For years, the Corvette held a somewhat lukewarm spot in my automotive affections. As a dedicated car enthusiast, this might sound like sacrilege, but aside from the iconic C4 ZR-1, none of the previous generations truly ignited my passion. Each iteration had its merits and drawbacks, yet the Corvette marque only solidified its appeal for me with the unveiling of the C7 at the Detroit Auto Show. Finally, here was a Corvette that wasn’t just striking on the surface; it boasted an interior that could finally compete with its stunning exterior. Of course, the powertrain and chassis were never areas of concern – a robust 460 horsepower and matching torque in a car weighing under 3,500 pounds is a recipe for driving exhilaration. However, judging the true quality of pre-production show cars can be misleading, so I reserved my full judgment until experiencing the Corvette Stingray Z51 in a real-world setting.
My initial excitement? Completely justified.
In the past, Corvette enthusiasts often overlooked the somewhat lackluster interiors. The rationale was understandable: while the cabin might not rival a Porsche or BMW, the Corvette’s performance generally matched, if not surpassed, these luxury brands, all while maintaining a significantly more accessible price point. Who truly cared about a basic interior when you possessed performance figures that could embarrass a Carrera S? Well, I did, for one. In modern vehicles, occupants are required to inhabit the interior to operate them effectively. Considering the significant time spent within a car’s cabin, it should be a genuinely pleasant environment. Frankly, previous Corvette interiors fell short in this regard.
This C7 generation, however, emerges from the revitalized General Motors – a GM committed to producing genuinely competitive vehicles. It’s clear that the development team prioritized the interior as a critical area for substantial improvement over the C6. And the C7 delivers emphatically. The cockpit – and with its driver-focused heads-up display and sophisticated digital instrumentation, it truly feels like one – represents a monumental leap forward. It now confidently competes with BMW and Lotus, and even encroaches on Porsche’s territory. “Soon…” the interior seems to whisper. The seats now offer proper bolstering, the material quality justifies the car’s price, and the features are genuinely impressive. The overall design is contemporary and no longer feels like an afterthought. It’s a significant and welcome evolution.
But enough emphasis on the interior. Long-time Corvette buyers were already conditioned to accept the cabins of the C5 or C6 generations. The fact that the C7’s interior is now class-leading is a bonus, not the primary reason for its existence. So, how does the 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray Z51 actually drive? In a word: wonderfully. Power is readily available across the entire rev range. The direct-injected 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine performs brilliantly at low RPMs and continues to roar with intensity as it approaches the 7,000 RPM redline. My test vehicle was equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission, which deserves genuine praise even for those who prefer manual shifting. While it retains a torque converter and “only” six speeds, its operation is seamless and unobtrusive in everyday driving. In Sport or Track mode, it executes rapid upshifts and perfectly rev-matched downshifts with a speed that belies its conventional design.
The chassis is another area where the dedication of the engineering team is evident. The car’s reactions are those of a true sports car – immediate and precise, not the sluggishness often associated with muscle coupes. The optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension on my test car performed admirably, effectively absorbing road imperfections while maintaining excellent body control and minimizing brake dive. However, there’s never any doubt that you’re piloting a Corvette, not a Buick Regal. The motions are controlled and firm, never wallowy or vague. While a firm ride might be expected to compromise a convertible chassis, this is not the case with the Stingray Z51. The windshield frame remains remarkably stable, exhibiting no cowl shake, and no unwanted vibrations permeate through the steering column. The electric power steering, while not overflowing with tactile feedback, is nonetheless honest and pleasantly weighted, especially when it firms up further in the selectable Sport and Track driving modes.
As a convertible, the 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray Z51 is genuinely impressive. However, it’s not a car for those seeking anonymity. Thanks to its striking, show-car aesthetics and the relative rarity of C7 convertibles on the road, attracting attention is unavoidable. I found that driving with the top down amplifies this phenomenon. I only refer to it as a “problem” because I personally prefer a more understated presence, preferring to blend into the background. Achieving that in a C7, even in more subdued (though still stunning) colors like our test car’s Lime Rock Green Metallic, will take time. Regardless of individual opinions on specific design elements, the overall aesthetic is undeniably popular – with both the public and automotive press alike. While I find the design largely successful, I might personally opt to color-match those black teardrop taillight bezels. Are there other minor criticisms? If pressed, I might concede that the cabin experiences some draftiness with the top lowered – those with elaborate hairstyles should take extra precautions. With the top raised, rear visibility is somewhat limited. And, of course, be prepared for the aforementioned attention from admiring onlookers and potentially law enforcement.
If you can embrace the fleeting celebrity and the accompanying sense of entitlement, the new 2014 Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible effectively appeals to both loyal Corvette enthusiasts and those newly converted to the marque. Count me firmly among the believers.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible – Specs as Tested:
- Base price: $59,795
- Price as tested: $73,525
- Options on test car: 3LT Preferred Equipment Group ($8,005), Magnetic Ride Control w/ PTM ($1,795), 6-speed paddle shift automatic ($1,350), Multi-mode exhaust system ($1,195), Lime Rock Green Metallic paint ($495), Sueded microfiber-wrapped upper trim package ($495), Sueded microfiber seat inserts ($395)
- Powertrain: 6.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive – 460 horsepower, 460 lb-ft torque
- S:S:L-observed fuel economy: 19.7 mpg
Vehicle provided for testing and fuel by Chevrolet. Photos by the author.
