2021 – VinaMotors.net – An Automative Blog

J.D. Powers Names the Corvette Stingray to the List of Best Cars of 2021

While Consumer Reports recently gave a bad report on the predicted quality of the new C8 Corvette, placing it on their 10 Least Reliable Cars for 2022, apparently someone forgot to send that memo to the actual owners of Chevy’s mid-engine masterpiece.

In J.D. Power’s annual listing of The Best Cars of 2021, the Corvette was top-ranked in its segment in both quality and overall appeal, joining three other vehicles as the best cars of 2021.

Also on the list were the Cadillac CT5, Genesis G80, and Nissan Maxima.

“When you go shopping for a new car, you naturally want to know which ones are the best,” J.D. Power says. “There are many ways to determine this, but at J.D. Power, we listen to the Voice of the Consumer. That way, our list of the best cars of 2021 is based on what people like you have to say about their new vehicles after they’ve owned them for at least 90 days.”

To produce its two benchmark annual studies, J.D. Power surveys tens of thousands of verified owners to find out what vehicles are like in the real world during the first few months after purchase.

J.D. Power says:

The Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study are excellent research resources when you’re looking for new car ratings. The IQS establishes which models rank highest in quality, while the APEAL Study determines which ones rank highest in overall appeal. In rare instances, a model may rank highest in its segment in both studies. When that happens, you can rest assured the people who own them believe they are the best car to buy.

Source:
J.D. Powers

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[VIDEO] Winner of the 2021 Corvette Announced by the International Motor Racing Research Center

Photo Credit: WETM

On Tuesday afternoon, Robert Hughes of Long Beach, NY received a telephone call from IMRRC Executive Director Mark Steigerwald that he was the grand prize winner in their 2021 fundraiser and is now the owner of a new 2021 Corvette Stingray Convertible in Red Mist. Robert also takes home a racing prize package that includes the two-day Corvette owner’s school at Spring Mountain.

The IMRRC sold over 375,500 tickets to 7,300 entrants and raised $450,000 for the non-profit research center which is based in Watkins Glen, New York, just a few miles away from the historic Watkins Glen International racetrack.

CorvetteBlogger appreciates all those who donated to the International Motor Racing Research Center!

There are still nine days remaining to bring home a new 2021 Corvette and a 1961 Corvette restomod from the Corvette Dream Giveaway. CorvetteBlogger readers get DOUBLE BONUS entries so get your tickets today!

Source:
mytwintiers.com

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Nearly 70 Percent of 2021 Corvette Buyers are Selecting the Z51 Performance Package

69 Percent of 2021 Corvette Buyers Selecting Z51 Peformance Package

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

As we continue our deep dive into the 2021 Corvette order statistics as presented last Friday by the Corvette Team at the National Corvette Museum’s Bash Event, we have the breakdown of the four different chassis options that customers are choosing for the 2021 model year.

According to the Corvette Team, there are a total of 19,362 Corvettes in GM’s Order Bank for 2021 which represent pending orders and those that have already been completed.

The results so far are very surprising and I actually did a double-take as I saw that both the non-Z51 base car (FE1) and the (FE3) Z51 performance package had been ordered by the same percentage numbers (23% each). But what puts the Z51 package far and ahead out front are the 46% of customers ordering the FE4 suspension which includes both Z51 and Magnetic Ride Control. Only 8% of non-Z51 customers are taking advantage of the standalone FE2 Magnetic ride control which was a new option for the 2021 models.

2021 Corvette Chassis Selection

FE1 – 23% (Base)
FE2 – 08% (Base with Magnetic Ride Control)
FE3 – 23% (Z51)
FE4 – 46% (Z51 with Magnetic Ride Control)

Photo Credits: Keith Cornett

The Z51 Performance Package is the track-capable option and recommended by GM if you are planning to track your Corvette. The package features additional engine cooling, a beefier suspension and larger brakes, Michelin’s summer-rated Pilot Sport 4s tires, and an aerodynamic front splitter and rear spoiler. The Electronic Limited Slip Differential and Performance Rear Axle Ratio are also included. By default, when you check the Z51 box, you also get the NPP Performance Exhaust. The Z51 package isn’t cheap with Chevrolet increasing the cost of it for the 2021 model year by $995 to $5,995.

