2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible Video Review:

You know me.  I just love top-down motoring.  Maybe it’s because I live in a place where the weather is pretty nasty 9 months of the year, so for me it makes it even more special.  Throw in a 460-horse V-8 and color it Velocity Yellow and it just sweetens the deal.  This is the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible.

If given the choice between coupe and convertible, I’m going drop-top most every time.  Yes, there’s a premium – in this case letting in the sunshine adds $5,000, but both Stingrays – coupe and convertible – share nearly identical weights and the new aluminum frame is so strong no structural reinforcements were needed for the convertible.  57% stiffer than the previous model, there’s no tangible performance penalty for going topless.  The all-new, fully operated fabric top with a glass rear window performs its folding magic in 21 seconds and can be lowered from the key fob.

Carefully choosing this 7^th generation model to revive the Stingray name, this Corvette is undoubtedly deserving of such a hallowed badge.  It shares only 2 parts with the previous-gen model and elevates the Corvette as a whole to true supercar status without the 6-figure price.  Its quasi-Ferrari looks, the torquier, all-new LT1 small block engine, an amplified connectedness to the road and an interior with some of the slickest electronics you’ll find make this a transformative Corvette.

The optional Z51 package includes performance brakes, painted calipers and slotted rotors all tucked behind staggered width 19” and 20” wheels with performance tires, the chassis receives a performance suspension, in this case utilizing the remarkably compliant Magnetic Ride Control shocks with its own unique Traction Management system, performance ratios for gears 1 through 3 for the new 7-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match technology, to make it sound and look like you know what you’re doing, and a curve-exiting, electronic limited slip differential, beefed-up cooling power and an awesome looking and functional Aero Package.

This track-ready setup also provides g-force defeating dry-sump lubrication and an extra 10 horsepower.  For $4 grand it’s what the demanding driver will surely choose.  My tester also has 2 other very important options; Magnetic Ride Control and the Multi-Mode exhaust – the former transforming the car into a supple grand touring cruiser when desired and the latter providing wide open pipes for an ear-busting Chevy symphony.

The previous Corvette’s interior was unquestionably lackluster and this time engineers were determined to nullify that criticism.  Two different seat options allow for a tailored feel.  Mine has the standard GT helm with suede inserts and other than some personal lumbar issues, feels relaxed with appropriateness to its hold.  You’ll immediately get acquainted with the Driver Mode Selector – an all-encompassing brain controller that sets-up the Corvette for the style you’re after.  And within the most aggressive Track mode exists a number of Performance subsets designed to deliver the exacting traction designation you’re after.  Also residing here is launch control …a computer controlled take off that can score you a sub 4-second 0-to-60mph time.  Without it, I ran off a couple of 4.4s.  The graphics interface for all of these features is brilliant – both in its scope and execution.  Ditto for the heads-up display.  It’s fun, safe and informative.

To novice drivers, previous Corvettes instilled fear about losing the back end without much warning.  That’s all but gone here in the C7 Corvette making it much more agreeable to safe enthusiast driving.

Shifting the 7-speed is buttery smooth and as long as you trust it, even working those tall gears becomes instinctive.  Don’t mistake these for shifters though.  Chevy made the curious choice of using paddles to activate the rev shift feature.  And even with countless hours of less than efficient driving, I still reined in 17mpg – on regular mind you.  And with an EPA rating of 29mpg highway the Corvette leaves its competition in the dark ages.  Obsessive weight savings, scrutinized aerodynamics and a new 6.2-liter engine that can run on only 4-cylinders are to thank.

This was a great week with a stellar car…a Corvette that’s primed to be legendary.  This 3LT model with the Z51 Package starts at $71,000 while this example asks for $77,565; a performance to dollar ratio that can‘t be matched in the supercar realm.

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