C7 Corvette Styling Changes over the Years - 2014-2019

2014: Big Changes

Much in the way the C5 and C6 Corvettes represented a big move forward, the C7 has proven to be a quantum leap. When it debuted for the 2014 model year, the C7 offered a massive upgrade over the C6 in many ways. Which, of course, includes styling.

Sure, the C7 is instantly recognizable as a Corvette. It held onto many of the previous generation's familiar styling cues. But not those controversial new trapezoidal taillights. Mainly because virtually every single Corvette ever made, with the exception of some later C1 models, have had round taillights.

There's also a rear-quarter window on the C7, something we've never seen on the Corvette. Otherwise, the Corvette DNA is alive and well here. The overall look, however, was admittedly inspired by Italian sports cars like the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. Which, quite honestly, is never a bad thing. 

2015: Z06 Returns

As with any major redesign, Chevrolet didn't make any major changes to the C7 Corvette in its second year of production. The biggest news, of course, was the return of the Z06. Much like the C6 Z06, the C7 received a "widebody" look with front fenders that are 2.2 inches wider and rear fenders 3.15 inches wider than the base version. The Z06 also sports a host of refined bodywork to improve airflow, including a larger hood vent and brake vents.

2015 also saw the introduction of two special edition models - the Pacific Coupe and Atlantic Convertible. The Pacific Coupe features satin black full-length racing stripes and satin black Z51 wheels with a red stripe and Stingray center caps. A host of carbon fiber bits adorn the exterior, including the ground effects package, roof panel, rear spoiler, side mirrors, and badges. Color options for the Pacific Coupe included Torch Red, Black, Arctic White, Blade Silver, and Shark Gray.

The Atlantic Convertible came with a Z06-style front splitter, Shark Gray vents, stinger graphics on the hood, and chrome Torque wheels with Stingray center caps. 

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2016: Track to Street

The Corvette received no major changes for the 2016 model year, save for the introduction of a road-going Z06 C7.R special edition paying homage to Chevrolet's C7.R racers. Available on coupes and convertibles in either Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat or Black, the C7.R Edition featured a special graphics package, yellow brake calipers, and black wheels with yellow accent strips. They also received carbon fiber ground effects and hood section, as well as Spectra Gray Metallic grilles and vents.

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2017: Return of the Grand Sport

The big news for 2017 was the return of the legendary Grand Sport moniker. The tribute to Zora Arkus-Duntov's famous C2 racer prototypes, this C7 version was essentially a Z06 without the supercharger. Thus, it features the same widebody appearance, along with a host of other upgrades including a Z06-style grille and available Z07 aero kit. The wheel design is slightly different than the Z06, and the Grand Sport features a distinctive front fender hash mark.

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2018: Celebrating Carbon

For 2018, we had the introduction of the Carbon 65 Edition Corvette, a car that was exactly what you think it might be. The package, which celebrates 65 years of the Corvette, netted you Ceramic Matrix Gray paint, unique fender stripes and door graphics, special black wheels, and blue brake calipers. But it also wears loads of carbon fiber bits, including the ground effects, hood section, roof, spoiler, and intake ducts.

Other 2018 Corvette models received a few new options as well. Standard cars came with five new wheel choices, and Grand Sport buyers got a new satin black stripe with the Heritage package. The Z06 got two new wheel choices as well - black with a yellow stripe and a Pearl Nickel Blade design.

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2019: Return of the King

To celebrate what might very well be the final year of the C7, Chevrolet built what most consider the ultimate version of the car - the ZR1. The most distinctive visual cue that separates the ZR1 from your average Corvette is its "shaker" hood, something needed to help make clearance for the large supercharger lurking underneath.

Cooling is aided by massive front air intakes. The standard ZR1 comes with a large wing, but opt for the ZTK Performance Package, and you'll get a massive rear wing that generates lots of downforce. Other visual differences include a unique front clip design and 1/2-inch wider front wheels, which measure in at 19 x 10.5 inches.

>>Join the conversation about the evolution of the C7 Corvette right here in Corvette Forum.

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