I’ll admit, Corvettes haven’t always been my automotive passion. As someone deeply involved in car repair and performance, I appreciate engineering and driving dynamics. However, with the exception of the C4 ZR-1, previous generations just didn’t ignite that spark. That all changed when the C7 Corvette Stingray debuted. Seeing it unveiled in Detroit was a revelation. Here was a car that finally matched its stunning exterior with an interior that could compete, and the performance figures – 460 horsepower in a sub-3500 pound package – were undeniably compelling. Still, show cars can be deceiving. I needed to experience a production model to confirm if the hype was real.
And real it is.
For years, Corvette enthusiasts accepted the interior shortcomings. The argument was always about value and performance: why worry about a basic cabin when you’re outpacing Porsche Carreras at a fraction of the price? But for me, the interior environment is crucial. You live inside a car when you drive. It should be a place you enjoy. Frankly, previous Corvette interiors missed the mark.
The C7, born under a revitalized GM, addresses this head-on. This is a GM committed to producing truly competitive vehicles, and the interior was clearly a priority for the Corvette’s evolution. The transformation is remarkable. The cockpit – and with its driver-focused layout, heads-up display, and digital instrumentation, it truly feels like one – now competes with BMW and Lotus, and is closing in on Porsche’s benchmark. The seats are supportive, material quality justifies the price, and the technology is impressive. The design is modern and feels integrated, no longer an afterthought. It’s a massive leap forward for the 2014 Corvette Z51.
But let’s move beyond the interior, as impressive as it is. Corvette buyers were already willing to overlook previous interiors for the performance. The real question is: how does the 2014 Corvette Z51 drive? The answer is: wonderfully. The 6.2-liter direct-injected LT1 engine delivers power across the entire rev range, performing just as strongly at low RPMs as it does approaching its 7,000 RPM redline. My test car had the six-speed automatic transmission. Typically, I’d prefer a manual, but this automatic deserves praise. In normal driving, it’s smooth and unobtrusive. Switch to Sport or Track mode, and it delivers rapid upshifts and rev-matched downshifts that defy its conventional roots. For those who prefer automatic transmissions, it’s a surprisingly capable choice in the 2014 Corvette Z51.
The chassis is another area where the dedication to improvement is evident. The handling is sharp and responsive, far removed from the sometimes-ponderous feel of older muscle coupes. The optional magnetic ride control on my test car effectively smoothed out rough roads while maintaining excellent body control during cornering and braking. You always know you’re in a Corvette, but it’s a refined and precise Corvette, not a lumbering one. The ride is firm, as expected in a sports car, but never harsh. Even in the convertible, the chassis remains remarkably rigid. Windshield shake is nonexistent, and vibrations through the steering column are minimal. The electric power steering isn’t brimming with feedback, but it’s accurate and well-weighted, especially when it firms up in Sport and Track modes. This chassis transforms the 2014 Corvette Z51 driving experience.
As a convertible, the 2014 Corvette Z51 is also well-executed. However, be prepared for attention. Its striking design and relative rarity on the road guarantee that you’ll be noticed. Driving with the top down amplifies this. For those who prefer to blend in, the C7, even in subtle colors like the Lime Rock Green Metallic of my test car, will take some getting used to. Regardless of individual design preferences, the overall look is undeniably popular, both with the public and automotive press. Personally, I find it visually appealing, although I might consider color-matching the black taillight bezels. Any downsides? With the top down, the cabin can be a bit drafty. Also, rear visibility with the top up is somewhat limited. And, of course, the constant attention can be a double-edged sword.
If you can embrace the attention and the confidence that comes with driving such a car, the new 2014 Corvette Z51 is a triumph. It will undoubtedly satisfy long-time Corvette enthusiasts and, like me, convert those who were previously on the fence. I’ve become a believer.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible
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
Chevrolet provided the vehicle for testing purposes and one tank of gas. Photos by the author.
