C8 Corvette 1LT: Great Performance Deal or Too Few Features?
C8 Corvette 1LT: Great Performance Deal or Too Few Features?
C8 Corvette owners and those waiting for their Stingray to arrive weigh in on the cost versus features.
When you see the starting price of a new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, it generally refers to the base price of the 1LT trim level. For example, on the Chevrolet brand website, the video running on the Corvette model page says “starting at $58,900”. However, at the bottom of that video panel, it states that the coupe shown costs $78,935 and the convertible costs $87,780. This illustrates the point that there is a substantial jump in price from base to well-optioned.
The Corvette Stingray 1LT delivers the mid-engine feel for under $60,000, but it does so by excluding some key features that you get with the 2LT models. “ChromeBumperGuy” posted a thread in the C8 section back in June 2020, asking owners of 1LT models if they missed any of the features of the 2LT. That initial question sparked an interesting discussion last summer, but with more people receiving their C8 in the past eight months or so, the thread has been rekindled by owners of the 1LT trim level.
1LT Vs 2LT Introduction
When the OP first posted his thread asking C8 Corvette 1LT owners for their thoughts on the options versus cost of the 2LT, he provided the following points.
I’m not even sure any 1LT’s have been delivered yet but curious to those who may have them, do you feel like you are missing anything with the package? I like the red seats only that this package provides vs. going to the 3LT but curious if the other creature features are missed? Is PDR still available on the 1LT? When comparing the trim levels on the builder, this wasn’t apparent to me. I do like the camera options on the 2LT as well as the seat adjustability but not a fan of the red dash and door. Will have to redo my 2020 order for 2021 so sorting through how I want to configure.
Thanks all for the information you post in this forum, good stuff!
Keep in mind, this was back in June of 2020 when far fewer new Corvettes had been delivered.
The first person to reply was “DJGold”, who shared the picture of the black 1LT Stingray above from his dealership, confirming that they were being delivered back then.
Yes there are 1LTs delivered. My dealer delivered one two weeks ago.
Corvette Trim Level Differences
The C8 Corvette Stingray in 1LT form comes with a ton of standard equipment. Highlights of the “base” package include power-adjustable leather seats, the rear vision camera system, a Bose 10-speaker sound system, the 8-inch infotainment screen, the 12-inch driver information center and a long list of common standard features such as remote entry and power windows.
The interior images shown here from Chevrolet show the 1LT in all black while the 2LT model has the two-tone layout.
The 2021 Corvette 2LT package starts $7,300 higher than the 1LT. Below is a list of all of the features of the 2LT package which are not standard with the 1LT models.
- Heads-Up Display
- Power Lumbar and Wing Adjustment
- Wireless Phone Charging
- Heated and Vented Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Bose Performance Series 14-Speaker Audio System
- Navigation with Traffic
- Performance Data Recorder
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 1-year Subscription
- Universal Home Remote Sun Visor
- Power-Folding Mirrors
- Rear Camera Mirror (coupe only)
- Memory Package
- Curb View Camera
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Advanced Theft-Deterrent System
- Parcel Nets
In short, the 2021 Corvette Stingray 2LT comes with a long list of premium interior features that are not included with the 1LT.
Early Opinions
During the early stages of this discussion, most of the members commenting had a C8 Corvette on order, but they had not received it yet. Because of that, most people were explaining why they chose the trim level that they did.
The first to talk about picking the 1LT was “Supersonic 427”.
I am fine with 1LT! There are a few items on 2LT that I would have liked to have, but did not want to pay $7300 +8% NYS tax for the whole package for many items I could care less about!
The next was “MaxV”.
Ordered a 1LT here. Could not justify the 7-8K for a bunch of electronic nice to haves. The value wasn’t there for me. I plan on adding the rear view mirror camera aftermarket if it is such a problem, but after sitting in one I think I can make due with the standard mirror. The rest of the 2LT package was all fluff for my use case.
“Shohny” ordered a 1LT, but now he is having second thoughts.
I ordered 1LT Shadow Gray Metallic with Adrenaline Red. However, since money is not an issue, I have made an effort to upgrade to 2LT with GT2 seats. My logic in part was that at resale the 2LT would be in greater demand.
Order Status 3000 since March: Order modifications are generally not doable at this time. My dealer says he’ll try at the appropriate time, whatever that means.
There were also some members who went with the 2LT because they wanted the extra interior features. The first of these Corvette buyers to speak up was “C82LT”, appropriately enough.
With the C7, I was glad I got the 2LT simply for the memory seats, easy, entry and exit. It’s a sports car so getting in is not easy if the seat is where you need it when driving. The safety features like the blind spot monitoring is very good to have and will save you. Mirrors can only do so much. I love the HUD, nicer stereo and vented seats so it was a no brainer for me to select the 2LT. I almost went with the 3LT but got the transparent top so eliminated the nice roof liner.
There were some 1LT buyers who plan to add some of the features via the aftermarket, such as the rearview mirror display screen. In the long run, most people who ordered a 1LT didn’t see the point of paying for the interior upgrades while those who want a more premium cabin lean towards the 2LT.
Recent Input
The thread was started back in June and after a couple of weeks, the discussion trailed off. However, in January, a new member named “Jeff Kaye” brought it back to life by sharing his own experiences with a new Corvette.
They really don’t give you all you need. I took delivery of a 1LT only to find out it is missing some basic Safety items: HD front and rear vision cameras, side blind zone alert, and rear cross traffic alert.
Other things I value beyond safety are– memory seat/ mirror position, universal home remote, wireless charging, and nav system.
What I would not get is the Z51 package. The only item I like is the NPP, performance exhaust for $1,195 This boosts BHP to 495, same as the Z51 package for $5,000, and you don’t get the boy-racer spoiler.
That led to more 1LT owners speaking up in favor of their configuration. The first was “KHartford”.
I had a C7 Z51 2LT and found that I didn’t use most of the 2LT features so moving to a C8 Z51 1LT was a no-brainer. I have a HTC so I have the back-up camera.
“Darryl Berry” was the next.
I love my 2021 HTC 1LT, just got it 1-23-2021 as of yet don’t miss anything.
“RK 43” also has a new C8 Corvette 1LT, and he went into detail on why he likes it so much.
I just took delivery of my 1LT coupe on 1/22/21. Its perfect. Sure blind spot monitoring would be nice as a stand alone but not for $7K
I have been pleasantly surprised with the 1LT. Way nicer than my C7 1LT and as a little bonus it has the reverse sensors that beep when you get close to stuff.
and yes a stripper model would be bad ***. I could do without the power seats…but the ac is a must!
If you have ordered a 1LT or 2LT for a specific reason, click here to share your input in the forum.
Photos: GM
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