Growing up, my Uncle Mac, a Korean War veteran and a true embodiment of cool, owned a striking yellow C3 Corvette. In the 80s, amidst a sea of family sedans, his Corvette, with its T-tops neatly stored in the garage, felt like something from another planet. It sparked a fascination, but I never quite became the “Corvette Guy” I imagined. However, after experiencing the 2022 Corvette Stingray Coupe, I’m seriously reconsidering my automotive allegiances. Has this mid-engine marvel finally converted me?
Reasons to Buy the 2022 Corvette Stingray:
- Unmatched Performance Value: Experience supercar speed without the exorbitant price tag.
- Exhilarating Acceleration: Feel G-forces usually reserved for fighter jets.
- Every Drive is an Event: This isn’t just a car; it’s an experience.
Reasons to Think Twice:
- Cozy Cabin: The interior might feel a bit snug for some.
- Demands to be Driven Hard: To truly appreciate its capabilities, you need to push it.
Soul Score: 9/10
The 2022 Corvette Stingray stands as a testament to American engineering and driving passion, easily ranking among the best sports cars available today.
The 2022 Corvette Stingray Coupe: A Revolution in Mid-Engine Design
Imagine being tasked with designing the ultimate sports car from the ground up. What would you prioritize? For many, the answer would likely involve a mid-engine layout for optimal balance, a finely tuned suspension for breathtaking handling, and an engine that sings a glorious tune – undoubtedly a naturally aspirated V-8 for that signature roar. You’d want it to look the part too, with a removable roof for open-air thrills, a showcase for the engine beneath a glass window, and a cockpit that envelops the driver like a fighter jet.
Now, imagine making this dream car accessible, not just to the ultra-wealthy. Mid-engine sports cars often venture deep into six-figure territory, but what if you could capture that magic for under $100,000? Perhaps even under $90,000? Incredibly, the 2022 Corvette Stingray achieves just that, starting at an astonishingly attainable price point while delivering all the essential ingredients of a world-class sports car. This isn’t just a Corvette; it’s a statement.
The 2022 Corvette Stingray proudly displays its mid-engine architecture.
Performance Prowess: Scoring a 9/10 for Unadulterated Thrills
Powertrain: The Heart of an American Icon
Stepping into the 2022 Corvette Stingray is a refreshing departure from the turbocharged norm that has dominated the automotive landscape for the past decade. The heart of this beast is a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8, a welcome change that brings back the raw, unfiltered driving experience. Throttle response is immediate and predictable, free from the slight hesitation that even the most advanced turbo engines sometimes exhibit. This direct connection between pedal and power is a joy to rediscover.
This isn’t just any V-8; it’s a thoroughly modern iteration of Chevy’s legendary small block. Featuring direct fuel injection, a dry-sump oil pump, and cylinder deactivation, this engine is a pinnacle of small-block engineering. The test car was equipped with an optional performance exhaust, boosting output to 495 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. While power is abundant across the rev range, the engine truly awakens as you approach its 5,150 rpm torque peak, rewarding drivers who love to explore the upper limits of the tachometer.
The acceleration is nothing short of breathtaking – violent, sudden, aggressive, and utterly addictive. The Corvette Stingray demands your full attention, blurring the scenery and shrinking distances in an instant. Adding to the drama is the engine’s 위치 directly behind you, filling the cabin with its visceral roar. This auditory experience elevates every drive, reminding you that this is no ordinary car; it’s a purpose-built sports machine.
Complementing the potent V-8 is a responsive Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). In city driving, the DCT can occasionally feel slightly hesitant from a standstill, a characteristic common to this type of transmission. However, this minor lag vanishes as speeds increase. Engaging the paddle shifters transforms the driving experience, delivering lightning-fast gear changes that traditional automatic transmissions simply can’t match. The drive mode selector offers a range of options – Tour, Sport, Race, Winter, and customizable settings – allowing you to tailor the car’s behavior to your preferences and driving conditions.
The engine of the 2022 Corvette Stingray is proudly displayed under a glass cover.