The FE4 suspension Magnetic Ride Control option adds $1,895 on top of the Z51 package price for a total of $7,890. The fact that the FE4 is on nearly half of all 2021 Corvettes shows the importance that customers put in these two key options.

Photo Credits: tenneco.com

In addition to the four different chassis options, GM also tells us that 87% of all 2021 Corvettes are equipped with the NPP performance exhaust system. While only 8% of non-Z51 base Corvettes are selecting the FE2 Magnetic Ride Control, a total of 18% of base cars are equipped with the NPP. So what does that tell you? One take would be that Corvette owners care more about the sound of their cars, than they do with enhancing the ride, but the other part of it is that the NPP offers the additional 5 horsepower. Base customers may be passing on the cost of the Z51, but they still want that 495-hp and yes, they want the tunable sound that comes with it.

Lastly, the E60 Front Lift Option was selected by 58.4% of 2020 Corvette buyers at a cost of $1,495. For the 2021 model year, Chevrolet increased it to $1,995. Instead of the price increase being a deterrent, the E60 option penetration has increased to 61%. That will show ’em!

Source:
Chevrolet.com

Win a Red Mist 2021 Corvette Convertible and Racing Prize Package

When you make a donation to the non-profit International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen, you are helping to preserve and share the history of motorsports. Your donation also enters you to win a Red Mist 2021 Corvette Convertible plus a trip to the Roned Fellows Performance Driving School and VIP membership to Watkins Glen.

CorvetteBlogger readers get 25% BONUS ENTRIES on ticket packages of $25 or more so get your tickets today!.

This gorgeous Red Mist Convertible Stingray is outfitted with the Z51 Performance Package and comes with Black full-length racing stripes and black Open Spoke aluminum wheels. The Z51 offers everything you need for a fun day at the track with larger brakes and a beefier suspension, the performance rear axle, and the NPP dual-mode exhaust.

For all the other days not at the track, the hardtop convertible is the no-compromises Corvette as the hardtop doesn’t take up any of the storage space like previous Corvette convertibles, and you get the added benefit of having an independently-operated rear window. The convertible uses six motors to lower and raise the roof in 16 seconds and you can do it while moving at speeds of up to 30 mph.

The Stingray was ordered with the 2LT trim package with the boxes checked for the luxurious Jet Black Napa leather interior. The 2LT package also offers drivers peace of mind with blind zone warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, and curb-view parking cameras. The HUD, Performance Data Recorder, and the Bose 14-speaker Performance audio system are must-haves as well.

The winner of the Red Mist 2021 Corvette Convertible will also take home these three additional prizes:

Enjoy a complimentary stay at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel when you pick up your new Corvette!
Two 2022 memberships to the Jack Daniels Club at Watkins Glen International. This includes IMSA, NASCAR, and SVRA Vintage Races, plus general access to SCCA.
A two-day performance driving school at the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club in Las Vegas, Nevada, with world-class instructors and a provided Corvette. This prize includes a two-night stay, breakfast, and lunch. The winner must attend the school before the end of 2022, and arrange and pay for their own travel.

Click here to get your 25% Bonus Tickets today! Donation amounts begin at $25.

Located in Watkins Glen, NY., the International Motor Racing Research Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that collects, shares, and preserves the history of motorsports. Spanning continents, eras, and race series, the IMRRC’s extensive collection includes thousands of hours of film and video, hundreds of thousands of photographs, as well as thousands of cubic feet of periodicals, newsletters, rare books, race results, race programs, artwork, trophies and much, much more.

Make a donation to the IMRRC today and you’ll be automatically entered to win the 2021 Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible!

Source:
International Motor Racing Research Center

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Our Take on the 2021 Dodge Lineup

Our Thoughts on Dodge’s Small but Powerful 2021 Lineup

Dodge’s vehicle lineup has gotten smaller, but much more powerful over the years, as the automaker now offers its rowdy supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 in every vehicle it makes.

