2019 Chevrolet Corvette Buyer’s Guide

2019 Chevrolet Corvette Overview

Apart from its poster-worthy looks, the Chevrolet Corvette also has a performance that puts it on par with some of the world’s top sports cars. Every model has a V8 engine under the hood that works well with both manual and automatic transmissions.

The performance threshold of cars has been raised with the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette. In fact, this year marks the arrival of the most exotic Corvette — the ZR1. So, now the Corvette lineup includes four models, all of which are available in coupe and convertible configurations. Every model has been designed at Germany’s legendary Nürburgring North Loop and delivers excellent value when compared to its much costlier European rivals.

The most affordable Corvette Stingray combines a strong engine with precise handling while remaining practical and comfortable. If you are looking for a track-ready Corvette without breaking the bank, consider the Grand Sport, which features more dynamic bodywork and chassis components.

The Z06 is one of the most fantastic models of the 2019 Chevy Corvette that is already fantastic by any standard. The most notable feature of the Z06 is its 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine. It issues 650 hp while emitting an earth-shattering exhaust sound.

On the other hand, with the ZR1, the Corvette achieves a world-beater status. The 750-hp ZR1 is the crown jewel of the Corvette range.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette Models

The front-engine 2019 Chevy Corvette is available in four variants: the Stingray, Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1. The base engine is shared by the Stingray and Grand Sport versions, but the Grand Sport includes enhanced suspension and bodywork. The Z06 has a more-powerful, supercharged engine, while the ZR1 is the strongest Corvette.

What are the Trims Available?

Each model comes in a coupe and convertible body type (with a detachable central roof panel). After that, you select a trim, which decides the number of features you will enjoy. The Stingray and Grand Sport are available in 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trim levels, while the Z06 is available in 1LZ, 2LZ, and 3LZ trim levels, and the ZR1 in 1ZR and 3ZR. Individual add-ons for the models are also available.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette Exterior

Dimensions

2019 Corvette Stingray Targa

Styling

The designers of the 2019 Chevy Corvette have paid homage to some iconic sports-car features while designing an authentic 21st-century sports vehicle. The long hood and low top, extended headlights, aggressive creases, and quad exhaust tips in the centre of the rear fascia offer some drama before the car vanishes from sight. Convertibles include a motorised fabric roof that can be actuated at speeds of up to 30 m/h. Compared with the rest of the models, the entry-level Stingray is a bit shorter and has a narrower track.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette Interior

Dimensions

2019 Corvette Stingray Targa

Quality, Space, and Comfort

Despite its fierce look and track-ready performance, the inside of the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most pleasant in the sports-car market. The Z06 and ZR1 maintain the driver-focused interior of the standard Corvette but add sportier materials, including Competition Sport seats.

However, if you want high-end luxury or a super-premium feel then the Corvette’s interior is not for you. But that is a perfectly fair trade you will make for the drivetrain bargain. After all, the model year 2019 Chevy Corvette is still among the world’s most inexpensive and amazing sports cars.

Cargo

Most drivers looking for sports cars do not care about cargo space. But the Corvette is a surprisingly solid option if you’re looking for a sports vehicle that carries a lot of goods.

The cargo space varies depending on the body style. Coupes have a trunk space of 15 cu ft, while convertibles have a trunk space of 10 cu ft. Both figures are higher than those of most other luxury sports cars, including the 2019 Porsche Cayman. On top of that, unlike other competitors, the convertible Corvette does not lose trunk room when the top is dropped.

Entertainment

All Corvette models come with a default 8.0-in infotainment display that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth Streaming Audio, and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity; built-in navigation system is available as an option. Chevy’s MyLink system performs great. But it is not as simple to use or as quick to respond as the company’s new Infotainment 3 System.

The gauge cluster on all versions is customizable. The 1LT and 2LT trims, as well as all Z06 and ZR1 models, come with a head-up display. A nine- or ten-speaker Bose sound system is standard, depending on the trim.

The Performance Data Recorder from Chevrolet is also available with the Corvette. And if you plan to monitor your 2019 Chevy Corvette, this is a must-have tool.