Handling: Precision and Agility Redefined
Previous generations of Corvettes were sometimes criticized for their leaf-spring suspension. The 2022 Stingray throws that legacy out the window, adopting a sophisticated forged aluminum double-wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear. Even with the test car fitted with Michelin Alpin snow tires, the Corvette exhibits go-kart-like reflexes, a testament to its chassis engineering. The mid-engine layout plays a crucial role in this agility, contributing to exceptional balance and responsiveness. Furthermore, the low seating position and clear view over the hood inspire confidence and control.
It’s worth noting that winter tires are a less-than-ideal choice for the Stingray in most conditions. With massive 305-section rear tires, snow driving would be more akin to skiing than driving.
The steering in the 2022 Corvette Stingray is remarkably precise, allowing you to place the car exactly where you want it on the road. The selectable drive modes – Winter, Tour, Sport, Race, and My Mode – offer a spectrum of driving experiences. In Tour or even Sport mode, the Stingray transforms into a surprisingly comfortable grand tourer, offering a composed ride and minimal engine noise. However, engaging “Race” mode via the steering wheel-mounted “Z” button sharpens everything dramatically. In this mode, the Corvette demands your full attention, reacting instantly to every input with hypercar-like intensity.
Without reservation, the 2022 Corvette Stingray delivers handling that ranks among the best I’ve ever experienced. Equipped with appropriate summer tires (ditching the snow tires), the Stingray ventures into the realm of hypercar handling prowess.
The 2022 Corvette Stingray is a comfortable grand tourer in modes other than Race.
Brakes: Confidence-Inspiring Stopping Power
Brake feel is a critical aspect of any performance car, and the Corvette Stingray doesn’t disappoint. The brake pedal offers a firm feel, adjustable through the drive modes, providing excellent feedback and control. Initially, modulating the brakes required a slight adjustment, but after a few days, they felt perfectly natural. Remarkably, the brakes perform even better at higher speeds, instilling immense confidence during spirited driving. While slower stops require a deliberate push, high-speed deceleration is achieved with minimal pedal effort. After driving the Corvette, other cars’ brakes can feel comparatively soft and less responsive.
To truly unlock the 2022 Corvette Stingray’s potential, you must drive it aggressively. It thrives on spirited driving, almost begging to be pushed harder. Where a more mundane sports sedan might tolerate leisurely on-ramp merges, the Corvette feels restless at anything less than full throttle. It’s a car that constantly urges you to “DRIVE it, ok?!” It’s ready to overtake, attack corners, and devour miles.
However, the Stingray is far more than just raw speed. It’s a car brimming with feel, from the evocative engine notes to the detailed feedback transmitted through the steering wheel. For anyone lamenting the lack of driver engagement in modern cars, the C8 Corvette serves as a powerful antidote, proving that modern performance cars can still deliver an intensely connected driving experience.
Utility Score: 5/10 – Practicality with a Sports Car Edge
The 2022 Corvette Stingray surprises with not one, but two trunks: a front trunk (frunk) and a rear trunk located behind the engine. The rear trunk is designed to accommodate the removable roof panel, a clever feature that allows for open-top driving. However, stowing the roof panel in the rear trunk effectively limits cargo space to the frunk.
While the Corvette is a wide and substantial car, the front trunk is surprisingly compact. It’s also important to remember that the rear trunk resides adjacent to the engine, meaning temperatures can rise in that compartment. Grocery runs are possible, especially with the roof in place to maximize rear trunk space, but some creative packing might be required. Realistically, the Corvette Stingray excels as a weekend getaway car for two, offering ample luggage space for a short trip.
The rear trunk of the 2022 Corvette Stingray can get warm due to engine proximity.
Efficiency: 8/10 – Surprisingly Frugal Performance
Another impressive aspect of the LT2 V-8 engine is its cylinder deactivation system. A discreet display on the dashboard indicates when the engine is operating in V-8 or V-4 mode, optimizing fuel economy when full power isn’t needed.
For a high-performance sports car, the 2022 Corvette Stingray demonstrates remarkable fuel efficiency. During my week-long test, I averaged 19 MPG, a figure that matches my BMW G80 M3. While I wouldn’t claim to be the most conservative driver, this real-world MPG figure challenges the notion that turbocharging is the only path to fuel efficiency. The Stingray proves that natural aspiration can coexist with responsible fuel consumption.
Natural aspiration contributes to both performance and surprising efficiency in the 2022 Corvette Stingray.
