Engine
The 2021 Chevy Corvette Stingray is equipped with a 6.2-liter 16-valve small-block V-8 gas engine. This engine can produce between 490 and 495 hp and 465 to 470 lb-ft of torque, depending on which options you choose. To get the added power, you will need to select the Performance exhaust of the Z51 Performance Package. The engine air intake features a Corvette insignia and has eight runners to maximize torque and overall airflow for each cylinder in the engine, improving overall performance. The engine utilizes stainless steel exhaust manifolds to provide efficient airflow and reduce engine emissions. Finally, the dry-sump lubrication and scavenge system ensures exceptional oil flow to areas that need it, especially when you are pushing your Corvette’s engine to the limit.
The 2021 model is the fastest Corvette that has ever been built by Chevrolet. The 2021 Corvette 3LT has been able to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 2.9 seconds, and the other two trims are not that far behind. The Corvette Stingray has a top speed of 194 miles per hour, but unless you live near a racetrack, you may not be driving your Corvette that fast.
Transmission
The C8 Corvette has a standard 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is paired with a set of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Chevrolet refers to this system as TREMEC, and it allows the driver to use the paddle shifters to select a specific gear while driving. This transmission will give you the best of both worlds with the smooth shifting of an automatic transmission and the maximum overall control of a manual.
Chevy has added six different drive modes to the 2021 Corvette, further allowing you to perform in a variety of situations. You can choose from Weather, Tour, Sport, Track, MyMode, and Z mode. The last two modes can be customized to provide a personal configuration of the engine and transmission on your Corvette. By utilizing this option, you can tailor the performance of your Corvette to your personal driving style.
Handling and Acceleration
Moving the engine to the rear of the car from the front provides better overall weight distribution, improving the overall handling and acceleration. The Corvette is rear-wheel drive, and the extra weight of the engine over the driven wheels provides optimal performance. It rides on a 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season tires. These are incredibly high-performance tires that provide more grip than many dedicated summer tires while allowing you to drive your Corvette for an extended season all the way to winter’s first frost.
The 2021 Chevy Corvette rides on a short/long-arm double wishbone suspension with monotube shock absorbers. Magnetic ride control is also available, even without upgrading to the Z51 Performance Package. This will provide a very comfortable ride for you and your passenger, even at top speed. The Corvette also has Brembo antilock brakes, which really are a must on a performance sports car. These will provide exceptional braking and make the Corvette ready to drive straight from the dealership to the track.