I watched a video of a McLaren salesman looking at a C8 Stingray coupe, and although complimentary, he quite expectedly was not really enthusiastic. About 6 month later a customer brought a C8 HTC to him for his opinion, and the first words out of his mouth, "Now this looks like an exotic!" I agree! When I receive my Z06 allocation I will order a Z06 HTC.
Great Vlog Mike, was very good with the commentary after losing the initial comments. I had thoughts about getting the 3LT, but my MSRP was already above where I wanted to be. I’m very happy with 2LT. I’m not a fan of the suede material. I think of it needing brushed to look right. The big difference for me of course is the HTC vs the Targa Top. My C3, C4 and C6 never had much open air time due to the process of removing the top(s) vs wanting to just get going. (Especially the C4 and the ratchet you needed to remove and replace the Targa Top each time!) I don’t like Rag Tops, so I would have had a C8 coupe if not for the HTC.
The troubles that haunt the C8 continue. I take it that this HTC is a channel car until either the Eray or ZO6 becomes available? I think you’ll enjoy the HTC! I know you get some snow in Texas depending on your area. But it’s probably gone in a day or two, correct? We had about 3-4 inches of snow about a week ago and that was enough to get the DOT to put stones and anti-skid out on the roads. So, here in PA, my C8 is probably off the road until Spring. Hope to see you and the guys in the Octane Hour!
Hey Mike, I noticed you didn't get mag-ride. My 2020 has Z51 no mag-ride.... no regrets. The biggest factor for me is the condition of the roads I drive on. They're well within my limits. The Corvette is a sports car -- I like the way it feels.
Great review....I have the Tension Blue seat belts. Like you I wanted to match the calipers with the seat belts. Unfortunately blue calipers aren't available. That might be mod coming down the road.
@@casmithc2 I own a C8, you probably do not, so I do have a clue, and my close friend has the convertible, I have extensive experience with both, you buy whatever you like, the Coupe Z06 is the true sports car experience.
Mike. Any regrets with sky cool gray, with the lite roof color. Does it get dirty? I’m fanatical with marks and dirt, I’m nervous not getting black roof and a pillar. Thoughts? My Z allocation is weeks away.
It really is Matter of preference both corvettes are equally great cars to me. I have to agree I hate the high wing. Low wing looks much much better. The Captain America c8 is 🔥🔥🔥I have the 2023 c8 stingray coupe 3lt with mag ride and the auto lift. I love the seats in it and the look. Plus It drives amazing. I did not expect it to be so effortless on the highway. It’s metallic black so it resembles the bat mobile. It’s a great style even though I’m having it wrapped next week with led lighting added to the engine bay. I’m the opposite I prefer to see the engine through the glass. I think the c8 is in a class of its own and doesn’t need to be compared to an exotic. It’s a Sports car that can hold its own to an exotic in terms of looks because let’s face it, the car is a head turner and looks absolutely stunning. Very similar to a Ferrari. I have so much respect for the corvette brand but it is mass produced and only costs a fraction of the price of an exotic car. when I think of Something exotic I think of Something foreign and rare or exclusive and way more expensive. Also the other reason I don’t call it exotic is the performance. it’s totally different than an exotic. It is a sports car and seeing that engine is what I need to see because that’s what I want, a sports car. Not an exotic. Now I don’t know about the z06 I’m sure based on its performance and price l guess it could be considered an exotic type of car but it’s definitely a supercar with that performance. But not a stingray that’s a sports car. I can’t wait to see the z06 in person. Now My sister has the lambo adventador it’s a 2016. Her v12 is the reason I would never claim exotic on my stingray. She could dust my corvette with that thing in seconds and make me cry lol but you can see her engine and she added the lighting to her engine bay it Looks amazing. I’m not enthused about the convertible c8 although it is gorgeous but I wouldn’t buy one becauseI’ve had multiple convertibles in the past. lol with the transformer feel when you let down the top remotely, now It’s cliche to me. On the other hand taking that top is a nostalgic feel that takes me back in time I LOVE that. Now the convertible does have more of an exotic look but that’s what not seeing the engine does so if that’s the look you want, go for the convertible. If you’re going with the coupe that’s sports car all day. That’s just my opinion. My brother has the 750 McLaren and loves my c8 coupe. He’s on his second McLaren but still loves how mine drives and loves seeing the engine. I recommend the mag ride on any corvette you get. There is a noticeable difference. Happy driving y’all!
