C1: 1953-1962

The model that started it all. Initially launched with an underpowered six-cylinder engine, the first-gen Corvette eventually swapped in the model’s signature element: a small-block V8 and a manual transmission. It was then that its journey as an icon of the American automotive industry took off. Over its nine-year run, the C1 Corvette became a legitimate sports car.

C2: 1963-1967

The C2 Corvette evolved out of the C1 with the same bobbed back end and long front end, but it introduced the characteristic folding lights that would remain with the Corvette until the C6 generation. The C2 also introduced the Z06 racing package and saw the production of the rare Grand Sport.

C3: 1968-1982

The third-generation C3 Corvette derived much of its design from the Mako Shark II concept and was developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov and Billy Mitchell. Its iconic styling, long fifteen-year tenure and its survival through hard economic times proved this American legend’s durability.

C4: 1984-1996

Released in 1984, the Chevrolet Corvette C4 embraced a sleeker, more futuristic style than previous generations. From 1985 to the end of production in 1996, the C4 saw a steady increase in horsepower with each engine upgrade. Offshoots such as the ZR1 broke speed records and became collectibles.

C5: 1997-2004

The Chevrolet Corvette C5 was the most advanced Corvette to-date and introduced to the world the legendary LS1 V8 engine. The C5 improved on previous generations in nearly every way and was regarded as the first Corvette that was truly usable on a daily basis.

C6: 2005-2013

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 was faster, lighter, and more refined than the outgoing model and is still regarded as a solid performance bargain. It also marked the return of the convertible option alongside the coupe; this generation also harkened the return of the Z06 and launch of the ZR1 high-performance variants.

C7: 2014-current

The C7 Corvette added aggressive body styling that departed from previous generations significantly in a bid to lure in younger buyers and freshen the ‘Vette’s image. It continued the use of exposed headlights and became the first to use the name Stingray since the C3. The C7 is widely expected to be the last front-engine Corvette as a mid-engine C8 is on the way.

C8: 2020 and beyond

The Corvette C8 is mark a significant departure from the car’s previous design and performance setups. For the first time in the model's history, the C8 Corvette is mid-engine layout with either a removeable roof panel or an outright convertible model.

Most models come with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that makes 490 or 495 horsepower depending on the trim, an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and rear-wheel-drive. An all-new Z06 model joins the lineup for 2023, packing a 5.5-liter V8 with 670 horsepower, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.