The 2026 Stingray starts at $70,000 for the 1LT. The 2LT opens at $77,100 and adds a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system, heated and ventilated seats, head-up display, and the Performance Data Recorder. The 3LT begins at $81,750 with Napa leather GT2 seats, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and 14 interior color choices. Convertibles carry a premium over the equivalent coupe.

With the available Z51 Performance Package, the Stingray reaches 60 mph in as little as 2.9 seconds, runs the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds, and hits a top track speed of 194 mph. Those figures come from a naturally aspirated engine with no hybrid assist and no turbochargers, which is increasingly rare at any price.

A 6.2-liter LT2 V8 mounted behind the seats, producing 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Add the performance exhaust system that comes with the Z51 package and output rises to 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. Power reaches the rear wheels through a standard 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that shifts faster than any driver could row a manual.

The interior received its most significant revision since the C8 launched. The long row of climate buttons is gone, replaced by a driver-focused layout with three screens: a 12.7-inch center console display, a 14-inch driver information center, and a 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen. Five new premium colorways, a standard wireless charging pad, an upgraded Performance Data Recorder, and the new PTM Pro traction mode round out the changes.

Z51 brings Brembo performance brakes, a performance suspension, the performance exhaust that unlocks 495 horsepower, a performance rear axle ratio, an electronic limited slip differential, a heavy-duty cooling system, unique front splitter and rear spoiler, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires. It is required equipment for track use and is the package most enthusiasts consider essential.

The coupe includes a removable roof panel that stows in the rear trunk, giving you open-air driving with a fixed rear profile and slightly more cargo room. The convertible uses a power-retractable hardtop that raises or lowers at speeds up to 30 mph, so you can drop the roof at a stoplight. Both share identical powertrains and performance hardware. It comes down to preference and budget.

Many owners do, with one caveat. The standard tires are summer-focused and the Z51 tires more so, which means grip drops sharply below about 45 degrees. Fitting a set of winter tires transforms cold-weather behavior, and the Weather drive mode softens throttle response and traction control for slick roads. Most Bellevue owners still garage the car through the worst of January and February.

The Stingray is the everyday Corvette: a naturally aspirated pushrod V8, the broadest comfort options, and the most livable ride. The Z06 swaps in a flat-plane-crank 5.5-liter V8 that revs to 8,500 rpm for a far more track-focused character, and the ZR1 adds forced induction for supercar-tier output. If you want one Corvette that handles commuting, road trips, and the occasional track day, the Stingray is the answer. View our Corvette Stingray inventory to compare in person.