Vehicle Tested
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Coupe
Driven On
6/17/2013
Ratings Summary
The C7 Stingray is a game-changing Corvette. It's quicker, better handing and more efficient than the car it replaces. It runs a 12.0-second quarter mile yet still offers enough comfort and utility to be a daily driver.
A
Performance
With massive power pushing just 3,450 pounds or so, the C7 is rapid. Its 6.2-liter V8 pumps out 460 hp with the optional dual-mode exhaust. The C7's combined technologies make it the most fun-to-drive car you can buy in this price range.
| Acceleration |
A
|
With 0-60 mph in just 4.1 sec. and a 12.0-sec. quarter mile, nothing accelerates this fast for this kind of money. A PDK-equipped Porsche 911 Carrera S matches, but for twice the cost. |
| Braking |
B
|
The sticky Michelin tires are responsible for the shortest stopping distance from 60 mph, just 93 feet, we've ever measured. We still experienced some pedal fade on track. |
| Steering |
A
|
A variable-ratio steering rack combined with stiffer steering components, a small-diameter steering wheel and adjustable electric assist produce excellent feel and response. |
| Handling |
A
|
Put simply, very few sports cars handle as well as the Stingray. It communicates its intentions and is easy to control. We achieved over 1g around the skidpad in the Z51 model. |
| Driveability |
A
|
Other than the occassional skip-shift hassle, the Stingray's driveability is excellent. Low-end torque is abundant. The 7-sp manual transmission has automatic rev-matching on downshifts. |
A
Comfort
Corvette engineers know that not all owners go to the track, so they tuned the suspension accordingly. The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control is a must if you want the best balance of ride and handling. It's as comfortable as it is fast.
| Seating Comfort |
A
|
The Stingray's base seats are excellent both in terms of support and comfort. We spent a day in them on the road and another day on the track, and never once thought about them. |
| Ride Comfort |
A
|
Though it certainly favors performance driving (this is a sports car, remember) the Stingray makes the best ride/handling compromise of any pure sports car, including the Porsche 911. |
| Quietness |
A
|
All Corvettes come with moveable exhaust baffles that make them quiet in normal driving. The optional dual-mode exhaust is loud at wide-open throttle. Wind and road noise are minimal. |
B
Interior
Finally, the Corvette's interior is on-par with its price and performance. Big efforts were spent in making the Stingray's interior a nice place to be and our early impressions are positive.
| Ergonomics |
B
|
Nothing is out of place in the Stingray. Major controls follow accepted industry standards and secondary controls are intuitive in their placement and action. |
| Ingress/Egress |
B
|
Like most dedicated sports cars, you'll need to get low to enter the Stingray, which isn't always easy. But it's worth it. The burden is no greater here than in most sports cars. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
There's ample room to accommodate drivers and passengers of all sizes, though taller drivers (6-foot plus) might struggle with headroom when wearing a helmet. |
| Visibility |
B
|
Forward and front-quarter visibility are decent for such a low-slung sports car. Rear-quarter view is slightly compromised, but we learned to trust the mirrors. |
| Cargo/Storage |
A
|
The Stingray's rear cargo area is massive, more than enough room for a long trip's worth of luggage. We bet you could even squeeze a bicycle back there with its wheels removed. |
A
Value
Value is the Stingray's biggest strength. Even fully loaded it costs about 60 percent as much as a similarly equipped Porsche 911 Carrera S.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
B
|
We've only driven pre-production cars (VINs 0013 and 0026) so far, which did suffer from some body panel fitment issues. But we suspect these will be fixed as production begins. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
Magnetic suspension, electronic limited-slip diff, Performance Traction Management and adjustable steering effort. Advanced features for an advanced driving experience. |
| Cost |
A
|
You won't find another car this capable, comfortable and utilitarian for this kind of money. Base Stingray pricing starts at $51,000. Z51 models begin at $53,800. |
| MPG |
A
|
Class-leading EPA estimates of 17 city/29 mpg highway make the Stingray the most efficient sports car you can buy with this kind of power. |
| Warranty |
B
|
The Stingray's 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty is average for the segment. The drivetrain is covered for 5 years/100,000 miles, which is better than some rivals. |
| Ownership |
A
|
The Corvette comes with free maintenance for 2 years/24,000 miles along with roadside assistance for 5 years/100,000 miles. Porsche, for instance, doesn?t offer free maintenance. |
A
Fun To Drive
Few cars are as fun to drive on a track as the Stingray. Its Performance Traction Management system makes it safe to explore the limit with confidence. Around town it's just as exhilarating. And it's seriously fast.
| Driving Experience |
A
|
The Stingray is unparalled in its ability to seamlessly couple all-out track performance with utter competence as a daily driving machine. |
| Personality |
A
|
Loud, fast and dedicated to sports-car driving when you want that. A comfortable, efficient cruiser when you don't. Doesn't exactly hurt that people notice this car when you drive by. |
