PuristSPro First Look: 2014 Corvette C7 Coupe and Covertible
ED209
The new 2014
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7 is now in production and have started to
make it's way to dealerships for delivery to Corvette enthusiasts across
the country. During the Quail Motorsports Event Gathering
recently we were able to get up close to see one of the first production
Corvettes during it's debut in Monterey, CA. The Corvette
Stingray Coupe is in production and the convertible will follow shortly,
but it was exciting to see both models at the
Quail.
The Coupe was presented in 'Blade Silver Metallic' color with a 'Adrenaline Red' napa leather interior.
The Corvette Stingray Convertible in 'Cyber Grey Metallic' with 'Jet Black' napa leather interior.
For most cars that have coupe and convertible versions, the covertible is usually beefed up with extra reinforcement braces to maintain rigidity of the chassis for the droptop. However, on the Corvette it was designed together and utilizes the same overall chassis and frame with no compromise in performance. Very impressive, and I also learned from speaking with one of the Corvette Engineers that the new C7 Corvette aluminum frame is used in both Coupe and Convertible, and is 57% stiffer and 99 pounds lighter than the previous generation C6 steel frame.
The Coupe and Convertible is nearly identical, the few differences include the repositioning of the seat belt mounts to factor in the convertible top.
The optional Competition Sport bucket seats has napa leather seating surfaces with suede microfiber inserts. The seat frames are made of strong and lightweight magnesium frames with carbon fiber insert panels with the C7 Corvette logo.
The Convertible also has a color matched tonneau cover and 'waterfall' panel between the seats. Most of the guests at the Quail mobbed the convertible when the driver stepped out of the Corvette. Who is this gray haired celebrity?
None other than Automotive Enthusiast Jay Leno! I followed him for a few minutes listening in as he described the new features and all the enhancements made on the new Corvette. You can hear his enthusiasm and excitement in driving the Vette around the Monterey Peninsula.
There's all kinds of nice touches, I found this little Corvette C7 cross flags logo etched into the new front lighting system.
I also got some seat time in the Corvette, thanks to a new 'friend' I made from Chevrolet. He mentioned about the new design and materials of the interior using full napa leather surfaces, real carbon fiber and brushed aluminum panels.
The steering wheel is also new and exclusive to Corvette (instead of GM parts bin). It has a fatter feeling along the rim compared to my C6 Corvette and is slightly smaller in diameter at 14.1 inches.
I've had extensive experience driving Corvettes for the past 15 years starting with the C5 5th Generation Corvette, and currently driving the C6 Corvette Coupe. I noticed right away how great the interior was done. Materials now have a high grade quality feel that matches the performance of the C7. No more plastic panels or partial leather surfaces, IMO the Corvette did a phenomenal job with upgrading the interior.
Sitting in the driver seat I still have that familiar jet pilot cockpit feel, which is great. Analog gauges are set on the two sides of the instrument cluster, with a configurable center flat panel screen. Real carbon fiber trim is standard on even the base Coupe models. Very nice!
Again, very familiar feel for Corvette drivers, the navigation/entertainment system is easy to use and buttons are mounted in the right locations. If I had any complaints about the interior, the only thing I can think of is the curved dash area towards the passenger side where it becomes a grab/handle bar (aka the 'oh-sh!t' bar LOL). It visually makes the spacious interior cabin feel a little bit cramped. I didn't sit in the passenger seat but I think the grab bar will be fine and have minimal intrusion for comfortable seating.
Besides the carbon fiber trim, there's plenty of brushed aluminum panels to accent the interior. Surfaces feel nicer and the buttons have a nice solid and tactile feel.
Overall I'm impressed with what I've seen at the Quail of the new generation Corvette Stingray. There's been tremendous improvements to the interior with quality materials that now match the high performance of the new 6.2L V8 small block engine. With 455 hp, 460 ft/lbs of torque, and 0-60 times under 4 seconds, the new Corvette is definitely a world class sports car. I'm looking forward to my next C7 Corvette Convertible! Hope you enjoyed the pics.
Regards,
ED-209
The Coupe was presented in 'Blade Silver Metallic' color with a 'Adrenaline Red' napa leather interior.
The Corvette Stingray Convertible in 'Cyber Grey Metallic' with 'Jet Black' napa leather interior.
For most cars that have coupe and convertible versions, the covertible is usually beefed up with extra reinforcement braces to maintain rigidity of the chassis for the droptop. However, on the Corvette it was designed together and utilizes the same overall chassis and frame with no compromise in performance. Very impressive, and I also learned from speaking with one of the Corvette Engineers that the new C7 Corvette aluminum frame is used in both Coupe and Convertible, and is 57% stiffer and 99 pounds lighter than the previous generation C6 steel frame.
The Coupe and Convertible is nearly identical, the few differences include the repositioning of the seat belt mounts to factor in the convertible top.
The optional Competition Sport bucket seats has napa leather seating surfaces with suede microfiber inserts. The seat frames are made of strong and lightweight magnesium frames with carbon fiber insert panels with the C7 Corvette logo.
