2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe C7 (7th Generation) Review

Like the generation before it, Chevrolet opted to not facelift the Corvette Stingray C7 throughout its six-year lifespan, but there were several visual packages added to later model years in a bid to make the sports car more visually appealing and distinctive.

The 7th-gen Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible were only available with the LT1 6.2-liter V8. The supercharged LT4 and LT5 were reserved for the Z06 and ZR1, respectively. This naturally aspirated unit could be had in two states of tune and paired with one of three transmissions. This engine debuted in the C7 Corvette and was only extended to the Camaro SS.

Despite the powertrain being fitted with direct injection, variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management - GM's version of cylinder deactivation - the LT1 is not that much more frugal compared to the LS3. The seven-speed manual brings in an EPA-estimated consumption figure of 16/25/19 mpg city/highway/combined while the six-speed and eight-speed automatic return an estimate of 16/27/20 mpg and 15/25/18 mpg respectively. While previous Corvettes usually had mpg estimates that were more preferable compared to their more luxurious but evenly paced European counterparts, this was the era of downsizing and turbocharging, which means the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT S and Porsche 911 GTS are able to convey better mpg estimates from the EPA.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

Like Corvette models of previous generations, the Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible were not crash-tested by the NHTSA but in the safety department, its structure is said to be a huge step forward compared to the C6. This model employs an aluminum space frame with carbon-nano-composite underbody panels. All trim groups also feature traction and stability control, tire pressure monitoring, auto-on xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, front and side airbags, cruise control, and a backup camera. 2LT trim groups feature electrochromatic mirrors and an advanced theft-deterrent security system.

The C7-generation Chevrolet Corvette only has one trim option with three equipment level groups consisting of 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. All trims are comprehensively equipped with dual-zone climate control, smart keyless entry, and electrically adjustable seats and mirrors. Beyond these groups, some optional packages affect the performance and visuals of the Corvette. The C7 Grand Sport coupe and convertible were introduced to the range in 2017 as a more driver-focused offering. Like the C6, the introduction of this trim was essentially a replacement for the Z51 performance package.

Both the Stingray and Grand Sport trims were not treated to many unique models as these were reserved for the Z06 and ZR1, but there were a couple of special creations:

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pacific and Atlantic Design package: These two visual packages provide the Corvette with a distinctive visual appearance. The Pacific coupe features a full-length dual racing stripe with some carbon elements and Z51-style wheels, while the Atlantic convertible adds some aerodynamic components with a hood stinger stripe. Both cars benefit from premium interior trimmings.

2017 Chevrolet Corvette Sport Collector Edition: To celebrate the arrival of the Grand Sport trim, Chevrolet produced 1,000 of these limited units featuring the iconic Tension Blue fender hash-marks, two-tone Tension Blue leather upholstery with a Grand Sport logo embossed on the headrest, blue contrast stitching, and a numbered dash plaque.

2018 Chevrolet Corvette Carbon 65 Edition: 65 years of the Corvette was celebrated by a small number of these special Grand Sport coupes and convertibles. This featured unique fender stripes, decals on the doors, black wheels with blue brake calipers, Jet Black suede interior upholstery with blue contrast stitching, and a plethora of unique badges. Carbon fiber parts consisted of a refinished hood and roof, spoiler, and steering wheel rim.

Compared to the C6-generation Corvette, the C7 offers its driver and passenger more space. With a headroom figure of 37.9 inches and legroom of 43 inches, this creates enough room for even those over six foot to feel comfortable. Despite maintaining a fastback coupe body style, this generation offers less trunk space at 15 cubic feet, which is enough to fit in two medium-sized suitcases. The convertible doesn't fare much better with its 10 cubic feet of space.

While plastic trimmings are still prevalent, Chevrolet certainly stepped up the cabin quality thanks to the use of more leather upholstery along the dash and doors. Cars fitted with the optional carbon fiber trimmings are also likely to feel a bit more upmarket. There are five leather upholstery options for the C7-generation Chevrolet Corvette. These consist of Black, Adrenaline Red, Gray, and Black with Suede inserts. Kalahari leather is only available on 2LT cars and higher. The Kalahari and Grep trims gain suede inserts on the 3LT.

