Growing up, my Uncle Mac, a Korean War vet and Skyraider pilot, embodied cool. Beyond his service, he ran a body shop and cherished his yellow C3 Corvette, a stunning piece of automotive art with its T-tops always neatly stored above. In the 80s, compared to our family Datsun Maxima, that Corvette was like something from another planet. While I admired it, I never quite became a “Vette Guy” back then. But stepping into the 2022 Corvette Stingray Coupe – the latest iteration of the iconic Vette – makes me reconsider everything. Could this be the Corvette to finally convert me?
Reasons to Buy the 2022 Corvette Vette:
Unbelievable speed at this price point. Experience G-forces comparable to a fighter jet. Every drive feels special.
Reasons to Reconsider:
The interior can feel a bit snug. To truly appreciate its capabilities, you need to push it hard.
Soul Score: 9/10
A genuine contender for the title of best sports car ever produced.
2022 Corvette Vette Stingray Coupe: A Deep Dive
Alt text: Hypersonic Gray 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray Coupe showcasing its sleek mid-engine profile.
Imagine being tasked with designing the ultimate sports car from the ground up. Chances are, you’d prioritize a mid-engine layout for optimal balance and handling. You’d likely opt for a stiff, performance-tuned suspension to conquer corners with incredible grip. And of course, the heart of your creation would need to be a powerful, soul-stirring engine – a naturally aspirated V-8, perhaps, for that unmistakable roar and linear power delivery that no turbocharger can truly replicate.
The aesthetics would be crucial too. A removable roof for open-air exhilaration. A rear window to proudly display the mechanical masterpiece beneath. And a cockpit designed to envelop the driver, reminiscent of a fighter jet’s command center.
But here’s the kicker: you want this dream machine to be attainable. Mid-engine sports cars often venture deep into six-figure territory. So, what if you could deliver all of this performance and desirability for under $100,000? Maybe even under $90,000? Incredibly, the 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray achieves just that, starting at an astonishingly accessible price point, making world-class performance available to a wider audience.
This 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to American engineering prowess and a thrilling reminder of what a true sports car should be.
The distinctive mid-engine architecture of the 2022 Corvette Vette is clearly visible from the rear perspective.
Performance Prowess: Scoring a 9/10 in Thrills
Engine and Powertrain: Naturally Aspirated V8 Bliss
After a decade dominated by turbochargers and superchargers, experiencing the raw, unadulterated power of a naturally aspirated engine is a revelation. The 2022 Corvette Vette’s 6.2-liter V-8 is a masterpiece of modern engineering, free from forced induction. Throttle response is immediate and predictable, offering a level of control and engagement often missing in turbocharged engines, which, even at their best, can exhibit a hint of lag.
This isn’t your grandfather’s pushrod V8. While it retains the classic pushrod configuration, this engine, known as the LT2, is thoroughly modern. Direct fuel injection, a dry-sump oil system, and cylinder deactivation technology combine to create arguably the finest small-block V-8 Chevrolet has ever produced. The test model was equipped with an optional performance exhaust, boosting output to a formidable 495 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. While power is abundant throughout the rev range, peak torque arrives at 5,150 rpm, rewarding drivers who love to explore the upper reaches of the tachometer.
Alt text: Roaring 6.2-liter V8 engine of the 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray, delivering immense power and a captivating soundtrack.
The acceleration is nothing short of breathtaking. Violent. Sudden. Aggressive. Utterly addictive. The 2022 Corvette Vette compels you to focus far ahead, as you’ll be covering ground at an astonishing pace. Adding to the drama is the engine’s proximity, located right behind your head, amplifying the visceral experience. We expect our sports cars to be special, and the C8 Corvette delivers in spades, with a theatrical engine note that envelops you.
Complementing this explosive power is a lightning-quick Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). In everyday driving, the DCT can occasionally feel slightly hesitant off the line, a trait common to many DCTs. However, this minor delay vanishes as speeds increase. Engaging the paddle shifters transforms the experience, delivering gear changes with a speed and precision that traditional automatic transmissions simply can’t match.
The driver mode selector knob in the 2022 Corvette Vette, offering customizable driving experiences including Tour, Sport, and Track.
Alt text: Exposed engine bay of the 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray, proudly showcasing the powerful V8 engine beneath a glass cover.
Handling and Agility: Corner Carving Excellence
Previous generations of Corvettes were often criticized for their antiquated leaf-spring suspension. Thankfully, the C8 Corvette Vette banishes this relic, adopting a modern, forged aluminum double-wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear. Even equipped with Michelin Alpin snow tires – and despite the car’s substantial width – the 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray exhibits go-kart-like reflexes. The mid-engine configuration contributes significantly to its exceptional balance, but the low center of gravity and excellent forward visibility also play crucial roles.
