The Sting Ray can be had for $5X,XXX.
What car for that price or cheaper is so much "better engineered"? And explain how it's "better engineered" while you're at it so we can understand where you're coming from.
And remember this is just the base model vette. Don't act like this is all the new vette will have to offer. The Z and R1 (if made) will offer better styling and insane performance increase.
And you think people buy Corvettes for no other reason than that it "says corvette on it"? I think that's just you're baseless opinion because a lot of people buy Vettes for the fact they're just awesome performing cars. They're relatively lightweight when you look at other current performance cars, can make great power, handle pretty decent, and any number of reasons that anyone buys any car.
Then you mentio. Aston Martins, Jaguars and Porches. Did it cross your mind you can buy 3 or 4 Vettes for the price of some of those vehicles?!
If he is anything like one of my buddies he bases his "better engineering" on the price you pay and the prestige that goes along with some of the manufacturers.
Doesnt say much for "better engineering" when a car that costs 2-3x less is doing the same or better track times.