After an exciting 2020 model year that saw the Chevrolet Corvette enter its eighth generation and move to a mid-engine design for the first time, the automaker’s updates to the car in 2021 were relatively mild. The upcoming model year promises to be a bit different for the homegrown supercar, however, as Chevrolet is adding a new special edition to the 2022 Corvette line and upgrades to the standard cars.
This new 2022 Corvette special edition is based on the 3LT trim and comes with the Z51 Performance Package as standard equipment. Each car comes with race-themed Corvette graphics packages and paint jobs to mirror the actual number 3 and number 4 C8.R race cars.
The special edition 2022 Corvettes will also come with exclusive exterior features that include:
- High-wing Carbon Flash spoiler
- Yellow brake calipers
- Black Trident wheel designs
- Carbon Flash exterior mirrors
- Black side rockers
- Splash guards
Chevrolet will continue to offer the standard 2022 Corvette as either a coupe or convertible. Coupe models come with a removable hardtop that stores in the vehicle’s trunk, and convertibles come with a folding hardtop.
Changes for the 2022 Corvette include three new paint colors called Hypersonic Gray, Caffeine, and Amplify Orange Tintcoat. The standard 2022 Corvette will also be available with a front splitter from the Z51 Performance Package and a new low-profile rear spoiler.
Though the previous model year’s powertrain remains in place, Chevrolet has improved the 2022 Corvette’s engine. Upgrades to the direct injection fuel system and the Active Fuel Management system, which shuts down engine cylinders to improve fuel economy, give the car a longer range.
The 6.2-liter V8 is otherwise the same as before and still delivers 490 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. The engine pairs with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the powertrain is strong enough to propel Z51-equipped Corvette models from rest to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds.
In addition to speedy acceleration, the Z51 Performance Package brings an extensive list of upgrades to the Corvette, which Chevrolet notes are necessary for track use. They include:
- Brembo brakes
- Performance suspension
- Upgraded performance exhaust system
- Performance rear axle ratio
- Electronic limited-slip differential
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer performance tires
- Heavy-duty cooling system
- Z51 front splitter and rear spoiler
Buyers can begin placing orders for the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette on July 1, 2021. The Corvette Coupe carries a starting price of $62,195, and the Convertible will start at $69,975. Both prices include destination freight charges.
Chevrolet is the source of information for this article. It was accurate on June 10, 2021, but it may have changed since that date.
You are now subscribed to the J.D. Power Cars Newsletter.
