What's New in the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette?
After a major redesign in 2014 and several crucial updates last year, the Corvette receives only minor changes for 2016. They include new optional design packages, along with a newly available front parking camera for some high-end trim levels.
Which Corvette is the Best?
The 2LT is the sweet spot, adding desirable luxuries such as power side bolsters without inflating the price to 3LT levels. As for the Z51 package, it's up to you, but we'd have a hard time saying no to all that extra performance for $5,000. As for the Z06, it's primarily meant for high-performance driving and track use, and that means it'll be hard to pilot every single day. Find a Chevrolet Corvette for sale
How Much Does a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Cost?
The Corvette is a 2-seat sports car offered in coupe (with a removable carbon-fiber roof panel) and soft-top convertible body styles. Chevrolet offers standard models in three trim levels, 1LT, 2LT and 3LT, while the Z06 is offered in one trim.
The 1LT coupe ($56,400) and 1LT convertible ($60,400) come standard with staggered-size alloy wheels (18-inch fronts, 19-in rears), a carbon-fiber hood, keyless entry with push-button start, leather upholstery, power seats, two 8-in color displays (one in the gauge cluster and one on the dashboard), a rearview camera and a 9-speaker Bose audio system with iPod/Bluetooth integration and satellite radio.
The 2LT coupe ($60,900) and 2LT convertible ($64,900) add color-matched console and door panels, heated and ventilated seats with memory settings and additional power adjustments (lumbar and side bolsters), Corvette seat emblems, a universal garage-door opener, auto-dimming mirrors, a color head-up display, a 10-speaker Bose audio system with dual subwoofers, a cargo net and a luggage shade (coupe only).
The 3LT coupe ($66,100) and 3LT convertible ($70,100) tack on a full-leather interior with Nappa leather seating surfaces, a navigation system (optional on lower trims) and a color-matched instrument panel.
Topping the range is the impressive Z06 ($80,400 for the coupe; $84,400 for the convertible), which adds an impressive array of sporty equipment. There's the bigger 650-hp engine, but there's also improved suspension, upgraded tires, a carbon-fiber roof panel and improved cooling measures for enhanced track capabilities.
The popular Z51 package ($5,000 extra) adds bigger wheels (19-in fronts, 20-in rears) with Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP summer tires, a dry-sump oil system, an electronic limited-slip differential, more aggressive gearing, bigger front brakes (13.6-in discs versus 12.6-in discs), sport-tuned suspension components and lift-reducing aerodynamic tweaks.
Other notable options include adaptive magnetic-ride dampers with a track-oriented stability control system (Z51 only), sport seats, carbon-fiber interior trim, a suede steering wheel and a transparent roof panel (coupe only). Newly available for 2016 is a front parking camera, which is helpful given the Corvette's long nose and low ground clearance.