I’ve said many times before that we may hear the notion of getting what we pay for but there are some rare occasions that life sends us for a loop, and we may get something that was a “deal” or an unforeseen bargain. Often, those rare instances take place after we experience something to the fullest and realize there’s a lot more than what meets the eye. Today, the “extra” in such a deal doesn’t come in the form of a transformer but the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8.
I had a couple of weeks of experiencing the all-new Corvette C8 in both the normal removable top version and the convertible when the 2020 model year first made its appearance. This week, it’s the C8 convertible that continues to impress me with a few minor tweaks for the 2021 model year. The small changes for the 2021 model year of the Corvette are small and mostly go unnoticed but they are evidence of Chevrolet paying attention to their customers to keep them coming back for what is probably the best bang for your dollar in the realm of sports cars and sheer automotive performance.
See Also: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray Convertible Review & Test Drive
To quickly chart some of the minor changes for the 2021 model year, the Corvette C8 can now be had with the remarkable magnetic dampers/adaptive suspension system without the addition of the Z51 package. Such a change, as found in my non-Z51-package test vehicle, is welcomed for those who like a little more adaptability in the ride quality of the Corvette for those long trips that you don’t want to feel every road imperfection or the versatility of making things tighter for back twisty roads and track duties. Additionally, the new Corvette C8 has wireless Apple CarPlay integration, additional paint color colors and graphic options, and slightly revised drive mode setting screens with quick-access touchscreen sliders that allow you to dial in customized characteristics for each drive mode, such as setting the suspension to a firmer or softer setting along with a different level for many other driving features (steering, exhaust sound, braking feel, etc).
Apart from the few small changes for the 2021 model year, the Corvette C8 remains to be a winner in the book of value for performance. Its quick run to 60 mph from a standstill using the launch control takes about 2.9 seconds time after time without drama. Its 3,637 pounds feels even lighter when pushed into tight bends and winding roads, and the assuredness feeling that you get in the ingenious cockpit-like cabin wraps around the driver and passenger cleverly to hold you in the right places without being uncomfortable. General Motors did their homework and a little extra credit with the new Corvette.
The homework done welcomes back the 495 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque from the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine mounted just behind the seats mated to a snappy-shifting 8-speed automated dual-clutch transmission. The mid-engine design may take some a while to get used to the proportions wrapped around such in the new Corvette but for most, it’s quite the American-exotic that can be the working man’s obtainable dream car.
In the convertible flavor, the new C8 Corvette adds a welcomed appeal where it looks sleek with the top up or down – but with the quick-folding top in its down position, which can be operated up to 30 mph, the Vette looks like a proper exotic roadster. The exotic bit of the new Corvette may be somewhat of an acquired taste for some, but everyone must know that the new C8 Vette is quite the full course without the expected price tag with my nicely optioned 2LT Corvette C8 Convertible coming to $84,550, which includes a reasonable list of options such as the GT2 bucket seats with carbon fiber, a performance exhaust system, front lift adjustable height with location memory, painted nacelles (rear body panels behind the seats to give it a roadster appearance), the upgraded red mist metallic exterior paint, edge red-painted brake calipers, 2-tone seats, tan seatbelts, and the magnetic selective ride control (adaptive dampers).
There’s something to be said about American ingenuity and forward-thinking in the new Corvette, especially for a vehicle that doesn’t necessarily break the bank for real exotic performance and exotic looks, even though the looks may be objectionable for some. In my last review of the new Corvette for the 2020 model year, I divulge many more details that are recaptured in my recent time in the 2021 model year but welcome the few updates and tweaks to keep the Corvette the definitive American sports car that most can get behind.
