Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: Euro-spec muscle car tackles Nurburgring

The European version of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is undergoing testing at Germany�??s Nurburgring just ahead of its expected on-sale.

The US manufacturer says a team of its technical experts led by Chevrolet Europe technical manager Patrick Herrman are currently assessing two Corvette Stingray coupes in Europe, with both cars being driven on track and on road.

General Motors vehicle dynamics engineer Jim Mero said the demanding Nurburgring race track is perfectly suited for its purpose of fine-tuning the ride and handling characteristics of the European-spec Corvette Stingray.

�??We are paying particular attention to the suspension set-up and the steering at Nurburgring,�?� Mero said.

�??European roads are quite distinct and different from those in the US, and so are driving habits.�?�

Ranging in price from 69,990 euro ($100,176) in Croatia, France and Germany to 79,990 euro ($114,473) in Spain, all European Corvette Stingrays come fitted as standard with the Z51 performance package.

A $2800 ($3000) option in the US, the pack includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integrated brake, differential and transmission cooling, and unique aero upgrades.

Standard again for Europe but optional in the US are Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management ($1922) and a performance exhaust ($1280) that sees power and torque of the 6.2-litre V8 engine rise 4kW and 6Nm to 343kW and 630Nm.

Chevrolet said in June that with the Z51 performance pack installed, the Stingray is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds, braking from 100km/h-0 in 32.6m, sustaining a cornering force of 1.03 g, and covering the quarter mile in 12 seconds with a final speed of 191.5km/h.

Despite recording numerous laps of the iconic 20.8km Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit, Chevrolet is yet to reveal any specific lap times. Suspension tweaks aside, though, it�??s unlikely the �??Vette will come close to the 6min57sec time� the� 661kW/1273Nm� Porsche 918� set earlier this month �?" the first approved road car to lap under seven minutes.

European sales of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray are due to begin in late September.

In the US, the Corvette starts from $51,995 ($55,680).