The 2021 Dodge Lineup

2021 Dodge Challenger – Large Coupe
2021 Dodge Durango – Midsize SUV
2021 Dodge Charger – Full-size sedan

2021 Dodge Challenger

2021 Dodge Challenger Trims

The 2021 Challenger can be ordered as anything from a tame cruiser to a demonic muscle car.

SXT – $TBD
GT – $TBD
R/T – $TBD
R/T Scat Pack – $TBD
SRT Hellcat – $TBD
SRT Hellcat Redeye – $TBD
SRT Super Stock – $TBD

2021 Dodge Challenger Performance Figures

Be prepared to be shocked about these numbers. They’re almost unbelievable for any car, let alone one as large as the Challenger.

2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock 0-60 mph – 3.25 Seconds
2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat 0-60 mph – 3.7 seconds

2021 Dodge Challenger Engine and Powertrain

The Challenger is offered with several engines, the availability of which depends on the trim level:

2021 Dodge Challenger SXT, GT – 3.6-liter V6 with 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque
Challenger R/T – 5.7-liter Hemi V8 producing 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque
Challenger R/T Scat Pack – 6.4-liter V8 that makes 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque
Challenger Hellcat – 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 that makes 717 hp and 656 lb-ft of torque
Challenger Hellcat Redeye and SRT Super Stock – Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 797/807 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque

The Challenger is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, depending on trim and engine.

2021 Dodge Challenger Fuel Economy

Official fuel economy ratings for the 2021 Challenger have not yet been released.

2021 Dodge Challenger Competitors

The Challenger is kind of an oddball in the automotive world, because it’s a large, two-door car. There are a few cross-shop opportunities, though:

2021 Dodge Charger
2021 Jaguar F-Type
2021 Ford Mustang
2021 Chevrolet Camaro

2021 Dodge Durango

The 2021 Durango will receive the Hellcat treatment for the first time in the model’s history, but it’ll only be available in limited quantities.

2021 Dodge Durango Trims

Several trims are available for the 2021 model year, both with rear- and all-wheel drive. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll list the entry level prices here, which are typically RWD models:

Durango SXT RWD – $31,765
Durango GT RWD – $35,965
Durango R/T RWD – $45,305
Durango Citadel RWD – $47,805
Durango SRT 392 AWD – $62,995
Durango SRT Hellcat AWD – $80,995

2021 Dodge Durango Engine and Powertrain

Some engines, such as the 5.7-liter Hemi, are available in other trims. We’ve listed the standard powertrain for each trim.

2021 Durango SXT, GT, Citadel – 3.6-liter V6 with 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque
2021 Durango R/T – 5.7-liter Hemi V8 producing 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque
2021 Durango SRT 392 – 6.4-liter V8 that makes 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque
2021 Durango SRT Hellcat – Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 710 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard for the entire Durango line.

2021 Dodge Durango Performance Figures

Even the standard Durango can put up some healthy numbers.

The 2021 Durango V6 can run 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds
The Durango SRT 392 can make the run in 4.7 seconds
The Durango SRT Hellcat can do it in just 3.5 seconds

2021 Dodge Durango Fuel Economy

2021 Dodge Durango RWD 3.6-liter – 19/26/21 mpg city/hwy/combined
2021 Dodge Durango RWD 5.7-liter – 14/22/17 mpg city/hwy/combined
2021 Dodge Durango AWD 6.2-liter – 13/19/15 mpg

2021 Dodge Durango Competitors

In its milder forms, the Durango has some heavy competition:

2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Toyota Highlander
2021 Chevrolet Traverse

2021 Dodge Charger

Dodge’s big sedan rolls into the new model year with a new widebody SRT Hellcat Redeye trim and updated tech.

2021 Dodge Charger Trims

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes in three configurations:

2021 Dodge Charger SXT – $29,995
2021 Dodge Charger GT – $31,995
2021 Dodge Charger R/T – $36,995
2021 Dodge Charger Scat Pack – $41,095
2021 Dodge Charger Scat Pacl Wide Body – $46,595
2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat – $69,995
2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye – $78,595

The Charger can also be upgraded to all-wheel drive in the SXT and GT trims.

