2025 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray Review

Chevrolet has shaken up the Australian performance car market with the 2025 Corvette Stingray, the first factory-built right-hand-drive version of its iconic nameplate. Slotting into the affordable supercar segment, it offers a genuine mid-engine experience at a price that challenges significantly more expensive rivals.

Starting at $180,000 before on-road costs for the 2LT coupe, the Corvette aims to disrupt its category by delivering supercar looks and performance without the premium price tag typically associated with such credentials. It squares off against competitors like the Lexus LC 500 and even encroaches on Porsche 911 territory.

At launch, the Australian lineup includes four variants, with the mid-tier 3LT convertible tested here priced from $214,500. While the Corvette’s accessible pricing relative to its performance is a major talking point, the price disparity between Australian and American markets—where the car costs significantly less—remains a point of contention.

Having spent considerable time behind the wheel, it’s now time to unpack whether the Corvette’s combination of bold design, naturally aspirated V8 power, and mid-engine dynamics can make it the supercar for the masses.

How much does the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray cost?

‍Chevrolet offers a range of 2025 Corvette Stingray models to suit different preferences and budgets, making it one of the most accessible supercars on the market in Australia. 

Starting with the base 2LT coupe and extending to the high-performance Z06.

Today, we’re reviewing the 3LT Convertible (though keep in mind, you can still get a convertible experience in a Coupe with the removable roof for $15,000 less…)

2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pricing:

• Stingray 2LT Coupe: $175,000
• Stingray 3LT Coupe: $190,000
• Stingray 2LT Convertible: $190,000
• Stingray 3LT Convertible: $205,000
• E-Ray Coupe: $275,000
• Z06 Coupe: $336,000

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs.

What’s the exterior like of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray?

‍The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is as much a statement piece as it is a performance machine. Its aggressive, angular design pays homage to fighter jets, with sharp creases and purposeful proportions that ensure it stands out on Australian roads. 

It’s unmistakably Corvette, but this eighth-generation model takes the iconic nameplate into mid-engine territory, creating a sleek, cab-forward silhouette that screams supercar.

Up front, the Stingray boasts striking LED headlights with sharp daytime running lights that blend seamlessly into the sculpted bonnet, inspired by the F-22 Raptor. 

This isn’t just for show—functional air inlets flank the grille, ensuring optimal cooling for its powerful V8 engine. In Australia, all variants come standard with the Z51 Performance Package, which adds extra cooling, a more aggressive front splitter, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

The side profile is dominated by massive air intakes behind the doors, channeling air directly into the mid-mounted engine bay. The proportions are perfectly balanced, with 19-inch forged alloy wheels at the front and staggered 20-inch wheels at the rear. 

The convertible variant sacrifices the glass engine cover of the coupe for a clean, streamlined look when the top is down. While the coupe’s removable roof panel offers versatility, the convertible delivers a touch of luxury with a seamless open-top experience.

At the rear, the Corvette continues its dramatic design language with quad exhaust tips integrated into a prominent diffuser. Slim, 3D-effect LED taillights add modernity, while a subtle Stingray badge nods to its heritage. Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either, with a total of 424 litres of storage space split between the front trunk and rear cargo area—impressive for a car of this calibre.

The Corvette Stingray’s exterior is undeniably bold, with every element carefully crafted to deliver both aesthetic appeal and functional aerodynamics.

What’s the interior like of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray?

‍The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray’s interior places a strong emphasis on the driver, with a cockpit-like layout designed to enhance the performance-focused experience. 

The cabin wraps around the driver with controls and displays angled for easy access, while the materials and finishes feel more premium than previous generations, particularly in the higher 3LT trim level tested here.

Leather upholstery, carbon-fibre accents, and contrast stitching give the cabin an upmarket feel, and the dual-tone beige and black combination in this model adds a touch of sophistication. 

The GT2 seats, which are standard on the 3LT, offer good support and come with heating and ventilation, but they may feel firm for extended periods, particularly on longer journeys.

The tech suite includes an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital instrument cluster that changes based on the selected drive mode. 

While the infotainment screen is smaller than some competitors, it’s responsive and straightforward to use. A wireless phone charger is also neatly integrated, keeping distractions to a minimum.

The square-shaped steering wheel, wrapped in Alcantara, is a unique touch that reinforces the Corvette’s performance focus. It feels solid in hand, and the metal paddle shifters offer a precise way to interact with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

However, some features, such as the abundance of small buttons for climate control, might feel overwhelming to some drivers.

Storage options in the cabin are limited, with small door bins and a modest central storage area. We also noted some build quality issues, like the button of the centre storage area popping out of its moulding.

That said, the overall storage capacity across the front and rear compartments is a respectable 424 litres, making the Stingray more practical than some other mid-engine rivals.

The Bose Performance Series audio system adds to the driving experience, offering crisp sound quality whether you’re enjoying music or amplifying the unmistakable V8 soundtrack.

While the interior delivers a high level of driver engagement and an improvement in materials compared to older Corvettes, it may not match the spaciousness or cutting-edge tech of some competitors in its price range. However, for those prioritising a focused driving environment with premium touches, the Stingray’s cabin strikes a solid balance.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray?‍

In the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, the mid-engine layout places its 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 at the centre of attention—literally and figuratively. 

This LT2 V8 engine generates 369 kW of power and 637 Nm of torque, sending all its energy to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The placement of the engine not only aligns the Stingray with supercar norms but also optimises weight distribution for improved handling dynamics.

Paired with the Australian-standard Z51 Performance Package, the Stingray gets additional cooling enhancements, a performance exhaust, and a limited-slip differential.

How does the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Drive?

‍The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray delivers an exhilarating driving experience, blending raw V8 power with a newfound sense of composure, thanks to its mid-engine layout. 

