Once upon a time, a top speed of 200 mph actually meant something. It was the epitome of a true hypercar, a bar broken only by the most exclusive machines ever conceived. Although today more vehicles are able to cross it than ever before, it still remains a special number. Lots of EVs can reach 60 mph from a standstill in three seconds, but top-end power to reach 200 is still rare. Starting with the 2027 model year, the cheapest Corvette built by Chevy will be able to get there.
Today, the automaker said the 2027 Stingray, the ‘lowest rung of the weight ladder, priced at $73,495 including freight, will be able to top 200 mph thanks to its new 6.7-liter LS6 V8, rated at 535 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. (By the way, the latter is a record for a naturally aspirated V8 in production.) The LS6 makes 40 hp more than the existing 6.2-liter LT2, which the team attributes to the Corvette Stingray’s ability to hit 6 mph and reach 200.
“It’s all power. The record really shows the strength of the LS6, an engine we designed to carve out a unique niche in the Corvette lineup,” said small block assistant chief engineer Mike Kosiba. A GM News Blog.
Now, this doesn’t mean that 200 mph is the minimum. All C8 Corvette, because once you start looking at the Z06, you’re in the realm of widebody cars with more aero. And of course, aero is the natural enemy of straight-line speed. The Z06 is officially estimated to reach a top speed of 195 mph, while the ZR1 has no problem reaching 233 mph with a total power of more than 1,000 hp.
It’s also worth noting that a Stingray equipped with the optional Z51 performance package, which was not in the car in GM’s latest testing, likely won’t ride as high as a result of the gearing change and additional spoilers front and rear.
All this makes the Stingray a nice distinction at the bottom of the totem pole. Sure, it may not be as efficient on the track, but with long enough runs it can outrun its brethren. And for $73,500, no less. I wouldn’t call it the deal of the century, but it’s a good deal, especially when the average new car costs $22,000 less than that.
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