2021 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Convertible Review: No Z51 Needed

Chevrolet invited us out to Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch to drive the 2021 C8 Corvette around the track as hard as we could - but we had to get from the Las Vegas airport to the track! So, we took the keys to a 2021 #Corvette Convertible to see how the most basic convertible compares to a highly-optioned C8 Coupe. This #C8Corvette Convertible was a Corvette 1LT with no real options added to it - and it was still a lot of fun, if a bit softer than some of the other models would be for track use in particular. But do you need the Z51 package to have a good time?

...nah.

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[rondail]

Great review. I want a C8 without the Z51. I never race, track, and don't drive too aggressive. I really like acceleration. "Cruiser" is a good definition!!

[planetjohn]

I think a big win for the convertible is being able to put the top down when the trunk is full of stuff, as it would be on a road trip. If I was in the market and had the cash, I'd definitely go that way.

[GadgetyMV]

Nice mounting of the camera. Shows the spaciousness of the interior. I'd get the HTC every time. It will encourage driving without a roof in an unstable climate, it allows driving with the top down and still have the rear trunk volume available for stuff rather than the roof, and it enables listening to the engine with the rear window open.

[albangautier]

Thanks for the video. Can you elaborate on the handling impressions driving the Z51 and non z51 package back to back ? I love spirited driving whenever I can but don’t want to go for a z51 package that would only make a difference on the track (I won’t track it). Hard to find any review that honestly compares both from a pure handling perspective on open roads. Thanks in advance !

[matteastling]

Nice review! I agree with going with a coupe. If I want the sun on my head, not that big of a deal to stop and put the targa top in the trunk. I like that you can see the motor on the coupe. I will admit I like the look and shape of the convertible a little more.

[northerniltree]

When I put the top down in my C8 CHT, I don't get wind in my hair. After complaining to my salesman, he pointed out that I'm bald.

[zamanshariff]

Why the 1Lt. Does not have BSM monitor? People will spend 60to 70 thousand dollars to buy one and it doesn’t have bsm. I think the BSM should be standard on all corvettes.

[thatguy.]

I’ve always loved corvettes. But this new mid engine one 🤤🤤🤤

[wwhopper]

A BMW racer in an American Track Car that is attractive to his Father's generation. Great video, Jake!

[millionairemindset]

Thank you man…. I also think the non z51 is the best plus it’s the lightest and faster than the z51 because of all that aero drag. Exhaust is an easy fix as the Chevy exhaust NPP is not really worth the money or the extra weight.

[mikewatch]

No mention of having the rear window down and exhaust sound.

[TaylorGoesFast]

That says something that GM trusts you on track with a C8! Perks of being a licensed racer!

[redstingraycorvette]

I am ordering a None z51 car but I will get the option of performance exhaustGreat video.

[TacoPotatoMustang]

This is exactly the video I should not be watching…as I tell myself I don’t NEED a corvette.