Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the iconic sports cars that is not only a classic, but still in production today. Currently, the Corvette has multiple versions in production, but its history began back in 1953. It is now in its eighth generation, continuing decades of giving drivers what they want from a sports car: style and performance.
The name Corvette comes from the small and maneuverable warship of the same name. Chevy first introduced the Corvette as a convertible in 1953 during the GM Motorama display at the famous New York Auto Show. At this point, it was just a concept. The coupe would not arrive until 1963 with the second generation. The first generation of the Corvette had a solid-axle and the 1953 model year included 300 polo-white Corvettes, each of which was hand-built. Colors expanded the next year and a V8 arrived as an optional engine in 1955.
The Corvette Stingray arrived for the second generation, which was a bit smaller than the first generation. The Corvette was fully restyled for the third generation in 1968, including T-top removable roof panels that were an industry-first. In 1982, the Collector’s Edition model offered a hatchback design for the first time on the Corvette. The fourth generation Corvette in 1984 was 24 percent more aerodynamic than the predecessor, reaching up to 150 mph.
Jumping ahead to the current Corvette lineup, there are several Corvette models, all of which are considered separate instead of trim levels. The 2019 Corvette Stingray uses a 6.2-liter V8 engine that only needs 3.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. It also has a driver-focused cockpit and your choice of an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters or a 7-speed manual. There are several trims available, all of which have Driver Mode Selectors and HD color displays.
The 2019 Corvette Grand Sport uses the legendary LT1 V8 engine for an available 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet. It shares many aerodynamic components with the Z06 and delivers a feeling of closeness to the road, thanks to handling and power. The Corvette Z06 has a supercharged engine on offer for 2019, delivering 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This Corvette was engineered specifically to express pure performance and focus on the driver. It only needs 2.95 seconds to reach 60 mph.
The final 2019 Corvette is the ZR1, a true supercar with luxury. It delivers up to 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet from its supercharged engine. The top speed on the track is a whopping 212 mph. The Corvette has come a long way over the years, but it has always been a performance leader.