2021 Dodge Charger Engine and Powertrain

2021 Dodge Charger SXT, GT – 3.6-liter V6 with 292/300 horsepower and 260/264 lb-ft of torque
2021 Dodge Charger R/T – 5.7-liter Hemi V8 producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque
2021 Dodge Charger Scat Pack and Widebody – 6.4-liter V8 that makes 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque
2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat/Redeye – Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 717/797 hp and 650/707 lb-ft of torque

2021 Dodge Charger Performance Figures

The 2021 Charger is capable of running from 0-6- mph in just 3.5 seconds in some configurations.

2021 Dodge Charger Fuel Economy

Fuel economy estimates are only available for Charger models equipped with the 5.7-liter V8:

2021 Dodge Charger 5.7-liter – 16/25/19 mpg city/hwy/combined

2021 Dodge Charger Competitors

2021 Buick LaCrosse
2021 Cadillac ATS
2021 Genesis G80

Best of the 2021 Dodge Lineup

Because of its propensity to stuff the biggest engine under the hood of everything in its lineup, we’re inclined to give Dodge a big thumbs up on all of its Hellcat models. We won’t do that, however, because they’re outside of many buyers’ budgets, and to be truthful, they’re a total handful. Only the absolute best drivers will ever be able to competently handle what is almost 800 horsepower, in some cases.

Because of that, our pick for the best of the Dodge lineup lands with the Challenger R/T Scat Pack. It’s far faster than anybody truly needs in a car, and when it’s pushed on a track the more reasonable horsepower numbers make it infinitely more manageable than its fire-breathing Hellcat counterparts.

Chevrolet Has Built and is Now Testing Right Hand Drive Corvettes for Export

The Corvette Team couldn’t be at Carlisle this year, so they offered a Virutal Corvette Presentation hosted by Lance Miller of Carlise Events. We touched on this Sunday but wanted to share the entire conversation about the Right Hand Drive C8 Corvettes.

During the Q&A session, the question was asked to Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter and Corvette Product Manager Harlan Charles if the team has built any pilots of the right hand drive Corvettes for export to Australia and the U.K.

While we were expecting to hear that they can’t talk about future product, Tadge answered the question by saying, “Yes, some of us are actually driving them around…it’s very strange to be driving a Corvette with the steering wheel on the right hand side. We’ve built some and we’ll be doing some of our preproduction testing now in the US.”

With the moving of the engine to behind the driver and the lack of a manual transmission, the clean sheet redesign allowed the C8 Corvette to be offered as a factory-built right hand drive model. The markets for right hand drive models include Australia, New Zeeland, the U.K., Japan, India, and South Africa.

The first export market for the right hand drive Chevrolet Corvette will be Japan, which saw the number of orders triple following its debut at the Tokyo Auto Show back in January. “The car sold out almost immediately in Japan when we introduced it. That will be our first foray into right hand drive,” said Tadge.

The first photo of the right hand drive Corvettes was released during the media rollout back in February and shows a near mirror image of the traditional LHD Corvette. Tadge explains some of the processes behind the new model:

“In our car, everything is driver-focused, everything is angled towards the driver, the cockpit wraps around you, and so when you do a right hand drive, we didn’t want to dumb that down, we wanted those customers to have the same exact experience whether it’s Japan, U.K., Australia. We wanted them to have the same driver-focused interior and so what we actually did was tool-up all those unique parts that are kinda mirror shaped so that we can flip them over to the other side and it would just be an exact mirror of the rest of the world’s car, the left hand drive cars.”

Harlan Charles also enjoyed driving the early prototype right hand drive cars at the Milford Proving Grounds and shares which country’s RHD model he liked the most.

“I really like the Australian car because it’s all localized and so the navigation, the voice, she has that cool Australian voice that comes through…A lot of fun.”

Chevrolet has previously stated that that the mid-engine Corvette will be available in Japan and Europe starting in the second half of 2021 with both the Coupe and Convertible versions of the Corvette Stingray offered as a right hand drive model.

You can watch the entire presentation here. The discussion on the RHD Corvettes starts at the 43:40 mark:

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