Four Very Cool Corvette Knock-Offs from GTA Online

You can satisfy your wildest automotive fantasies while driving some great looking Corvette imitators in Grand Theft Auto Online!

After almost 70 years of continuous production, the Corvette has cemented itself as a staple of the American automotive industry. The cultural impact of the nameplate is immense. As a result, the Chevy has been featured in many video games. But one, in particular, stands out. And that’s mostly because the Corvette isn’t actually included in it. Say what?

That’s right! Grand Theft Auto V and its multiplayer spin-off Grand Theft Auto Online are filled with a diverse roster of automobiles. They’re all based on real-life models. For the purposes of this article, I’ll be talking about the four that are clearly modeled after the Corvette. In terms of aesthetics and driving dynamics, the game’s designers did a fantastic job at making sure all generations of the Invetero Coquette feel exactly how you’d expect a Corvette to feel in a virtual environment.

Invetero Coquette BlackFin – Corvette Imitator #1

This C1 imitator really isn’t being subtle, is it? The BlackFin strongly resembles the 1956-1957 models from the front. Although the windshield edges are a little straighter in this version. The chrome strip that runs along the front tire also got replaced with what appears to be a painted stripe. It doesn’t augment the Coquette’s sides as strongly as the Corvette does with its design, but it still looks pretty good.

Out back, the BlackFin borrowed the rear end from the 1961-1962 Corvettes. However, six taillights are out back instead of four, just like the Mako Shark, which is presumably what the BlackFin is named after. There’s also a more pronounced hump in the rear, which results in a more tapered slope down to the ends of the trunk. The Coquette’s corners are also a bit straighter. It looks a little disjointed from this angle but taken as a whole the aesthetic is solid.

Driving Impressions

The Coquette exhibited strong acceleration off the line. Unfortunately, the engine writes checks the chassis cannot properly cash. Even during an extremely basic highway cruise, the BlackFin caused a pileup when it careened out of control during a simple lane change. That maneuver was at top speed, but when you’re driving in Los Santos (GTA’s Los Angeles equivalent), you’re always driving as fast as possible.

Unfortunately, the BlackFin cannot measure up to its modern counterparts. A bit unfair considering its “age.” That being said, it’s still a hoot to drive in a straight line. Plus, the exhaust note is absolutely seductive at idle and under full throttle acceleration.

Invetero Coquette Classic – Corvette Imitator #2

The biggest difference between the C2 and the Coquette Classic is the head light setup. Instead of pop-up units there’s 4 exposed lights. It looks a bit odd but not totally out of place. Another interesting front end rearrangement concerns the tip of the front end. Unlike the Corvette, the Classic features a pointed design at the center, something the C3 adopted.

As for the rear end, if looked at indirectly, the side flares up in a way that tricks you into thinking this is a C3 tribute. Although everything else matches up pretty well with what you’d picture in an alternative universe C2 Stingray. Sharper edges around the massive rear split windows are distinctive but inferior to the real thing. Regardless, it’s still an attractive design.

Driving Impressions

The Classic has decent acceleration off the line with predictable handling provided you’re not thrashing it around too much. However, sharp steering inputs at moderate speeds result in spin outs and collisions. I was unable to avoid colliding with a car after plowing through an intersection at a decent clip. That’s also due to the Classic’s terrible braking power. Stopping distances are absolutely atrocious so don’t expect to keep one in good condition for long. Fortunately, the exhaust sounds great and emits a satisfying growl at idle.

Invetero Coquette – Corvette Imitator #3

As a C7 knock-off, the Coquette looks very well put together. There are some differences though. For example, the LED head light strips run along the entire side of the housing. The hood scoop also gets some very sharp edges that don’t really mesh well with the rest of the hood. Additionally, the side mirrors are far less prominent.

Looking at the Coquette from the rear is where things get interesting. Gone are the 4 segmented tail lights. Instead, there’s a setup that instantly brings to mind a late model Camaro. In fact, the entire rear end from the lip spoiler on down looks surprisingly like the Camaro. The overall aesthetic doesn’t look very much like the Corvette but it somehow works.

Driving Impressions

When compared to its older counterparts, the modern Coquette has extremely sharp handling. Clearly, the designers introduced driving dynamics that account for how a modern sports car with traction and stability control would behave. Acceleration is surprisingly sluggish off the line but becomes formidable shortly after takeoff. Steering inputs are met with an immediate response even at higher speeds and the car remains remarkably composed when subjected to harsh turns. Braking power is superb and can often get you out of tight situations. Unfortunately, the exhaust leaves a lot to be desired and doesn’t sound remotely like anything from a C7. Everything else about the Coquette is positively excellent.

Invetero Coquette D10 – Corvette Imitator #4

Chevy created a revolutionary game-changer with the C8 Corvette. Therefore, it was only a matter of time before Grand Theft Auto featured it in some form. Fortunately, the designers sculpted an excellent homage to the current model. There are some notable differences to the real thing though. For starters, the headlights are a bit thicker and a little shorter in length. The grille contrasts sharply with the actual Corvette, as it comes equipped with a gaping maw that almost gives it a very Pac-Man like face. The D10’s side mirrors are also far less radical.

Out back, the D10 looks a bit more basic than the C8. The taillights aren’t as sharply defined, even if they’re properly segmented into 4 distinct units. Black edge-work flanks the rear window for a nice design that nevertheless can’t quite measure up to the Chevy. However, the extension of the black bits into the roof is an inspired choice.

Another quibble lies with the recessed area around the license plate. Chevy simply created a better design in that region. The virtual version is needlessly complex. Still, it’s hard to knock the D10 for what it is, a very good C8 tribute.

Driving Impressions

As the “current generation” Coquette, the D10 is just about superior to the regular Coquette in every way. Acceleration is also somewhat slow off the line, but you are quickly propelled to super-high speeds, noticeably faster than the previous model. The exhaust note is a bit disappointing, however. Braking is immediate and predictable. Handling is very sharp at all speeds but especially through slower turns, where the D10 feels like it can turn on a dime. Top speed is noticeably higher than the older Coquette. Ultimately, it’s easy to lose control of the D10 when driving at full throttle, but at all other speeds, it’s an absolute beast.

Obviously, owning a virtual Corvette knock off will never be the same as experiencing the real thing. But these 4 imitators are fun to play around with. And they’re honorable facsimiles that will no doubt keep younger generations interested in the legendary nameplate. That sounds like a win-win scenario!

.