The new 2022 Chevy Corvette is here, and it’s better than ever! If you’re a car enthusiast, I’m sure you’ve been waiting for this moment. We all know that the newest models usually offer more power and performance than previous generations, and the 2022 Corvette is no exception to this rule. This year’s model has some pretty impressive features and performance levels that will leave fans of older Corvettes in awe. If you’re looking for a new sports car, then the 2022 Corvette is one of your best bets. But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself what all the fuss is about.
A Brief History of the Chevy Corvette
Before we get into the specs on this year’s model, let’s take a quick look at the history of the Chevy Corvette. In the beginning, the Corvette was commissioned by General Motors (GM) as a premium, high-performance car. Its main purpose was to be America’s answer to popular European sports cars of the day. These small roadsters from brands like MG and Jaguar were quite the hit with soldiers returning from World War II, but the American auto manufacturers had nothing to compete with them.
The first Corvette came out in 1953, changing the game forever. It had a two-seat, convertible body style with revolutionary fiberglass body panels to keep the weight down. However, it was underpowered with an inline-6 engine that only produced 150 horsepower. It wasn’t until 1955 that Chevy offered the Corvette with a serious V8 engine, putting an all-American twist on their response to European roadsters.
Since those early days, the Corvette has gone through many generations and improvements, but it has always retained the combination of lightweight plastic construction and a powerful V8 engine. In 2020, the Corvette underwent its largest change ever, debuting for the 8th generation with a supercar-style mid-engine layout. While certainly radical, it was just the change Chevy needed to make to keep the Corvette at the top of the pack for the coming decade.
What’s New With the 2022 Chevy Corvette?
While the older generations of the Chevy Corvette were pretty amazing, they are nothing compared to the newest generation. The newest Corvette leaves all the older generations in the dust. Even the most forward-thinking engineers of the 1950s could never have foretold a car of this magnitude.
This year’s Corvette model comes with one perfectly capable engine, and that engine is the 6.2L V8. Drivers of this year’s model will also get to enjoy an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You can expect to achieve up to 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, which is the same as last year’s models.
If you’re concerned about the fuel economy of such a powerful sports car, think again because the 2022 Corvette gets some pretty good gas mileage. Thanks to some changes to the fuel injection and cylinder deactivation systems for 2022, this vehicle will now achieve up to 15 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. This may not be as good as some more economical commuter cars but considering all the power that sits behind this engine, you’d be pretty hard-pressed to get such a powerful vehicle with this good of fuel economy anywhere else.
The biggest change for this year’s model over last year’s model is the fuel injection system. This new system allows the car to burn cleaner, making it even better for emissions while also keeping idling nice and smooth for optimum comfort and enjoyment. This makes the 2022 Corvette even more appealing for environmentalists as well as driving enthusiasts.
Corvette Convertible or Hardtop?
True Corvette fans tend to lean towards either the convertible side of things or the hardtop side of things. While it is a decision that really only matters to the person who loves Corvettes and drives them on a daily basis, it is still worth going through the differences between these two body styles on this year’s Corvette model. Then you can decide once and for all which body style is best for you.
Those who can’t decide either way if they prefer a convertible or a hardtop Corvette will be happy to learn that this year’s hardtop model actually has a removable roof panel, allowing it to function as a convertible. However, the power-retractable convertible lets you put the roof down at the touch of a button, so you can leave the decision as to your roof’s position to the local weather conditions or perhaps the hairstyle of the lovely lady sitting next to you. The good news is, no matter which version of the Corvette you choose, your vehicle’s performance levels will not change in the slightest, so you can expect the same levels of power with the convertible as with the hardtop.
One great reason to be able to put your Corvette’s top up or down on the fly has to do with the weather. Have you ever been driving down the road with the top down or the windows down or whatever, and all of a sudden, the weather turned uncomfortable? Whether it’s too much wind, the sunshine is intense, or precipitation such as rain, snow, or hail comes in, sometimes it’s not so fun to have your top down. With the 2022 Corvette convertible’s retractable roof, now you can go from exposure to safety with just the click of a button, while the hardtop will force you to pull over and manually reinstall the roof panel.
Some of the pros of this state-of-the-art technology include security, noise levels, and beauty. There is just something incredibly attractive about the hardtop Corvette, and it’s great to know that drivers don’t have to sacrifice that beauty just to enjoy a convertible option. Beyond just physical attraction, however, this retractable top also comes with the benefits of added security. Now you can drive your convertible around town, park it, and easily stick the top up so you can fully lock your vehicle while you are inside your destination.
Really, with technology such as this, there is no reason to participate in the endless debate of top up or top down ever again. Choose what works best for you for whatever scenario you find yourself in. And when you find yourself in a different scenario, you can easily change your position. If that doesn’t say sophistication, I don’t know what does.
What Comes Next?
While the 2022 Corvettes is already an incredible vehicle, we can expect even more in the coming years. The upcoming 2023 model is bringing back the ultra-high performance Corvette Z06 with even more power than the standard Corvette Stingray, and the rumor is that Chevy also has hybrid and EV variants of the Corvette waiting in the wings. But if you can’t wait, we can promise that you won’t be disappointed by the 2022 Corvette.
The new 2022 Chevy Corvette is a pretty spectacular vehicle that will leave all sports car enthusiasts drooling. This baby has some impressive features and specs, including enough power for even the most discerning driver. If you want your next ride to be one with exceptional performance, this might just be the perfect choice!
