Corvette C8 Convertible Review - Better Topless - Test Drive | Everyday Driver

We've driven the C8 Corvette before, but this was the first convertible. This 2021 model arrived with winter tires just ahead of winter weather and we were glad to give it a real time test drive. Join us as we talk about the hype, the handling, and the prestige of the mid-engine Corvette.
#Corvette #Convertible #C8 #Review
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[@fortijr]

Just love my C8 convertible. First time Corvette buyer, pulled my Porsche order when I saw the C8 launch. Everything in your video is accurate. The best part is how fun it drives at somewhat legal speeds. Many sports cars are boring until you are going excessively fast, not so here. I have the non Z51, the suspension is great and compliant over our horrible northern roads, and I pulled a 2.8 0-60 on a cold 33f day....on all seasons no less. Just a wonderful car!

[@invisisnipe6331]

pulls the porsche when the 'vette' comes out!!! What a play!!

[@THEsoulquarian]

I've been seeing more pop up and I'm blown away each time. Chevy really knocked it out the park.

[@hunterbear2421]

the sad part is there so rare now. there only like 1,200 in canada

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

It has become the most highly sought after car in the sports car arena for a reason.

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

I am not exaggerating. Whenever I watch a video about these new C8 cars, I literally cry with joy.

[@chazzcombs]

I really dislike GM products as a whole but I really want one of these. They really did their homework and delivered a stunning, fantastic vehicle.

[@brianwalsh7040]

the yellow stitching really makes the interior pop

[@VPoje]

Agree. The only thing i don't like is the yellow calipers, he should have kept the standard black.

[@chrisluecke3341]

Such a beautiful car. I hope I get to experience one some day. Great review guys!

[@williedavismckennie5334]

What a fantastic video you guys have put out, plus that view is sooooooo sweet !

[@Jorge_Magallon]

You guys are right about it commanding attention in person like much pricier cars. Great video.

[@terryforsythe8083]

Great review. We used every bit of the storage space in my C8 HTC driving it back home from Bowling Green after taking delivery. It is my daily driver, and comes in very handy on tips to the grocery and hardware stores. I love it!

[@JBsC6]

My corvette c8 z51 fe4 1LT ($68k) is my “EVERYDAY DRIVER” and I love it, ill put snows on in winter when we get snow...i drive up at the seven lakes and bear mountain weekly for fun. This thing is a blast. Love the wall of the corvette...the exterior and interior are stunning and this thing handles great just remember to trail brake when entering corners and pushing at track speeds. Settles weight and delivers weight transfer up front to remove understeer when really hot dogging the c8. Trail braking entering corners and you will be amazed how neutral excellent handling is world class, leading. Turn is amazing.

[@drewmorg.]

Come pick me up I wanna see how it rips up to Bear! Lol

[@Closertotruth2]

“We enthusiasts hate convertibles.” Not me! Have owned 5 Vette convertibles. Currently own several convertibles including a 718 Spyder, 911, and a ND2 Miata. Zo6 convertible is on order. Sadly it will be my first automatic.

[@johnasbury9915]

We’ve had 4 Vette convertibles including our C8 HTC. Love em!

[@RockstarBruski]

Delicious video with this beautiful vette and twisty roads without traffic! Even though I swim in the deep end of the Porsche pool and prefer my cars with curves I think that Chevrolet hit a homerun with this new look! Thanks for making this enjoyable video. Now I need to go wipe my mouth from all my drooling! 👍😎👍

[@Jesusprayerwarriorbw]

My issue with Porsche is the gearing in the GT4 is way to long! Was going to get one but I can get a C8 Z06 w/Z07 package for the same price.

[@RockstarBruski]

@@Jesusprayerwarriorbw I've never driven the GT4 I can't say first hand how the longer gearing feels. Maybe Paul and Todd need to drive the GT4 to compare to the c8? :) and for Paul's sake i wonder if you can fit a golf bag in a gt4? 🤣 btw I drive a 95 911 6 speed manual and imho the gearing is near perfect for the engine. :)

[@DigitalSubset]

Well to me the corvette aura has always been there. And got stronger each generation

[@rwilliams101]

GM hit a Grand Slam w/ this car!! I love my C7 and I’m looking forward to adding a mid engine in the future!!

