2023 Corvette: Is the C8’s Handling and Braking Performance World-Class or Lackluster?
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette rides on the eighth-generation ‘Vette’s midengine platform, an evolutionary step from the front-engine design of the C7. Still, even with the balanced platform of the C8 Corvette, is the model’s handling up to snuff with some of the best?
How good is the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette’s handling?
As Corvette fans have come to expect from the “Plastic Fantastic,” the C8’s handling is competent, sharp, and balanced compared to previous generations and even pricier performance cars.
| 2023 Model | Skidpad (300 ft) |
| C8 Corvette Stingray (Z51) | 1.03 g |
| C8 Corvette Stingray Convertible (Z51) | 1.01 g |
| C8 Corvette Z06 (Z07) | 1.16 g |
| C8 Corvette Z06 Convertible | 1.12 g |
In Car and Driver’s 300-ft roadholding skidpad tests, the removable hardtop Stingray with the athletic Z51 package managed 1.03 g in the corners. It’s an impressive feat, given the Jaguar F-TYPE R sits around the 1.00-g mark. Of course, the heavier, less rigid Electric Hardtop Convertible loses a bit of competence in the corners, returning a result of 1.01 g.
Understandably, the razor-sharp Z06 with the Z07 package grips much harder in the corners. In fact, the Z06 will claw as hard as a Porsche 911 GT3 for around $60,000 less.
What is in the Z51 package?
The key to getting the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette to grip hard through both canyon and corner is to choose the Z51 package. Opting for the Z51 will add a series of performance-oriented kit.
- Dual-mode performance exhaust
- Oversized brake rotors with forward cooling inlets
- Upgraded cooling system
- Aggressive axle ratio
- Manually adjustable performance suspension
While the Z51 package increases the Stingray’s corner credentials by orders of magnitude, it also stiffens the C8 Corvette for hard launches. As a result, a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 will explode to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds.
How well does the 2023 Corvette brake?
| 2023 Model | Braking (70-0 mph) |
| C8 Corvette Stingray (Z51) | 149 feet |
| C8 Corvette Stingray Convertible (Z51) | 154 feet |
| C8 Corvette Z06 | 139 feet |
| C8 Corvette Z06 Convertible | 144 feet |
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette packs disc brakes with ABS as standard equipment. However, the Z51 package adds larger brake rotors with better cooling for heat dissipation in a track environment. As a result, the Stingray Coupe Z51 will stop from 70 mph a foot sooner than a lighter Toyota GR Supra 3.0.
Is a Corvette good for everyday driving?
Despite its performance credentials and supercar proportions, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette is deceptively comfortable. Standard seats are well-bolstered and supportive in aggressive handling scenarios and casual cruises. Moreover, track-ready suspension doesn’t rob the Stingray of helpful goodies like a front-axle lift system to clear speedbumps and curbs.
Stay tuned for more MotorBiscuit coverage of the Chevrolet Corvette!
