The 2024 Chevy Corvette’s long-awaited switch to a mid-engine format as the debuting C8 made history in the automotive world a few years ago. It now wholeheartedly competes with the supercars of the world. The Hot Cars review team thought what was so amazing this past week was its uncanny ability to accomplish this at such an amazing price, while finally bringing to life the winning performance configuration that had been mulled over for decades.
As the mid-engined setup was in the final development stages, many purists were worried that it would step down from its iconic status. When it was finally introduced to the public one thrilling morning in California, everyone in attendance at the airplane hangar was thoroughly amazed. This amazing new platform here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis offered refinement, technology, and experience, yielding the coveted “Best Sports Car of the Year'' badge again. The Lamborghini Huracan, McLaren 750S, and Porsche 718 Spyder are other esteemed members of the mid-engine club that carry price tags at double and triple the size of the Corvette’s.
The 2024 C8 comes snarling out of the gate with the 6.2-liter V8 Direct Injection engine, which works in unison with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain is quite a serious work of potent art and even sports a massive dry oil sump system. While undergoing the demands of hardcore performance driving, this allows the engine to remain properly lubricated. The stock configuration cranks out 490 horsepower at 6,450 RPM, and 465 lb-ft of torque at 5,150 RPM.
Anyone wanting to step things up to the daunting “Day of Thunder” category can do so with the Z51 Package, which starts things off with a segment-leading performance exhaust. This kicks the horsepower effect up to the 490 mark and administers a hefty dose of 471 lb-ft of torque. These upgrades pave the blisteringly-fast path for a 2.9-second 0 to 60 mph time, making exhilarating fishtailing and primo performance in abundant supply. One test driver who had previously owned a C7 exclaimed that his first sampling was “ferociously wild and unforgettable!”
This and many other skilled drivers appreciated rocket-like launches with zero wheel slippage, and the perfectly-responsive nature of the paddle shifters. Magnetic Selective Ride Control acts as a perpetual detailed note-taker on road conditions to adapt and stiffen up to make the ride even more comfortable. Considering the legendary capability and abilities of the Corvette, a 3,366-lb curb weight is by no means unreasonable. You can choose from 11 sweet interior color schemes, which are all just window dressing for the world-class supercar experience waiting for you once you hit the start button.
We are now enjoying a time of massive technological achievement, where hours of painstaking development have allowed for luxuries such as adapting to road conditions in as little as 10 milliseconds. The retractable hardtop is an amazing addition that allows for both extreme enjoyment and pinnacle performance, without sacrificing firm chassis quality. Here this experienced editing and testing team claims that the Corvette was selected due to its unique interior and fire-breathing performance!
Also firmly distinguishing itself among 28 top nameplates, the Chevy Corvette has also been named a winner in the JD Power 2024 US ALG Residual Value Awards! This very sought-after accolade underlines the Corvette’s enduring value, stating that it will enjoy the highest percentage of its original MSRP up to three years after brand new status.