[@craigthescott5074]

I have a C8 HTC Z51 and I’ve had multiple people ask if it was a Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. Nobody has guessed Corvette. Personally that’s kinda an insult to me because I’m a Corvette guy. I’ve owned 8, I still own 4 but this car is on a different level. I’m also a manual guy but this transmission is bad ass. I question and would be surprised if the Porsche PDK is better. For me there’s no car in the world that has this performance for the price. It’s easy to say don’t pay mark up but unless you want to wait a year or longer your not buying one without markup. Unless you wait a few years for the hype to dissipate.

[@Bart-m4p]

Great Presentation. Thoroughly Enjoyed!

[@TheTektronik]

I love the fact that GM is forcing other exotic car manufacturers to compete.

[@EK-rr2md]

GM isnt forcing anything. Exotic car manufacturers dont compete with GM, lol. That market is completely different to an average sports car.

[@artm5583]

@@EK-rr2md shows how little you know lol. the z06 will compete and surpass most exotic manufacturers with a quarter of the price tag. The base model c8 is already turning heads and changing the game. Great time to be alive

[@EK-rr2md]

@@artm5583Again, they are 2 different markets. Someone shopping for an exotic supercar will not replace it with a Chevy, lol. They may add a C8 to their collection but it will not steal sales from any high end manufacturer. The corvette has always given supercars a run for their money in the past, that is nothing new. This time will be no different because a buyer of a more expensive car also wants exclusivity and the name that goes along with it. A Chevy does not fit that market.

[@dennissmith7214]

@@EK-rr2md As much as I love corvettes(I’ve had 3)you’re correct they’re 2 different buyers and markets although when the ZR1 and more off the Zora comes out you mite have a few lower high end buyer cross over.........even then the people that buy SJV’s and Pista’s are not gonna stop buying those cars because it’s more about brand recognition than anything! 😑🤷🏽‍♂️

[@thedadlife247]

C8 as far as performance is a huge threat to exotic cars for half the price the idea that’s this would give Europe finest a problem at dear old gm is amazing

[@davidwhite2411]

I'll take a car that I drive not one that drives me. C8 all the way!

[@sprattbooks]

This car looks amazing, but I wish it were a bit smaller and lighter. This styling and engine would be brilliant in a 3,000 lb. car. Still, I'm stoked to start seeing more of these on the road.

[@thedadlife247]

This is a legitimate super car. The c7 was fighting for a seat at the table the c8 sits at the table

[@SupercarDriven]

Top down is the only way to roll Good video ...I love my 2020 Corvette stingray spider with 3LT Z-51 package 🔥 content coming to our channel with this car build

[@c5vette739]

Can’t see engine. That’s a downside of HTC. Love seeing the engine. Makes it more exotic.

[@paulm6481]

Everybody looks at a Corvette after a new generation for couple years, until there are so many of them around.

[@andersonjukebox8315]

I think it'll be pretty cool to see a bunch of mid engine badasses driving around on the norm.

[@ShellShock794]

I'm not sure we're going to see a bunch of these around. 85K is cheap for the world of sports cars but that's still 85K for a car you can't drive in the snow or transport people around. The average person can afford a main vehicle for day to day life and a C6 or older Vette as a toy but there's no way a bunch of people are going to drop almost 100K on a toy

[@clubracer6]

Great video and you guys are really selling me on this C8. I still don’t think I could ever do it without a manual. Just one of those diehard guys but I feel like it’s causing me to miss out on a pretty cool car! Thankfully there are other options.

[@fortijr]

I felt the same way, I never thought I could have less than three pedals ... I love my C8, in manual mode it will not shift in its own...ever, you gotta try it. PS I still have my Miata I bought in 25 years ago. It’s now a big turbo race car.

[@ZimanaAnalytics]

where was this recorded - I love the scenery, and would love to keep it in mind the next time I drive! Thank you.

[@Joose]

I want to know this as well. All I could get from the video was that they ended up at one of the entrances to Wasatch State Park. So... around there. On a map it looks like there are plenty of great roads.

[@ZimanaAnalytics]

Thanks @@Joose - I just replayed at stopped the playback at 1:43 - Upper cascade Springs was on the sign as the car pulls out

[@animacpac1]

He did say Utah

[@ZimanaAnalytics]

@@animacpac1 right but I wanted a specific location. was able to freeze and figure it out. :-)

[@stevedolan5065]

Very nice review of the new C8 👍🏻

[@Iwo26]

I had 9 Bmw cars. Then I got 2019 C7 GrandSport. Nothing will bring an inner child out of you like the new Corvette.

