Equipped with the low-profile rear spoiler, this C8 Corvette Z51 once again proves why this car is a true performance bargain.
While much of the world has shifted their attention to the new 2023 Corvette Z06 recently – and for good reason – we certainly haven’t forgotten about the regular old Stingray, which is still an amazing performance bargain, years after its launch. It’s easy to forget that the base model is nearly as quick as the Z06, and matches up quite nicely in most other regards as well, even if it isn’t quite as capable at the track. Regardless, a recent top speed test involving a C8 Corvette Z51 conducted at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds in Florida – which just so happens to be at the Kennedy Space Center and its three-mile space shuttle runway – produced some impressive results.
When the C8 originally launched for the 2020 model year, GM touted the car’s 194 mph top speed, though it did so with a bit of an asterisk – this only applies to non-Z51 Performance Package equipped cars, as the extra drag incurred by the latter’s aero bits slow it down a touch. In this case, however, the C8 Corvette Z51 still proved mighty quick, though it’s also equipped with the low-profile rear spoiler, which undoubtedly helps in that regard.
Running a full 2.7 miles, conditions on this particular day are favorable as well, with 54 degree temps, albeit with 15 mph winds coming from the north, through the Corvette is traveling north to south. Regardless, it impresses in a big way by hitting 191.7 mph during that short distance before the driver has to lift – which is a shame, since the car still seems to be gaining speed by the time it runs out of tarmac.
Not too shabby for a car that should theoretically be a bit slower at the top end, but this result just further proves what we already know – the C8 Stingray is an amazing performance value, a car that essentially offers more bang for the buck than any vehicle currently on sale today. So if you don’t quite have the coin necessary to buy a Z06 – or you just don’t feel like sitting on a wait list for years – it’s certainly a nice consolation prize.
Keyword: Impressive: C8 Corvette Z51 Hits 191.7 MPH During Independent Testing