It’s what’s inside that counts: a closer look at the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray’s award-winning interior

Re-designing one of the longest-enduring nameplates is a challenge, but one that the Chevrolet Corvette design team relished. The 2020 Corvette Stingray not only boasts one of the best interiors of any Corvette, but the best interior that General Motors, and indeed the wider industry, has ever built. It is no surprise that WardsAuto recently named the Corvette Stingray one of the 10 Best Interiors of 2020.

“As America’s most iconic performance nameplate, redesigning the Corvette Stingray from the ground up presented the team a historic opportunity, something Chevrolet designers have desired for over 60 years,” said Michael Simcoe, Vice President of Global Design, General Motors. “It is now the best of America, a new arrival in the mid-engine sports car class. We know Corvette can stand tall with the best the world has to offer.”

Even at first look, it is clear that the breathtaking cabin matches the unprecedented performance of the first-ever, mid-engine Corvette. The inspiration drawn from modern fighter jets flows seamlessly between the exterior and interior, with a cockpit that has been migrated forward by 16.5 inches to envelop the driver, encapsulating the aeronautic and high-performance spirit of the nameplate.

The design team paid close attention to ergonomics to unlock more space in the interior to deliver a more comfortable ride. Vertical climate controls and ultra-thin vents minimize the height of the instrument panel, creating a low interior with more space than previous nameplates. The push-button transmission is meanwhile designed to save precious real estate in the center console. Finally, a new, squared-off, two-spoke, small diameter steering wheel enables an unobscured view of the 12-inch reconfigurable cluster display

It’s challenging to design a cabin that provides a sense of occasion every time the driver steps into the car, while ensuring ergonomics and comfort but that’s where the Stingray’s interior design captures the essence of Corvette. The instrument panel, for instance, is wrapped in premium leather with luxurious touches of carbon-fiber in the cabin to signal its performance intent, keeping the design tasteful, while the suede microfiber interior trim provides added sportiness.

It’s no secret that colors and trim, play a vital role in elevating any car’s interior, especially a performance vehicle like the Corvette and the 2020 Stingray offers more personalization options than ever so every driver can make their own design statement. In addition to 12 exterior colors, the 2020 Corvette Stingray also offers six interior color themes from Jet Black to Adrenaline Red, which can be matched with six different seatbelt colors and two optional stitching options. No Corvette need look alike and can now truly reflect their drivers personal design flairs.

Going a step further, there are also three seat options in the 2020 Corvette Stingray. From sporty but comfortable with ample support with the GT1 to racing inspired but long-journey-comfort adjustable GT2 seats to, of course, Competition Sport seats designed for the track-focused driver.

With the new mid-engine design relocating the iconic engine, it is easy to think that the interior would be less important, however not with the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. In fact, the show-stopping cabin speaks for itself. The Corvette Stingray will be available in showrooms across the Middle East from October 2020.