rosros

Started with C3 40+ years ago and still have it. C4 Collectors Edition convertible. C5 Z06 Commemorative Edition. C6 Grand Sport convertible. And this week the 2016 C7 . This time around concentrated the search for no guilt cruiser vs a low milage bruiser. All my other Vettes were very low milage so always felt guilty about putting miles on it. Test drove a Z (my wife knows my taste in cars and said get the Z) but for me the 650hp was impractical for our goals; besides I have other toys to satisfy my need for speed:} Did my homework and the hunt was on for a fully optoned Z51. I found it very difficult to find a fully optioned Z51 with Mag ride. Finally located one and by luck is was local, but an orange one. My wife was reluctant in going out to look at it, but I said trust me. We ventured out to the dealer, the car was dirty from sitting outside; yet my wife instantly liked the color. She commented, its not orange orange. The black striping really highlighted and complemented the color. This one checked off all of our wants: Z51 3LT, A8 ,Mag ride, NPP. It did not have the carbon dash, but thats ok--if need be can always be added on later. As a bonus, it came with Machined wheels, Carbon Flash Stripe, Remote start. The machined wheels look great with this color. Chevy certified so have plenty of warranty left. Have 3 free oil changes.

Took it home and spent 12hrs worth of detailing. The color is several shaded darker than before with 5 coats of wax on it. Car is basically dust free inside and out.

At first I was on the fence with the C7 when it first came out. The exterior grew on me but I thought the interior was just an evolutionary upgrade over the C5 and C6. The over all layout of the C5 and C6 felt the same and unlike others I had no complaints on the overall interior--well maybe the seats. However, once i spent some time driving the C7 i come to agreement what others have been praising all along. Once planted inside the car, the package in total elevates the experience with attention to detail, quality and updated technology. And yes, you do notice the leather with a black interior. The dash has a softer and organic look to it--like comparing polyester shirt to cotton shirt. The alcantera headliner and pillar trims also takes the edge off and softens the interior.

Driving impressions I am impressed. The steering is precise with quick turn in. With Mag ride, car rode firm but not punishing in any way. No squeaks or rattles. 460hp is way plenty fast for normal roads. The nimbleness of the C7 is a step up over the C6, but I still feel the C5 Z06 had a lighter, more immediate/urgency to it. The A8 shifts well in drive and holds its gearing more as you change modes; but I wish the sport was more agressive in holding gears over the touring. Paddle shifting is ok if you are on it, but normal driving there is a slight delay...not enough to be irritating but still there. The seats are great. They feel sturdy, the leather is thicker and more durable, they hug you. I am 5'5 137lbs and I fit perfect. If I were of a larger and more wide bodied stature i would be a bit concerned. Also worth mentioning, the width of the car. This car fits into my garage with room to spare. I can open both doors and no longer drive gingerly into the stall. Hard to believe 3.5 inches made that much of a difference.

The value of a slightly pampered stingray is startling. The old verbiage that Corvettes are value leaders for performance but sacrifice elsewhere is out the window with the C7. All is not perfect as GM is still one step behind the 8 ball on interior ergonomics but that is what the C8 is for. I have had the car for a few days and have been honked at, thumbs up, and people talking to me. DSOM is fairly rare color on a C7 and once shined up the pearl metallic glistens and no doubt has something to do with it. In other words, it is not a shy color choice.

I took the pics at the Prime outlet mall. The Z51 cost me a trip to Kate Spade and Coach.

Labor day weekend looks to be a wash out, allows me more time to familiarize myself with the settings. But one good thing, dinner would be great.

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beaversstonehaven

Beautiful car! Enjoyed your review.

Null Pointer

Great looking car, and love the machined wheels. Have fun with it.

Rebel Yell

A trip to Kate Spade, and Coach was a small price to pay for you to get that beauty. Your observations are spot on also. We owned the older C3's for years, and loved them all. The last was a '72 Roadster that was basically a weekend warrior, and short trip car. I'm sure you understand why. In '06 we decided to get a Corvette we could jump in, and drive anywhere we wanted. That took us to an '06 Roadster. After two C6's we bought a new '16 Roadster, and as you implied it's the best Corvette Chevrolet has ever made. Congratulations, enjoy your new baby.

Steve Garrett

Excellent choice!

dvilin

Excellent choice looks super enjoy it.

joemessman

Great looking car. Those wheels are fantastic! I'll be right over for dinner.

bigblock427

Congratulations on your Vette. Enjoy.

robertbruce

Nice car!

Zjoe6

Nice vette. You're going to love the mag ride. I switch to Tour all the time for short sections of country roads that are a little bumpy. Didn't have that option on my 2004 z06. It's one of my favorite options and would never get one without it.

Skid Row Joe

Congratulations on your new C7!

Much appreciated the detailed assessment/summary of the car!

Need your address for bbq? I'll bring the beer and dessert!

SPSandman

Gorgeous ride!

witch hunt

very nice job & looks great!! Corvette also looks fantastic,very envious...

spireland

Huh? I love the ergonomics in the C7. Its a driver focused cabin and does that very well. The level of adjustment on the seats is nuts. Memory seats and easy exit make a tight cabin a breeze to get in and out of?

What is the problem?