Rubber Ducky

Traded in 2011 C6 Grand Sport vert MT 3LT for C7 vert MT 2LT; non-Z51, non-NPP. Loved the C6 ... but this Stingray is light-years even better. NRB, blue top, Kalahari, suede seat inserts.

First gear clutch take-up in C6 was always tricky; very abrupt, threads on it in C6 Forum. C7 is like butter, easy and gradual, reminds me of MT BMWs I've had.

C7 shifter is great: short and easy first four gears. 5th is a bit iffy at first (end up in 7th), but becomes natural after a bit.

Unbelievable torque from 1500 RPM any gear. Just wow. Much more punch than my GS at low RPM; light it up, about the same..

Rev match feature is seamless and becomes second nature to rely on it. Have never had trouble rev-matching but this is even easier. Those of you with testosterone issues, we'll never tell...

Visibility about the same top up. Not a problem.

The top mechanism is a big step forward from the C6. Press the button, listen for the bell. Key-fob top-down works fine (but press unlock first and then keep pressing the top-down button.

Getting all the settings right will take some time. Just so many of them. I like Touring not linked (default on starting), Touring display, Sport steering and throttle. Gages are no big deal IMHO.

HUD is super. C6 was best I've seen; this even better. Bright, placed in a valley of the hood and out of line of sight to the road.

Bluetooth iPhone loads contacts from the phone. None of this preloading names and numbers as C6.

iPod hookup in center display cubbie is seamless, songs, playlists, artists etc. show up instantly in Media.

Ride is much smoother than the Z51 in the GS.

Handling seems fine. Shorter turning radius is a nice plus.

On the vert I like the non-Z51 spoiler better than the wide one.

NRB look black in all but sunlight. Sparkles then. The blue top is made for this color and I really like the Kalahari with it also.

Exhaust sounds fine w/o NPP. You can tell there's something there...

I know the dimensions of the car, but it looks smaller than the C6 GS on the outside, feels more compact inside. At 6' 2" no trouble finding good seat position.

Smaller steering wheel is great.

Cruise control switchgear much better implemented.

Nav display finally in the 21st century. C6's was shameful.

Much less trunk space in the C7! A bit less in the holes behind the seats too.

I'm at peace with the electric parking brake. Its functioning makes it pretty seamless (read the manual).

Put on 3 coats Raggtopp, one of Klasse AIO; Wolfgang sealant tomorrow.

In all, a great car. I have zero regrets leaving the Grand Sport; loved it, but this is enough better to justify the switch and then some.

Ordered the C7 through Rosner Chevy in Melbourne FL. Great working with them, MSRP deal, no issues whatsoever.

YMMV, but I love this car!

OnPoint

Nice summary. Sounds like a worthwhile upgrade.

I agree - the blue top, NRB body and tan interior are top shelf.

Congrats.

speedlink

Great color combo! Nice write up.

Would like to see someone compare C6 Z51 to C7 Z51 with magnetic ride differences.

Virtual Geezer

Excellent review. Balanced and mature. Thanks!

Turbooo2u

Sitting on the fence for awhile now. There seems to be a glut of unsold C7s. 18 alone at my local Chevy dealership including a Z51 7-sp that's been there for over a month. Seems like only a select few dealers are discounting though.

gthal

Being in RI, I expect some of the excess is because no one wants to buy one with winter now in full force. Not sure if I would call it a "glut of unsold cars" though. Many dealers and many areas have way more demand than supply... unfortunately. My dealer tells me they have a list of 10+ buyers waiting but can't get enough allocations. I was one of the lucky few.

OP... nice review!

Rubber Ducky

Hope you don't mind but I'm going to pass your comment on to my wife, who thinks I'm neither...

gthal

AORoads

I was wondering a bit about that trunk space thing. But, I don't know if this is accurate: does the C6 GS have the same trunk size as the regular-body C6 convertible? (I would think the wide body GS has more space) If not, I wonder how the regular-body compares to the C7 convertible trunk space?

Rubber Ducky

Same.

Rubber Ducky

Quick measurement C7 vert: 49" across, 11" deep, 16" front to back, with top-down partition up/in place. A bit of room under the partition but not much.

AORoads

Thanks for the info!

RapidC84B

Can you get two sets of clubs in the trunk with the top up?

Rubber Ducky

Much doubt it, but might ask Chevrolet Customer Service. It's a marketing question.

Cruiter

Great write up, car looks fantastic topless and with, and love the floor. I've done mine now, except deciding on which tile company. Will decide after the 1st.

Joe B.

The tonneau cover can hit the window if not adjusted just so on the C6.
Mine is OK but very close. How is the new one in this regard?
Does the '14 have the same fussy string cord thingys?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-bulletin.html

Virtual Geezer

Please do. You might get her nod to buy a set of Lux Lloyds mats!

Rubber Ducky

No issue with C7.

ontcanuck

On my GS convertible I can get 2 sets of clubs in decent size bags in the trunk with top down. The partition is always down so I can get a pair of Pico chairs under the top. My C5 had even more room

cam30era

For comparison, my '12 GS vert trunk measures:

Across at widest area: 60 1/2" (this is the area just in front of tail lights)

Across between wheel wells: 44"

Depth: 11" (same as C7)

Front to back with top down: 16 1/2" (no partition)

If someone could post the measurement between wheel wells for the C7, I would appreciate it. Thanks, in advance.

Found an older post where someone estimated 42 1/2" between wheel wells for C7. If someone could confirm, I'd appreciate it.