Blog / Chevy Corvette for Sale

The Corvette Stingray: Past, Present, and Future

A red 2024 Chevy Corvette Stingray Z51 driving on a track at night.

Corvette: No other name in American car manufacturing evokes the same images of luxury, speed, and design. This sleek sports car has pushed the limits of imagination and performance for over seven decades. There are many sports cars out there, but there's only one Corvette.

There is, however, another name that has crafted a unique legend for itself in tandem with the Corvette. If you're looking for a Chevy Corvette for sale, the Stingray will not disappoint. The current generation proclaims itself as the most powerful Stingray in history, and performance has not come at the price of style. This Stingray is as aesthetically pleasing as it is a powerhouse of speed and innovation.

The Stingray has become a classic in its own right. But what makes a Corvette a Stingray or a Stingray a Corvette? Wasn't it two words before, or is that another vehicle altogether? Let's look at the Stingray, its history, where it is now, and what we know of its future.

The Past: An Ocean of Style

The story of the Stingray begins with the launch of the Corvette. The iconic sports car was conceived to boost Chevrolet's slowing sales. Originally, though, the 1953 launch of the Corvette only totaled 300 units. After a rocky start, the 'Vette found its footing in 1956 when it switched to a standard V8 engine, gaining popularity with the blend of performance and style that helps the Corvette reign supreme even today.

In 1963, the "Sting Ray" kicked off the second generation of the Corvette. This aquatic-named newcomer made an immediate impression with its sleeker and more angular design. To answer the question on most people's minds, the "Sting Ray" title referred to the new body style of the Corvette, meant to channel a more fluid, almost aquatic feel just like its namesake.

This change to the Corvette line, meant to kickstart the second generation, was the brainchild of Zora Arkus-Duntov and Bill Mitchell. They had collaborated earlier at the end of the production of the first generation of 'Vettes. After assessing a range of prototypes and experimental designs, they created the final version of the Sting Ray. This new take on the Corvette ran from 1963 to 1967.

The confusion over the name comes from the 1968 reinvention of the "Stingray" for the Corvette's third generation. The name became the single word that the modern version uses. However, after 1976, the Stingray branding disappeared from the Corvette.

Gone but not forgotten, the Stingray became a favorite of classic car enthusiasts. In 2009, the name was briefly resurrected for a concept car at the Chicago Auto Show that later starred in the film "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." This polarizing Stingray was not available for sale.

Bose premium speakers in the door of a 2024 Chevy Corvette Stingray.

The Present: Pushing Boundaries and Going the Distance

Since its return in 2014 as the base model of the seventh-generation Corvette, the Stingray has brought distinctive style and performance to the Corvette lineup. The latest eighth-generation Stingray, which debuted in 2020, places a new emphasis on pushing the limits of power and performance. Among other improvements to get the maximum output, the engine was repositioned behind the driver, a better position to push power into the rear wheels.

As mentioned above, the current Stingray is the most powerful iteration ever produced. With an available 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, it clocks in at an awe-inspiring 11.2 seconds when tested on the quarter-mile. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission combines the best attributes of manual and automatic gearboxes for smoothness and quick response.

The modern Stingray also has the technology and quality-of-life features you'd expect from a high-end model. You can enjoy your favorite music on Android Auto or Apple CarPlay through the available Bose Performance Series 14-speaker audio system. The heated and ventilated seats offer power lumbar support, and a heated steering wheel helps to provide maximum comfort. These features are just an example of the options at your fingertips to create your perfect Stingray. The sky's the limit with the eighth generation of this legend!

Critics agree that the eight-generation Corvette is the best generation yet for the nameplate. Car and Driver has named it as one of the 10Best cars every year since it debuted. In 2020, it earned the North American Car of the Year award. That same year, it received awards for Kelly Blue Book Sports Car Best Resale Value, the ALG Premium Redesign of the Year, and Motorweek Driver's Choice Best of the Year.

