices, and a curb-view camera, all for about $70,000.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Specifications
| Chevrolet | 2019 Corvette ZR1 |
|---|---|
| Segment | Sports Car |
| Price Range | $121,995 to $126,495 |
| Destination Charge | $1,095 |
| Drivetrain | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine | 6.2-liter, V-8, Supercharged |
| Horsepower | 755 @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 715 @ 3,600 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke (inches) | 4.06 x 3.62 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Transmission | 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic |
| Seating | 2 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 106.7 |
| Length (inches) | 179.8 |
| Width (inches) | 77.4 |
| Height (inches) | 48.5 or 48.7 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 38.0 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 43.0 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 55.0 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 54.0 |
| Pax Volume (cu. ft.) | 52.0 |
| Cargo Storage (cu. ft.) | 15.0 (coupe)/10.0 (convertible) |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 3,560 (coupe)/3,618 (convertible) |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | N/A |
| Towing (pounds) | N/A |
| Payload (pounds) | N/A |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 18.5 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 12/20/15 |
| Manufacturing Plant | Bowling Green, Kentucky |
Specifications supplied by the manufacturer. Statistics assembled by Tom Keegan.
See Also — New Mid-Engine Corvette is the Best One Yet
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