Features and Comfort: 7/10 – Modern Amenities in a Focused Cabin
The 2022 Corvette Stingray is equipped with a comprehensive suite of modern features. Inside, you’ll find a Head-Up Display (HUD), Apple CarPlay integration, dual-zone climate control, and a highly practical digital rearview mirror. This digital mirror uses a rear-mounted camera to project a wide-angle view, overcoming the limited visibility inherent in mid-engine sports cars. While it takes a short time to adjust to the digital display, the enhanced visibility and ease of maneuvering the low-slung Corvette are undeniable benefits.
The Corvette Stingray offers topless driving enjoyment with its removable roof.
Adding to its everyday usability, the Corvette features an adjustable front height setting, preventing scrapes on steep driveways and parking curbs. Forward-facing cameras also aid in parking, providing a clear view of curbs.
However, the GT2 bucket seats in the test car proved to be somewhat snug, particularly in headroom for my 6’1” frame. The flat-bottomed and flat-topped steering wheel, trimmed in Alcantara, also presented some minor drawbacks. The Alcantara felt slightly worn in places, and the unusual shape of the wheel made it less comfortable to grip during spirited driving.
Fighter Jet Inspired Cockpit
The long, vertical array of climate control buttons on the center console initially appears unconventional, but it quickly becomes intuitive. In keeping with the Corvette’s emphasis on drama and theater, this unique design element sets it apart from more generic interiors.
The digital instrument cluster offers extensive customization options, adapting its display based on the selected drive mode. A prominent tachometer takes center stage, complemented by a digital speedometer – a fitting layout for a performance car. While the infotainment screen is slightly smaller and less visually striking than those found in some competitors at this price point, it’s perfectly functional. Crucially, it’s clear that Chevrolet prioritized development resources where they truly matter: the exceptional chassis and engine. The Bose audio system, however, is a standout feature, delivering impressive sound quality that even non-audiophiles will appreciate.
The digital rearview mirror in the 2022 Corvette Stingray greatly enhances rear visibility.
The GT2 seats in the 2022 Corvette Stingray might be a tight fit for taller drivers; try before you buy.
Price: Unbeatable Value Proposition
The starting price of the 2022 Corvette Stingray Coupe is an astonishing $62,195. This represents incredible value, especially when compared to European rivals. The Porsche 911, for example, commands a significantly higher price, while the Porsche 718 Cayman, while excellent, lacks the outright performance and presence of the Corvette. To match the Stingray’s capabilities, you’d need to opt for higher-spec, more expensive Porsche models bearing the “GT” designation. Even the well-equipped Hypersonic Gray test car, featuring desirable options like adjustable front height, Magnetic Ride Control, Bose audio, and GT2 seats, totaled $80,115. Importantly, even a base-model Corvette Stingray delivers the core driving experience that makes this car so compelling.
The low ride height of the 2022 Corvette Stingray enhances the driving experience and road view.
The 2022 Corvette Stingray Coupe: A True Sports Car Icon
The 2022 Corvette Stingray isn’t just a sports car; it’s a resounding statement. Cars often become extensions of our personalities, reflecting how we want to be perceived. What does the Corvette Stingray communicate? For my Uncle Mac’s generation, his Corvette represented heritage and personal pride in ownership. He maintained it meticulously, embodying a deep connection with his machine.
This new C8 generation Corvette, however, conveys something different: “serious.” It’s seriously fast, seriously capable, and seriously attainable. After experiencing it firsthand, consider me a Corvette convert. The 2022 Corvette Stingray has rekindled my appreciation for American sports cars, proving that they can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the world.
The 2022 Corvette Stingray delivers an engine sound and driving experience that is pure theater.
Special thanks to Englishtown Raceway for providing the track for the 2022 Corvette Stingray test drive.
2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe Specifications
2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe 2LT
Vehicle Type: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE
Base: $68,200
Price as tested: $80,115
POWERTRAIN
6.2-liter LT2 V-8 engine. 495 hp @ 6,450, 465 lb-ft @ 5,150. Eight-speed Dual Clutch transmission.
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.18 in
Length: 182.3 in
Width: 76.1 in
Height: 48.6 in
Headroom: 37.9 in
Legroom F/R: 42.8 / NA
Curb Weight (manufacturer’s measurement): 3,366 lbs
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
City/Highway/Combined: 16/24/19 mpg