The Cosworth toolbox will show you a bird’s-eye view of your laps on submitting your PDR footage for extra-track telemetry data. There is nothing more convenient than being suggested the line you should take instead of the one you are taking. 

2019 Chevy Corvette Features & Specs

2019 Corvette Stingray 1LT / Grand Sport 1LT / Z06 1LZ / ZR1 1ZR

External Features

• 19-in front and 20-in rear wheels
• HID headlights
• Heated, electrically adjustable side mirrors
• Tinted windows

Internal Features

• Leather seating upholstery
• Power-adjustable seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 9-speaker audio system
• 8.0-in infotainment display
• Head-up display on Z06 and ZR1

Convenience Features

• Keyless entry and start
• Dual-zone climate control

2019 Corvette Stingray 2LT / Grand Sport 2LT / Z06 2LZ

External Features

• 19-in front and 20-in rear wheels
• HID headlights
• Heated, electrically adjustable side mirrors
• Tinted windows
• Auto-dimming side mirrors

Internal Features

• Leather finish on console and gauge cluster
• Head-up display
• Armrests
• 10-speaker audio system
• Heated and ventilated seats
• Seat bolster and lumbar adjustment
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Convenience Features

• Cargo net
• Seat memory settings
• Front-facing camera

2019 Corvette Stingray 3LT / Grand Sport 3LT / Z06 3LZ / ZR1 3ZR

External Features

• 19-in front and 20-in rear wheels
• HID headlights
• Heated, electrically adjustable side mirrors
• Tinted windows
• Auto-dimming side mirrors

Internal Features

• Leather finish on door panels, dashboard, and console cover
• Faux suede (carbon-fiber) trim
• Perforated premium leather upholstery

Convenience Features

• Performance data recorder
• Built-in navigation

Engine and Performance

Overview

The Corvette comes with one 6.2-litre V8 with four output options. The newest Corvette is the best, with acceleration, handling, turning, and braking that outperform previous generations and many competitors. It is quick and exciting. The Corvette’s ease of use and comfort have helped the car carve a place for itself in the sports-car market.

All Corvettes power the rear-wheel drive through a seven-speed manual transmission. It has a rev-matching system, which blips the throttle to copy heel-and-toe shifting for seamless gear changes. An optional 8-speed auto gearbox paired with paddle shifters is also available.

The Corvette has great handling power, and this becomes clearer when the adaptive suspension is added. If you wish for more speed and roar, the supercharged Z06 and the new ZR1 are both amazing.

Now let’s get into the specifics of the performance of each 2019 Chevrolet Corvette variant.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

• Engine: 6.2-litre V8
• Power: 455/460 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 460/465 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed manual/8-speed automatic
• EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 16/25 MPG (Manual); 15/25 MPG (Automatic)

Thanks to its 8 snarling cylinders and 455 restless horsepower, the Corvette Stingray makes for a breathtaking drive. The howl of the V8 is enough to convince you that every stop sign is a pair of drag-strip lights. When you slam the throttle, your neck struggles to keep your head up. The Corvette accelerates to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.

The Corvette Stingray is brutally fast, handles superbly, and brakes to a complete halt as if you have driven into wet cement. Its chassis is amazingly strong. It is a supercar that costs a fraction of what a Lamborghini, McLaren, or Ferrari would cost.

Performance packages include a stingray Z51 package that enhances the suspension, brakes, tires, and cooling systems. Also included is an electronic limited-slip differential and performance exhaust system that shoots up the engine power by 5 hp.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

• Engine: 6.2-litre V8
• Power: 460 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 465 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed manual/8-speed automatic
• EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 16/25 MPG (Manual); 15/25 MPG (Automatic) 

The Grand Sport is based on the normal Corvette Stingray, but it has more fierce features.

The Grand Sport features adjustable magnetorheological dampers that deliver a very compliant and pleasant ride in Tour mode. On the other hand, it slowly locks the chassis down in Sport and Track modes. All that grip would be useless without capable handling, and the Corvette’s fast, responsive steering does not disappoint.

