2023 Chevy Corvette Review: Base Suspension, All-Season Tires at Tail of the Dragon!

Not every sports car or fun car has to be optioned to the moon to be fun! We tested this theory at Tail of the Dragon with a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette 3LT. Our specific #C8Corvette had no performance options beyond the active exhaust... that means base, non-adjustable suspension tuned for comfort and some Michelin *all season* tires. Thankfully, the C8 Corvette Stingray is an excellent car at its core, and proved to be plenty fun despite being the most lux-spec variant you can build.

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[mikewatch]

After owning a few C8 Z51 mag ride 2LT. I finally realized that a convertible with the rear window down sounds much much better. You actually hear the exhaust better at 1/2 throttle and when you hold a gear. The 1LT with out the Z51 is my current build. Don’t Track it so I spent the money on the convertible. Took 3 years to finally get the sound right.

[philsalley]

The bottom line is that there is simply zero need for the Z51 option outside of a track. First you have to ask how many drivers are so good they could access the extra handling ability of the Z51 and second, exactly where and when would you actually have the opportunity to use those skills on any public highway. My 2023 3LT coupe had the base suspension which is great while my 2023 3LT HTC has mag ride which makes the ride even better and imparts an unusal level of solidness to the car. I think it probably enhances handling also but like the video says, the base car with or without mag ride has handling capabilities far beyond what you will ever have any occasion to use in the real world.

[evangrimmett]

I specifically didn't order Z51 on my 2023 as I don't ever plan on tracking it. All my previous Corvettes have been Z06/GS/ZR1, but as you said, the base C8 is so good already and the change to mid-engine design just makes it super sweet to drive. I did the Tail and many other roads in the area after picking it up at the museum earlier this year, and I honestly think it might be better than the Z51 for street use.

[zachgordon]

Great review, Jake! Love the shirt too. I (and most people) would love a Z06, but the base C8 is so good and accessible, I think a majority of buyers would be pleased with it.

[tonybradley]

I drove mines with same specs. Had a great time.

[artbaer]

Thanks for the review Jake. I agree with you that the C8 is 'tight' if over 6 ft. I feel more comfortable in my 2019 GS at 6' 4" and 230 lbs than in a C8. I've noticed that each generation from the C5 on has a tighter interior, at least to me, with the C8 the tightest. Hate this especially since I am on a list for an E-Ray.

[ccc]

I am straight and I love your video. You obviously enjoy Corvette. Have a 23 1LT Z51 convertible. Don’t need Z51 but glad I have it. Found car on configurator for msrp. It had Z51. Drive back roads of Ohio and definitely use it.

[halsolomon]

I just got my 24 C8. I did get the Z51 package but the care was at the dealer and it did not have the MagRide and I was a bit hesitant. I did pull the trigger and havent been able to drive yet as I'm in the northeast with snow on the ground. Thanks for making me feel a little better as I just feel I was going to missing something without the Mag Ride. My previous vette had it all (17 GS C7) but this C8 just hypnotized me. I will be tracking it but hopefully it will perform fine without it.

[tonybradley]

I drove my 2020 non Z51 there. It was a great ride.

[Bomaximus]

Whats hillarious is alot of folks opting for the " z51 and all the other add ons don't realize that the BASE is actually faster top speed and quarter mile wise than a fully loaded Stingray w all the amenities.. Amenities with the Z51 that 98 percent of stingray owners will NOT use just to have a slower car than the cheapest possible Stingray..😂

[sunnyvalentino]

Do you prefer the Z51 or Supra, from a handling and driving perspective (putting aside the lack of manual which is an unfortunate deal w the C8)

[michaeldodd]

Elctronic differential, which is an option you don’t have, is not “mechanical”. Other than that… great video my friend.

[stevedolan]

Good to hear about how the all season Michelins perform, I’m going to put those on my C6 and get rid of the noisy hard ride Goodyears that I have.

[DSC]

I've had the Michelin all seasons for a couple years now, about 7k miles, and love them. This is on a 996 Carrera so quite a bit less HP but I still expect the rears to last close to 20k miles and the fronts may get to 30k. Also, Costco sells them, so got them at a good price and there was an instant rebate too.

[Kudzuken]

.I have a 23 Z51 Stingray. I'm 6'3" and have had major surgery on my neck. I have no issues getting this car our feeling cramped. The seat have a lot of adjustments.

[Texas_C]

I bought Michelin Pilot Sport 4S regular tires to replace my Michelin Pilot Sport all season Run flat tires and the better handling of the 4S in warm weather is quite noticeable, but when my 4S tires wear out I'm going to put my Michelin All seasons Run flat tires back on my 2022 Corvette Stingray 1LT !!! ;)

[jenseninterceptor]

What kind of fararri is this? Pretty cool

[skipx]

cool review bro and a different one.. Ive never had the chance to drive one of these but Ive always felt that even the base versions would be More than capable for the person who is just casually driving street and Not track.. these new cars have limits Way beyond what anyone in their right mind would dare use on public roads.

[wackit]

Beautiful car but it’s an odd configuration…..it’s loaded with all the options, why not just get the Z51 and mag ride and keep it in touring if concerned about the ride quality. That way you have a choice. Also helps on resale.🤷‍♂️

[ryanr]

Can u get magride without z51? Magride is an improvement in ride quality for daily driving.