2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Review

What a way to celebrate 60 years of Corvette! YallaMotor.com got a massive scoop, an invite to drive the all-new seventh generation 2014 Corvette Stingray around the twisty switchback roads of Virginia countryside. How could we say no? The drive started in Washington DC city all the way to Virginia countryside and back to the hotel, a drive time of over 5 hours with a 25 Corvette strong convoy. Here is what we found:

Style

The new 2014 Corvette Stingray is a full revamp after the 2007 version, which means a lot has changed since then. For one, it's now called Stingray, a throwback to the 60s when the C3 and C2 Corvettes rolled with the Stingray moniker. The new Vette is an inch longer and wider, making for a more stable outlook, not to mention more interior space.

How does it compare with the previous Corvette shown above? The most obvious changes are:

• New functional air scoops to create downforce and cool the transmission and brakes.
• Optional Brembo brakes that can be color-coded depending on the car color.
• Removable roof that is easily stowable with latches in the trunk, making the Stingray a Targa design, a nod to designers at Porsche.
• Edgier and more aggressive character lines.
• Debatable new lights; while many prefer the new headlights, some find the old ones better.

Interior

Finally, Corvette designers have upgraded their standards to a more premium modern level of sports car interiors. The new interior is a significant improvement over the previous generation, featuring:

• Removal of hard plastics replaced by soft-touch materials and stitching.
• Soft-touch materials retained on door sills.
• A smaller diameter steering wheel (about 14 inches) for improved aesthetics and drive feel.
• An instrument panel focused on the driver, minimizing distractions for passengers.
• Brand new seats with a magnesium frame and ample side bolstering.
• Standard GT seating and optional competition-focused seats available.

The Corvette uses the MyLink infotainment system, which worked perfectly during our drive. We easily synced our Bluetooth to our iPhone, and the navigation system guided us back to our hotel when we got lost in the labyrinth of downtown Washington DC. One cool feature is that the heads-up display actually included navigation directions, eliminating the need to look down at the screen.

No issues were found with headroom or legroom; I'm 5'11", so that says something. A 6 ft individual can easily fit in with headroom to spare. The boot is long enough for a set of golf clubs, although once the roof is stowed, there is no room at all.

Drive Performance

We got to drive three models: the track-capable Z51 7-speed Tremec model (similar to Viper SRT), the Z51 6-speed paddle shift automatic, and the standard 7-speed manual configuration.

All models come with five drive modes, which configure everything from exhaust note to layout of vital information. Essentially, it thinks for you so you can focus entirely on the drive. The RevMatch is an amazing feature introduced here; it predicts your gear changes for the smoothest shifts, virtually eliminating the need for novice track racers to learn heel-toe shifting.

The exhaust note is VERY addictive, especially under Track Mode. We found the Z51 7-speed transmission more appealing, although for everyday driving in traffic, people might prefer the 6-speed automatic for a more relaxed option.

At high speeds in Sport Mode, the steering and suspension are firm enough but not to the extent of discomfort. Track Mode is best reserved for smooth concrete or the racetrack. In Eco or Weather modes for everyday driving, the suspension softens just enough for a comfortable cruise. The traction control can be switched off, allowing you to push hard on cornering. The steering is electronically assisted, adjusting between light and heavy based on the selected mode. The brakes are excellent, and the upgraded package is definitely worth the investment. Great pedal feel, requiring minimal force for responsive braking. The handling is absolutely thrilling; it’s literally point and shoot, doing exactly what you want without hints of over or understeer.

Verdict

At $70,000 USD for a fully loaded car, this is a great price and the best standard Corvette by far in terms of design and performance. Splurge some extra dough and go for the Track version, which is even better.