The 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 produces 369 kW and 637 Nm, propelling the Stingray from 0–100 km/h in just 3.84 seconds, equipped with the Z51 Performance Package. This setup ensures the Corvette feels every bit as quick as its supercar competitors.

The shift to a mid-engine design has transformed the Stingray’s handling dynamics. The weight distribution is balanced, and the low centre of gravity enhances stability through corners. 

Paired with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, the Stingray maintains exceptional grip, allowing you to push harder with confidence.

The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is sharp and responsive, delivering lightning-fast shifts under hard acceleration but remaining smooth and refined in more relaxed driving modes. 

Steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you plenty of feedback through the squared-off wheel, which complements the Stingray’s performance-focused interior.

Ride quality in Tour mode is impressively compliant, absorbing road imperfections with ease, making the Stingray more versatile than its supercar looks suggest. Switching to Track mode firms up the adaptive suspension, sharpening responses and offering a more connected feel when driving aggressively. 

While it’s enjoyable on spirited back roads, the lack of advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control may detract for those looking to use the Stingray as a long-distance tourer.

The naturally aspirated engine’s soundtrack is a key highlight, delivering a deep, visceral roar that becomes addictive as you climb through the rev range. This sense of unfiltered mechanical drama is a rarity in today’s turbocharged and hybrid-dominated market, adding to the Stingray’s appeal.

While the Corvette Stingray doesn’t offer the surgical precision of some European rivals like the Porsche 911, it brings a unique sense of character and fun to the table. It’s a car that feels alive, engaging the driver with every press of the throttle and every turn of the wheel.

What do you get with the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray?

Stingray 2LT Highlights

• Powertrain and Performance
  • 6.2-litre LT2 naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 369 kW/637 Nm
  • 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
  • Z51 Performance Package: Brembo brakes, performance exhaust, additional engine cooling, and electronic limited-slip differential
  • Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension
  • 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres
  • Front splitter and rear spoiler
• Exterior Features
  • Front lift system with memory function for speed bumps and driveways
  • Heated and power-folding side mirrors in body colour
  • LED headlights with automatic high beams
  • Soft-close lids for the front trunk and engine hatch
• Interior and Technology
  • GT2 bucket seats in perforated Nappa leather, heated and ventilated, with 8-way power adjustment and lumbar support
  • 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite navigation
  • 12-inch configurable digital driver’s display
  • Bose 14-speaker premium sound system
  • Wireless phone charging
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with power adjustment
  • Head-up display and performance data recorder
• Safety Features
  • Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Lane-keep assist and lane departure warning
  • Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
  • Rear parking sensors and cameras

Stingray 3LT Adds (over 2LT)

• Suede microfibre-wrapped upper interior trim, including A-pillars and headliner
• Leather-wrapped instrument panel and door panels
• Enhanced GT2 bucket seats with upgraded materials

E-Ray Adds (over Stingray 3LT)

• Hybrid Powertrain and Performance
  • Front electric motor and 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery, combined with the V8 for 488 kW/806 Nm
  • All-wheel drive with Stealth Mode for electric-only operation
  • ZER Performance Package: Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, unique suspension tuning, and spoiler wicker
  • 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tyres
• Exterior and Interior Features
  • Wide body design (+94mm compared to Stingray)
  • Carbon-fibre steering wheel trim and body-coloured exterior accents

Z06 Adds (over Stingray 2LT)

• High-Performance Powertrain
  • 5.5-litre LT6 flat-plane crank V8 producing 475 kW/595 Nm
  • Revised final drive ratio for quicker acceleration
• Track-Focused Features
  • Z06-specific suspension tuning with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0
  • Carbon-fibre aero package, including unique rear spoiler with adjustable wickerbills
  • Optional Z07 Performance Package: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and visible carbon-fibre aero enhancements
• Interior Enhancements
  • Suede microfibre door trim
  • Optional visible carbon-fibre wheels (20-inch front, 21-inch rear)

Is the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray safe?

‍The Chevrolet C8 Corvette has not been crash tested.

In Australia, it also lacks some active safety technology including adaptive cruise control and lane centering.

It does come with the following safety features:

• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane-keep assist and lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Front and rear cameras for enhanced visibility
• Digital rear-view mirror
• LED headlights with automatic high beams

How much does it cost to run the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray?‍

The Chevrolet Corvette comes with a rather lacklustre 3-year, 100,000km warranty.

Many brands in Australia - including Lexus with their LC500 - are now offering 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranties at a minimum.

Final thoughts on the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

‍The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a compelling entry into the Australian supercar market, offering mid-engine dynamics and naturally aspirated V8 power at a price that undercuts many of its European rivals. 

Its bold exterior design, performance-oriented interior, and engaging driving experience position it as a serious contender in the performance car segment.

While the Stingray delivers on its promise of supercar thrills, it’s not without its compromises. The interior, while well-appointed in higher trims, lacks some of the spaciousness and cutting-edge tech found in similarly priced alternatives. 

The omission of advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control might also deter buyers looking for a long-distance grand tourer.

However, the Stingray shines where it matters most—on the road. Its mid-engine layout enhances handling and balance, while the Z51 Performance Package ensures it remains capable on both back roads and the track. 

The visceral sound and power delivery of its naturally aspirated V8 stand out in a market increasingly dominated by turbocharged and hybridised options.

For buyers prioritising performance and character over outright practicality or luxury, the 2025 Corvette Stingray is a unique proposition. 

It brings supercar-level excitement to a broader audience, cementing its status as a true icon reinvented for the modern era. Whether you’re chasing the coupe or convertible, the Stingray offers a driving experience that is difficult to match at its price point.