[@thebajabobusa]

You girls need to calm down! I have a Corvette, I want to drive it. I have golf clubs, I want to play golf. The two together.... WONDERFUL!

[@brianmcgauley2664]

Todd, I really enjoy your videos, and have watched some several times. Since it’s inception, Corvettes have attempted to provide luggage space comparable with midsize sedans. Tadge has talked about this, how Corvette buyers over the years may not have REQUIRED a bunch of luggage space in a sports cars, but really like that it is there. For several generations, the Vette has needed a place to store the removable targa top as well, and the C8 is no different. The top storage and the desirability for luggage storage are the reasons the trunk is there, not because of “golf clubs”. Further, when you look at the size and length of the DCT behind the rear axle, and the whole exhaust system, those make the size of the rear end what it is, again not golf clubs.

[@TestDriveVideos]

We hope you've seen our feature film "American Original" where we drove every generation of the Corvette. We're big fans and greatly appreciate the usability of the car. On the C8, GMs press materials and all promo discussion always made a point to say that the trunk was large enough for two sets of golf clubs. It was a styling requirement in development. If storage space was the point, targa top and otherwise, then the back could have been styled differently, but the large square back is the result of the 2 golf bag requirement. Thanks for watching.

[@labigq]

Awesome video of an amazing car. What Utah hwy are you guys driving on?

[@petegalindez9961]

“Flypaper for your eyeballs!” That’s a t-shirt for sure!!! LOL. While I understand the all-year round compromise, I think by making it to fit golf clubs in the trunk (and I’m a golfer), I think the back is way too wide....and it should have had the round lights from vettes of yore. Luckily, while you’re driving, you don’t care or see what the back looks like! I actually like the photos of the car better than in person. I was surprised by the size of it! I was expecting it to appear in person closer to the size of my Boxster. It’s huge! That engine sounds just like my TESLA Model 3! LOL. I want one...anyone want a TESLA Model 3???

[@joespittle1]

Whenever I see a GM car review I always try and find the bad bodyline or ill-fitting panel, in this case, it's the driver's side window seal at 6:21.

[@Pmtd1234]

I am looking forward to my Z06 Convertible! I disagree with not needing more power. Watching the C8 at the track and seeing higher HP cars pull away...it needs more power, which is why I am waiting for the Z06.

[@gregwayne6785]

Well done guys. Great review on all points. I particularly agree about not paying markups. It’s silly even if you can afford it.

[@jingobatt3098]

This has to be some of the most beautiful roads you guys are driving on? Where is it?

[@alfiebarbone6065]

They mentioned Utah in the vid

[@dongypooh]

That road at 3:24!! I'd love to drive there. Love the 'Vette, of course.

[@terrancegriffin1046]

Ah, Wasatch Mountain State Park in Utah... much more beautiful than Park City!

[@phattyhales]

@@terrancegriffin1046 This isn't Wasatch Mountain State Park. You're close though ;)

[@agneskelemen8529]

@@phattyhales Where is it? I love it!

[@GottaGoOutside]

Paul, you say you want one. Betcha could trade your Cayman GTS straight up for a coupe! Jus sayin.......

[@JamesDThomas1981]

Or he could just keep both. That's what I do. Porsche cayman and corvette is the best affordable car combination on earth. I cannot wait to get a c8.

[@amjrpain919]

I've traditionally been a pessimist when discussing "GM". I Really like this, Well done Chevy💯👏

[@ktsgary]

Great video, thanks guys. ....

[@johngriffeth3530]

I got in line a year ago. Was delivered on Dec 11, 2020. It was well worth the wait!! I still can't believe I actually own one. And it has been mistaken for a Mclaren and Lamborghini several times. Once someone ask me if it was a Porsche...........A PORSCHE??? REALLY? LoL.

[@r12rtpilot]

What a great video on so many levels. I love my Torch Red C8 HTC. While I have a new Subaru Outback, the C8 is my daily driver; she is no garage queen!

[@WFO.]

Liked the PSA! Don’t pay mark up!

[@clubracer6]

PS - the perfect way to get a C8 - drop top! Sports cars should be convertible or targa tops!

[@johnaustinbankston2094]

I was not a fan of the Corvette before the C8 came out! Because of this new design I’m a Corvette fan now!

