So, you love the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, but how is it different from a Corvette? The truth is, a Stingray is ALWAYS a Corvette, but a Corvette is NOT always a Stingray. The original Corvette did not carry the Stingray name, but “Sting Ray” was added to its title in 1963. Today’s Chevy Corvette Stingray is the standard Corvette version, while the Corvette Z06 is a high-performance model.
Ciocca Corvette of Atlantic City has a wide array of Corvettes for sale or lease in a variety of model years and body styles. People from New York to Florida shop with us because of our tremendous selection. Our enthusiastic sales associates are happy to explain the differences of all the Corvette variants to help you choose your perfect ‘Vette.
History of the Chevrolet Corvette and the Corvette Stingray
The very first Chevrolet Corvette, built in 1953, did not have the Stingray moniker. This roadster was essentially hand-built, with a then-revolutionary glass fiber reinforced plastic outer body (fiberglass). The original Corvette had an independent front suspension, but featured a rigid axle supported by longitudinal leaf springs at the rear.
Ten years later, the second generation (C2) Chevy Corvette was dubbed a Corvette Sting Ray (two words) because of its coupe body style and distinctive tapering rear deck. The name “Sting Ray” was inspired by a mako shark that designer Bill Mitchell caught while deep-sea fishing. The first Corvette Sting Ray had a long hood and a raised wind-split that ran the length of the roof and continued down the back on a pillar that bisected the rear window into right and left halves.
The third generation of Chevrolet Corvettes (C3) was the first to use “Stingray” as one word. These models had pumped-up wheel arches, pop-up headlights, and new T-top removable roof panels. The fourth-generation Chevrolet Corvette (C4) was given a substantially redesigned chassis and more angular styling. In 1997, Chevrolet released the fifth-generation C5 Corvette with its new LS series of engines, some of which are still in use today. The C6 and C7 Corvettes (2005-2019) received a power boost, with engines that produced more than 600 or 700 horsepower.
Today’s Chevy Corvette Stingray (2020-Present)
Today’s eighth-generation Chevy Corvette Stingray (C8) boasts a revolutionary mid-engine design for enhanced balance and handling. Baltimore drivers will like that it has better rear weight distribution, which allows more power to be directed to the rear wheels when necessary. The mid-engine build also gives the Corvette Stingray improved outward visibility and upgraded engine cooling. All 2023 Corvette Stingrays are powered by a 490-horsepower V8 engine that produces 465 pound-feet of torque. This motor enables the Stingray to slingshot from 0 to 60 mph in around three seconds.
Inside, the new Chevy Corvette Stingray’s well-built cabin is awash in leather, soft-touch plastic, imitation suede, and aluminum accents. Some models have contrast stitching and carbon-fiber trim. The Stingray is available in coupe or convertible. People in Philadelphia will like that even the Stingray coupe has a removable top for open-air driving in nice weather.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The new Chevy Corvette Z06 does not have the Stingray name attached to it. The Z06 is a high-performance model with a 670-horsepower V8 engine that makes 460 pound-feet of torque. Washington, DC drivers will appreciate that the Corvette Z06 can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds.
Contact Ciocca Corvette of Atlantic City to Set Up a Test Drive in a New or Used Corvette
Whether you get the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray or the Chevy Corvette Z06, you’ll have a curvaceous sports car with lightning speed and heroic handling. Contact Ciocca Corvette of Atlantic City to reserve a test drive in a new or used Chevy Corvette.