The steering weight increases in Sport and Track modes, while Tour mode is designed to be light enough for pleasant cruising.

The Grand Sport is a highly versatile sports car. Some Grand Sport vehicles may be equipped with an improved Z07 suspension kit that includes Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and adaptive suspension.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

• Engine: Supercharged 6.2-litre V8
• Power: 650 hp @ 6,400 rpm
• Torque: 650 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed manual/8-speed automatic
• EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 15/22 MPG (Manual); 14/23 MPG (Automatic)

As compared with the above Corvettes, the Z06 has a lot more power. The 2019 Chevy Corvette Z06 is a fantastic deal because of its heart-pounding cornering grip and neck-snapping acceleration. These rival the costlier competitors like the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911 Turbo.

The Z07 performance package comes with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, and adjustable aerodynamic enhancements. It reaches 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and a quarter mile in 10.9 seconds. With this model, the handling has also been greatly improved.

The Corvette Z06 can quickly change from being an everyday car to a track monster. Its configurable drive modes and adjustable dampers make for several driving aspects, such as engine modes and quick and precise steering.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

• Engine: 6.2-litre V8
• Power: 755 hp @ 6,300 rpm
• Torque: 715 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed manual/8-speed automatic
• EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 13/19 MPG (Manual); 12/20 MPG (Automatic)

The ZR1 is the ultimate Vette in the range. The Corvette ZR1 is at the height of the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette lineup. Its supercharged 6.2-litre V8 produces 755 hp to the rear wheels, allowing the ZR1 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 3 seconds. The ZR1’s brakes are very strong, and they grab the road with race-car ferocity.

What about that additional wing—the ZTK Performance package? It generates up to 950 pounds of downforce. The auto gearbox is a bit sluggish, so buy the manual transmission to properly manage this beast. Switching the drive-mode selection to Tour produces a smooth ride that expertly manages bumpy roads.

Safety

• Anti-lock brakes
• Stability control
• Front-impact airbags
• Side impact airbags
• Security system
• Pretensioners

The 2019 Chevy Corvette has not undergone any crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That is typical of high-end sports vehicles.

Driver and passenger front and side airbags are standard on all Corvette models. Front cameras are optional, but a rear camera is standard. The Corvette has no active safety or driving assistance features like adaptive cruise control or automated emergency braking.

Reliability

JD Power has given the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette an excellent quality and reliability rating of 87 out of 100. Also, several Corvette owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 for reliability.

How the Corvette Compares with Rivals

The two-seater delivers a thrilling performance with a lineup of powerful engines. While it is not a high-end luxury package, the Corvette matches its rivals at a significantly affordable price.

Here’s a price comparison of the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (the most powerful Corvette) with the starting prices of its rivals:

Even after comparing the top model with its rivals’ entry prices, the 2019 Chevy Corvette is still more affordable.

Pros

• Poster-worthy design
• Superb powertrain options
• Incredible grip
• Dynamic handling
• Vast boot space
• Incredible reliability rating

Cons

• Not-so luxurious cabin
• Heavy removable Targa top
• Limited in-cabin storage
• Laggy touch screen
• Few safety features

Verdict

You have come to the right place if you want a lot of power for a minimal price. In all its configurations, the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette is a refined and sophisticated bargain. Its rival cars, such as the Porsche 911, are way more expensive, but the Corvette offers great performance for its price.

Even if the competitors offer more comfort and better interior technology, the Corvette is tough to top if power and poise are your main priorities.

The Corvette’s appealing styling, breathtaking performance, and very affordable price have lent it a spot in the Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars Awards for 2019.

Conclusion

The Corvette is Chevrolet’s iconic sports car. The C7 generation, which debuted in 2014, has been offered as a convertible with a folding soft top or a coupe with a detachable hardtop. Corvette configurations span a range of V8 engines and performance improvements, making it ideal for a variety of drivers.

The ZR1 entered the Corvette lineup in 2019. The quickest and most powerful Corvette ever, the ZR1 demonstrates the C7 Corvette chassis’ full potential.

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