The modern Corvette has brought back many iconic nameplates from famous models, including the Grand Sport and the ZR1, but one that has yet to return to the famous Chevy sports car is the Sting Ray nameplate. While the upcoming C7 Corvette brings hope of the Sting Ray’s return, Karl Kustom Corvettes [1] in Des Moines, Iowa has been creating Sting Rays on the C6 platform for years and in this video [2] we get a look at a Lingenfelter LS7-powered split-window coupe that may just have you dreaming of a modern Sting Ray of your own.
[3]Not the Z06 in the video, but you get the idea... Images: Karl Kustom Corvettes [4]
Designers and enthusiasts alike have pondered what a modern Sting Ray may look like for some time now, but if you ask the good folks at Karl Kustom Corvettes, you’d find their answer to include features from both the modern C6 and design cues from the famous C2 model. The car you see here is so well formed to that effect that a double-take is needed to determine whether this is a new or classic model.
But this car is much more than just classic design cues on a modern performance car. This particular Z06 is fitted with Lingenfelter’s 427ci LS7 package [5]– a combination that boasts an impressive 660 horsepower and will give you all the performance goodies you’d expect from Lingenfelter. With this engine package, you’ll find upgrades like a Lingenfelter Z06 GT21 camshaft ground by Competition Cams, a port matched LS7 intake manifold, CNC ported and polished cylinder heads, a multi-angle valve job, and a ported and polished LS7 throttle body.
Now if there’s one thing that matters just as much as style and performance on a Corvette, it’s the purr of the engine and the rumble of the exhaust. That’s where this Corvette particularly shines, equipped with a Corsa exhaust system that’ll perk up your ear buds no matter how much office mumbo jumbo you’ve heard this week. So turn up your speakers and enjoy a bit of Corvette bliss! After all, isn’t the ultimate Corvette worth a little break from your everyday duties?
[6]