Nate GM

Would you consider a C7 with the Z51 as still a "base" Corvette? If you bought a C7 with the Z51 package and someone asks you what level or trim it is, would you say that it's a base model or a Z51? Just wondering...

SD1

There seems to be a bit of slight for the true "base" car, but if asked I would point out that it was a Z51. The Z51 has a pretty significant list of upgrades, most of us would agree are "must haves" and its a reasonable bang for buck from the factory.

ldepalma

There are two trains of thought. Technically, even though it has it's own model # for the first time (C6's and C5's was just an option), in my mind as in the past it is an option not really a model. There are really just two models coupe's and vert's until the HP model comes out.
The other train of thought is that it is a model because it has it's own separate model number but here is where this doesn't follow logic - there is no HP/TQ difference between the two. Some could argue about the gear ratio's that are different on the Z51, but that's it.

My mind is made up on how I will address it. For people who understand vette's I will tell them the Stingray with Z51 option, for the rest of the folks it's just a stingray...

DREAMERAK

The Z51 is an option package, not a model. tell them you have a Corvette Stingray.

JustinStrife

JudgeNjury

Standard model...not base...lol

Corvette stingray z51 m7 MRC with NPP.

Say that with authority and they will be impressed ...(I'm kidding)

Just say its the new corvette and they will be wowed...

Mariano

In this video GM's Ed Welburn, VP Design, said, "You just can't call the 2014 Stingray a base model". If you watch the video and note all the features, you will agree.
Mariano (Alfie)

Achmed

If the Z51 were a separate model, then both the Z51 and non-Z51 would not share the Stingray name.

For example, with then hi-po version comes out it won't be Corvette Stingray Z07, at least I don't think it will.

Even still, a $2,800 add on, without any difference in body width, does not equate to a separate model, even if it has a separate model code.

talon90

For the first time, no, it isn't a base car in my opinion.

Once it gets it's own Merchandising Model designation, it is a model unto itself and since it has additional performance content when compared to the non-Z51 Stingray I would say that a "base" coupe is the non-Z51 Stingray Coupe and a "base" convertible is a non-Z51 Stingray Convertible.

The merchandising model codes are distinct and as such the Z51 is it's own model as much as a coupe and convertible are.

1YY07 is a Corvette Stingray Coupe.
1YX07 is a Corvette Stingray Z51 Coupe.

Previously the only distinction that a Z51 car had was an RPO code on the glove box as far as product model identification was concerned.

I think you would be warranted in calling it either a Stingray or a Stingray Z51. Frankly, the only people who will care or know the difference are other Corvette owners and fans. If you said Stingray, anyone who knew or cared would likely ask you if it was a Z51.

Trackaholic

If someone was asking what car I drive, my answers would be:

"Corvette" = Stingray
"Corvette" or "Corvette Z51" = Stingray with Z51 (answer would depend on who I was talking to)
"Corvette Z06" = Z06 version (or whatever it'll end up being called)
"Corvette ZR1" = ZR1 version (or whatever it'll end up being called)

I consider the Z51 to be an option package on top of the standard car, so I probably wouldn't mention it unless I was talking to another car guy. I also don't feel the need to call the standard car anything other than just a "Corvette". If I wanted to emphasize having the Z06 or ZR1 I'd mention those, but wouldn't ever say, "Oh, I drive a base Corvette". It's not like people are running around going, "Oh, I drive a base 3-series", they just say "3-series".

-T

Trackaholic

Double post
-T

rcallen484

"Base" as in first, second and third?

joenationwide

True. But when the time comes for the C7 Stingrays to start selling in the used market, the Z51 will be desirable for [performance] enthusiasts where the non-Z51 (will probably be called "base C7") will not be so desirable. So there will definitely be an informal distinction made for this single option.

Dave@Ciocca

This is very simple. There is a coupe and a Z51 coupe; a convertible and a Z51 Convertible. Base would be more in line with the 1LT Trim Level.

Dave

Hirohawa

Yup. Base model with an optional upgrade.

It's analogous to the 911 S - which is still a base model to me.

I think teh changes need to be more significant - i.e. Engine and/or body panels - to be a "new" model.

CJJ

My opinion is who care!! I'll call my vette multiple things including z51 with MSRC and carbon fiber dash baddass. I see what your doing here OP. my question to you is" what would you like us to call it?"

Signed,
Vin #52

Achmed

When advertising in the used market, I'm pretty sure Z51 woners will say Corvette Z51 or Corvette Stingray Z51, but I doubt the non-Z51 owners will say "Covette base". Even with C6's I see used sellers calling their C6 a "Corvette Z51," so what people call their car when putting up an advertisement shouldn't equate to whether or not it's practically a separate model.

When GM made the announcement of the 3.8 and 12.0 second times, I believe they included a comment that this was the fastest for a base corvette ever.....yet it was a Z51, so GM itself has shown it considers it to be a same model.

themonk

if you mean a 1LT with no options then yes that's a base, if you add just the Z51 then it's still a base but with Z51, not until you get into the 2LT will you move out of the "base" model.

jschindler

My opinion is that you call it whatever the manufacturer thought was important enough to put on the outside of the car. BTW, for reasons totally goofy to me, they call it "Stingray" but decided to keep that a secret by not putting that name anywhere on the car, leaving people to guess what the goofy looking emblem on the front fender is.

rcallen484

It also has the Corvette crossed flags and the word C O R V E T T E as well as the word Stingray on a plaque on dash. Where does this car say anything but Ferrari?