The greatest accolade of all is the praise from the enduring community of Corvette enthusiasts. The National Corvette Owners Association was founded in 1975 and boasts over 20,000 members. The National Corvette Museum has been in operation since 1994. Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, right across the road from the factory where the Corvette is built, this one-of-a-kind attraction is devoted to all things Corvette. The Corvette Hall of Fame honors the individuals who have played important roles in the legacy of the iconic sports car. The Stingray Grill is located on-site, serving excellent burgers and sandwiches while taking diners on a tour of Corvette history.

The 2025 Stingray hasn't brought too many changes to the iconic sports car, sticking to some aesthetic upgrades. Two new exterior colors have been announced by Chevy––Hysteria Purple Metallic and Competition Yellow Tintcoat Metallic––giving you even more personalization options. There is also the addition of a new Habanero orange interior color option and Velocity Yellow brake calipers.

A dark blue 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 is shown driving on a tree-lined road.

The Future: Pushing New Frontiers

While the Stingray has become a legend, it is not the only Corvette option. Above the Stingray sits a variety of even more capable Corvette models boasting their own unique features. The Z06 is the most track-oriented Corvette, with the eighth-generation version arriving in 2023 with an exclusive high-revving 5.5L flat-plate-crank V8 producing an incredible 670 hp. This engine and the wider body of the Z06 were directly inspired by Chevy's C8.R Corvette race car.

In 2024, the Corvette E-Ray broke new ground as the first hybrid Corvette. While not strictly a Stingray, many performance features from the Stingray, such as the 6.2L V8 pushrod engine, were adopted and melded with the Z06 body style to create the E-Ray. With electric all-wheel drive and 655 hp, the E-Ray is a monster on the drag strip, running the quarter mile in just 10.6 seconds. It also offers a special Stealth Mode that lets you sneak out of the driveway on electric power.

At the top of the lineup is the legendary Corvette ZR1. Known as "The King of the Hill," the ZR1 has been offered on and off since 1970 and represents the most powerful Corvette option. However, even with that reputation, the eighth-generation ZR1 shocked the world when it was revealed for 2025. Powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the engine from the Z06, this supercar puts down 1,064 hp and boasts a top speed of 233 mph, leaving competitors like the Lamborghini Revuelto, Ferrari SF90, and McLaren 765LT in its dust.

With other changes looming, it's hard to say what the future holds for the Corvette and the Stingray nameplate. With the success of the E-Ray, there is the potential for plug-in hybrid and fully-electric Corvette models. There have even been rumors that Chevy may be spinning Corvette off as a separate brand, although this has yet to be confirmed. Some reports mention a four-door coupe and a crossover coming to the lineup, both of which could also wear the Stingray name.

A grey 2024 Chevy Corvette Stingray 3LT parked on a boat.

An American Legend: The Corvette Stingray

Whatever happens in the future, the Stingray will retain its unique place in automotive history. It has carved a course that few cars have in the past. Not only has it been part of a brand whose name is legendary, it has become a legend in its own right. Despite the changes on the horizon, there is no doubt that the Stingray will continue to hold the hearts of collectors, drag racers, and drivers who appreciate a well-made car.

The Corvette Stingray is an American classic. There is no better time to get behind the wheel of this high-performance sports car with style for miles and the hustle under the hood to go the distance. It's time to embrace a piece of automotive history and make your Corvette dreams come true. Life is about to get a lot more interesting. Why? You will be seeing it from the driver's seat of a true American legend.

Posted in:

Recommended Posts

A silver 2023 Chevy Colorado parked in a city.