Forget the winter tires; with 305-section rear tires, you’d be better off on skis in snowy conditions.
Alt text: Staggered wheel setup of the 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray, featuring 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels for optimal handling and aesthetics.
The steering in the 2022 Corvette Vette is incredibly precise. Simply point the car where you want it to go, and it responds instantly and accurately. The selectable driving modes – Winter, Tour, Sport, Race, and customizable “My Mode” – further enhance its versatility. In Tour or even Sport mode, the Corvette Vette transforms into a surprisingly comfortable grand tourer, offering a composed ride and minimal engine noise. However, engage “Race” mode with the “Z” button on the steering wheel, and the car sharpens dramatically. In this mode, reactions are lightning-fast, demanding your full attention and rewarding skilled drivers with incredible performance.
Without reservation, the 2022 Corvette Vette is one of the best-handling cars I’ve ever experienced. Ditch the snow tires (with those massive 305 rear tires, snow is a non-starter anyway), and the Vette enters hypercar handling territory.
In any driving mode besides Race, the 2022 Corvette Vette remains a comfortable and capable grand touring machine.
Brakes: Confident Stopping Power
Braking performance is paramount in a sports car, and the 2022 Corvette Vette delivers. The brake pedal offers a firm feel, adjustable through the drive modes. Initially, modulation required a bit of acclimatization, but after a few days, the brakes felt perfectly natural and remarkably effective. They inspire confidence, particularly at higher speeds, where even a light touch on the pedal delivers impressive stopping power. Slower stops require a firmer press, but overall, the brakes are exceptional. After driving the Corvette, other cars’ brakes can feel comparatively soft and less responsive. Credit to Corvette for setting a new benchmark.
Alt text: Optional red brake calipers on the 2022 Corvette Vette, enhancing the sporty aesthetic and signifying high-performance braking.
To truly awaken the 2022 Corvette Vette, you need to drive it with intent. It craves spirited driving. Where a BMW G80 M3 might tolerate leisurely on-ramp merges, the Corvette Vette feels restless at anything less than full engagement. It’s constantly urging you to push harder, to explore its limits. “Drive me!”, it seems to demand. “Let’s go! I can overtake that car, I can nail that corner!”
It’s crucial to emphasize that the 2022 Corvette Vette is not just about raw speed. It’s a car brimming with feel and feedback, from the evocative engine notes to the detailed communication through the steering wheel. Anyone lamenting the lack of driver engagement in modern cars needs to experience the C8 Corvette Vette.
Utility and Practicality: Score 5/10 – Two Trunks and T-Top Freedom
The 2022 Corvette Vette cleverly maximizes practicality for a mid-engine sports car by offering two trunks: a front trunk (frunk) and a rear trunk located behind the engine. The rear trunk is specifically designed to accommodate the removable roof panel, allowing for open-top driving. However, stowing the roof panel occupies the majority of the rear trunk space, leaving only the frunk available for cargo.
While the Corvette Vette is a wide and substantial car, the frunk is surprisingly compact. It’s also important to remember that the rear trunk is situated near a heat-generating engine, so temperatures inside can rise. Grocery runs are manageable, particularly with the roof in place to maximize rear trunk space, but creative packing might be required. Realistically, the 2022 Corvette Vette is ideally suited for weekend getaways for two, offering ample room for luggage for such trips.
The front trunk (frunk) of the 2022 Corvette Vette, showcasing its compact but useful storage space.
Alt text: Practical front trunk (frunk) of the 2022 Corvette Vette, offering surprisingly useful cargo space for a mid-engine sports car.
The rear trunk of the 2022 Corvette Vette, noting its potential to get warm due to engine proximity.
Fuel Efficiency: An Impressive 8/10 – Lean and Mean
Another impressive feat of engineering with the LT2 V-8 engine is its cylinder deactivation system. A display on the dashboard conveniently indicates when the engine is operating in V-8 mode or transitioning to a fuel-saving V-4 mode.
Frankly, the fuel economy achieved by the 2022 Corvette Vette is remarkable, considering its performance capabilities. During a week of mixed driving, it averaged 19 MPG, matching the fuel consumption of my BMW G80 M3. And I wasn’t exactly driving with fuel efficiency in mind. It’s time to dispel the myth that turbocharging is the sole solution for improved fuel economy. The Corvette Vette proves that naturally aspirated engines can be efficient too.
Natural aspiration in the 2022 Corvette Vette does not compromise fuel efficiency.
Alt text: Stunning Hypersonic Gray paint finish of the 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray Coupe, highlighting its sophisticated and modern design.