Maintenance for the C7-generation Chevrolet Corvette is a fairly straightforward process. An oil and filter change needs to be conducted every 7,500 miles, but we would reduce that to 5,000 miles in a sports car like the Corvette, especially if it's going to be used in sub-zero temperatures or in dusty conditions. The passenger compartment air filter requires a change at 22,500-mile intervals while the air cleaner filter will need to be replaced every 37,500 miles. The rear axle fluid change should take place every 45,000 miles. New spark plugs are needed every 97,500 miles and a cooling system flush and refill should occur every 150,000 miles. As for the automatic transmissions, Chevrolet says that an oil change should take place every 100,000 miles, but we recommend a 60,000-mile interval instead. General annual service costs for the seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette should cost in the region of $740.

The LT1 may be based on the LS3, but it uses a different oil type. Both have a similar oil capacity, though. An oil and filter change should not cost more than $185. A new air filter costs $113 while a set of spark plugs should cost $120.

A handful of 2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible recalls were issued throughout the model's lifespan. The 2014 model year was subjected to five recalls. It was grouped in with a long list of other GM products for two airbag recalls that also affected the 2015 to 2017 models. 1,939 models were recalled for a rear shock absorber that could separate from the suspension due to an improper weld. 712 Corvettes had to be recalled for a faulty side-impact airbag that may cause injury to the passenger. Only 33 units had to be recalled for an electrical short circuit that could completely disable the airbags. 43 units - assembled in 2015 - were recalled for an improperly fastened toe link outer ball joint which can cause the part to separate from the chassis. A selection of 2017 units was recalled for a spontaneous loss of power steering assist due to a poor gear assembly.

Some of the problem codes that you might encounter in the C7-generation Chevrolet include:

• Code P0011 means that the camshaft timing on bank one is over advanced. This is likely due to a poor camshaft actuator, VVT solenoid, timing chain, or circuit.
• P0068 will show if there is an issue with the throttle body air flow's performance and could likely be due to an air leak in the mass airflow and throttle body or an air flow restriction in the system.
• If your ambient air temperature sensor circuit has failed, you will see the P0700 fault code. If this is the case, you may have a defective sensor or electrical connection.

Less noteworthy issues that you may encounter with the C7-generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Grand Sport coupe and cabriolet include rattling from the front of the suspension when taking sharp turns, and bubbles that form along the surface of the car's body paint. Problems with the air conditioning in the Corvette Stingray Seventh-Generation are highly unlikely.

2014 to 2017 model years of the C7 Corvette should be overlooked because these were subject to the most recalls. The Grand Sport trim in particular may be a more appealing car, but given that the alloy wheels are prone to cracking fairly easily, it may be best to give it a pass unless you are okay with fitting a set of stronger aftermarket wheels. As is the case with every sports car, it is advisable that you avoid examples that have been fitted with mods.

Apart from the issue with the alloy wheels, the 2018 or the 2019 Grand Sport is still a more appealing choice than the Stingray because of the amount of additional kit you get and the fact that it was not subject to any recalls. It's a more viable option than the early Stingrays with the Z51 package because they are also considered to be more iconic. Either the 2LT or 3LT should suit your needs, depending on what you are looking for. Models that were specified with the 1LT may feel a bit too basic for your liking. Deciding between the coupe and convertible is also dependent on your preference. As for transmissions, the eight-speed automatic may be appealing for those who are looking to daily drive their Corvette, but it is not as refined as the seven-speed manual.

The C7 Chevrolet Corvette is the most advanced iteration of the car's front-engined heritage. Despite not being a fully-fledged flagship performance model, there is still loads of fun to be had from behind the wheel. It still struggles to leave behind its reputation for poor interior quality, but compared to previous-generation models it is still an improvement. In terms of design, it takes on a more aggressive approach which some enthusiasts may appreciate. The LT1 is not quite as dependable as previous iterations of the small-block V8s, but if you can deal with the carbon build-up from the direct injection system by installing a catch can and find a way to bypass the cylinder deactivation, there is no reason why it should be too problematic in the long run.