Why CarBravo and BudgetBravo Can Make Purchasing Used a Stress-Free Experience

If you're on the lookout for a used car dealer, you might have noticed some dealerships refer to the CarBravo and BudgetBravo programs. You'll certainly see it as you're browsing our dealership's website, as we're proud to partner with them. A dealership that features CarBravo and BravoBudget vehicles is offering you a tremendous opportunity to get a good deal on a good pre-owned car. more When you see these terms, you should know that the used vehicles you're looking at will be coming with extra care and thorough warranties. If you buy a CarBravo or BravoBudget ride, you'll have much more confidence in your purchase. You'll be sailing home in your used Camaro or Tahoe without concern. Let's explore why these programs instill such confidence in buyers, as well as our CarBravo and BravoBudget offerings. We know you will be thrilled with the many advantages they offer. What Exactly are CarBravo and BravoBudget? CarBravo and BravoBudget are GM's Certified Pre-Owned programs, designed to instill extra security for buyers hunting for a used vehicle who also want more confidence. You won't worry about a vehicle's history, nor will you be concerned that it hasn't had proper upkeep. GM's programs are designed to make you feel confident behind the wheel of your pre-owned purchase. Many who visit us love that we offer vehicles through these programs. In fact, we can report that customers who didn't initially plan to buy used sometimes end up doing so when they see what CarBravo and BravoBudget provide. These programs are so thorough that even the pickiest of drivers ends up feeling happy going with a CarBravo option. What Advantages Come With CarBravo? You get a slew of benefits if you opt for a CarBravo vehicle. Let's say you're looking for a used Chevy Silverado to upgrade your recreational life or elevate your labor. Going for one that is CarBravo will give you the following advantages: 126 Multi-Point Inspection: This rigorous inspection means your vehicle has been examined with a fine-tooth comb for any possible issues. Less than 10 years old: While your vehicle will be used, it will still be a relatively recent model, offering modern technology advantages you can enjoy. Under 100,000 miles: Your CarBravo vehicle won't have a large amount of miles on it, meaning it has ample life to give you in the years to come. Checked for recalls: Are you worried about buying a used car only to find out that there's been a recall on it? That's not going to happen if you go for a CarBravo-approved vehicle. We’ll handle any recall work before we put it up for sale. CARFAX Report: This provides a full history of your vehicle's life. OnStar and Sirius trials: You get one complimentary month of OnStar and three months of Sirius Radio. Ten-day/500-mile vehicle exchange program: If you're unhappy with your selection, you can exchange it for another within ten days or 500 miles of your purchase. Think of it like an extended test drive. These benefits allow you to find a vehicle that you have total confidence in. You won't worry about past use or recall history. Instead, you'll just be able to enjoy your time behind the wheel of your pre-owned CarBravo purchase. CarBravo Warranty Coverage A CarBravo purchase also includes stellar warranty coverage. If you buy that Silverado we mentioned, you'll be going home with expansive coverage. With CarBravo, you will get a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty for 12 months/12,000 miles. There is no deductible, either. Both gas and diesel engines will fall under the