If you don't have mag ride the ride is always the same. Mag ride is what allows the ride to change from tour to sport to race stiffness. Same with Z51 with no mag ride no suspension adjustability, its always stiff. not sure if regular is stiffer than tour on a mag ride or if the Z51 without mag ride is as stiff as race with mag ride. Also Z51 should get you a stiffer ride on race than mag ride race on non Z51. This is why the Z06 comes with mag ride standard.
Save the wave! 😊 Just the Nacelles and rear decklid treatment make the HTC look SO much better. The new low wing and forged wheels on the ‘23 are also fantastic. You should get the clear engine cover aftermarket piece so you can still view the engine when stationary and open. Great content as usual!
No worries brother! Also the CMG is absolutely STUNNING in person. It will be a collector color if GM discontinues it for sure. Hopefully you bring the HTC to Carlisle in ‘23 because the kids and i just missed you this year at your booth! (You were out filming the Z06). Take care!
Looks awesome!! Major differences there… On a side note: Have you considered removing the engine build plaque. Honestly I feel it ruins the look of the beautiful Red intake.. I know mine is coming off ASAP
@@sstevocamaro Its been a problem going back to the C6's. Check out the corvette forum. Several C8's have been having the same issue. Not enough adhesive being used.
You mentioned how you love the Ceramic Matrix Grey and how you disliked the Arctic White on the 2020, but for the life of me I can't tell the difference. I'm guessing that in person you can see the difference between the two, but if you ask people who watch the video what color your car is ...most would say white.
You see what? A red or blue or whatever plastic cover. Then pipes, cables, wires, ?? Can you see the block, heads?, exhaust?? Look into a 1968 Camaro and tell me it looks like that. I know it is a matter to personal taste, but to claim you can see the engine???
Sorry bro. I ordered and have received my Z51 3LT. Coupe is only way to go as far as I am concerned. Simple and has nothing to do with $$. Not seeing the engine is huge. No alternative to seeing the silver cover in my car!
Totally disagree with such a light color interior! I had a Porsche with same light interior and in 1 year, it didn’t look new anymore. My 2015 CTSV with black interior still looks new! Just saying.
The one that will on for warranty when the transmission goes out in a thousand miles all of them are falling apart they all leaked like a sieve and the and they will not pay to have it fixed you got to fix it yourself
Ladies and gentlemen, as promised, here is a full side by side comparison! 2020 C8 Coupe vs 2023 C8 Convertible!
I watched a video of a McLaren salesman looking at a C8 Stingray coupe, and although complimentary, he quite expectedly was not really enthusiastic. About 6 month later a customer brought a C8 HTC to him for his opinion, and the first words out of his mouth, "Now this looks like an exotic!" I agree! When I receive my Z06 allocation I will order a Z06 HTC.
Agree .That Convertible looks more exotic when the top is down .I really don't care about looking at the engine through glass.HTC is the way to go
This doesn’t surprise me one bit. The HTC look, is super exotic.
Stop kissing ass now because he bought a HTC, the coupe looks way more slick and sporty
@@johnnyivan1977 I was quoting the McLaren salesman...and I agree, which is why I am buying a HTC. So you don't agree...well then, have a nice day.
@@Pmtd1234 you are “buying”? I already own a C8 Z51 3LT, so STFU!
The convertible just looks super classy.
Great Vlog Mike, was very good with the commentary after losing the initial comments.
I had thoughts about getting the 3LT, but my MSRP was already above where I wanted to be.
I’m very happy with 2LT.
I’m not a fan of the suede material. I think of it needing brushed to look right.
The big difference for me of course is the HTC vs the Targa Top.
My C3, C4 and C6 never had much open air time due to the process of removing the top(s) vs wanting to just get going. (Especially the C4 and the ratchet you needed to remove and replace the Targa Top each time!)
I don’t like Rag Tops, so I would have had a C8 coupe if not for the HTC.
The troubles that haunt the C8 continue.
I take it that this HTC is a channel car until either the Eray or ZO6 becomes available?
I think you’ll enjoy the HTC!
I know you get some snow in Texas depending on your area. But it’s probably gone in a day or two, correct?
