2021 Chevrolet Corvette Review
2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
6.2 Liter V8, 495 HP, 0-60 2.8 Seconds
Base Price: $59,900
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
Let’s head straight to the point:
“This is one of the best (if not…The Best) car that GM has ever built. ”
If I had to spend my own hard-earned money….I would get this 2021 Chevrolet Corvette over a Porsche 911 in a heartbeat. Everything that makes a 911 special, from it’s handling down to it’s interior, this new Corvette matches if not exceeds it. At $30,000 less.
That’s it. There is nothing more to add. There is nothing more to say. It’s that good.
If you want to explore a few reason why….continue below:
This 2021 Chevrolet Corvette hopefully represents a turning point for GM. Its so radically different compared to everything else in their massive portfolio…it could very well be made by a completely different manufacturer entirely. Unfortunately GM has a tendency of getting a vehicle almost right. Their vehicles will have the power, the efficiency and even the technology but will fail in interior quality, refinement and ride along with handling. The Corvette has always been that hallmark of the GM almost getting it right but fumbling at the end.
Past Corvettes had blistering performance that could go toe-to-toe with the world’s finest but unfortunately they also had an interior that looked like it was fished out a dumpster at Goodwill. From flimsy plastics, thin seats, horrible ergonomics and panel gaps as wide as the Grand Canyon…became a trademark of the Corvette lineup. So much in fact…I’m pretty sure the mission statement from the GM Execs for each and every generation Corvette was the following:
“You have the money to make it perform...but there is no money left for anything else. Don’t even think about it or we will kill your beloved vette and slap the badge on a Tahoe. kthxbye!”
And for those 50 years…the Corvette engineers did just that. They did the best they could with what they had and while I can make fun of them for that…but I can’t fault them for that. One cannot argue that throughout it’s life, every generation Corvette always had that lovely combination of style, power, handling, braking and ride. That special combination that makes driving a Sports Car that intoxicating, innate and magical experience that it is. Just with the Corvette all of that magicalness was attached to an interior that made one cringe.
This interior on the other hand…is not just finally acceptable. It’s exceptional! From the feel of the supportive seats, the quality of the leather, the fit and finish of the dashboard and noise isolation at any speed…this Corvette feels just as good as the hallowed 911. In some regards…it’s actually better!
The infotainment is easier to use and has the best placement in a vehicle I have ever experienced. The steering wheel to touchscreen distance is spot-fucking-on. There is no stretching or fumbling about it. It’s frankly shocking it took this long for ANY manufacturer to figure out proper placement. The gear selector in the 911 looks like a TicTac box while the Corvette’s is intuitive and looks stunning. Lastly and most shockingly of all…the ride and refinement around town. The Corvette is just better. It’s quieter, rides better and frankly easier to pilot around town. At $30,000 less!!
Performance wise, this Corvette doesn’t play second fiddle to anyone or anything. It has that trademark sensation of merciless power from idle to redline and that uniquely American small block rumble and wail that is intoxicating. The lithe handling and superbly weighted steering along with excellent visibility makes driving this machine effortless. It’s confidence inspiring, ego boosting and breathtakingly easy to drive. The 2021 Corvette doesn’t just feel like it’s competing against the 911 anymore…it has the power, poise and handling that it feels like it is competing against that likes of McLaren. It feels like a 720s!
What makes the McLaren 720s such a phenomenal machine is it’s traction control system along with ingenious suspension design. Instead of spinning away all of its power immediately…the 720s is programmed to deliver optimal power in every circumstance it encounters. It is also designed to be compliant over any and all pavement. From smooth tarmac to broken asphalt…the 720s never loses its composure. Those two factors adds up to a machine that is designed to inspire confidence in every situation imaginable. The 720s turns into your personal driving coach.
This 2021 Corvette…has the exact same feeling. The traction control system is just as good as the McLaren’s and it’s suspension feels just as compliant. The Corvette will give you everything it has in every situation imaginable but does so you don’t wind up in a ditch immediately. The Corvette stands resolute in the face of mountain roads, race tracks to torrential rainfall and traffic jams. The Corvette feels like a cohesive force whose sole purpose is to get you to your destination as fast as physically possible with no drama.
This 2021 Corvette is your coach. It is your guide. It is the better angel on your shoulder. It is the best car GM has ever made and it is one of the best cars this country has ever made.