Features and Interior Comfort: Score 7/10 – A Snug but Delightful Cabin
The 2022 Corvette Vette is comprehensively equipped with all the modern amenities you’d expect in a contemporary sports car. The interior boasts a Head-Up Display (HUD), Apple CarPlay integration, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a highly practical digital rearview mirror. This digital mirror uses a rear-mounted camera to provide an unobstructed, wide-angle view out the back, significantly improving visibility compared to a traditional mirror, especially in a low-slung sports car. It takes a short time to adjust to the digital display, but you’ll quickly appreciate the enhanced field of vision and the ease it brings to maneuvering the low-profile Corvette Vette.
Open-top driving in the 2022 Corvette Vette, showcasing its removable roof panel and exhilarating experience.
Alt text: Experience the thrill of open-air driving in the 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray with its removable roof panel.
The configurable digital instrument cluster in the 2022 Corvette Vette, adapting to different driving modes.
Adding to its practicality, the 2022 Corvette Vette features an adjustable front ride height setting to prevent scraping the low front splitter, along with curb-view cameras that help you judge distances when parking.
However, there were a couple of aspects I found less appealing. The GT2 bucket seats felt somewhat restrictive, particularly in headroom for my 6’1” frame, and didn’t offer sufficient downward adjustment. The flat-bottomed and flat-topped steering wheel, trimmed in Alcantara, also presented some ergonomic challenges. The Alcantara felt slightly worn on the test car, and the wheel’s shape made it less comfortable to grip and turn in certain situations.
Fighter Jet Inspired Cockpit
The unconventional, elongated strip of climate control buttons initially seemed distracting and difficult to use quickly. However, familiarity grew, and given the Corvette Vette’s emphasis on dramatic design, this unique approach to interior controls feels appropriate. In a world of increasingly homogenous car interiors, Chevy deserves credit for daring to be different.
The digital instrument cluster is highly configurable, adapting its display based on the selected drive mode. Regardless of the configuration, a prominent tachometer takes center stage, accompanied by a digital speedometer – exactly as it should be in a high-performance sports car. The infotainment screen, while functional, appeared slightly smaller and less visually impressive than those found in some competitors at this price point. However, this is a minor quibble, especially considering that development resources were clearly prioritized for the exceptional chassis and engine. The Bose sound system, on the other hand, was excellent. While not a dedicated audiophile, I found it to be among the best car audio systems I’ve encountered.
The fighter jet-inspired cockpit of the 2022 Corvette Vette, emphasizing its driver-centric design and performance focus.
Alt text: Driver-focused cockpit of the 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray, designed with a fighter jet aesthetic and performance in mind.
The digital rearview mirror in the 2022 Corvette Vette, enhancing rear visibility.
Alt text: Advanced digital rearview mirror in the 2022 Corvette Vette, providing a wide and clear rear view for enhanced safety and maneuverability.
The GT2 bucket seats in the 2022 Corvette Vette, noting their snug fit.
Alt text: Performance-oriented GT2 bucket seats in the 2022 Corvette Vette, offering excellent lateral support for spirited driving.
Price Point: Unbeatable Value
Speaking of value, the base price of the 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray Coupe is an astonishing $62,195. This price point is simply remarkable. The Porsche 911 starts at a significantly higher price, and while the Porsche 718 Cayman is more affordable, it lacks the sheer excitement and presence of the Corvette Vette. Neither Porsche model can match the Corvette Vette’s performance without opting for significantly more expensive, track-focused “GT” variants. Even the well-equipped Hypersonic Gray test car, featuring desirable options like adjustable front lift, Magnetic Ride Control, Bose audio, and GT2 seats, arrived at a final price of $80,115. Crucially, even foregoing some of these optional extras still leaves you with the core elements that make the Corvette Vette such a phenomenal driving experience.
The low-slung profile of the 2022 Corvette Vette, emphasizing its sporty stance and excellent road view.
The 2022 Corvette Stingray Coupe: A True Sports Car Icon
“Wow,” is an understatement. Declaring the 2022 Corvette Stingray Coupe as “one of the best sports cars ever made” is a bold statement, but one that feels justified after experiencing it. It all comes back to the idea of cars as expressions of ourselves. What message do we want our car to convey as we drive by? And what level of engagement and satisfaction does it deliver in the details?
For my Uncle Mac, his C3 Corvette represented heritage and personal connection. He was a hands-on mechanic who meticulously maintained his car himself. It was always in pristine condition.
This new C8 generation 2022 Corvette Vette? For me, it signifies “serious” performance. Seriously fast, seriously capable, and seriously attainable. Consider me a Corvette convert. The 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray isn’t just a sports car; it’s a performance bargain that redefines what’s possible at this price.
Alt text: Driver experiencing the exhilarating performance and engine sound of the 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray on a racetrack.
Alt text: 2022 Corvette Vette Stingray Coupe in action on a racetrack, highlighting its track-ready capabilities and dynamic performance.
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 rpm, 465 lb-ft @ 5,150 rpm. 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
