2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Few cars encapsulate the American dream better than the Chevrolet Corvette, and just as the American dream has evolved over the years, so has the Corvette. The C8 generation is the first to feature an engine behind the driver and offers authentic supercar styling and blistering performance at a price that won't cripple you financially. The automaker has upped the ante in terms of build quality and refinement, and we're big fans of the easy-to-use infotainment system - but what's lurking underneath the engine cover remains our first love. The naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 powering the 2023 C8 Corvette Convertible produces up to 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft when fitted with the right performance goodies and makes one hell of a racket. The best news is that the Convertible suffers almost no performance penalties and looks even better than the coupe. With European competitors to the Chevy Corvette that include the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Jaguar F-Type lurking in the shadows, the C8 Corvette Convertible has a tough fight ahead of it.

You'll struggle to find a better deal than this for a car with a sub-three-second 60-mph sprint time. The Chevrolet Corvette Convertible starts from only $72,000 for the entry-level 1LT, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,395. The mid-range 2LT will set you back $78,800, and the top-of-the-line 3LT starts at an MSRP of $83,450. Fully equipped with all the extras and available packages, the C8 Corvette Convertible will cost over $110k, but that's still less than the starting MSRP of the 911 Carrera Cabriolet.

Chevrolet has managed to keep the weight off with the C8 Convertible; the 2023 Chevy Corvette Stingray weighs just over 100 pounds more than the coupe, which is basically imperceptible on the road, and only the most experienced drivers will notice a difference on the track. The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible is an absolute weapon in the corners: it sticks to the road, and that mid-engine layout helps add tons of mid-corner and corner-exit grip. Steering is precise and direct, with excellent feedback, and the driver is always aware of what all four wheels are doing. When you're feeling frisky, the Corvette Stingray Convertible can be thrown into easily controllable oversteer and loves to light up the tires. Around town, the drop-top 'Vette isn't too harsh, but for the best ride quality possible, we recommend going for the Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension.

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible is the people's champion. The all-American sports car delivers in almost every aspect and is hard to fault, especially at the price. Sure, the Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 911 Cabriolet offer more brand recognition and heritage, but the Corvette drives just as well - most Chevy Corvette Stringray reviews will suggest it may even feel better, and it doesn't feel any bit cheaper on the inside. Chevrolet has done an amazing job of making the C8 Stingray Convertible feel like a premium product: the interior is well put together, and although the square steering wheel might not be to everyone's liking, it looks cool and adds a touch of exotic appeal. The infotainment system is excellent, and there are plenty of optional extras to choose from. We just wish the standard driver assistance list was longer. The 6.2-liter V8 is a gem and allows this 'Vette to perform like few others in its class. The best part is that if this isn't enough performance for you, there's always the Z06.

The Chevrolet Corvette Convertible comes in three trim levels, and we think the mid-level 2LT trim offers the best combination of features starting at $78,800. From there, the Z51 Performance Package is a must-add, rolling in special suspension, a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, a performance exhaust, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The GT2 seats for $1,495 and the Red Mist exterior paint with dual Carbon Flash stripes seal the deal. As described, a Corvette Convertible will run past $92k.

But if it were our money, we'd save a couple of thousand and opt for the Corvette Coupe. It still features a removable Targa-style roof, but it requires the driver to get in and out to unlatch or install it.