The manual
transmission has been removed in exchange for a dual-clutch, and during an
in-depth test drive the staff of Digital Trends all felt that not
a bit has changed regarding the very high value with this performance model: It
is close in price range to cars like the Toyota Supra, but it's behavior on the
track easily stares down cars in the 6-figure range. Chevy has been mulling over
the idea of a mid-engined model since the 1960s, with many days at the drawing
board with concepts and schematics. Right now in 2020 begins the very exciting
era when many experts are claiming “it is now elevated from an awesome
blue-collar sports car into a rival for European exotics”.
The sheer intelligence and patience of chief
engineer Ed Piatek were a great help with the new Corvette Stingray's
development. An integral turning point during his mission was when he realized
that Chevy had run out of performance capability with the front-engine build,
due to how rear-wheel-drive limits traction. When the engine is moved behind
the driver, more weight is sent directly to the rear, which helps those tires
possess an intense grip. The driver is now situated closer to the front wheels,
so the steering column can be shorter, yielding much better response.
The car's movement through corners now has a
more natural feel and is one of the reasons why IndyCar and Formula One racers
have seen mid-engine placement as standard for years. There are trunks both
situated in the front and rear in the 2020 Stingray, and share between them
12.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. After a long test drive, writer Stephen
Edelstein says that the new Stingray is not as stressful to drive as scores of
other mid-engined cars, and you get a proper view of the road with the
extra-wide windshield in place.
He also really loved the 12.0-inch digital
instrument cluster and 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. When you come to
check out your options for a 'Vette here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis,
ask to experience the “Stealth” mode: it shuts down non-pertinent information
for night driving, and lets you enjoy the cloak of darkness while (shhh!)
potentially choosing to drive just a slight notch above legal limits. While
you're here, check out the added benefits of the 2LT trim as well: this is
where you obtain rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.