The Corvette Stingray rides on new 18 x 8.5-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear wheels, while
models with the Z51 Performance Package roll on 19 x 8.5-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear
forged aluminum wheels. New Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat tires developed specifically for
the seventh-generation Corvette deliver comparable levels of grip than the wider tires of
previous models.
As a result, the Corvette Stingray with the Z51 Performance Package is capable of 1.03g in
cornering acceleration – comparable to the 2013 Corvette Z06 (1.04). Significantly, that is
achieved with narrower and lighter wheels and tires. The reduced “footprint” reduces rolling
resistance, steering effort and road noise, contributing to a more nimble feel, more immediate
steering response and greater touring comfort and efficiency.
Dimensionally, the new Corvette’s wheelbase is approximately an inch longer than the previous
generation, with front and rear tracks that are almost an inch wider. Those changes provide a
more stable feel, particularly at high speeds, while the turning radius is decreased by
approximately two feet for greater maneuverability in tight turns.
The Corvette Stingray features standard 35mm-piston Bilstein monotube shocks that connect to
dual-path aluminum shock mounts that separate the shock rod and shock body load paths. The
Z51 Performance Package comes with 45mm-piston Bilstein dampers for more aggressive body
control and track capability. Z51 is available with the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control,
which features a new twin-wire/dual-coil damper system that reacts 40 percent faster, enabling
improved ride comfort and body control.
The new electric power steering system offers variable ratios and variable effort to tailor
responsiveness and feel for each driving situation. It also delivers more precise control and
feedback to the driver, along with greater variability of effort for high-performance driving and
greater on-center sensitivity and linearity. Steering feel was further improved by increasing
steering column stiffness by 150 percent, increasing intermediate shaft torsional stiffness by 600
percent, and mounting the steering gear to the front cradle structure. As a result, the steering
system is five times stiffer than the previous generation.
A smart electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) is included in the Z51 Performance Package
and continuously makes the most of the torque split between the rear wheels. The system
features a hydraulically actuated clutch that can infinitely vary clutch engagement and can
respond from open to full engagement in tenths of a second. It shifts torque based on a unique
algorithm that factors in vehicle speed, steering input and throttle position to improve steering
feel, handling balance and traction.
“The electronic limited-slip differential transforms the Stingray by optimizing handling for the
driving situation,” said Bailey. “By continuously modulating the torque split between the rear
wheels, the eLSD can improve traction accelerating out of corner, improve stability on the
highway and enhance steering turn-in and responsiveness.”