warranty, along with your transmission and other driving systems. However, CarBravo goes beyond the main automotive ingredients. You get air conditioner coverage, for instance, and brake coverage. If you purchase an electric vehicle, you'll get EV and regenerative braking coverage, too, so an EV option is always in the cards. Bumper-to-bumper means just that: everything between the bumpers is covered. Twenty-four-hour roadside assistance is also included. Making a claim under your warranty is easy. You can visit the dealership you purchased your CarBravo vehicle from, of course, but you can also just pay a visit to any dealership that is associated with GM's program. These are just a few other ways that purchasing a CarBravo-certified vehicle gives you peace of mind. Ease of Purchase With CarBravo In addition to the advantages above, CarBravo also makes purchasing very simple. Our sales representatives are more than happy to chat with you and provide the guidance you deserve. They'll consider your driving lifestyle and then point you in the right direction so you have a vehicle that elevates your automotive life. With CarBravo, you can buy online by clicking the CarBravo link under our Used banner on our site. You don't have to leave your couch to find your vehicle. You can even have at-home test drives and complimentary delivery of your vehicle once you purchase it. You can also take advantage of a trade-in. You can sell us your current ride and use it to cover part or all of your down payment. Our customers are huge fans of the flexibility this offers, in addition to the discount they already receive by purchasing used. CarBravo offers many ways to help you save so you can drive better while still feeling financially secure. The Lowdown on BravoBudget BravoBudget is very similar to CarBravo, but covers older vehicles that may have more miles. This works well for customers on a strict budget, and it also works well for buyers who prefer older-style models. After all, just because a model is new doesn't mean it will fit your sense of style. Like CarBravo, BravoBudget offers a wide range of advantages. Models are 10 to 15 years old and must have fewer than 150,000 miles. Every BravoBudget vehicle undergoes a 62-point inspection. As with CarBravo, a CARFAX report is included, and recalls have been checked and resolved. When you buy an older model that is BravoBudget certified, you can still buy with confidence. While not as expansive as the warranty CarBravo offers, BravoBudget vehicles also include a powertrain warranty that covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. The BravoBudget warranty is shorter than the CarBravo warranty, covering 30 days/1,000 miles. Roadside assistance is also included in case of emergencies. If you're purchasing an older GM vehicle, you'll still know you are initially covered for the essentials. Enhancing the Used Car Experience CarBravo and BravoBudget exist to make purchasing a used vehicle a pleasure, not an uncertainty. No matter what you're buying, whether it's a massive Silverado or a smaller sedan like the Malibu, you'll be going home knowing you made a smart purchase if you buy with one of these certified programs. At our dealership, we are always invested in our customers having a positive, stress-free experience. That's why we are proud to feature vehicles that fall under the CarBravo and BravoBudget spectrum. We update our inventory often, so check our website regularly to see what has newly arrived for you to take for a test drive. If you have any further questions about these GM-certified programs, do not hesitate to ask us.

