For less than $100,000, customers can get behind the wheel of a vehicle with a jaw-dropping design and performance that can go head-to-head with some supercars. It’s also a fantastic grand touring car. We’re of course referencing the C8 Corvette Stingray. But, while it’s certainly a fun car to have and to drive, will that fun be retained after extended ownership and 40,000 miles accumulated behind the wheel? Car and Driver recently uncovered that mystery with a video showcasing what they’ve learned after testing the C8 Stingray over 40,000 miles.
The tested Stingray was equipped with the 2LT Equipment Group, Front Axle Lift, Z51 Package, and Magnetic Ride Control. Finally, the entire car was finished in a spectacular Red Mist paint job. Altogether, the cost of the vehicle was around $80,000. Sure, the car’s performance aspects make it shine, but it turns out that Car and Driver ended up using the car more as a compact SUV rather than a sports car. At the same time, they took it on road trips and hot laps at a race track. They also took it to Costco and Home Depot in winter and as well as hunting. They were able to do this with the Stingray thanks to the ride quality and storage space of the car.
Photo copyright Steven Pham, Muscle Cars & Trucks.## C8 Corvette Stingray: Pros And Cons
The Magnetic Ride Control allows the car to take on pothole-stricken roads and race tracks. While the front of the Stingray can hold a carry-on and a duffle bag, while the trunk can fit even more luggage, golf clubs, and golf bags. The car’s roof can even come off and fit into the trunk (if there’s nothing in it). That should give you a better idea of how much storage space the car has.
Since Car and Driver is based out of Michigan, they experienced extreme weather that didn’t stop the team from driving the Corvette Stingray throughout the seasons. The car does have a winter mode which dampens the throttle and makes the car smoother to drive in those conditions. They also found that using the Front Axle Lift helped the car become less of a snowplow. But overall, it’s possible to drive the Corvette year-round in Michigan.
Image copyright Steven Pham, Muscle Cars & Trucks.
Of course, all cars come with some pet peeves that people may have, and it’s purely a matter of opinion on if it comes in as a deal breaker. But these are the things that you should at least be aware of. First, the trunk is situated right behind the engine and just above the exhaust, which means that it does get warm, which means the ice cream you buy from the store should be stored in the front rather than the back. Rear visibility is a sacrifice many have to make for mid-engine cars, and the Corvette is no exception; luckily, there is a camera system integrated into the rearview mirror. But people prone to motion sickness may not wish to use it, so cleaning the two panes of glass is part of owning the car. Lastly, keeping the engine bay clean comes as a bit of a hassle since there are air vents just above it, allowing for dust and water to get in.
But overall, the C8 Corvette remains to be a great car, with the performance that everyone loves coupled with usability and functionality. You can spend the big bucks on the car and use it as a daily driver if you choose to. If the minor complaints don’t come as a setback for you, this is the perfect car if you want something fun and beautiful to drive.
