2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: First Impressions

Even though this is the 5th model year of the C8 Corvette, the exotic-esque appearance of Chevrolet’s current-gen Corvette Stingray is still a head-turner, and although the aesthetic has ventured some from that of the C7, the C8 couldn’t be a more perfect infusion of modern innovation into the iconic nameplate it is emblazoned with. Walking towards my pick-up location, I immediately recognized the familiar C8 silhouette and scanned for differences. Nothing was particularly noticeable on the exterior. I got in a Stingray Coupe, which are all equipped with a removable, hardtop panel. Although the manually-removable roof allows for topless cruising, it is not the same as the hardtop convertible option, and from its sideview it is slightly reminiscent of the Smokey and The Bandit T-Top 1977 Trans Am - of course, without the center support.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Performance

Hearing the 2024 C8 turnover was music to my ears - like the sound of a favorite song. Chevy's C8s have a brief, but distinctive gruff throatiness as the first push of fuel is gulped into action, which then retreats into a smoother, more refined purr. Th...

Braking And Acceleration

As tested, in Sport Mode, this C8, complete with dealer-installed performance-enhancing exhaust and track telemetry bolted through a 3.1-second zero to 60, just north of the sub-three seconds it is capable of. I will chock that up to road conditions, as previous claims have it at 2.8 with the current exhaust. The top speed was not tested on this trip, but for those that want to put it down on the track or break bad on the back roads, the C8 does have the potential for a top speed of 194 MPG.The standard, automatic eight-speed, dual clutch transmission shifted rocket quick, and so effortlessly, unless paying close attention, the gear changes just fade into the background. Paddle shifters, a fan favorite, that allow the driver to shift the C8 into neutral while rolling and rev on the fly to incite a nearby car to run it, are still available just behind the steering wheel. Rolling acceleration is exceptional in all gears, first through 6th.The Brembo braking system is everything you would expect on a sports car of this quality. When its full stopping power is engaged, the C8 manages its weight distribution well. It isn’t pushy coming into the corner. There is no dip. There is no roll. It's very firm. It just hooks and books.

Performance Specification

2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Fuel Economy

Over the course of the five model years of the eighth-gen C8, the fuel economy has had a minimal decline. As tested by the EPA, the mid-engine Corvette Stingray debuted in 2020 rated at 15 MPG City, 27 MPG Highway and 19 combined. In 2022, the ratings changed to 16 MPG city, 24 Highway, but was still 19 combined. It is still close for 2024 with the only change being 25 MPG Highway. Although these are official ratings, in conservative driving modes, it is possible to achieve better overall fuel economy in a C8, as seen in the image above.

Interior Design And Comfort

Entering the C8 is not the easiest for inexperienced drivers. I, myself, am accustomed to the "sit-and-spin" method of entry, so acclimation was not an issue for me, but it isn’t always the easiest car to enter or exit for the less than nimble. The ca...

Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use

While the graphics were on point, and gargantuan leaps forward over those seen on the display screen of the early years' C8, the tech took a back step for me, due to the "pay-to-play" position. The Apple Car Play integration was as expected and visible on an 8.0" diagonal touchscreen with built-in Google. However, without an iPhone connection, the display screen prompted "subscription required" messages for most services. This was not a condition in the less advanced tech services of the first years of the mid-engine. Audio plays through a premium 10-speaker Bose system and although there were equalizer and bass settings, my preference would be an added sub.

Cargo And Storage Space

Dropping my backpack into the frunk, Chevy’s addition of the new Power Hood Pull-Down was instantly evident. The previous year’s frunks took more than a little nudge to latch closed. The innovation on the C8 frunk frontier may be an under-appreciated amenity for those that aren't in the know; but having burnt untold time wiping, and polishing my hand prints off the center stripe of my own C8, when attempting to close it, the value is not lost on me - a minor, but total flex for the newest model year on the road.Chevy whittled down the cargo space on the C8, compared to its Corvette predecessor, the C7. The current-generation two-seater offers 12.6 cubic-feet of storage space between the frunk and trunk combined. Although limited, it is a given that what a 'Vette lacks in storage it makes up for in so many ways, and the cargo space is beyond adequate for a seasoned Corvette driver who has acclimated to limitations. Notably, the Coupe's removable roof panel will squeeze into the rear trunk, as will a set of golf clubs and the soft luggage that is custom-made to fit the C8 trunk, and sold by Chevrolet. Drivers making a run to the gro-sto will probably want to opt to carry the frozen items in the frunk as the trunk's proximity to the motor has melted a pint of Ben & Jerry's or two on the way home.

Recommendation: Pull The Trigger On The 2024 C8

The naysayers will exclaim that limited space and sheer convenience are a reason to opt out of a Corvette, at least as a daily. The MSRP, or cost of maintenance may be another deterrent for a mid-engine as a regular-runaround; but in my opinion, if you’re worried about cost of maintenance, it probably isn’t your first choice of vehicle anyway, and with a C8 as my own grocery-getter, I must disagree. I find my eighth-gen Corvette, or any car that's fun to drive or has some added flavor, an extra reason to be excited to go to work or run errands. The gas mileage is satisfactory, the cost per horsepower is phenomenal in comparison to a true exotic, and without a doubt, the C8 will put the fun in anyone's run. So, with unshakable certainty, I am absolutely recommending all gas, no brakes to the Chevy dealership to get one.In short, the mid-engine 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette, a luxury sports car affectionately referred to as America’s super car, has maintained the eighth-generation's exotic vibe, power-packed performance, and track-worthy handling that make it more car than anyone could possibly need on the road, yet its driver assist features and a milder MSRP put it on the shortlist as a coveted, rocket quick daily driver for those that can live life in a two-seater.