2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray vs 2022 Chevy Corvette Stingray
The legendary Chevrolet Corvette has come a long way from its humble origins in 1953 with the introduction of the C1. With only 300 production models produced in 1953 and all of those having a Polo White exterior and red interior, there wasn’t much in the way of customization. At the time, the 1953 Corvette had a price tag of $3,498.
Jumping forward in time to 2022, the Chevrolet Corvette is now a mid-engine marvel of engineering that is more than meets the eye. Since its redesign in 2020, the C8 has more power, better handling, and a more exotic exterior design. Not much has changed from the 2021 Stingray to the 2022 Stingray, but some subtle changes are worth noting. So let’s explore how the C8 has recently evolved.
Styling
Image via Unsplash by Adrian N Used Under Unsplash License
The 2021 and 2022 C8 share the same curves, lines, trim levels (1LT, 2LT, 3LT), optional convertible top, and exotic flair, but the 2022 C8 gets a few new touches that set it apart from its year-old predecessor. Three new exterior colors are available: Amplify Orange, Caffeine, and Hypersonic Gray. If that’s not enough of a change, you can opt for the 2022 C8’s new limited appearance package, inspired by the 2021 International Motor Sports Association GT Le Mans C8.R race car.
The 2022 IMSA GTLM Championship Edition package is limited to 1,000 production models, is only available on 3LT trim levels equipped with the Z51 Performance package. Two color pallets are available: Hypersonic Gray with yellow accents or Accelerate Yellow with gray accents.
The interior of the special-edition 2022 C8 is changed up with a unique Sky Cool Gray and Strike Yellow interior, which includes yellow seat belts and GT2 bucket seats. Competition seats are also available for these cars, and each one has a C8.R Special Edition numbered plaque between the seats. On top of all of that, each special-edition C8 gets a unique car cover that mimics the exterior look of the Corvette C8.R race car.
Those who prefer a lower spoiler can order a low rear spoiler for C8s not equipped with the track-ready Z51 package. As for costs, the 2022 C8’s price point has ever so slightly increased over the 2021 C8. Starting prices for the 2021 and 2022 C8 are as follows:
- 2021 Corvette Stingray:
- Coupe: $59,995
- Convertible: $67,495
- 2022 Corvette Stingray:
- Coupe: $60,900
- Convertible: $68,400
Power and Performance
As of 2020, the Corvette’s hood shortened, and its rear stretched out to accommodate the powerhouse 6.2-liter LT2 V-8 located in the middle of the vehicle. For 2021 and 2022, This mid-engine marvel generates 490 horsepower and a ground-pounding 465 pound-feet of torque. Adding an available performance exhaust system with the Z51 package and the C8 bumps it to 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
The 2022 Corvette Stingray has a few tricks up its sleeve with improved engine and fuel management systems. The fuel system gets new fuel injectors and a fuel pump that accommodate higher fuel pressures. These improvements don’t affect power and torque output but increase efficiency while cruising or stepping on the accelerator. In addition, improvements to the Active Fuel Management system allow the 6.2-liter to engage cylinder deactivation at lower speeds to conserve fuel and increase the overall economy of the 2022 C8.
As with the 2021 model year, the 2022 C8 has an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters for those who still like the feel of being in control. This transmission is eager to please with the action and control of a manual accompanied by the smoothness of an automatic. Its lightning-quick shifts leave no room for deceleration between shifts, increasing acceleration times. Concerning the available power and torque outputs, the 2022 C8’s zero to 60 times are 3.0 seconds and 2.9 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 11.2 seconds and a top speed of 194 mph.
Interior Comfort, Convenience, and Technology
Not much has changed for the interior of the C8 from 2021 to 2022. When you take a seat inside the 2022 C8, you will find comfortable yet supportive seats, a plethora of amenities, state-of-the-art tech, and luxury. Three seat options depend on the trim level and personal preference:
- GT1:
- Standard on 1LT and 2LT trim levels.
- Designed for support and long-distance.
- Wrapped in genuine Mulan leather.
- GT2:
- Available on 2LT and standard on 3LT trim levels.
- Carbon-fiber trim.
- Seatback halo.
- Wrapped in genuine nappa leather.
- Competition Sport:
- Aggressive bolsters for track driving.
- Performance textile in high-wear areas.
The 2022 C8 offers many available amenities, such as:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay.
- Wireless Android Auto.
- Racing-design steering wheel.
- A locking glove box.
- A locking center console.
- Vertical climate controls.
- Ultrathin air vents.
- Bose performance series 14-speaker audio system.
- Heated and ventilated seats with lumbar and wing adjust.
- Memory driver and passenger convenience package.
- Custom leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors.
- Sueded-microfiber upper interior trim.
You will find available interior tech features in the 2022 C8, such as:
- Performance Data Recorder (PDR): The PDR allows you to capture braking, acceleration speed, gear choice, and sound while you are on the track. When away from the track, the PDR acts as a dashcam and records audio as well. This feature also has a Valet Mode to monitor how your Corvette is driven when others are behind the wheel.
- Front Lift: Some roads aren’t forgiving of the C8’s aggressive stance, so Front Lift allows you to raise the C8’s front to avoid obstacles. This feature lifts the front of your Corvette almost 2 inches in under three seconds when driving at low speeds. In addition, your C8 is capable of remembering up to 1,000 GPS locations and will seamlessly use Front Lift to avoid the steep driveways and speed bumps you regularly come across.
- Driver Mode Selector: A meticulously designed dial allows you to change everything when it comes to your C8’s driving personality. When in use, you have the option to customize up to 12 performance variables shown on screen. By electronically calibrating these variables, you can prepare your Corvette for every road with two modes that allow you to save your personalized performance settings, the My Mode and Z Mode.
Whether you are a Corvette enthusiast or new to this legendary Chevrolet, the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is sure to impress. The 2022 C8 offers many ways for you to customize it to your taste. Visit Applegate Chevrolet to experience the 2022 C8 in person and take it for a test drive today.
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