Chevrolet cars have been around for more than 100 years.
Even though Chevrolet, or “Chevy” as most people call it, is seen as an entry-level car company and most of its models are seen as mass-market, it has made some of the most legendary performance cars ever.
Chevrolet Camaro
Nothing compares to speeding along a winding road while listening to the exhilarating tone of a thundering exhaust. The Chevy Camaro is one of the few economical sports cars that can deliver you this experience. The Camaro is available as a coupe or a convertible and features a distinct style open to personalization.
Pricing and Trims
- 1LT: $32,495
- 2LT: $34,495
- 3LT:$38,495
- LT1: $40,395
- 1SS: $43,895
- 2SS: $48,895
So, pricing for the Chevrolet Camaro begins at $32,495 and goes up to $49,890 for the top-end SS Collector’s Edition.
The 1LE Track Performance kit is optional and, in addition to making the car look better, improves its performance. So, all 1LE models come with a dual-mode exhaust system, stronger brakes, a limited-slip differential, better cooling parts for the powertrain, and a specially tuned suspension.
Driving Experience
The standard 335-horsepower V-6 is smooth and surprisingly quick but upgrading to the 455-horsepower V-8 will unlock more melodic sounds and more powerful acceleration.
Likewise, the standard six-speed manual gearbox will certainly delight the car enthusiast in you. Additionally, the V-6 and V-8 have a 10-speed automatic option.
So, Camaro will impress you with its unique chassis that offers lithe handling, unmatched among pony cars. Combined with the 1LE system, the coupes outperform their class, competing with considerably more expensive vehicles.
Pros
- Melodic V-6 and V-8
- Fantastic performance for the price
- Athletic handling and refined ride
- Great 1LE track package
Cons
- Poor outward visibility
- Tiny rear seats
- Hard to get in and out
Verdict
Chevy’s performance models used to drive well in straight lines but made their flaws evident around corners. However, the sixth-generation Camaro flips the narrative. Resultantly, if you choose performance over practicality, this pony car is for you.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Although it isn’t the most potent muscle vehicle, the Chevy Camaro ZL1 is unrivaled in terms of driver engagement and value for performance.
Pricing and Trims
- Coupe: $73,695
- Convertible: $79,695
Pricing for the Chevrolet ZL1 Camaro begins at $73,695 for the coupe and $79,695 for the convertible.
Like on the regular Camaro, the 1LE Extreme Track Performance package transforms the ZL1 into a pure track weapon. However, the stiffer suspension makes the ZL1 uncomfortable for daily drives.
Driving experience
Between the ZL1’s fenders, Chevrolet engineers have stowed a 650-hp supercharged V-8 that produces power across the rev range and leaves black streaks on the road. It is available with a smooth manual transmission or a quick 10-speed automatic. The automatic transmission results in faster acceleration times than the manual, but either way, this Chevy is a devil at the drag circuit.
The ZL1 gear takes the Camaro to new heights. Additionally, its bigger and grippier tires, manually adjustable front suspension, and unique spool-valve dampers aid in chewing racetracks and making you happy.
Pros
- Monstrous supercharged V-8
- Ruthless track abilities
- Outstanding value for money
Cons
- Outward visibility is poor
Verdict
The ZL1 is not only the best Camaro but also the king of the track-ready muscle cars.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C8
Replacing the C7 Corvette, the new C8 Corvette maintains the nameplate’s longstanding legacy as an automotive classic by offering supercar performance, an affordable price tag, and stunning styling—but with a mid-engine twist.
Pricing and Trims
- 1LT Coupe: $69,995
- 1LT Convertible: $76,995
- 2LT Coupe: $77,095
- 3LT Coupe: $81,475
- 2LT Convertible: $84,095
- 3LT Convertible: $88,745
The Corvette comes in two body styles: coupe and convertible with a folding hard top. Besides, a Z51 performance package is also offered, which includes all the performance-oriented equipment.
Driving experience
The Corvette C8 is the first model to house its 490 horsepower 6.2L V8 engine behind the passenger seats. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox delivers power to the rear wheels.
The Z51 package’s dual-mode performance exhaust produces 495 horsepower and accelerates to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. However, even in its most basic configuration, this Chevy sports car can handle heroically and provides intense thrills on both the road and the track while still being refined and comfortable enough to be driven cross-country. This puts it in competition with sports cars costing tens of thousands of dollars more.
