So the car's easy to drive and easy to bangshift with the No Lift Shift programming.

The computer controls cannot change the laws of physics, so you can still get in plenty of trouble. We found out exactly how much trouble when all the electronic assistance was shut off, and we could barely keep the nose pointed downstream. We want to believe that we're better drivers than any computer. It's just not true. We're barely as good as the Sport 1 setting. You can look at the Corvette's computer one of two ways: It either gives you faster lap times or it keeps you from getting stupid. Probably both.

As for us, we feel the cars look better in person than in the photos we'd seen prior, and they change radically depending on color: The metallics highlight the myriad body lines, and the light solids tend to smooth them out. The selections of wheel and roof finishes also alter the vibe from car to car. The textures of the slightly metallic black trim and the nature of the various interior surfaces just don't read in print or on the screen, but they add a lot in person.

And, hey, you—Facebook guy; the taillights really don't look like a Camaro's. If you don't like them, that's fine. From your vantage point, they'll get smaller very quickly, anyway.

We caught up with Brock and asked him for opinions on the new car and the origin and rebirth of the Sting Ray (Stingray) name.
"I think it's the first really new exciting Corvette since Mitchell directed the design of the '63. The big difference is that this time everything on or about the car is real! No more phony slots, scoops, and vents. Everything that has been learned by the Pratt and Miller team in years of competition has been directly applied. I think the overall exterior design is excellent, giving the Corvette a new fresh look that is not only handsome but aerodynamically efficient—something that was sadly lacking on both the '59 prototype XP87 Stingray ‘Racer' and the production '63 and even the [original] Grand Sport.

"I think negative opinions will change once naysayers actually see the car. The taillights, for example, have come under criticism as ‘too Camaro,' but when you study them closely they are jewel-like with great depth—really ‘today' in lighting.

We find the computerized dash display annoying because it's not quite in focus, and the simulated tach needle is jumpy rather than smooth. That said, temper our opinion with the knowledge that we also don't like the touchscreen audio/info center. In any car. We're looking forward to the day those go the way of the eight-track, and they can take engine start/stop pushbuttons with them.