The 1963 Corvette StingRay kicked off the C2 generation of sports cars. It was the first American car to feature an independent rear suspension, a trait that would become standard on every Corvette model from 1964-67.
The C2 Sting Ray was designed by GM vice president of styling Bill Mitchell. He based Sting Ray’s body design on the shape of a shark he had caught.
Power
The Corvette Stingray is a powerful two-seater coupe that can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds. It also offers a lot of passenger and cargo space and is an affordable sports car that is sure to impress.
The base LT1 engine in the 2014-2016 Corvette Stingray is a 6.2L V-8 good for 455 horsepower. However, if you are a severe Corvette enthusiast, there are plenty of ways to enhance the performance of this engine.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost the power of your LT1 engine is by installing a cold air intake. This performance part replaces the restrictive factory air filter box and accordion hose with a free-flowing high-density polyethylene air intake tube to minimize restriction, straighten, and increase the amount of air flowing into the engine’s combustion chamber.
The Ron Fellows Corvette High-Performance Driving School has teamed up with Chevrolet Performance engineers to develop a new line of parts designed for 2014+ Corvette Stingray models. The details are specifically made to improve on-track handling capabilities, including Z51-equipped cars.
Style
A Corvette stingray has a very distinctive style that’s both beautiful and aggressive. Developed in 1959, the Sting Ray is one of the most iconic cars in American automotive history.
It was designed by Pete Brock, Larry Shinoda, and Bill Mitchell at GM’s special projects studio in Warren, Michigan. They combined the racing-style chassis of the 1957 Corvette SS concept with a new fiberglass body to create a car that was both elegant and ferocious.
The C2 introduced many elements that would set the standard for future generations of Corvettes. One of these was the independent rear suspension.
It’s also a vast departure from the long nose and short rear end of previous Corvette models. While this shift has led to some debate, it’s an incredible improvement in performance and style.
Technology
The Corvette Stingray takes advantage of lightweight materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to achieve an ideal 50/50 weight balance. This results in world-class power-to-weight ratios.
The chassis features a front suspension lift that raises ground clearance by up to 40mm, protecting the vehicle against speed bumps and other road disturbances. An electronically limited slip differential modulates torque between the rear wheels, enabling incredible vehicle stability.
A 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine powers the Corvette Stingray, producing 455 hp and 624 Nm of torque. Combined with an available performance exhaust system, this power enables the Stingray to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
The Stingray’s driver-focused interior blends fine materials and craftsmanship with advanced technology to enhance a more connected and engaging driving experience. A fighter jet-inspired wraparound cockpit, supportive seats, and high-definition, configurable screens foster a more direct and immediate feel to directional inputs.
Value
The Corvette stingray is one of the most potent and iconic sports cars in the world. It offers many performance features and is available in coupe or convertible form.
The Stingray is a mid-engine sports car that puts the engine in the rear, making it more responsive and accessible to drive than a traditional front-engine vehicle. The rear weight bias enhances straight-line performance, sends power to the back wheels, and improves visibility.
Its 6.2-liter V-8 produces 495 horsepower and 470 foot pounds of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It can be enhanced with the Z51 Performance Package, which includes a performance exhaust that boosts horsepower and adds an aerodynamic front splitter and spoiler.
The Stingray is a great value. It starts under $60,000. That’s significantly less than a Porsche 911, Aston Martin Vantage V8, or Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and much more affordable than other supercars that can cost well into six figures.