2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 2LT Review: A Week with the Beast
When the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 2LT rolled into my driveway, the first thing that struck me was its color. It was more beautiful than I had imagined, and the car itself was wider than it appeared in photos. It had big hips, a stance that screamed power and performance.
As I slid into the driver's seat, the car seemed to mold around me. The seats held me snugly, creating a sense of unity between man and machine. The roar of the LT2 6.2L V8 engine was a pleasant surprise. Even with the exhaust closed, the sound of the engine, sitting right behind me, was a force that seemed to push me forward.
The Corvette I was driving came with the Z51 Performance Package, an upgrade designed for track enthusiasts. This package includes performance suspension, performance brakes, performance exhaust, performance rear axle ratio, electronic limited-slip differential, Z51-specific front splitter and rear spoiler, and a heavy-duty cooling system. It's like the cherry on top of an already delicious sundae.
This beast boasts 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to go from 0-60 mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds. The top speed remains untested, but rest assured, this car is fast. Very fast. And despite its performance credentials, I managed to average a respectable 20 mpg between spirited driving and cruising.
The front fascia of the Corvette screams supercar. The 20-spoke wheels and color pattern of the car were standout features for me. The blue body, black wheels, and red calipers created a striking contrast. The "Natural" tan and black interior was mesmerizing, and the driver-centric design further enhanced the feeling of the car molding around me.
The 2LT package added a host of features that elevated the driving experience. The front and rear HD cameras provided excellent visibility, a crucial feature in a car with such wide hips. The infotainment system was a joy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay coming in particularly handy. The center phone holder/charger, which I like to think of as a personal G-force phone holder, was another neat feature. And let's not forget the 70th-anniversary logo in the center that brilliantly presents itself.
Safety-wise, the Corvette didn't disappoint. The traction control was impressive, especially between the different drive modes. I wish I had more time to explore the track traction mode - it was crazy fun when I discovered it. The blind-spot detection also came in handy when trying to see around the car's hips.
Driving the Corvette was one of the best experiences I've had. The control it offered was unparalleled compared to other cars I've driven. If I could afford one, I would definitely buy this as my daily driver, as it could easily double as a weekend track toy.
Filming the Corvette was a bit stressful. I wanted to create something unique and adrenaline-pumping, but the rain caused complications. Despite the challenges, I was determined not to let down my new friends at Chevrolet Performance.
In the end, with a price tag of $91.6k USD as tested, I can confidently say that the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 2LT is the best entry-level sports/supercar you can get.
For a more detailed look at my week with the Corvette, check out my full review on my YouTube channel here. Trust me, it's a wild ride you won't want to miss.