C7 Corvette: Review
Here's a review containing general information for the new C7 Corvette. Read about exterior and interior upgrades, as well as what makes it a true standout sports car.
This article applies to the C7 Corvette (2014-current).
Being asked to give a general review of one of the most anticipated Corvettes to come along in decades can certainly be a challenge. How can someone be hum-drum about the new Stingray. We all certainly know of some people who are not fans of the new design. Perhaps it would be shocking if everyone liked something this revolutionary. General Motors did a really good job keeping the car and its details hush hush before the official introduction. For those of us that were excited about this redesign, it's safe to assume that Corvette enthusiasts have been pleasantly surprised.
Exterior Design
This car is stunning to look at. Figure 1. is from the official release of the seventh generation Corvette. The video feed was broadcast around the world. This would be the car that made everyone outside of the United States stand up and give Chevrolet the recognition it deserved. Chevrolet had finally come out with a Corvette that could challenge rival car makers around the world. It has beautiful lines to look at. It's elegant yet positioned to take your breath away; it's refined and relevant to car lovers around the world, not just those of us passionate about Corvette brand in general.
One of the more noticeable features was the new hood vents, called hood extractors. While the C6 ZR-1 had a view port on the hood, it was non-functional in any way beyond helping you to see the supercharger badging. This new vent system is 100% functional. It helps with cooling the motor while driving. Air is pulled in through the front grille, through the tilted radiator, and out of the car. There are also functional brake cooling ports and powertrain cooling ports. As Chevrolet says, not a gram of weight on the car is there without cause.
The back of the new Corvette has been the bane of most people's existence. For most, there has been a dislike in the design. Many have felt that the tail lights look borrowed from the Camaro. Before Chevrolet did a minor redesign on the Camaro, there was certainly a similarity. You either love or hate the back of the C7. The other big point of discontent came from the fact that Chevrolet went away from the familiar four lamp set up that had been a staple on the Corvette since 1961. To give GM credit, there are four separate lamps on the tail. That said, they are oddly-shaped and pushed so close together they basically come across as only two.
For the first time since 1976, the Stingray is back. The Stingray embodies everything that is great in Corvette as a sportscar. Originally introduced in 1963 and lasting until 1976, the Stingray brings up passion, refinement, power and enthusiasm. As Chevrolet will tell you, the Stingray is provocative, purposeful, and sculpted for optimum performance.
The Z06, introduced as a 2015 model, just may be the sexiest Corvette ever. Built off the base Stingray but given everything that can be added to make it a street-legal Le Man car, the Z06 takes Corvette performance and design to the next level.
Interior Design
Every part of the new interior is redesigned and has been a considered a home run by most people in the car community. There's more standard luxury and less inexpensive or raw-looking, designed parts. The interior truly feels like it was designed for the driver in mind. Everything is turned away from the passenger, really for the first time. Most cars are designed with both front seat occupants in mind; the new Corvette seems to turn away from that thought. There are many new color options for the seats and trim. The components are well-designed and trimmed. Hand-selected, grade-A leather and a couple of seat design options bring new luxury to the Corvette that previously European car makers had exclusive rights to.
Engine
The completely redesigned LT1 engine is stunning. It's a 6.2 liter V8, producing 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft torque, generating 3.8 seconds 0 to 60 mph. Another great feature? The Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. When driving at normal highway speeds, the car will shut down 4 of the 8 cylinders to help with fuel consumption. Doing so provides an estimated 29 MPG on the highway for fuel economy for the Stingray.
Figure 7. C7 engine. 
Figure 8. C7 Z06 engine.
Let's not forget to mention the engine placed inside the fastest production Corvette ever. The 2015 Corvette Z06 is hands down the best sports car in a cost-basis comparison. The same stock 6.2 liter V8 is supercharged to produce 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft torque, making it a world supercar beater like none other.
Conclusion
Starting price for the base Corvette is $55,000. Like it or not, the seventh generation Corvette has been raking up praise and awards world wide. Some of the awards include the 2014 North America Car of the Year, the 2014 Automobile of the Year, and 18 additional awards, making it the industry's most awarded car of the year. In addition, more than 20 magazines, websites, and auto organizations awarded the Stingray their highest honors.
Related Discussion
- C7 Review - CorvetteForum.com
