A Complete Review of the 2018 Corvette by Chevrolet
Sixty-five years of production later, Chevy’s 2018 Corvette continues to dominate roadways. Sleek lines, a scary-powerful engine, and a super-competent chassis make this the real deal when it comes to the sports car that steals the show.
While the interior proves less than stellar, this Corvette’s exterior and performance sizzle. From its rip-roaring 455-hp V8 to its dominating lines, this ride will bring your wildest racing fantasies to life. Read on for our 2018 Corvette review.
The Seventh Generation
Now in its seventh generation and fifth production year, the Chevrolet Corvette 2018 or C7 remains hotter and sexier than ever. While changes have come, they prove relatively minor.
Despite a methodical evolution, this car remains essentially the same from a mechanical standpoint. Considering how difficult improving upon perfection gets, that’s a bonus. So, expect the same reflexes and acceleration with this monster.
Whether you opt for the Z06 or the Stingray, get ready for some serious g-force. This devil delivers with crazy acceleration, lightning-fast reflexes, super grip, and remarkably sensitive communications between the steering wheel and seat.
Its convertible counterpart loses nothing in translation. Instead of representing a coupe with the top cropped, Chevy constructed this vehicle from the ground up as a roadster with an added top. This means structural integrity you can rely on.
Z06s, Stingrays, and Grand Sports, Oh My!
The Stingray absolutely rocks, the Z06 will literally blow your mind, and the Grand Sport splits the difference. Let’s dig into the details.
The Stingray
With its 6.2-liter LT1 V8, the 2018 Corvette Stingray comes in at a hefty 460-lbs per feet of torque and 455 hp. It features an evil powertrain that’ll leave you breathless.
It grips the road like Spiderman, and it boasts eye-catching designs you’ll savor. This car combines the best in speed with sheer sexiness and versatility making it an entry-level sports car you won’t tire of easily… or, maybe ever.
The Z06
That said, the 2018 Corvette Z06 gets even more dangerous. Designed as the ultimate driver’s car, it delivers pure performance. Slamming in at 650-lbs per feet of torque and 650 hp, it takes “super-charged” to the next level.
To say the ride proves exhilarating remains the understatement of the year. Hold on to your hat when it comes to taking a spin in this vehicle!
The Grand Sport
But what if you want to split the difference between the Stingray and the Z06? Then, check out the mid-range 2018 Corvette Grand Sport. It combines the best of the Z06’s steering geometry and suspension with the ease of the Stingray engine.
This lethal combo means the Grand Sport proves a couple of tenths faster than the Stingray in the quarter mile. It also boasts five more horsepower.
Why We Love the Grand Sport
With its synthesis of the best the Stingray and Z06 have to offer, the Grand Sport definitely kills it. At almost four inches wider, its suspension, body panels, and massive tires give you the best of the Z06 in a comfy daily driver.
The Grand Sport dominates when it comes to acceleration and engine reliability under stress due to its dry-sump lubrication system. It also features two-zone automatic climate control, dual mode exhaust, and adaptive dampers.
Needless to say, this car excels in terms of appearance, performance, and comfort. For less than $2,000, you can upgrade to the eight-speed transmission giving your vehicle even more fine-tuned control and power.
The Grand Sport offers an optional handling package with Michelin Pilot Sports Cup 2 track tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, and a stiffer suspension. But the base model performs so well without it, we recommend saving some money and going basic.
Transmission Considerations
Whether you go bold with the Stingray, powerful with the Z06, or opt for killer performance with the Grand Sport, standard models come with seven-speed manual transmissions. They feature a rev-matching downshifting mechanism.
If you’re looking for an upgrade, consider the optional eight-speed automatic transmission. It comes with GM-constructed paddle shifting. And to put it mildly, its performance will rock your world.
2018 Corvette Changes
So, what’s new with the 2018 C7? While the changes prove minimal, they do sweeten the package. The vehicle comes with a backup camera featuring a wider-angle lens than previous models.
In terms of aesthetics, the 2018 model offers a new accent color for the interior trim stitching. Some people love it, while others find it tacky. It boasts a new exterior paint color, and you can even opt for the special-edition trim model.