We had about 3-4 inches of snow about a week ago and that was enough to get the DOT to put stones and anti-skid out on the roads.
So, here in PA, my C8 is probably off the road until Spring.
Hope to see you and the guys in the Octane Hour!
Thank you for adding "in my opinion" to your preferences. Too many You-Tubers make their opinion the only opinion.
No problem, you know I always give my opinion but it’s just that, not fact when it comes to preferences. 👍😊
Hey Mike, I noticed you didn't get mag-ride. My 2020 has Z51 no mag-ride.... no regrets. The biggest factor for me is the condition of the roads I drive on. They're well within my limits.
The Corvette is a sports car -- I like the way it feels.
Your old car was the 1 of 1 Captain America C8 but your new car (don't know its name yet) is INCREDIBLE!!! Seeing them side by side is awesome too!
Thank you Mark! I appreciate it! 👍😊
Great video once again Mike! Love the side by side comparison. Was very interested in your take on the Tire difference. Thanks!!😎👍
Does the glare from the dashboard bother you as you drive your C8? Seems to be more pronounced with brighter highlights.
Great review....I have the Tension Blue seat belts. Like you I wanted to match the calipers with the seat belts. Unfortunately blue calipers aren't available. That might be mod coming down the road.
Coupe Z51 is the way to go, seeing the engine through the glass is an "exotic" car feature, what you specced out is a mid life crisis cruiser.
You, do not have a clue! A convertible is the only way to go. I would add Z07 or Z51.
@@casmithc2 I own a C8, you probably do not, so I do have a clue, and my close friend has the convertible, I have extensive experience with both, you buy whatever you like, the Coupe Z06 is the true sports car experience.
You ROCK Mike, thank you for what you bring to the corvette community. How does the wind noise compare: HTC vs Coupe??
Light interior with the Black Looks awesome really sharp build
The convertible is way above the coup .the 2LT over 3Lt. it’s a waste of money
Mike. Any regrets with sky cool gray, with the lite roof color. Does it get dirty? I’m fanatical with marks and dirt, I’m nervous not getting black roof and a pillar. Thoughts? My Z allocation is weeks away.
No regrets at all. It stays clean 😊
@@BrinkofSpeed ok. Done deal. I’m going to match your interior.
I love the new color. My 2016 Z51, mag ride, is Yellow with yellow calipers. Also I ordered the carbon flash badge and mirrors and black wheels.
Great job in your explanations Mike! Great video as usual!
Thank you Mark, I’m glad you enjoyed it 👍😊
It really is Matter of preference both corvettes are equally great cars to me. I have to agree I hate the high wing. Low wing looks much much better. The Captain America c8 is 🔥🔥🔥I have the 2023 c8 stingray coupe 3lt with mag ride and the auto lift. I love the seats in it and the look. Plus It drives amazing. I did not expect it to be so effortless on the highway. It’s metallic black so it resembles the bat mobile. It’s a great style even though I’m having it wrapped next week with led lighting added to the engine bay. I’m the opposite I prefer to see the engine through the glass. I think the c8 is in a class of its own and doesn’t need to be compared to an exotic. It’s a Sports car that can hold its own to an exotic in terms of looks because let’s face it, the car is a head turner and looks absolutely stunning. Very similar to a Ferrari. I have so much respect for the corvette brand but it is mass produced and only costs a fraction of the price of an exotic car. when I think of Something exotic I think of
Something foreign and rare or exclusive and way more expensive. Also the other reason I don’t call it exotic is the performance. it’s totally different than an exotic. It is a sports car and seeing that engine is what I need to see because that’s what I want, a sports car. Not an exotic. Now I don’t know about the z06 I’m sure based on its performance and price l guess it could be considered an exotic type of car but it’s definitely a supercar with that performance. But not a stingray that’s a sports car. I can’t wait to see the z06 in person. Now My sister has the lambo adventador it’s a 2016. Her v12 is the reason I would never claim exotic on my stingray. She could dust my corvette with that thing in seconds and make me cry lol but you can see her engine and she added the lighting to her engine bay it Looks amazing. I’m not enthused about the convertible c8 although it is gorgeous but I wouldn’t buy one becauseI’ve had multiple convertibles in the past. lol with the transformer feel when you let down the top remotely, now It’s cliche to me. On the other hand taking that top is a nostalgic feel that takes me back in time I LOVE that. Now the convertible
does have more of an exotic look but that’s what not seeing the engine does so if that’s the look you want, go for the convertible. If you’re going with the coupe that’s sports car all day. That’s just my opinion. My brother has the 750 McLaren and loves my c8 coupe. He’s on his second McLaren but still loves how mine drives and loves seeing the engine. I recommend the mag ride on any corvette you get. There is a noticeable difference. Happy driving y’all!
