The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Has a Top Speed of 194 MPH, Z51 Is 10-MPH Slower
Update 10/09/2019: Chevrolet just confirmed the top speed of the C8 Corvette Stingray when equipped with the Z51 Performance Package—184 mph. This post, originally published, 08/15/2019, has been updated to reflect that.
In addition to releasing full pricing on the mid-engine C8 Corvette, Chevrolet has revealed another nugget of info: A top speed of 194 MPH for the base car. That is fast. Really fast, especially for a car that starts at $59,995.
According to Chevy, this speed can only be achieved with the entry-level 2020 Corvette, not one equipped with the Z51 Performance Pack. Our colleagues at Car and Driver received confirmation from Chevy that the C8 Z51 will do 184 mph flat out. Blame that 10-mph deficit on the additional drag generated by its aerodynamic body add-ons, notably it's rear wing. Downforce isn't free. It's worth noting the Z51 is the only version of the C8 Corvette Stingray that will be able to perform a sub-three-second 0-60 mph run, thanks to its stickier Michelin summer tires. Non-Z51 Corvettes will come with Michelin all-seasons. So, if it's top speed you care about most, get the base car. If 0-60 times are your priority, opt for the Z51.
Considering there only a handful of tracks in North America where one can achieve 194 mph, we'd suggest opting for the Z51. You might not be able to go as fast, but you do get bigger brakes, those aforementioned Michelin summers, a rear spoiler that Chevy says helps make 400 pounds of downforce, an electronic limited-slip differential, a performance exhaust, and added cooling hardware for extended track use, all for just $5000. Seems like a fair trade-off to us.
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