2020 C8 Stingray: Worthy Of That Name?

[John]

What do you think? Or might you be reserving judgment until 84 hours from now?

As we all know, the first Corvettes that were Sting Rays were the C2, 1963-1967s. Then a one year hiatus, but the1969-1976 carried the name Stingrays.

Then of course our modern day, C7 Stingrays. The use of the historic name “Stingray” was questioned on January 12, 2013 — the day before the C7’s reveal.

While you were busy ogling the pretty pictures of the new Corvette on the covers of Automobile and Road & Track we scored for you yesterday, you may not have noticed one interesting detail: both publications say "Stingray Returns" on the cover. Could this mean that the storied "Stingray" name could be making a comeback on the new 'Vette?

A bit of history: the name first showed up in 1959 in the form of Bill Mitchell's Corvette Stingray Racer concept car. That car was more than just a fancy show car — it won an SCCA National Championship in 1960.

The name was later used on the second and third generation Corvettes from the 1960s, but the name hasn't actually appeared on a car since 1976. The ultra-popular Stingray concept from 2009 also paid homage to the name.

True Corvette aficionados know that the C2 used the badge "Sting Ray" with two words, while the most C3’s used a singular "Stingray." It's also important to note that in 2010, GM trademarked the word "Stingray." So is that name making a comeback for the 2014 Corvette? I'd say odds are good at this point.

https://jalopnik.com/why-is-everyone...ingray-5975414

Separately the use of the Stingray name for the 7th generation comment was also discussed here, including by GM’s VP of Global Design Ed Welburn.

The new model brings back the Stingray nameplate used on the second- and third-generation Corvettes. “Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “We knew we couldn’t use the Stingray name unless the new car truly lived up to the legacy. The result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition, while remaining instantly recognizable as a Corvette the world over."

https://newatlas.com/2014-chevrolet-...tingray/25849/

As we separately just saw an hour ago, GM just officially announced that the entry C8 will be called a Stingray .

Do you like the name Sting Ray for the C8? Think it is appropriate?

[Plasboy]

Yes I think it is appropriate and glad they kept it. Lots of the non Corvettte folks I meet ask if the car is a Stingray whether it’s the C5 or the C7 Z06. It is something that the general populace identifies with.

[ZORA 69]

I certainly think this car deserves the name Stingray. The nose looks very similar to the C3 nose. never understood why the name was omitted from the 68 model.

[bobbytinvab]

I'm ok with Stingray ... how about a script like the C3? Ok maybe not, but that would be different

[Fireeagle]

If I recall correctly, didn't the reveal for the C7 have someone state that they were calling the C7 a "Stingray" because it was such an advancement of the Corvette brand? If I'm even close to right here, the C8 would certainly deserve the name "Stingray".

[meyerweb]

The key question is "does it look like a stingray." And based on the least camo'd cars we've seen, I'd say yes. Will have a much better idea in a few days.

[dweaver]

I always imagined the car would be called something else. Honestly, the "Stingray" name coming back is the only reason I could see any logic of the FE and ME models being built and sold at the same time. A "Stingray" as a FE car keeping with tradition and a "somethingelse" as a ME car for the higher end market. Seeing the ME car being called Stingray seems to kill off any possibility of two models.

[John]

In 2016 the plan for having both FE and ME Corvettes was still in place. One can read on this forum, the article in the home town newspaper for Continental Structural Plastics (who makes all the Corvettes’ body plans) delineating their economic development plan for two different models, citing more jobs, building a new building for the second Corvette model, etc.

However, as of two years ago, the original plan to have both FE and ME Corvettes was changed. It was changed due to the ME exceeding target goals, close analysis of the every-year declining sports cars sales, and the consequent realization that having one ME Corvette in the future was the most solid marketing plan.

[capevettes]

I'm OK with Stingray but always felt the real Sting Ray was the mid year Corvette from 63-67, but I am a bit biased. Doesn't matter what they call it. It's going to be a heck of a car and worthy of the name.

[electroVette]

I like the name "Stingray," but it seems inverted for the base model to be a "Stingray" while the high end model is only a "ZO6."

To me, "ZO6" sounds like a cold weather options package with heated seats and winter floor mats. "Stingray" is unquestionably the badass version, except it isn't.

[Richrat]

The car will definitely be worthy of the Stingray name, I was really hoping it would be called the Zora. I think the 1000hp car will be called that in 2022 - 2023.

[electroVette]

In 2016 the plan for having both FE and ME Corvettes was still in place. One can read on this forum, the article in the home town newspaper for Continental Structural Plastics (who makes all the Corvettes’ body plans) delineating their economic development plan for two different models, citing more jobs, building a new building for the second Corvette model, etc.

However, as of two years ago, the original plan to have both FE and ME Corvettes was changed. It was changed due to the ME exceeding target goals, close analysis of the every-year declining sports cars sales, and the consequent realization that having one ME Corvette in the future was the most solid marketing plan.

Crazy how they originally planned to sell two FE sports cars (Camaro and Corvette) alongside the ME Corvette. Now even the Camaro is terminated.

It's sad. A dealership near me used to have the front of their lot filled with Camaros and Corvettes every summer. This summer they have it filled with boring trucks and SUVs. A couple Corvettes are in the middle of the lot and they hide the Camaros off behind the dealership so as not to scare away customers.

[68roadster]

I have a 2017 Stingray. When I first heard it would have the name did not think it was such a good idea, but now I think it is great. ZO6 and ZR1 have also earned serious respect among real Corvette people. So I think they are all good names for them to use. Not sure about the Corvette newbies, since the number and letter designations mean nothing to them. Sounds better than 911 though

[meyerweb]

I like the name "Stingray," but it seems inverted for the base model to be a "Stingray" while the high end model is only a "ZO6."

To me, "ZO6" sounds like a cold weather options package with heated seats and winter floor mats. "Stingray" is unquestionably the badass version, except it isn't.

I"ve never understand GM's fascination with the "Z" nomenclature. Unless you already know, what's the higher package, Z51 or Z06? Nothing in the name says anything. GM has affexed Z## names to everything from a 650HP Corvette to a stripe and wheel package on an econobox. It's really time for GM to start using more meaningful model nomenclature. Tradition is fine, but with this car they're going after lots of new buyers, who won't know a Z06 from a Zippo cigarette lighter.

[Plasboy]

I like the name "Stingray," but it seems inverted for the base model to be a "Stingray" while the high end model is only a "ZO6."

To me, "ZO6" sounds like a cold weather options package with heated seats and winter floor mats. "Stingray" is unquestionably the badass version, except it isn't.

Good thought but probably not a good idea to change at this point.