COR BLIMEY

Ever since its debut in 1953, Chevrolet’s Corvette Stingray has had its engine up front. But not anymore. So does this new C8 version pose a genuine threat to its established mid-engined rivals?

- JETHRO BOVINGDON

LET’S JUST COME OUT AND SAY IT RIGHT AWAY: the new Corvette Stingray doesn’t look great. Normally I wouldn’t mention a car’s appearance as it’s so subjective, but for the Corvette to become a true global player it has many prejudices to challenge, and if it looked indisputably stunning the battle would be so much easier. As it is, the new and much-hyped mid-engined Corvette has to overcome slightly awkward, fussy styling that pays too much respect to Corvettes of old rather than simply embracing the liberation afforded by moving its 6.2-litre V8 behind the driver. The Stingray may be offered in right-hand drive for the first time ever and adopt a new and exciting philosophy… but it seems like clinging on to existing customers was higher on the list of priorities than winning over new ones.

Well, guess what? It was. Chevrolet will make 30,000 of its new baby in 2020 and a great many will go to loyal, repeat buyers. People who are maybe a little conservative and are deeply concerned about their beloved Vette losing its usability, its unique character and, probably, its sense of identity. Consider that globally the entire 911 range only just outsells the Corvette in its domestic market alone and you get a sense of the gamble this new car represents. So for us, the uninitiated, I’m afraid we need to get over the mild disappointment of the aesthetic and instead focus on how the new Corvette Stingray drives and how it makes you feel.