[@zguy95135]

Most of that understeer could probably get fixed by going wider on the front tires. They look pretty skinny compared to the rear. They did the same thing with the OG Boxster but going just one size wider on the front neutrals it out.

[@tedadamgreen]

Thanks for a great video!

[@madmotorcyclist]

Just wish they change the front grilles to better protect the two front radiators.

[@ericmichel3857]

So convertible or coupe? The convertible looks better with the top down but the engine view...

[@GadgetyMV]

It's a nice package and the best part is it's a convertible that's got trunk space - a true GT. So much more than a track toy. What might let it down is varying quality in how it's put together. That spectacular interior is highly sensitive to aligning all the parts. Just a little bit wrong and it'll look terrible. As for the engine I prefer this V8 rumble to the upcoming higher revving four cam variants as they'll be more like the competition.

[@Inpreesme]

The Kool-Aid is strong with these two

[@mikewatch1487]

E ray 2.4 to 60. Faster then the C8 Z06. Awesome car no matter the model. But Convertible is a must have after owning 6 C8’s since 3 /2020.

[@peterficarra2270]

Eray is .4 faster for how many thousands of dollars. The C8 Z51 is the best buy of the 3.. who would spend 30 k to brag about .4 and 2 hours of electric drive time?

[@cayman9873]

In two years when these are easier to get. And more powerful. What is the C 6 and C7 corvette pricing going to drop to ?? There are still hundreds to thousands of C 7 corvettes unsold. Thats not a good thing to a current c6 or c7 owner. But might be a huge deal for me.

[@bradmason8334]

I don’t agree with the pre-C8 aura (as in there not being one), but you guys made an awesome vid.

[@GreyCrowe]

For the same price range I'd probably go with the Lexus LC500 if I wanted a convertible, or a Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing manual for a hard top. Corvette definitely making huge styling/interior improvements with this beauty tho

[@BAMAJERSEYBOYZ]

You tell me what Chevy dealer that I can go get a 3lt z51 package for 80grand? Let me know and I will go get 1.

[@davidlepoidevin25]

Omg what road is that? I want to take my c8 there!

[@cayman9873]

And when porsche finallly offered a manual gt car. They got between 75 and 80 percent manual take rate. So the auto only will make a lot of people say screw this

[@gabrielflores1149]

Just called my local high-volume dealership. They said they're taking orders for the 2023 MY. FML. Oh, and already for the Z06 which we know nothing about - LOL.

[@EK-rr2md]

There are plenty of orders available from dealers. Just go on corvetteforum.com

[@skrads]

Amazing driving roads!

[@aamirkokan8509]

I usually agree with you guys, but I’m gonna have to disagree on the golf thing. Particularly in urban areas, one likely has to drive far for a nice golf course. And because the desirable topography of a golf course (think rolling hills), the drive up is usually a fun one. Also, it’s usually alone or with one person, likely more in a mood for an enjoyable drive vs having to take the whole family on a trip, or slogging thru traffic where the commuter car/suv is fine as a compromise. It’s an opportunity to use the car for enjoyment, and isn’t that the philosophy you guys espouse?

[@gaddyify]

And C7 owners pretend that their car gets the same gawks and stares.

[@erics3262]

lol

[@andso7719]

True, but if you really take the time to appreciate Corvettes, whether it be a C6 or C7 - they are not average cars. They are quite good looking in person.

[@Liquid_Cooled]

ThrottleHouse and TheStraightPipes has 1 competent and 1 dufus. TestDrive has 2 competent reviewers.

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad you found us and like what we do. Thank you for watching!

[@tmurphy3382]

Where is this road? It looks amazing!

[@alfiebarbone6065]

They mentioned Utah in the vid

[@matthewnadler7521]

what watch is Paul Schmucker wearing?? very cool like that vette!!

[@daniels3899]

those roads are beautiful

[@drewmorg.]

Golf is an important activity for sports car owners though and let me tell you, the Boxster can _BARELY_ get one set into the trunk. The driver and woods ride in the passenger seat. It becomes a one seater car... lol

[@DisjointedConversations]

Beautiful car, beautiful road

[@johnasbury9915]

Where is that road??? It is perfect for Vette or my bikes!!

[@nogoogleplus]

I’m holding out for the convertible Z06!

[@williewideback]

I'd love to see the color in person

[@irishgrad98]

What color is that?

[@fortijr]

It’s better in person, my C8 is that Shadow grey metallic, looks almost black at night but really pop in the sun...