A technician looking at tires in a tire shop.

Important Ways to Take Care of Your Tires

Healthy tires from a reliable tire shop make for happy travels. The condition of your tires affects nearly every part of your driving experience, from cornering stability to fuel efficiency to overall safety. Above all, properly maintained tires are essential to keeping your vehicle safe and predictable on the road. That’s why if you value the longevity of your vehicle, it’s important to keep your tires in great condition. Whether you’re performing quick at-home inspections or scouting for replacements, you need to invest in your vehicle's tire health. more That’s why we decided to help drivers by putting together a short guide explaining the importance of tire health, and a few ways to help protect your vehicle and get the most out of your tires. This includes tire rotations, tire balancing and alignment, and when to replace your tires. These tips can help you get the most out of your vehicle and your tires. Why Maintaining Your Tires Is Important Maintaining your tires can significantly increase your vehicle's value and condition. It has a ripple effect on many other aspects of the vehicle, including the control arms, suspension, brakes, fuel economy, and even steering. Good tires can help reduce service costs over a period of time, whereas tires that are not well-maintained can end up costing you more over a longer period of time. Poorly maintained tires can contribute to uneven wear, alignment issues, and additional strain on suspension and steering components. Over time, this can make your vehicle feel unstable and harder to control. When a vehicle pulls or drifts, drivers often compensate by braking or correcting the steering more frequently, which can accelerate component wear and increase overall maintenance costs. Tires can also impact your fuel economy. If the vehicle is veering more in one direction than the other, you may not only find yourself braking more frequently, but also applying more gas to compensate for the increased braking, wearing down components, and expending more fuel. As a result, you may end up finding yourself racking up a large maintenance bill, all because of your tires. That’s why it’s important to maintain your vehicle’s tires. Even if all you do is short, quick errands around town, or you have a smaller vehicle, keeping your tires maintained is still beneficial for getting the most longevity out of your ride. This applies doubly so to larger vehicles, where worn tires can quickly cause other parts to degrade if left unattended, especially for SUVs, vans, or trucks used frequently for towing and hauling. The Benefits of Rotating Your Tires Rotating your tires is one of the best ways to preserve their longevity and get the most out of them. This is especially true if you’re doing a lot of commuting and travel during the warmer seasons, when tires are more likely to wear down more quickly due to higher temperatures and higher speeds. Regular tire rotation extends tread life and helps maintain consistent handling and stability. Tire rotation patterns vary depending on your vehicle’s drivetrain and tire type, but the goal is the same: to distribute wear evenly across all four tires. This gives you extra balance in terms of wear and how the vehicle handles, because if you’re frequently driving in areas where you make more left-hand or more right-hand turns, it can create uneven wear on one side of the vehicle over the other. This can cause the vehicle to veer toward the side where you turn more frequently. Rotating the tires can balance tire wear, so you can get more use from them. It’s generally advised to have your tires rotated at a tire shop every six months or so, depending on how much you drive and where you drive. If your vehicle is used for light driving here and there, you may not need to rotate the tires as often. However, if you do a lot of long commutes, daily city driving, and stop-and-go driving at highway speeds with frequent turns, you’ll want to rotate the tires more frequently. Why You Need to Keep Your Wheels Balanced Proper wheel balancing ensures a smooth ride, reducing vibration and preventing unnecessary strain on suspension components. This should always be done when mounting a tire to a wheel. It usually doesn’t need to be rebalanced again until another tire is installed, but rare situations can throw your wheels out of balance prematurely. Tires are made smooth and round, but may not be perfectly balanced from one side to the other. The valve stem that lets you inflate the tire also adds a small amount of weight. A tire balancing machine spins the wheel, determines where the imbalance is, and how much weight the imbalance is, typically a fraction of an ounce. The tire tech then installs small weights to the wheel to counteract this imbalance, then tests the wheel again. When the reading is zero, the tire is balanced and may be installed on the vehicle. Occasionally, one of these weights may pop off the wheel, perhaps over a big bump. This can cause wheel vibration and require it to be rebalanced. On wintry roads, snow and ice can sometimes stick to the wheel, also causing an imbalance. In this case, the solution may be as simple as warmer temperatures to melt it or scraping snow and ice out from inside the wheel. When to Replace Your Tires You’ll want to replace your tires once the tread has worn down to about 4/32 of an inch. You don’t need specialized equipment to monitor tread wear; simple visual inspections can often reveal when replacement is necessary. Modern vehicles come with tire wear bars, which give you a good indication of when your tires need to be replaced. If the tread is worn down to the bar indicator, which sits at 2/32 of an inch, it’s high time to replace the tires at a dedicated tire shop that carries the right kind for your vehicle. There are other ways to check for tire wear as well. A measuring tape works. There is also the penny trick, where you place a penny upside down into the tread of the tire and see if the tread is worn down below Lincoln’s head. If that is the case, then it’s time to replace the tire. Typically, the legal limit is 2/32 of an inch of tread left before it needs to be replaced. It’s generally advised to replace the tire when it is at 4/32 of an inch, as it gives you some room to replace it without risking riding on a bald tire, which can result in drifting, pulling, or hydroplaning if left unattended. Need Help Shopping for Your Next Set of Tires? If you’re searching for a tire shop with a wide selection of tires in the correct size and rating for your vehicle, LaFontaine Chevrolet Plymouth is ready to help. We offer dedicated tire service, repair, and alignment, ensuring you get the most life from your tires and maintain your vehicle's health. Use these tips to protect your investment, and when you’re ready for professional service, schedule an appointment with our service center to keep your vehicle performing at its best. You can also easily reach out to us, and we can answer any questions you might have regarding your tires, balancing, alignment, and more.

