As we fill in the blanks in coverage for our 2018 buyer's guide, we're already getting excited for the Chevrolet Corvette's 2019 lineup, which will mark the return of a wicked ZR1 model, a car that boasts more power than a Dodge Challenger Hellcat and matches it with the Covette's far more sophisticated chassis.
But you'll have to wait for more details about that car, as Chevrolet's 2018 updates to its signature sports car are less exciting, but more numerous.
The base model gets 19-inch front and 20-inch wheels in place of last year's 18/19-inch arrangement, and there are five new wheel design options. Chevy's fantastic magnetic ride control suspension is now a stand-alone option, too.
A longer list of updates apply to the base trim as well as the GS and Z06 models, like a new backup camera with a higher-quality image, a better rotation adjustment for the head-up display and a variety of changes in available interior colour and trim options.
The Corvette is a plenty capable performer in base form, with a 6.2L V8 sending its 455 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions.
A Grand Sport trim adds five hp and some chassis bits from the top-end Z06 to create a more track-focused car with better tires, six-piston front brakes, electronically controlled differential and the magnetic ride suspension.
The Z06 is a much different animal, powered by a supercharged 6.2L engine capable of a formidable 650 hp and 650 lb-ft.
While the Z06 is clearly the performance king (for now) with its 3.0-second 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) acceleration sprint, the base and GS models are formidable accelerators too, capable of a 3.9-second lunge to that benchmark velocity.
America's answer to cars like the Porsche 911 and any number of much more expensive cars from Italy, Britain and Germany has never been a better performer than this seventh generation, and we'd argue it has also never been nicer to look at. While the standard coupe body style is the one we'd consider best suited to track use, an optional droptop configuration remains a great performer while opening the two-seat cabin up to the great outdoors.
Speaking of track driving, a Z51 package outfits the Corvette with a number of features designed to make it better-suited to that venue, including dry sump engine lubrication to prevent oil starvation when exploring the car's handling envelope. The Grand Sport and Z06 can be optioned with a Z07 package that brings grippier tires, carbon ceramic brakes and adjustable aerodynamics.
