The most diehard auto enthusiasts understand how thrilling it is to own a high-performance Chevy. You might be one of them. When you visit your local Chevy dealer, you can browse through the entirety of the bowtie brand’s lineup and explore some seriously hair-raising performance cars.
From their precision engineering to intense amounts of power, these performance cars will leave tracks in your mind. Which of these impressive performance cars will pique your interest more? Let’s dive in and find out…
Chevy’s Long History of Performance Cars
There is no discussion of Chevy’s current performance cars without the classics. Chevrolet has a rich history of producing performance models, from the Corvette to the Cruze RS. To better understand today’s lineup, here are some standouts from Chevy’s performance car history…
Corvette: A Star Is Born
The Chevrolet Corvette is nothing short of legendary. Born in 1953, the Corvette quickly became a symbol of excellence among American-made sports cars. Since then, this vehicle has transitioned into a marvel of modern technological innovation that pushes past boundaries, setting new standards for what is possible in the engineering of performance vehicles.
There have been many iterations of the Corvette over time. Those who like to cruise in style might already be familiar with the latest C8, which blew minds by adopting a mid-engine layout; this was a ‘first’ for the Corvette, and it made for blistering fast acceleration—a real track-worthy achievement! Nothing showcases raw power more than the Corvette.
Camaro: Massive Muscle
As soon as the Camaro hit the market in 1966, it became the pinnacle of American muscle cars. These high-horsepower vehicles come packed with powerful V8 engines and feature aggressive styling cues to catch the eye.
The latest series of Camaros still embodies a lot of the classics’ charm and class. There is little wonder why Camaro loyalists flock to their local Chevy dealer whenever the new model year debuts, eager to obtain even more precision and power.
Impala SS: Carry On, My Wayward SS
The Chevrolet Impala sprang into production during the height of high-performance cars in the 1960s, and one of the most epic models was the Impala SS. From the ’60s to the 1990s, Chevy manufactured the Impala SS—in essence, converting a family sedan into a potently powerful performer.
While not as widely known as the Camaro or Corvette, the Impala SS is a star in its own right. This car sure holds a spot in the hearts of those who know about Chevy’s long history of making performance cars. If you’re lucky enough to find a well-preserved Impala SS, snatch it!
Cruze RS: Compact Cruiser
Buyers who like all power packed into a smaller package seek the Cruze RS. Its power is not quite as abundant as that in the Camaro or Corvette, but it certainly delivers high performance with its sport-tuned suspension, chic styling elements, and a 3.6L V6 engine. These made it a top choice for drivers wanting a high degree of utility with a sporty edge.
Unfortunately, Chevy discontinued the Cruze and its iterations after the 2022 model year, so you cannot buy a new one. You can, however, find a used model for a reasonable cost at your local Chevy dealer. They are a great entry point into Chevy’s performance car segment, allowing you to test the water.
Chevy’s Contemporary Performance Models
The 2024 Camaro
The 2024 Chevy Camaro echoes its classic vibes while delivering a modern performance. To commemorate the final iteration of the Camaro, Chevy is releasing a Collector’s Edition package for the RS, SS, and a limited number of ZL1s. This appearance package will harken back to the first-generation Camaro’s cool aesthetics that we’ve all come to love. Able to be ordered as a convertible, coupe, or sedan, you get a lot of choice here.
Powered by a 355-hp 3.6L V6 engine, the Camaro offers a lot of power—but it doesn’t end there! Starting on the LT1, you get a 6.2L V8 engine that delivers 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque and comes paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an available ten-speed automatic transmission. A sport-tuned suspension and Brembo front brakes make this trim even sportier. You can go all-out on the line-topping ZL1 trim and its supercharged V8, which nets 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Upgraded Brembo brakes, a special rear spoiler, and Recaro front bucket seats set the ZL1 apart from the rest.
The 2024 Corvette
The Chevy Corvette has long been radical in its design, and the 2024 lineup shows that Chevy still uses a lot of innovation to design this vehicle. As part of the eighth generation introduced for the 2020 model year, the 2024 ‘vette still has a series of mid-mounted engines available, all of which are mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive (RWD). The Stingray has a standard 6.2L V8 that makes 490 hp, while the Z06 ups the ante with a 5.5L V8 that makes 670 hp.
Expect plenty of premium features inside the Corvette’s upscale cabin. Wireless smartphone app integration is standard, and a ten-speaker Bose sound system pumps out crystal-clear audio. A lot of high-tech gadgets—such as a head-up display, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking cameras—are available throughout the lineup to help keep you safe on the road.
The 2024 Corvette Z06
The 2024 Corvette Z06 deserves its own section here, too. It caters to ‘vette purists and maintains the standard mid-engine layout. The 2020 redesign totally transformed this C8 Corvette into a truly high-end sports car. With its slew of tech upgrades since then, the Z06 remains on top. Powered by the 5.5L V8, this model has heaps of speed and strength.
The Z06’s trim levels—the 1LZ, 2LZ, and 3LZ—are rich in features. Standard specs include a performance-oriented traction control system, Brembo brakes, and exhaust system, which has a sound that differs based on your selected drive mode. Magnetically controlled performance adaptive suspension dampers are standard as well, and a front splitter and adjustable spoiler help set the Z06 apart. Upgrading to higher trim levels nabs you more tech features and cabin niceties for a luxurious feel.
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray
Wholly brand-new for 2024 is the Corvette E-Ray, which pairs an electric motor with a V8 engine. Together, this directs 100 hp to the front wheels, making this vehicle an all-wheel drive sports car with over 600 hp under the hood.
Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes make for fade-resistant braking should you decide to test yourself on the race track. Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires (20 inches up front and 21 in the rear) are standard equipment, and buyers can opt for Pilot Sport 4S summer tires to get the maximum performance from the E-Ray.
Chevy Performance Becomes Somehow More Electrifying
In recent years, Chevrolet has shown a commitment to performance that extends beyond traditional internal combustion engines. The brand’s entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market has been nothing short of impressive. The Chevrolet Bolt EV and the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray demonstrate that electrification and performance can coexist.
The Bolt EV delivers instant torque and nimble handling, making it a fun and efficient urban cruiser. On the other hand, the Corvette E-Ray is set to offer electrifying performance without compromising the driving experience that Corvette enthusiasts hold dear. These electric options mark a promising future for Chevrolet, appealing to both eco-conscious consumers and performance enthusiasts alike.
