2022 Chevrolet Corvette vs 2023 Chevrolet Corvette

Nearing its 70th anniversary, the Chevrolet Corvette is an automotive institution. While some past Corvette models rested on their laurels, the eighth-generation Corvette C8 is the real deal. The current Corvette Stingray is destined to be superseded by more extreme versions, but even it offers impressive performance and technology, and even manages to be a decent value.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray enters the new model year with only minor changes. Chevy launched an IMSA GTLM Championship Edition (limited to 1,000 units) commemorating the Corvette’s racing success, made some powertrain changes (which don’t affect output), and added three new exterior colours: Hypersonic Gray, Caffeine, and Amplify Orange Tintcoat.

The lineup remains unchanged from 2021, consisting of coupe and convertible body styles, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trim levels. A Z51 performance package is available on any trim level, which upgrades the suspension and adds an electronic limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes. Our test car was a 2LT coupe without the Z51 package.

Zora Arkus-Duntov. That name is to Corvette enthusiasts, what John Bonham is to Led Zeppelin aficionados. As far back as the late 1950s, he suggested to General Motors that the Corvette should be a mid-engine sports car. But that decision would have been costly and GM was just fine keeping the ‘Vette profitable. There was a rumour that the C7 Corvette was supposed to have a mid-engine layout, but the recession of the 2000s shut the plan down. Almost 25 years after his death, Arkus-Duntov’s dream came to fruition in the form of the 2020 C8 Corvette.

In moving the engine to behind the driver, the Corvette got an instant boost in performance. It was faster and more dynamic, but there was more to it. The mid-engine placement made the new Corvette less like a step up from the Camaro and more like a world-class exotic car—think Porsche 911 or even a Ferrari, McLaren, or Lamborghini.

But elevating reputation also elevates expectations. Does the mid-engine 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray live up to its newfound supercar reputation? Read on to find out.