2025 Corvette Convertible Z51 Review: Remains the Top Sports Car in America | Carscoops

      The C8 Corvette, now over five years old, continues to impress, as we found out during our week-long experience with it.

      **By Brad Anderson**

      **Pros** ›› Stunning V8 engine, exhilarating performance, supercar aesthetics, practical for everyday use **Cons** ›› Premium price, some lower-quality interior materials, limited headroom, weighty

      Ten years ago last month, the initial spy photos of the C8 generation Chevrolet Corvette emerged, creating a buzz among Corvette and sports car enthusiasts, hinting at GM’s intention to transform one of America’s most legendary cars.

      The first prototype of the C8 was cleverly disguised under a Holden Commodore SS ute, but it quickly became clear that this was no ordinary Commodore, as there was a powerful engine concealed under its tonneau cover. After years of speculation, the Corvette was officially shifting to a mid-engine layout.

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      It took another four and a half years before the new Corvette debuted, featuring supercar styling and performance with a starting price below US$60,000. It was something we had never seen before. Would it set a new standard in American performance? In Australia, fans eagerly awaited its arrival, and by early 2022, it was available Down Under in right-hand drive.

      Earlier this year, we had the chance to test drive the latest version of the C8 Corvette, the 2025 model, for a week. It’s quite fitting that what began its journey as a Holden ute has evolved into one of Australia's premier sports cars.

      **Quick Facts**

      **Photo Credits: Brad Anderson/Carscoops**

      The 2025 C8 Corvette is an exceptional value proposition in the US, starting at $68,300. While this is nearly $10,000 more than the 2020 version, there's nothing quite like the Corvette in this price range. In Australia, however, it comes at a much steeper cost.

      The entry-level 2LT Coupe starts at AU$182,000 (~$114,000), exclusive of on-road costs. Upgrading to the 3LT Coupe brings the price to AU$197,000 (~$123,000). The convertible we tested begins at AU$199,500 (~$125,000) for the base 2LT Convertible, while the 3LT Convertible starts at AU$214,500 (~$134,000).

      In Australia, there are few serious competitors to the C8. When it first launched, its price was comparable to high-end models like the Jaguar F-Type R and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe, both of which are no longer in production. The Nissan GT-R also started around AU$180,000 (~$113,000) but has similarly been discontinued locally. The closest competitor might be the 2025 BMW M4 Competition, with well-equipped variants selling for slightly over AU$200,000 (~$125,400), or the Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0, which starts at AU$199,190 (~$124,800).

      **Photo Credits: Brad Anderson/Carscoops**

      Like its US counterpart, the Australia-bound Corvette Stingray is equipped with the same exhilarating 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, producing 495 hp (369 kW) and 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) of torque. This powerplant is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels, and every Australian model comes standard with a performance exhaust. Additionally, all C8 Stingrays sold in Australia come with the Z51 Performance Package, which includes features like Magnetic Ride 4.0 suspension, upgraded Brembo brakes, an enhanced front splitter, a rear wing, an electronic limited-slip differential, improved cooling, a shorter final drive ratio, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and a Performance Traction Management system. Our test vehicle also included optional 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged wheels, adding AU$4,940 (~$3,100) to the total price.

      The interior of the 2025 Corvette Stingray closely resembles that of the original 2020 model, which is not a drawback.

      **Photo Credits: Brad Anderson/Carscoops**

      **A Driver-Focused Cabin**

      There’s been a lot of discussion about the unique design of the Corvette’s interior, and for good reason. Upon entering the vehicle for the first time, I felt a bit overwhelmed, but it only took a few minutes to acclimate. The row of climate control buttons is one of the more captivating features, quickly becoming intuitive to use. The same goes for the flat-bottom and flat-top steering wheel; although it may look a bit unconventional, the interior of our tester was luxurious, covered in plush black Alcantara, and I found the steering wheel to have an ideal thickness. It also encourages you to place your hands at