The 2023 Corvette Stingray Coupe 2LT is a stunning piece of art that exudes sports car appeal. With its sleek design, low profile, and powerful mid-engine V8, the Corvette Stingray is a driving experience like no other. The vibrant red color of my test model was eye-catching and was further enhanced by the hard top with a removable panel, which offered blue sky views. As an add-on the car’s front suspension system can be raised with the press of a button and eliminates any worries about navigating driveway inclines and speed berms.

The interior of the Corvette is compact, yet cozy and functional, with enough room in the trunk to carry a bit of luggage or a few grocery bags. However, there is no designated hook or nook to secure a purse, which could be a small inconvenience for female drivers.

I was so eager to drive the Vette that I took it straight to my local sandwich shop, where everyone admired its beauty. Unfortunately, the person waiting on me assumed that it belonged to my husband. HELLO! This remark only demonstrates the persistent stereotype that sports cars are only for men. In reality, women enjoy the thrill of driving fine machinery just as much as men do.

The standard Stingray comes in three trim levels: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trim levels. It is also available as a coupe with a removable roof panel and a convertible with a power hardtop. My test model was the 2LT coupe with the Z51 performance package and is the subject of this review.

Some of the special equipment on the mid-level Z06 are heated and ventilated seats, nav system, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, front-view parking camera, 14-speaker Bose audio, auto-dimming and power-folding outside mirrors, and performance data recorder. I dug that performance data recorder, when I was able to open the Vette up it let me know my top speed. Awesome!

The Z51 Performance package added a unique front splitter, high-performance tires, upgraded Brembo brakes, heavy-duty cooling, performance exhaust and performance suspension.

There were some stand alone extras as well like a high wing spoiler, competition sport bucket seats, 20-inch spoke gloss black forged aluminum wheels, stealth interior trim package, bright red brake calipers, sueded wrapped steering wheel, red seat belts and black exhaust tips.

The mid-engine 6.2-liter V8, produces 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. For sports car purists an automatic transmission is a no-no but I found it to make quick and smooth gear changes and it did not inhibit the car from flying down the road. Expect to get 16/city, 24/highway, and 19/combined MPG.

The inside is just as good looking as the outside. My model came in Adrenaline Red and was very striking. There are a lot of buttons to control things like climate control, sound system functions etc and they are not really accessible to the passenger, so it is all on the driver. The seats are plenty comfy, but getting in and out is tricky, especially in tight parking situations. I had to move because I didn’t have room enough to gain the leverage I needed to get out of the car. Otherwise I found it pretty easy to get in and out.

It’s surprising how much the front and rear trunks offer for storage. The front will hold a couple of bags of groceries and the back might stretch to a small piece of luggage or two. However if you take the coupe’s removable top off the rear trunk room evaporates.

Tech is great with the benefit of Chevrolet’s newest infotainment system. The touchscreen is close to the driver and easy to operate with crisp graphics. I loved the 14-speaker Bose audio. Music is the greatest backdrop to driving an extraordinary car. My model also sported blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning which was so useful since rear visibility is limited.

Driving the Corvette is the BEST! I found a strip of road that I could open my test model up and let me tell you I was laughing all the way. Seriously, I could feel the g-forces! I loved that I could check out my performance on the data recorder. Steering and handling are both excellent. As for the automatic transmission, don’t let that be a deal-breaker; it is excellently engineered for quick and smooth shifting.

Experience will tell and the tried and true 2023 Corvette Stingray Coupe 2LT is born to be wild!