2023 Chevy Corvette Packs a Performance Punch: Here’s What to Expect

The 2023 Chevy Corvette is the fourth year of the mid-engine C8 model. This is the first generation to have the engine behind the seats.

For generations, the Corvette has represented an attainable budget-friendly supercar that proliferates the American driving landscape. Chevy has never priced this car too high for the average buyer to enjoy the base version, which makes it one of the few supercars that many feel they could drive at some stage in their lives. While it’s not as fast as some European supercars, the C8 Corvette packs the performance punch you want to enjoy.

Sprint times to blow you away

Two measurements are given to statistically show us how quick a performance car can be. The C8 Corvette currently has four different models above the base Stingray model. These Corvettes offer impressive figures during sprints to 60 mph and during a standing quarter-mile run. Here’s what each model delivers:

• C8 Corvette Stingray Z51 – 2.8 seconds to 60 mph, 11.2 seconds for the ¼ mile run
• C8 Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible – 3.0 seconds to 60 mph, 11.4 seconds for the ¼ mile run
• C8 Corvette Z06 – 2.6 seconds to 60 mph, 10.5 seconds for the ¼ mile run
• C8 Corvette Z06 Convertible – 2.7 seconds to 60 mph, 10.7 seconds for the ¼ mile run

The convertible models are a little heavier than the coupe versions, which results in slightly slower sprint times. For reference purposes, the Convertible Z51 weighs 101 pounds more than the coupe model.

How much power does each Corvette offer?

The C8 Chevy Corvette is offered with two impressive V8 engines to deliver amazing power and speed. The Corvette Stingray models make use of a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine that returns 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful engine is a 5.5-liter V8 engine that hits 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both versions of this Corvette send power to the wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Although the C8 generation moved the engine to the middle of the car, it also meant we lost the benefits of a manual transmission. This feature could return in later models, but it’s already been missed for four years since the end of the C7 generation. The previous Corvette featured an impressive seven-speed manual transmission, which is more gears than you find in most manual-transmission cars.

How fast is the C8 Chevy Corvette?

The amount of power generated by the two V8 engines might set your expectations for a top speed north of 200 mph, but that’s not the case with the Corvette. This incredible car is one of the last to use naturally aspirated V8 engines, which limits the top speed and power output.

Another expectation could be that the Z06 model, with an engine that offers nearly 200 horsepower more, would be significantly faster than the Stingray models. Unfortunately, you’ll notice that’s not the case when you see the top speeds, which are listed here:

• C8 Corvette Stingray Z51 – 184 mph
• C8 Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible – 184 mph
• C8 Corvette Z06 – 189 mph
• C8 Corvette Z06 Convertible – 189 mph

Why isn’t the Z06 listed with a much higher top speed than the Stingray? It could be an imposed limit by the automaker or the low torque figures that are holding the Z06 model back.

What does the Z06 Corvette include?

Other than a new engine with more power and speed, the Z06 version of the C8 Corvette comes with new colors for this car. These new colors are:

• Riptide Blue Metallic
• Cacti Green
• Sea Wolf Gray Tricoat

There are also five new colors for the dual racing stripes, a new set of carbon-fiber wheels with a red stripe, a new appearance package for the engine, and a rear video camera mirror.

If you want more performance features in the Chevy Corvette, you’ll want the Z07 Performance Package. This package adds:

• A track-tuned suspension
• Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes
• High-performance Michelin Pilot Cup 2R ZP track tires
• The Carbon Aero Package

Which Chevy Corvette will you drive?

The base C8 Corvette starts at $61,900 with trims and packages that take this car over $81,000, depending on the added equipment. The new Corvette Z06 begins at more than $100,000, with the Z07 package adding to this price. Is it worth the added power and speed to spend the additional money? Many Corvette enthusiasts would answer “yes,” the Z06 model is worth the added cost. It’s difficult to put a price on more speed, power, and performance.