Grey 2026 Chevy Equinox LT parked near a lake

Which Chevy SUV Should You Buy Pre-Owned?

One of the things our salespeople enjoy most about helping our customers is figuring out which vehicle is just right for someone. It's like a puzzle: our customers bring us the pieces, and we put them together to reveal a picture of the perfect vehicle they'll love driving every day. If you're interested in used SUVs for sale but aren't sure which Chevy is perfect for you, you've come to the right place. Although we're happy to figure everything out with you, we know many people like having a game plan before coming to us. So, let's look at seven fantastic Chevy SUVs that you'll find when looking at recent-year used models and get a sense of what each of them has to offer. To keep things organized, we're going in ascending order based on size, so keep that in mind if you already know you need something larger. #1 - The Chevy Trax: A Perfect Entry-Level SUV There's no better place to start when looking at different Chevy SUVs than with the Trax, given all it has to offer. This is a subcompact SUV, making it a terrific pick if you want something small and easy to navigate through crowded city streets. Its modest size also makes it a very efficient option, letting you get everything done with fewer stops for gas. As the entry-level SUV in Chevy's lineup, the Trax is the most accessible in terms of price; so if you want something small, fuel-efficient, and incredibly affordable, the Trax is perfect. #2 - The Chevy Trailblazer: A Sporty Subcompact One interesting point people often don't realize when looking at these used SUVs is that Chevy offers two subcompact models. If you want to stick to a small size but you're interested in something with a bit more oomph, then you should check out the Trailblazer. This is also a subcompact SUV with nearly identical room inside for your passengers and cargo, so it's not a great choice if you want something more spacious than the Trax. The Trailblazer is often available with a more-powerful engine than the Trax (they both typically have the same standard engine), so you can find Trailblazer models that deliver surprising performance. In general, you can find more advanced options with this model, so it's the one to look for if you want something small but also great performance, tech features, and more. #3 - The Chevy Equinox: Small Body, Big Power If you're looking for something a bit larger than the previous two, without getting too big, then the Equinox is a terrific choice. This is a compact SUV, so it's larger than subcompact models, but it's still definitely on the smaller end of the Chevy lineup. In addition to being a bit larger than the Trax and Trailblazer, the Equinox also produces more power. Looking at 2024 models, for example, the Trax has a 137-hp engine while the Trailblazer has the same one or an available 155-hp engine; the Equinox comes with a standard 175-hp engine with more torque to really enhance your drive. It's still quite efficient thanks to its sleek design, and it offers a wide range of features, making the Equinox an excellent choice for a used compact SUV. #4 - The Chevy Blazer: A Terrific Midsize SUV Moving up another class, the Chevy Blazer is a midsize SUV; for many drivers, it's in the "just right" spot between smaller and larger models. Its standard powertrain delivers impressive performance, and you can find used Blazers with a V6 engine that takes performance to the next level. This is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a reliable daily driver that is incredibly fun on the road, giving you something you'll look forward to getting into each day. Keep in mind that this is still a two-row model like the previous ones, so it's ideal for up to five passengers but not so much for large families. #5 - The Chevy Traverse: Three Rows of Seating If you do have a large or growing family, however, the Traverse is the perfect place to start when exploring bigger options. This is a three-row midsize SUV, which means it's not much larger than the Blazer, but it does seat seven passengers. We'll note that the third row is not ideal for adults, especially folks with long legs, but it's perfect for kids who can stretch out and feel like they have a space all their own. You also get plenty of cargo room inside the Traverse, giving you space to bring along everything you need each day. If you find you need seating for more than five people, the Traverse could be the perfect choice for your next daily driver. #6 - The Chevy Tahoe: A Bold Full-Size Design As we said, the Traverse isn't ideal if you need to bring a lot of adults along, which is where these last two models shine. The Tahoe is the first of two full-size SUVs in the Chevy lineup and an incredible choice if you want a big, powerful model that you'll love driving each day. Its spacious interior gives you room for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration you find in used models, and everyone will have plenty of legroom to be comfortable. Powerful engine options ensure the Tahoe feels great on the road, and you can choose from different trim levels with comfort and tech features designed to ensure you enjoy yourself every time you get behind the wheel. #7 - The Chevy Suburban: A Ground-Breaking SUV Finally, we have the Suburban, the largest SUV in the Chevy lineup and one of the biggest SUVs in the auto industry. To be honest, this is an absolute beast that dominates the road—so if that's the kind of car you're looking for, then here it is. The Suburban is longer overall than the Tahoe, and that difference translates into a lot more cabin space for you to take advantage of. You get three rows of seating, though different configurations affect the total passenger count, so keep that in mind when looking at used models. Powerful engine options ensure the Suburban feels great on the road, and you'll find a lot of terrific features inside to help you and your passengers make the most of every trip. If you need a lot of cabin space, as well as excellent features to enhance your daily drive, the Suburban is hard to beat. Find the Used Chevy SUV You've Been Looking For As you can see, these Chevy SUVs offer a comprehensive selection that appeals to pretty much everyone. Whether you want something small and incredibly affordable or you need a large and powerful SUV that lets you conquer the road, we can help you find the right used Chevy that you'll love driving each day. And with so many different trim levels across our used models, you'll discover a wide range of options, ensuring you'll find whatever you've been looking for. That's the beauty of the Chevy lineup, and it's why we love helping our customers explore it to find the right fit. All you have to do is figure out what attributes are most important to you, and then let us handle everything else!