Pros
- Intense sports-car performance
- Easy to use daily
- Top trims offer a luxurious experience.
Cons
- No manual transmission is available
- Limited Rear Visibility
Verdict
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C8 is a top-of-the-line Chevrolet sports car that will offer you unmatched handling, top speed, and flair on the open road.
Chevrolet C8 Corvette E-ray
If you’ve ever fantasized about cruising through your neighborhood in a Corvette without causing a ruckus, you’re not just a considerate neighbor, but also a bit of a visionary because Chevy has made that dream a reality.
Welcome the newest hit in the Corvette’s lineup: an all-wheel drive, hybrid-powered Corvette E-Ray. No this is not a green, eco-conscious sports car; the electric boost is all about ramping up the speed. With a combined output of 655 hp, the E-Ray can hit 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.5 seconds, putting it among the fastest cars available today.
Pricing and Trims
- 1LZ Coupe: $106,595
- 2LZ Coupe: $112,095
- 1LZ Convertible: $113,595
- 3LZ Coupe: $117,545
- 2LZ Convertible: $119,095
- 3LZ Convertible: $124,545
Similar to the regular Corvette, the Corvette E-Ray comes in coupe or convertible options with a folding hardtop
It’s available in 1LZ, 2LZ, and 3LZ trims, offering similar features to the standard Corvette Stingray’s 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT variants. Plus, you’ll get performance perks like a performance exhaust system, magnetic performance adaptive dampers, performance Brembo brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential as standard across the board.
Driving Experience
It’s not exactly like a conventional hybrid, as it’s designed to go faster not farther. The signature 495-hp pushrod 6.2-liter V-8 engine driving the rear wheels gets an electric boost from a motor on the front axle, pumping out an additional 160 hp. The result? A mind-boggling 655 horsepower, turning it into an all-wheel-drive hypercar.
Sporting the same wide-body kit and front-end treatment as the Z06 model, the E-Ray’s handling remains stellar despite the added weight from the electric motor and battery. Yet, it’s just as user-friendly as the base Stingray.
But also much like the base Stingray, the E-Ray is just as easy to live with, whether you’re running errands or threading your local esses.
It even has a “Stealth mode,” allowing it to operate in electric-only mode for short bursts at speeds of up to 45 mph.
Pros
- Insane Performance per dollar
- Blistering power and acceleration
- Added weight doesn’t compromise handling heroics
Cons
- Tricky to get in and out of
- Limited Rear Visibility
Verdict
Welcome the Corvette E-ray – a Corvette with a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive. Well, as unusual as that sounds, it’s as rewarding when you get behind the wheel.
Chevrolet Corvette z06
The Z06, in line with the legacy, is a more extreme, track-oriented version of the regular Vette, replete with sharper aesthetic cues and significant performance enhancements. Above all, the Chevy Corvette Z06 is set to push the famous marque into territory formerly occupied by Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Pricing and Trims
- 1LZ Coupe: $111,795
- 1LZ Convertible: $118,795
- 2LZ Coupe: $120,695
- 3LZ Coupe: $125,345
- 2LZ Convertible: $127,695
- 3LZ Convertible: $132,345
Pricing begins for the Chevy Corvette Z06 at $111,795 for the coupe and $118,795 for the convertible
A Z07 Performance package is also available, which adds a tuned suspension, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, and high-performance Michelin Pilot Cup 2R ZP tires. Furthermore, you can combine this with the Carbon Aero package, which adds carbon fiber exterior elements, including a front splitter and a rear spoiler.
Driving experience
You might initially be surprised that the new Corvette would forego the front-engined V8 formula in favor of a V8 in the rear, but driving the Z06 will immediately allay those concerns. In fact, it has a 5.5L flat-plane crank V8 with 670 horsepower, making it the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 ever produced.
With launch control activated, the Z06 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 2.6 seconds. Most importantly, you have Brembo six-piston caliper brakes to stop all that speed.
Even though the Z06 receives the greatest features and technology from the Stingray, there’s a significant improvement in its performance and handling.
Pros
- Lithe handling
- Blistering acceleration
- Comfortable, upmarket interior
- Useful cargo space
Cons
- Poor rear visibility
Verdict
The Corvette Z06 is a highly coveted performance car that combines Ferarri’s flair and performance with a Chevrolet price tag.