If you don't have mag ride the ride is always the same. Mag ride is what allows the ride to change from tour to sport to race stiffness. Same with Z51 with no mag ride no suspension adjustability, its always stiff. not sure if regular is stiffer than tour on a mag ride or if the Z51 without mag ride is as stiff as race with mag ride. Also Z51 should get you a stiffer ride on race than mag ride race on non Z51. This is why the Z06 comes with mag ride standard.
Save the wave! 😊 Just the Nacelles and rear decklid treatment make the HTC look SO much better. The new low wing and forged wheels on the ‘23 are also fantastic. You should get the clear engine cover aftermarket piece so you can still view the engine when stationary and open. Great content as usual!
I totally agree man. As far as the clear engine cover goes, I’m not really a fan of that. Thank you for your input though. 👍😊
No worries brother! Also the CMG is absolutely STUNNING in person. It will be a collector color if GM discontinues it for sure. Hopefully you bring the HTC to Carlisle in ‘23 because the kids and i just missed you this year at your booth! (You were out filming the Z06). Take care!
Both cars are beautiful... My only caveat with the lighter interior is keeping it clean over the life of the car.
Looks awesome!! Major differences there…
On a side note: Have you considered removing the engine build plaque. Honestly I feel it ruins the look of the beautiful Red intake.. I know mine is coming off ASAP
Did you at least PPF the whole car for your 2023 C8 HTC?
Awesome overview dude
The beautiful black C8 driver here :)
Definitely getting my Eray in the HTC
Until GM can figure out why the dashes keep delaminating on the 3LT's, 2LT for me.
😨 wow that’s the first I’m hearing of this!
@@sstevocamaro Its been a problem going back to the C6's. Check out the corvette forum. Several C8's have been having the same issue. Not enough adhesive being used.
You mentioned how you love the Ceramic Matrix Grey and how you disliked the Arctic White on the 2020, but for the life of me I can't tell the difference. I'm guessing that in person you can see the difference between the two, but if you ask people who watch the video what color your car is ...most would say white.
Easy choice for me I own the coupe the engine showing in the back is priceless
You see what? A red or blue or whatever plastic cover. Then pipes, cables, wires, ?? Can you see the block, heads?, exhaust?? Look into a 1968 Camaro and tell me it looks like that. I know it is a matter to personal taste, but to claim you can see the engine???
Yep from the inside and out...
I custom painted my engine cover
Looks awesome, but me love some convertible, too.
The 2020 did not fair well mechanically I hope the 2022 has better build quality.
So when are you expecting the arrival of the 911 - The Captain Germany Car. LOL - Smashed
Lol, that would be really cool. Thank you 😊
In my opinion the coupe looks better then the htc.
Kalvin, ARE YOU ON DRUGS? HTC is the only way to go!!
I agree the coupe looks a lot better to me
Sorry bro. I ordered and have received my Z51 3LT. Coupe is only way to go as far as I am concerned. Simple and has nothing to do with $$. Not seeing the engine is huge. No alternative to seeing the silver cover in my car!
Totally disagree with such a light color interior! I had a Porsche with same light interior and in 1 year, it didn’t look new anymore. My 2015 CTSV with black interior still looks new! Just saying.
Coupe. NUFF SAID
Great video and content as always and keep up the great work.
Still rocking a V1, eh? I stopped using my Valentine when waze grew up.
The one that will on for warranty when the transmission goes out in a thousand miles all of them are falling apart they all leaked like a sieve and the and they will not pay to have it fixed you got to fix it yourself
Nice
Dude plz turn bass down in vid, neighbors!!!
I have owned 5 Corvette Convertibles. In my opinion, everyone should go TOPLESS!! Especially, your Girlfriend!
HTC looks like a girl car
🎉👏👏🍻
Sorry but iam over this jent