With an all-new,mid-engine Corvette due for model-year 2020, the 2019 Corvette C7 had no significant changes. Chevy added two new paint colors called Elkhart Lake Blue and Shadow Gray. The year’s biggest news for Corvette fans was the return of the legendary ZR1, with a flamboyant styling and outstanding performance.
The 2019 Corvette was a C7 (seventh generation) Corvette and was upgraded in several ways. Counting the ZR1, it was offered in four models, each with a different sub models. Removable-top coupe and convertible coupe styles were available.
Corvette buyers could also choose between the basic Stingray, the Grand Sport, the Z06 and the high-performance ZR1. Each trim could then be split into two to three different sub-trim options to give buyers even more choices in the showroom.
The body of the 2019 Vette featured composite and carbon-fiber body panels. The frame was mode of high-strength aluminum. The 6.2-liter V-8 in each Corvette line was tuned differently. Options ranged from as little as 455 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque to as much as 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque. The manual transmission provided seven speeds with overdrive. The 8-speed automatic transmission was optional.
Several features, such as Apple CarPlay and a MyLink Multimedia System were a standard on 2019 Vettes. Daytime running lights, a 4-wheel anti –lock brake system, an engine immobilizer, emergency brake assist, and a post-collision safety system are also included as standard features to enhance the safety of the new Corvette.
Drivers who enjoyed pushing a car to its limit appreciated the 2019 Vette’s large 4-wheel disc brakes. Both the front and rear disc brakes were ventilated, allowing them to dissipate heat quicker. There are several other performance packages, such as the Z07 package, that were offered as options to increase the capabilities of the Corvette
The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray’s performance was right up there with some world-class sports cars, too. Standard under the hood was a 455 hp V-8 that could be teamed with either of the two excellent transmissions, one manual and one automatic. Buyers got a high-tech chassis with excellent ride and handling qualities, eye-caching styling and a low base price of $56,995 for the basic Stingray model.
Buyers wanting a race-track ready Vette could purchase a Grand Sport for $66,995. This model utilized body work and chassis bits from the 650-hp Corvette Z06. The Grand Sport coupe actually represented a blend of the base-model Stingray and the rip-roaring Z06. It was almost four inches wider than the standard Corvette.
The gearing in the Grand Sport’s manual transmission gave quicker acceleration, and it had a dry-sump lubrication system for improved engine reliability under track duress. Standard equipment included adaptive dampers, 2-zone automatic climate control and dual-mode exhaust. The eight-speed automatic transmission cost $1,725.
The ZR1 came as a coupe with removable roof panel listed for $121,995 ($124,990 with the ZTK Track Performance Package). The convertible listed for $126,495 ($129,490 with ZTK). It was a super car with highest horsepower, greatest track performance and most advanced technology in Corvette history. It was offered in 1ZR and 3ZR trims and in a choice of removable-roof coupe or convertible body styles.
The ZR1s LT5 6.2L V-8 engine advanced Corvettes supercharging legacy, offering the highest output ever for a Chevy production vehicle. It had a new, more efficient intercooled supercharger system that provided 52 percent more displacement than the Z06s Lt4 supercharger. It had GMs first dual-fuel-injection-system, with primary direct injection and supplemental port injection (755 hp and 715 lb. ft. of torque).
The ZR1s aggressive appearance included a unique front fascia designed to channel air for propulsion-system and drivetrain cooling. Four new radiators brought the heat-exchanger total to 13. Its special carbon-fiber “halo” hood was open in the middle to clear the LT5 engine’s supercharger/intercooler assembly. Additional feature, including aero packages with stanchion-mounted wings, helped to push the ZR1 harder onto the track for more confident handling and faster lap times.
Two aero packages were offered: A standard rear Low Wing, which delivered the ZR1s highest top speed and an available two-way adjustable High Wing that gave the maximum downforce on the track for quicker lap times. The adjustable High Wing was part of the $2,995 ZTK Track Performance Package, which also included a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer-only tires and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning for greater cornering grip. Both wings were tied into the chassis, like those on the Corvette Racing C7.R racecar, for strength and stability.
A Sebring Orange Design Package included a Sebring Orange Tintcoat exterior, orange-painted calipers, ZR1 Carbon Flash-painted aluminum wheels, orange custom leather stitch, orange-painted striped ground effects, Jet Black leather seat surfaces with sueded microfiber inserts with orange stitching, Competition Sport bucket seats, carbon fiber and sueded microfiber-wrapped rim, flat-bottom steering wheel, orange safety belts, ZR1-logo floor mats with orange trim and bronze-tinted aluminum interior accents.
A Performance Data Recorder was standard on the 3ZR version and available on 1ZRs. The Chevrolet Infotainment system had an 8-in-diagonal color touchscreen with navigation available. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot with available 4G LTE data (3GB or 1-month data trial were included).
Standard 1ZR equipment included a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel. A carbon fiber and leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel was standard in 3ZR versions. Other standard feature included keyless open and start; curb-view cameras (on 2LZ and 3LZ trims) and a head-up display. Sound system equipment included a Bose 10-speaker audio system and bass box in 3ZRs and a nine-speaker system on 1ZRs. Heated and ventilated leather-appointed seats were also standard on 3ZRs.
& Competition Sport seats could be had in 1ZRs and 3ZRs. A leather- wrapped interior with sueded upper trim was included in 3ZRs. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard. An available performance air intake option could be dealer-installed. Corvette Museum delivery and Customer Engine Building options were available.
Safety features included four standard air bags, including side-impact ones. A Rear Vision Camera was also standard. All Vettes had four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS; Active Handling with electronic stability control; safety belt pretensioners and a tire pressure monitoring system with run-flat tires.
The final stats for the 2019 model year were total production came in at 34,822. Of those 39.3 percent were Stingrays, 32.3 percent were Grand Sports, 19.9 percent were Z06s and 8.5 percent were ZR1s.
