Automotive

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 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

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.

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

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. This message has been edited by JerryW on 2013-11-02 21:19:57

Haven't seen one in person yet but your pics makes the C7 much better than the press pics.

Regards,
ED-209

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

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

That new C7 really blends in with the Lamborghinis in that last photo!  

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

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.  

On the way back from Pebble, a fellow Purist and I saw what we thought was a Vette off in the distance. As we slowly reeled him in, it turned out to be a 599...

mwahahahahahaha!!!!

I do not like that the removed the round lights.  The square lights makes the rear end look a little like a camaro.  They should have been round with one amber and one red on each side.  Funny thing is when I see a 599 I think of it as a very expensive corvette, especially when it needs brakes.

Hi, Ed209,

When we saw the C7 at the Petersen, I was...ambivalent - I liked some aspects of it, disliked some perspectives, and mostly "hmmmm"

At the Quail, it sounded great and definitely looked much better "in situ."

And then, to see it parked among the exotics and "holding its own..."

Very nice!

BTW - those are some funky rims on that Diablo in the back of that last picture...hmmm...

;-)

Thanks for the great post!

TM

Thanks TM, I agree when we saw it at Petersen some of the proportions and styling details (mostly the rear) were questionable.  But I'm getting use to it and it looks so much better in person now that we can see the final production Vettes.

Regards,
ED-209

saw no less than THREE today. Very nice presence, eye catching...

Can't wait to see yours!

TM

I could see DRMW driving that one.

Very cool TM and Jerry! 

Regards,
ED-209

the C7 is pretty nice upgrade..

and I agree on the interior (at least from reading) looks soo much better and better fit and finish?

That was always my complaint of the Corvettes...a lot of ROAR..but lacking in details inside...

Looking forward to your new ride vicariously!

Thanks ocwatching for viewing this post on the C7.  You're right the interior is definitely so much better in terms of fit and finish than prior generations of the Corvette.  It seems to me that Corvette engineers and designers have been listening to owners on complaints in prior models and have done a fantastic job improving the Corvette.

Regards,
ED-209

But I do believe this will be my first, one day.

Hi MichaelC,
Interesting about the engine, I didn't know that the GM pickups are running a version of the 6.2L V8 engine.  I wonder if it also has the cylinder deactivation as well?  Surprising it gets a claimed 29mpg in the Vette. I'm not sure if that's possible just because it's so much fun stomping on the gas pedal

Regards,
ED-209

And is said to tow about 12,000 pounds.  Mileage estimates are 14 city / 20 hgwy for the 4WD model.

I have mixed feelings on this one.

I don't like the rear lights, but I love the exhausts.

I find that the front of the car is pleasantly agressive, but i would have preferred a more conventional Dashboard.

It seems that the performances are not disappointing!

But like always, it has to be tested in the real life for a definitive judgement.

Thanks, my friend, it was a pleasant read.

Nicolas

Thanks Nicolas and hope you get to test drive a Corvette soon!
Regards,
ED-209

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