The Corvette Stingray, sometimes spelled Sting Ray, is the entry-level variant of the Chevrolet Corvette that spans four generations, including C2 (as the Sting Ray), C3, C7 and C8. Notably, for the C1, C4, C5 and C6 generations, the Stingray moniker was not used to designate the entry-level models.
Quick Facts
| C2 Sting Ray | C3 Stingray | C7 Stingray | C8 Stingray | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Series 0800, Series 194 | Series 194, Series Z, Series Y | Y-Body | Y2 |
| Model Year(s) | 1963 – 1967 | 1968 – 1976 | 2014 – 2019 | 2020 – Present |
| Engines | 5.4L V8, 6.5L V8, 7.0L V8 | 5.4L V8, 5.7L V8, 7.0L V8, 7.4L V8 | 6.2L V8 LT1 | 6.2L V8 LT2 |
| Transmissions | 2-Speed Auto, 3-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Manual | 3-Speed Auto, 3-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Manual | Tremec 7-Speed Manual TR6070, GM 6-Speed Auto 6L80 (2014), GM 8-Speed Auto 8L90 (2015 – 2019) | Tremec 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Production | GM St. Louis Plant, Missouri, USA | GM St. Louis Plant, Missouri, USA | GM Bowling Green Plant, Kentucky, USA | GM Bowling Green Plant, Kentucky, USA |
Corvette C2 Sting Ray
1963 Corvette Sting Ray
| Assembly Location | GM Bowling Green Plant, Kentucky, USA |
| Model Years | 1963 – 1967 |
| Body Style | Coupe, Convertible |
| Layout | Front-Engined, Longitudinal |
| Engine(s) | Atmospheric 5.4L V8, Atmospheric 6.5L V8, Atmospheric 7.0L V8 |
| Power (hp) | 250 – 435 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 344 – 460 |
| Transmission(s) | 2-Speed Auto, 3-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Manual |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Platform | Series 0800 (1963 – 1964), Series 194 (1965 – 1967) |
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray C2
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Corvette C3 Stingray
1973 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Stingray C3 in yellow
| Assembly Location | GM Bowling Green Plant, Kentucky, USA |
| Model Years | 1968 – 1976 |
| Body Style | Coupe, Convertible |
| Layout | Front-Engined, Longitudinal |
| Engine(s) | Atmospheric 5.4L V8, Atmospheric 5.7L V8, Atmospheric 7.0L V8, Atmospheric 7.4L V8 |
| Power (hp) | 165 – 425 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 255 – 475 |
| Transmission(s) | 3-Speed Auto, 3-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Manual |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Platform | Series 194 (1968 – 1971), Series Z (1972 – 1975), Series Y (1976) |
1973 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Stingray C3
This section coming soon.
Corvette C7 Stingray
2014 Corvette Stingray
| Assembly Location | GM Bowling Green Plant, Kentucky, USA |
| Model Years | 2014 – 2019 |
| Body Style | Coupe, Convertible |
| Layout | Front-Engined, Longitudinal |
| Engine(s) | Atmospheric 6.2L V8 LT1 |
| Power (hp) | 455 with stock exhaust, 460 with dual-mode exhaust |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 460 with stock exhaust, 465 with dual-mode exhaust |
| Transmission(s) | Tremec 7-Speed Manual TR6070, GM 6-Speed Hydra-Matic Auto 6L80 (2014), GM 8-Speed Hydra-Matic Auto 8L90 (2015 – 2019) |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Platform | Y-Body |
Introduced for the 2014 model year, the Corvette C7 Stingray marked the return of the Stingray moniker after a nearly 40-year hiatus. With the arrival of the C7 generation, Chevrolet’s Sports Car took a notable step forward in regard to aggressive exterior styling and interior amenities, going so far as to initially garner criticism from hardcore Corvette fans. Development of the entry-level Corvette commenced in 2007 – roughly six years before the first series production model rolled off the line. Incidentally, engineers considered mid-engined and rear-engined configurations, but ultimately elected to stick with a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive setup to keep costs in check.
The C7 Stingray featured a number of features intended to keep weight down, including a carbon fiber hood, underbody panels made of carbon-nano composites, hydro-formed aluminum, and an increased use of lightweight materials where possible. Despite going to these lengths, the overall weight of the entry-level Corvette C7 was comparable to that of the Corvette C6 generation at approximately 3,400 pounds.
It’s worth noting that the suspension, an independent unequal-length double wishbone with transverse fiberglass mono-leaf springs setup, is also similar to that of the Corvette C6.
2014 Corvette Stingray
Under the hood Corvette C7 Stingray was the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT1 gasoline engine, which represented the first engine within the fifth-generation Chevrolet Small Block family. The setup was rated at 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque as standard, gaining 5 units all around to 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet when equipped with the optional performance exhaust. A Tremec seven-speed manual or GM eight-speed automatic served as the two transmission choices.
The C7 Stingray was also offered with the Z51 Performance Package, which added a dry sump oil system, specially-tuned close-ratio gearing, a transmission cooler, aluminum alloy wheels, dual-compound Michelin tires, brake-cooling ducts, larger slotted rotors, Brembo calipers, an electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD), a differential cooling system, special chassis tuning, a performance exhaust package and optional Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management.
Corvette C8 Stingray
2020 Corvette Stingray
| Model Year(s) | 2020 – Present |
| Assembly Location | GM Bowling Green Plant, Kentucky, USA |
| Body Style | Coupe, Convertible |
| Layout | Mid-Engined, Longitudinal |
| Engine(s) | Atmospheric 6.2L V8 LT2 |
| Power (hp) | 490 with stock exhaust, 495 with dual-mode exhaust |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 460 with stock exhaust, 470 with dual-mode exhaust |
| Transmission(s) | Tremec 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Platform | Y2 |
Pulling the Corvette out of its tried-and-true Front Engine RWD configuration, the Corvette C8 Stingray was officially unveiled in July 2019 and launched for the 2020 model year. As the first production mid-engine vehicle from General Motors since the Pontiac Fiero was discontinued following the 1988 model year, the C8 Stingray features a vastly different design as compared to other Corvette models thanks to features like an all-aluminum architecture and coilover springs. Interestingly, the Corvette C8 is the only GM vehicle produced in both LHD and RHD configurations in the same factory.
In regard to the suspension, the Corvette C8 Stingray is equipped with an unequal-length double wishbone setup, and can be optioned with a front-axle lifting height adjustable system that’s capable of adding 2-inches of ground clearance. For those who desire more performance from their suspension, the Z51 package includes a performance-tuned adjustable suspension setup with higher front- and rear-spring rates and firmer dampers.
It’s worth noting that Magnetic Ride Control is offered across the board, and features Performance Traction Management and an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) on Z51-equipped C8 Stingrays.
2020 Corvette Stingray
As for the powertrain, the 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine is an evolution of the LT1 engine found underneath the hood of the Corvette C7. Rated at 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque in standard configuration, output is bumped up to 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipping the optional Performance Exhaust (RPO code NPP). The Tremec eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the only transmission offered.
With a starting MSRP just below $60,000, the 2020 Corvette Stingray severely undercut comparable mid-engined rivals in regard to performance-per-dollar.
Sales
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Discussion
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