The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has a long and storied history, and with the 2015 model arriving, the sports car just keeps getting better with age. This new model gets a vastly improved interior and a number of high-tech goodies to go along with its very capable handling. And how about getting close to 30 mpg from the 6.2-liter LT1 V8? There’s a lot to like about the new 2015 Corvette.
What’s new for 2015?
The 2015 Corvette has been upgraded with a new eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission option that replaces the outgoing model’s six-speed. Corvette also gets upgraded OnStar functionality with a 4G LTE data connection, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot capability and an optional Performance Data Recorder with in-car video.
This week we are testing the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible ($58,000) with the standard LT1 6.2-liter engine. But it comes with some significant upgrades like the new 8-speed automatic with remote vehicle start and 2.41 ratio rear axle ($1,725), performance exhaust ($1,195), performance data and video recorder with navigation ($1,795), 2LT package ($4,160) with auto-dimming driver-side and rear view mirrors, heads-up display, heated and ventilated seats with power lumbar and side bolster adjustments and driver memory settings. A carbon fiber interior trim package ($995) and ZF1 appearance package ($1,995) round out the options.
Interior design
Auto journalists live to drive cars like the new 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and this new Shark Grey Metallic sports car did not disappoint us one bit when it arrived for our week-long test drive. First impressions of the cabin were very positive as the new interior is vastly improved over the outgoing model. This tester came with the optional carbon-fiber interior trim which contrasted beautifully with the Kalahari-colored interior. The cockpit has a jet-like feel to it with the sharply canted center stack and the seats are exceptionally comfortable with the optional power side and lumbar bolsters and provide plenty of support for spirited driving.
The 8-inch touchscreen display features the latest high-tech goodies that integrate your smartphone with apps like Pandora and Stitcher. The customizable display in the gauge cluster has a different layout for each drive mode you select making the new 2015 Corvette even more upscale than before. The convertible gets a power soft top that can be operated while the car is moving at speeds up to 30 mph. And the convertible’s trunk offered plenty of room for our valuables that wouldn’t fit inside during our week with the drop-top.
This tester came loaded with comfort features like keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery with suede microfiber seat inserts, eight-way power memory front seats, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, rearview camera, nine-speaker Bose sound system and satellite radio. It was a comfortable place to spend the week driving fast and enjoying every minute of it.
2015 Corvette powertrain specs
The Corvette Stingray is rear-drive and comes powered by a 6.2-liter V8. The standard power output is 455 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the optional performance exhaust ($1,195) this tester came with, bumps those numbers to 460 hp and 465 lb ft of torque. Corvette gets an EPA estimated 20 mpg combined and 16/29 city/highway with the 8-speed automatic.
Driving impressions
Behind the wheel is where the 2015 Corvette comes to life and is why performance enthusiasts love this sports car. You can turn the dial on the center console to choose from five different drive modes (Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track) that Chevrolet says tweaks the steering, throttle, transmission and stability-control calibrations.
This tester came with the optional eight-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters that is exceptional. We couldn’t wait to try the new gearbox and it provided very quick upshifts as we mashed the pedal to the floor. The new 8-speed works as advertised by Chevrolet and the shifts felt as quick as any we’ve experienced.
The 460 hp 6.2-liter V8 in the 2015 Corvette Stingray with optional exhaust is powerful and smooth in all driving situations that we were able to put the sports car through this week. We would have loved to take it to the track, but had to settle for the mountain roads near Evergreen and open roads west of Denver. Redline comes up very quick when we put the hammer down, and the exhaust note coming from the optional quad pipes out back is something every performance enthusiast loves to hear.
The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with the new 8-speed gearbox is a joy to drive and propels the fun-to-drive meter through the black convertible roof. We were able to upshift so quickly with the new 8-speed, that it felt like one seamless flow as we launched the sports convertible forward. The new Corvette Stingray will thrill any performance fan beyond their expectations. The steering is responsive, provides excellent feel and the 19-inch rear performance tires provided extraordinary grip at all speeds.
Conclusion:
This 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray tester came with a boat load of options that pushed the price tag over $71,000 including destination. But this journalist would definitely recommend getting the Stingray with the new 8-speed paddle shift automatic and the multi-mode performance exhaust. With these options the new Corvette Stingray comes in at just over $60,000 making this sports car one of the best performance values on the planet.
2015 Chevy Corvette Stingray Convertible Photo Gallery