The Convertible also has a color matched tonneau cover and 'waterfall' panel between the seats. Most of the guests at the Quail mobbed the convertible when the driver stepped out of the Corvette. Who is this gray haired celebrity?
None other than Automotive Enthusiast Jay Leno! I followed him for a few minutes listening in as he described the new features and all the enhancements made on the new Corvette. You can hear his enthusiasm and excitement in driving the Vette around the Monterey Peninsula.
There's all kinds of nice touches, I found this little Corvette C7 cross flags logo etched into the new front lighting system.
I also got some seat time in the Corvette, thanks to a new 'friend' I made from Chevrolet. He mentioned about the new design and materials of the interior using full napa leather surfaces, real carbon fiber and brushed aluminum panels.
The steering wheel is also new and exclusive to Corvette (instead of GM parts bin). It has a fatter feeling along the rim compared to my C6 Corvette and is slightly smaller in diameter at 14.1 inches.
I spent more time inside the Corvette
Coupe. I love the exterior rear quarter panels behind the
drive and passenger. There's a functional air intake (part of
an extensive aerodynamics design everywhere on the C7) but is not on the
convertible because of the drop top.
Interior is a
bright 'Adrenaline Red' napa leather seating and trim. It
provide a striking visual contrast compared to the jet black interior of
the convertible.
I've had extensive experience driving Corvettes for the past 15 years starting with the C5 5th Generation Corvette, and currently driving the C6 Corvette Coupe. I noticed right away how great the interior was done. Materials now have a high grade quality feel that matches the performance of the C7. No more plastic panels or partial leather surfaces, IMO the Corvette did a phenomenal job with upgrading the interior.
Sitting in the driver seat I still have that familiar jet pilot cockpit feel, which is great. Analog gauges are set on the two sides of the instrument cluster, with a configurable center flat panel screen. Real carbon fiber trim is standard on even the base Coupe models. Very nice!
Again, very familiar feel for Corvette drivers, the navigation/entertainment system is easy to use and buttons are mounted in the right locations. If I had any complaints about the interior, the only thing I can think of is the curved dash area towards the passenger side where it becomes a grab/handle bar (aka the 'oh-sh!t' bar LOL). It visually makes the spacious interior cabin feel a little bit cramped. I didn't sit in the passenger seat but I think the grab bar will be fine and have minimal intrusion for comfortable seating.
Besides the carbon fiber trim, there's plenty of brushed aluminum panels to accent the interior. Surfaces feel nicer and the buttons have a nice solid and tactile feel.
Overall I'm impressed with what I've seen at the Quail of the new generation Corvette Stingray. There's been tremendous improvements to the interior with quality materials that now match the high performance of the new 6.2L V8 small block engine. With 455 hp, 460 ft/lbs of torque, and 0-60 times under 4 seconds, the new Corvette is definitely a world class sports car. I'm looking forward to my next C7 Corvette Convertible! Hope you enjoyed the pics.
Regards,
ED-209
Comments:
JerryW November 1st, 2013-19:55
Looks like a world class winner. I ordered a coupe for a first quarter 2014 delivery, did not want a early production car (been there, done that). I have not owned a new corvette since 1985, should be a real adventure. JerryW
ED209 November 2nd, 2013-13:00
Stingray order Awesome, glad to hear you have one on order. Are you planning on doing the museum delivery? I'd like to do that on my next Corvette convertible. Regards, ED-209
JerryW November 2nd, 2013-21:18
Museum delivery would be fun. If my schedule works out I will pick it up in Bolling Green, have not toured the factory since the year it opened in 1983. Hope to spec it out next month. Leaning towards a white / red LT3. JerryW
DRMW November 1st, 2013-23:12
The C7 looks amazing! Haven't seen one in person yet but your pics makes the C7 much better than the press pics. -MW
SALMANPK November 1st, 2013-23:58
The New Corvette is Fantastic We're living through a great age of incredibly well made cars, they took the Corvette to the next level with the C7, thanks for the great pics and report Ed, I can't wait to see it in real life. I love the white color in your last pic, looks amazing :-) S...
ED209 November 2nd, 2013-13:03
Next level with the Vette Hi Salman, Absolutely agree with you that we're living through a great age of incredibly well made cars, it's impressive to see the improvements in build quality. Hope you get to see one soon. Regards, ED-209
patrick_y November 2nd, 2013-09:56
Really love that last photo... That new C7 really blends in with the Lamborghinis in that last photo! I really like the look of the new C7, especially the front. I prefer the rear aesthetics of the C6 more than the rear of the C7 personally. Can't wait to sit in someone else's Corvette...
ED209 November 2nd, 2013-13:42
The C7 was seen all over Monterey Thanks Patrick, it was cool to see several of the C7's all over Monterey and a real treat to see one parked every night at our hotel garage with all those Lambo's and Ferrari's. Regards, ED-209
patrick_y November 3rd, 2013-07:47
Agreed. I really enjoy the front of the car, I think it looks fantastic. Just wished the back kept that four round tail lamp heritage. i really like the look of the back of the C6. Can't wait to get a ride in the C7 though. It's going to be a very special machine...
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