[@MrGflan]

My C6 Z06 at 3100lbs and 500hp stock is still a great bargain for $35k. The heavier a car, the less enjoyable in my opinion. But I’m sure this is an awesome car. I’ll get one in 10 years ha when I can afford one. It’s criminal how the dealers mark these up to over 100k for even the base.

[@sean.michael84]

As soon as I can buy one at msrp...I'm. Buying. One.

[@EK-rr2md]

Plenty of dealers offering at MSRP. Just go on corvetteforum.com

[@PROPERTY68601]

Top down noise / turbulence at hiway speed?

[@dewesleyfreitas]

I like this car

[@adammiller6865]

Old boy look like wild Bill from silence of the lambs !😄 sry for pointing it out bro your a great car reviewer!

[@GHinWI]

Hey!...Chevy shifter knob finally caught up with a 2010 Prius!

[@duboisad]

I just want to know what road this is at 3:22. Drool.

[@CPAJayhawk]

I like it because it still looks like a targa

[@boywonderrr71]

Same car is 100K now

[@Mike.W.Dasher]

Regarding the lack of a manual, you know Porsche figured out a solution to that problem. Offer both. lol

[@MM12684]

Are these the guys in the sonic commercials?

[@alanengler7687]

Were the tires the M&S that come on the non-Z-51 cars or were they truly Snow Tires like Blizzacks?

[@TestDriveVideos]

Full winter tires put on by the press fleet right before they gave it to us. Thanks for watching!

[@gregevanscoaching4238]

Golf. I so agree. One should not be working on building the best sports car and then lessen it just because they want to get golf clubs in it.

[@joelercoaster]

The passenger disappeared in some shots?

[@jingobatt3098]

Does the Fact that this is not a screaming, high revving DOHC European engine feel like a letdown during the driving experience?

[@cayman9873]

Steering seems almost 911 like with the lighter front.. not that good.. but in that direction.

[@LoLsaladz]

0-60 in under 3 seconds under 100k is the same thing the gtr did when it came out.

[@c5vette739]

Not a convertible.

[@David-gr1do]

@@c5vette739 even so.

[@LoLsaladz]

I guess the vette technically does it under 60k (more like 70-80k) and the gtr was like 75k when it came out I think. Still, the recipe to success is high performance at a low price even 10 years later.

[@fortijr]

I have done 5 launches in my convertible C8, all 2.8 or 2.9, and all in cold weather on all-season tires, can’t wait for a warmer day next spring.

[@EK-rr2md]

@@fortijr Did you use an accurate measuring device like Dragy or Vbox to get those times or just the in-car timer? The car's timer has been proven to be wildly inaccurate by as much as 0.3-0.7 secs. That is a huge error. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJTUYp9pqbF8oKc

[@douglasball1216]

Is The C8 Corvette An Exotic Sports Car?

[@scottbelford9281]

Won't be special long since its affordable. Love it though!!

[@leo2502]

“Now they can see inside and see who has such exquisite taste.” That shouldn’t matter to someone who has that taste lol.

[@larryleonard7098]

Have you heard complaints about the seats wearing dirty early on?

[@rodtaylor62]

Those light colors and dye from blue jeans

[@chucksimonds5164]

And they don't even charge extra for the PDK!

[@EK-rr2md]

It doesnt have a PDK.

[@fonqstarr3636]

just what i wanted to hear .

[@jeffhickman10]

The guy in the red shirt looks like he eats expired cereal.

[@TestDriveVideos]

? - We don’t know what they means or what you are trying to suggest. But… Thanks for watching and taking the time to type an insult.

[@jeffhickman10]

@@TestDriveVideos You’re quite welcome.

[@drewmorg.]

On the track, you put on Cup 2's like Speed Phenom and there is zero under steer. HOWEVER, this heavy bird eats brakes.

[@laurit3116]

Show more car and less of you guys! Love this car!

[@MrKalrich]

No longer the "mid-life crisis" car! Lambo posters in kids bedrooms are getting replaced with the C8 and made inn the USA...what can be better than that!!!

[@michaelwoods3850]

This car only has 497 hp

[@carmelotreviso]

Love it. Still too expensive for me

[@paulm6481]

You take a Vette golfing because you can show off at the exclusive club.

[@davidlepoidevin25]

I always laugh at someone with a 911 and golf clubs in the passenger seat!