A New Corvette Developed from Scratch

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year since its debut in 1954, the Chevrolet Corvette has long reigned as America's representative sports car. The current model is the seventh generation since the first, having had its world premiere at last year's Detroit Auto Show. The Japanese specification comes in two types: coupe and convertible. Each is available in a base model and a high-performance version, the "Z51." Furthermore, at the New York Auto Show in April, an even higher-performance "Z06" was unveiled, steadily expanding the lineup.

For this full model change, only two parts were carried over from the previous model. It can truly be called a completely new Corvette developed from scratch. For our test drive, we selected the coupe version of the "Z51," arguably the top model, in its 7-speed manual transmission variant, a coveted choice for enthusiasts.



The body design is an evolutionary step that clearly identifies it as a new Corvette, continuing the lineage of its predecessors. The long-hood, short-deck silhouette, characteristic of FR layout, combined with a wide and low stance, perfectly embodies a sports car, eliciting an immediate "cool" reaction.

By employing lightweight materials such as a carbon fiber engine hood, composite fenders, doors, and rear side panels, along with carbon nano composite underbody panels, the weight has been kept down to just 1,580 kg for the coupe model. The all-aluminum frame, on which these components are mounted, is also a completely new development, contributing to a 45 kg weight reduction compared to the previous steel frame.

Furthermore, the coupe model comes with a removable carbon fiber roof panel, offering the pleasure of open-air motoring with ease. This carbon fiber roof panel can be removed by one adult and stored in the luggage space, secured with a one-touch mechanism.

Numerous Cutting-Edge Devices Enhance Performance

The most striking aspect upon entering the driver's seat is the meticulously crafted cockpit. Any prior image of American cars having cheap interiors is completely absent. The interior is unified with a luxurious and sporty feel, generously incorporating genuine leather. While the exterior design was meticulously detailed down to the millimeter, this precision is also evident in the interior.

The finish of the dashboard and panels, made from genuine carbon fiber and surrounded by leather trim, rivals the quality of European premium manufacturers. The suede-wrapped steering wheel and the sporty seats, featuring lightweight magnesium frames, both fit the body perfectly, naturally preparing the driver for the act of driving.



As mentioned, the chassis is a newly designed all-aluminum structure developed from scratch. The adoption of cutting-edge devices to enhance driving performance is thorough, including "Active Handling" and "Launch Control/Traction Control" that adapt to sporty and track driving settings, and "Performance Traction Management" which controls torque and braking in five stages for track use.

Furthermore, the current top model, the "Z51," comes standard with an "Electronic Limited Slip Differential" that balances steering response and stability by controlling the LSD's differential action, actively allowing drifts in sport or track modes, and "Magnetic Ride Control" which adjusts damper stiffness according to driving conditions.

Exquisite Handling Brought by a Lightweight Body

Despite being packed with high-tech features, the seventh-generation Corvette's standout is undoubtedly Chevrolet's traditional V8 engine. The 6,153cc OHV unit produces a maximum output of 339 kW (460 hp) and a maximum torque of 624 Nm (63.6 kgm) in the base model. For the "Z51," these figures are enhanced to a class-leading 343 kW (466 hp) and 630 Nm (64.2 kgm).



The agile engine response and surging torque deliver an astonishing acceleration, truly befitting a racing engine. While the exhaust note is distinctly V8 at low speeds, it becomes incredibly sonorous as the revs climb. Perhaps describing it as making you want to shift gears unnecessarily conveys the allure of its sound.

The compactness, an advantage of the OHV design, is further refined, and its significantly low mounting position in the front-midship is evident even from the outside. The benefit of this engine mounting becomes apparent on winding roads. While one might associate Corvettes with straight-line prowess due to their "American car" classification, this vehicle is, in fact, a pure handling machine that allows you to thoroughly enjoy cornering.



The immediate sense of lightness upon setting off is the most compelling aspect, a result of the body's meticulous weight reduction, shedding every unnecessary gram. In corners, you experience an overwhelmingly high turning speed, as if the car is "rotating" around the driver, much like a go-kart. The closest sensation to this is found in the Mercedes-Benz "SLS AMG". Indeed, this is the masterful achievement of the front-midship + FR layout.

Rediscovering the Charm of a Traditional Manual Transmission

Certainly, the 466 hp output is formidable. The acceleration felt with a single press of the pedal rivals that of Italian supercars. However, what is even more remarkable is the stability and confidence-inspiring ride, thanks to the generous integration of numerous advanced electronic systems that prevent the car from easily entering a spin. This is the intangible appeal of the new Chevrolet Corvette.



While using paddle shifters with a robotized transmission for faster driving is not without its merits, the Corvette, with its ultimate performance of lightness, has allowed us to rediscover the charm of a traditional manual transmission.

Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Dimensions: Length 4,495 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,230 mm
Wheelbase: 2,710 mm
Weight: (6AT) 1,450 kg (7MT) 1,540 kg
Engine: 6,153cc V8 Direct Injection OHV
Bore x Stroke: 103.2 x 92.0 mm
Max Output: 339 kW (460 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 624 Nm (63.6 kgm) / 4,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed AT / 7-speed MT
Drivetrain: FR
Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
Tires Front/Rear: 245/40R18 / 285/35R19
Price: (6AT) ¥9,290,000 (7MT) ¥9,182,000

Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Z51
Dimensions: Length 4,495 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,230 mm
Wheelbase: 2,710 mm
Weight: (6AT) 1,580 kg (7MT) 1,570 kg
Engine: 6,153cc V8 Direct Injection OHV
Bore x Stroke: 103.2 x 92.0 mm
Max Output: 343 kW (466 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 630 Nm (64.2 kgm) / 4,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed AT / 7-speed MT
Drivetrain: FR
Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
Tires Front/Rear: 245/35R19 / 285/30R20
Price: (6AT) ¥10,990,000 (7MT) ¥10,882,000