After collecting several industry awards in its first two years on the market, the seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette->ke4579 receives an array of appearance and technology upgrades for the 2016 model year. The update also brings three new, color-themed design packages to further help buyers park a customized sports car in their driveways.
Arguably the most important change for 2016 is the availability of Magnetic Ride Control on Stingray->ke4603 models without the Z51 package. The bundle is still compatible, but customers are no longer required to get the Z51 package in order to have GM's->ke1024 fancy suspension.
Two new exterior colors are also on the table for 2016. Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat replaces velocity Yellow, while Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat replaces Crystal Red Tintcoat. There's also a new standard wheel design finished in either silver, black, machined or chrome. The Carbon Flash badge option now deletes the chrome bar on the front grille, while the Carbon Fiber Hood option features a visible weave section.
Inside, the 2016 Corvette is getting a Z06-like, flat-bottom steering wheel and optional two-tone GT seats upholstered in leather or sueded microfiber. Corvettes->ke1280 ordered in 3LT trim and with Jet Black interior now get a red or yellow accent stitching option.
More goodies can be had with the three design packages, available on Stingray 3LT coupe->ke141 and convertible->ke144 models, which are detailed below.
Continue reading to learn more about what 2016 brings new on the Corvette Stingray lineup.
Twilight Blue Design Package
This package provides customers with a classic combination of white/grey and blue, starting with the exterior colors, limited to Shark Gray, Blade Silver, Arctic White or Night Race Blue. For convertible models, the bundle comes with a blue top and Shark Gray tonneau inserts. The side vents are also finished in Shark Gray, paired with polished Motorsport wheels and black or gray brake calipers. The rear spoiler comes standard on models without the Z51 package. A red, white, and blue tri-color stripe is optional for the patriot in you. The cabin is fully dipped in a special Twilight Blue color.
Spice Red Design Package
Buyers opting for this bundle also have four exterior colors to choose from. These are the new Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat, Shark Gray, Blade Silver, and Arctic White. Convertibles comes with a Spice Red top. Same goes for the interior, which means there's the possibility to have an all-red 'Vette, just like in the late 1950s. This design package gets the same polished Motorsport wheels and rear spoiler.
Jet Black Suede Design Package
The third bundle comes in either Black, Blade Silver, Arctic White or Torch Red exterior color, with a black top for convertible models. Unlike the previous packages, Jet Black Suede features satin black wheels with red stripe and red brake calipers. This one also gets additional goodies such as Carbon Flash badges and satin black hood extractor and graphics. For the interior, Chevy offers Jet Black sueded microfiber upholstery with matching steering wheel and shifter, and carbon-fiber trim plate. Opt for the Black exterior and you'll park an authentic 'triple black" 'Vette in your driveway.
Why it matters
This is by far the most extensive update the seventh-gen Corvette has received as of yet, and the most comprehensive in terms of customizing options. It seems as if Chevy->ke199 realized the importance of providing its customers with several individualization alternatives to choose from, which could prove to be an important step forward for a sports car that competes against the Porsche 911.->ke282 Sure, the 'Vette could still use some sort of tailor-made program, but these packages will have to do until GM decides to take things up a notch.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Find our more about the seventh-generation Chevy Corvette in our full review here.