Applied to 650 vehicles, the special-edition trim commemorates the Corvette’s 65th production year. Called Carbon 65, this carbon-fiber trim includes a drool-inducing carbon-fiber spoiler. But the $15,000 price tag increase reduces the appeal.
That Look
The 2018 Corvette comes with another show-stopping exterior that’ll leave your friends and family drooling. Its creased rear quarter-panels and distinctive headlights mean one thing. Heads will turn!
Cosmetic changes you’ll love include wider tires and more options. In fact, Stingrays now come with five brand new designs. Grand Sport models remain unaltered, however.
In terms of paint, Ceramic Matrix Gray Metallic has now replaced Sterling Blue. For extra pop, consider adding fender hash marks or a Satin Black center stripe for a custom paint job. And the Carbon 65 trim option has its loyal fans, too.
As already mentioned, the interior has its detractors. And it’s true that the 2018 Corvette’s fittings prove less stunning than some of the competition’s.
But it remains comfortable, featuring lots of legroom and headroom. What’s more, Corvette C6 accessories can spice up that interior while personalizing it.
Safety Features
While the IIHS and NHTSA have yet to crash test the 2018 Corvette, it comes with many reassuring safety features.
These safety elements include:
- Front-impact airbags
- Side-impact airbags
- Stability control
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Seatbelt pre-tensioners
- An ignition disable device
When it comes to Corvette reviews, safety remains an important factor in choosing the right vehicle. GM engineers have taken this to the next level with generous, strategic airbag placement. This includes front-impact and side impact equipment.
Designed to protect the head during a frontal crash, front-impact airbags cushion the dash during a crash. Side-impact models, as the name suggests, protect your torso during a side-impact collision.
More Safety Features
To avoid loss of control while driving at high rates of speed and execution, the C7 boasts stability control sensors. These sensors automatically “feel” when the vehicle has surpassed its handling limits.
Then, the system decreases engine power and speed or applies select brakes accordingly. This safety feature keeps drivers on the road when stability presents an issue.
Anti-lock brakes ensure that all tires keep rotating even under the most extreme stopping conditions. When a tire stops turning, the ABS brakes modulate lifting the pressure just enough to allow full rotation to resume.
The result? Better turning and navigation while coming to a complete stop.
Seatbelt pre-tensioners guarantee that your safety restraints remain optimally positioned and effective. Finally, all C7s come equipped with ignition disable devices, which add an extra layer of anti-theft protection.
Fuel Economy
First off, sports cars aren’t synonymous with great gas mileage. So, don’t expect any miracles with the C7. The Corvette manages passable EPA fuel-economy ratings. But its aspirated V8 requires lots of advanced technology to get there.
While the Corvette’s transmissions and engines remain the same in 2018, their highway and combined EPA ratings got downgraded by one mpg. Such fluctuations happen in the car world, so this shouldn’t sound any alarms for consumers.
Chevy engineers use cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing to decrease fuel usage. In real-world terms, this translates into 16 mpg for urban driving and 25 mpg for highway driving.
Some consumer-based tests place the C7’s highway fuel range closer to 27 mpg, which means approximately 500 miles of highway range. Not bad for a badass sports car!
Pricing & Warranties
The entry-level C7 Stingray starts at $56,590. But expect to go up some $10,000 to $66,590 for a Grand Sport. Fortunately, the Grand Sport proves such a desirable vehicle that you can skimp on the options list to save some dough.
The 2018 Corvette Z06 starts at $79,495, so get prepared to pay extra for this road beast. Depending on your trim package, paint upgrades, the Z07 performance package, and more, you’ll easily spend into the $100,000 range and beyond.
When it comes to warranties, the Chevy Corvette comes with less coverage than many of its competitors. But maintenance terms provide a stop-gap to feature. Expect a new car warranty giving you 24,000 miles or two years of free services.
The 2018 Corvette
The 2018 Corvette falls short of Chevy’s five-year redesign schedule, and so it contains few overall changes. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most impressive sports cars on the market. So, why mess with perfection?
From its incredible chassis to its awe-inspiring engine, this vehicle goes the extra mile quickly and reliably. Although its interior contains more plastic than we’d like to see, focusing on the mechanics of the beast makes everything okay.
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