A 2021 Chevy Corvette fitted with what the new-for-2021 Stingray R package has been photographed at the Rolex 24 Hour race, which Corvette Racing just finished sweeping (more on that later).
Talk of a Stingray R package for the mid-engine Corvette began in March of last year. A leaked Corvette Order Guide, which mentioned several upcoming paint color and stripe options, also referred to a “‘Stingray R’ theme graphics and wheel cap” package. This would make the car resemble the Corvette C8.R racer which competes in the GTLM class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.
In August, a white Corvette C8 was used as the official pace car for the IMSA meeting at Road America. In case anyone missed the details, a photo of that car parked on the track beside the GTLM Corvette racers showed up in the @TeamChevy Twitter account the following week.
This and other official images showed that the white car had several additional elements. The most immediately obvious was a black/carbon two-tone hood stripe. Other details included red sideview mirrors, red aero accents and a large Bow Tie roof emblem. The word ‘Stingray’ appears in white letters on a windshield banner, and again – this time followed by a red letter R – on the front splitter. The last of these features provided the most convincing evidence that the pace car had been fitted with the Stingray R package.
However, we are now a month into 2021, and the Stingray R package is nowhere to be seen in the official Corvette configurator on the Chevrolet website or for dealers to order. To add further confusion, the red Corvette seen at Daytona does not have exactly the same graphics as the white one at Road America.
The white-and-red Stingray R lettering is still present but instead of the splitter, it is now located on an aero panel ahead of the rear wheels. The two-tone hood stripe is present, but there is no Bow Tie emblem on the roof, and the sideview mirrors are not red. Close inspection of the photos suggests that the wheel center caps do not have Corvette Jake logo, which may have been present with the Road America pacer car.
Whether the Stingray R package has been revised since August, or the red Corvette simply does not have all the elements applied, is not yet clear. However, the photos do at least suggest that the package is becoming closer to being an official option for America’s mid-engine sports car.
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Hat tip to Nigel Scott Dobbie for the photos.
Comments
Nothing like tac on items and bling…. but no fix for the exposed radiator grilles up front.
Good old GM. If it looks good, it’s all good.
Ten years from now, it’ll be leaking batteries on the E Ray. Lol.
Good ol GM. They just keep on beating down the competition in IMSA
Mmmm doesn’t seem well thought out if this reporting is accurate. One would think a “Stingray R” would have some performance mod, like a radiator screen 🙂 wider front tires, more front downforce to help the track turn in
Something other than a sticker…
GM is all about selling packages that provide nothing more than stickers and different wheels for $$$ thousands more. As a GM performance guy: Owner of both an ’11 Camaro SS and ’17 C7 Grand Sport, I find it to be highly frustrating, but I enjoy modding, so I simply buy the vehicles and build them myself.
It is what it is. 🙂
In the 70’s we called it stick on. GM was the master. The Trans Am was a testament to this.
J.C. Whitney is alive and well at GM.
There is a company already busy building a replica front grill facia for the Corvette. I for one do think the design team at GM should focus on this area in mid-cycle touch-ups.
Most of the Corvette owners do not drive 150 MPH, it would be nice if the design team could design a smooth scoop on the trunk lid that blend in with the concept of the car like artwork. It should all be one piece of artwork. That is what makes the Farrei so beautiful, the design team thinks of art from the beginning. The Corvette at its price is a big winner, just add a little artwork into a couple of areas.
how can my post get a thumb down, All I am saying the big wing scoop on the back do not have to be so huge for drivers like myself who loves the car but will never drive over 100 MPH, the design team can design a scoop that blend in with the body of the car that will make it look more like one concept, they can still produce the big wide scoop we see in the pictures for others. I just think a beautiful art design trunk lid that blends in with the body would look so unique.
Problem is…..Tacked-on appearance packages don’t cure ugly
I still say a Vette should have big round tail lights and hide away headlights. Bullies!
It is ironic that GM has time to develop ad ons that are cosmetic, but nothing to address the damage of the radiator condenser area. PS I love our car but come on GM!
Nah most Vette drivers valets drivers do 150 mph while the owners dine at the seniors buffet…🙂🙃🙂
Why do mfg’s and owners think additional gee gaws and junk improve the looks of an already decent looking car. Bottom line-it looks like crap.
Appearance always has been, and will continue to be 100% subjective. Sorry.
Yawn, as usual American sports car looks even more boring. Typical American manufacturing
Yeah, cuz the Porsche is such a piece of over priced plastic. The 911 is a fat butt and azzhats wont let the Caymen beat the 911. cuz 911 is better but they neuter it with long gears. the 911 & Caymen havent changed how they look in 60 yrs.
all cars are crappy now. get over it
Say what you want, but I’d get one. I thought they were ugly, until I got to look at a fellow hiker’s. Life evolves folks, an so do cars. I love my 04 C5 but the new ones are true lookers!