Car enthusiasts, she is finally here. Predictions that this will be the number one car at the Dubai show and car market. The seventh generation Corvette, or the “The Stingray” is the best in when it comes to its performance level in relation to its cabin interior when compared to other European sports car. I can’t believe that the interior of every car reflects the exterior as well showing class and functionality.
Hold on, before buying you need to test its performance. To test the Stingray, we need to test it in the streets of Washington DC, the best choice of test drive venue. Very symbolic in a sense that it is within the Chevrolet line-up and not only that, as a top sports model, like Washington DC, it tells about the entire history and heritage of the brand and defining its role in shaping its future. It would also give us a feel of how Americans are obsessed with Corvette.
Come to think of it that if you are driving a Corvette, people will stop at red light traffics, asking about your car, or even jumping in front of it and taking a picture of it with their smartphones. You will experience if they could sit in for a few seconds. Driving a Corvette gives you a star treatment and as I looked at it, by just staring at the car, it has never looked better. Faithful to why it was developed, the Stingray has been added with a European touch in the exterior design making it as an exotic European car. It would be fooling people to mistook it with a Lambo or Ferrari at a glance.
Talking about challenge, the experience of driving the Corvette on Interstate 66 is a sure treat. You are sure to be pulled over by the state trooper for speeding because you will not feel that you are driving fast because it is so comfortable with Corvette that even the road and wind noise could be non-existent at top speed.
After the Interstate incident, I could say that I have tried the maximum power of the 450 hp LT1. I succeed in making my test drive memorable. True to its reputation, I am proud to say that the combination of thrust when they launch the care, the sound of the exhaust, and the steadiness of the car is a great impression. The Corvette Team have designed effective technologies, correcting the errors and found a new Stingray more effective and responsive that before.
The Stingray has an aluminum frame which is less in weight and increase in stiffness. Its suspension was redesigned with new aluminum control arms and bushings. Everything is aluminum including the attachments for the suspension. The shocks used, the Bilstein are made standard and upsided for stiffer body control. The standard Brembo brakes have improved to larger pads to cover more area on the rotor. The steering system is upgraded with new electric features for different styles in driving.
So excited to say that the confidence I have with this new Corvette and the comfort I experienced is a great motivation to purchase this. The steering is perfect, the suspension take control of the bumps with ease and speed. It is more refined not to mentioned the audio system that plays through a Marshall brand.
I was expecting the usual Corvette but I was wrong for this whole new thing is a supercar. Designed to compete with other leading models with the best of what Germany and Italy could offer. They succeeded! Every driver who will come to car showcasing this model will appreciate how the car has evolved throughout the years. It has transformed to be an effective car.
The question of where this 2014 Corvette fit in? It does not fit in. It’s a complete different inside and out. The hood is long, making it appear thick. The rump has problems with square tail-lights looking like a Camaro. The interior are not supportive and sporty although they are comfortable. But the best part of this model is the instrument panel place perfectly behind the steering wheel. It’s a top breed, combination of old and new technology with a customizable display that allows you to choose for the 12 modes. You can see information being flashed on the screen, an indicator of gears used, timers, oil pressures and tire temperature. You need to choose what to view. Take for instance if you choose ‘Track’, you enjoy the Stingray where the steering tightens, suspension began to be stiff. The throttle sensitivity will create plumes of smoke. Economically, efficient. The V8 consumes half of the cylinder when on cruise on the highway with an 8.11 L/100 km.
The transmission includes a six-speed or seven speed manual using a paddle. The three pedal setup features ‘Acive Rev Matching,’ which blips the throttle when downshifting. I tried it and done a perfect downshift. When you do a hard corner, the 10 inch tire will not quail.
As far as car auction is concerned, the Corvette is matched only by the following models, the Nissan GT-R and surpassed by Dodge viper, Porsche 911 and other sports car from Maranello and Santa A”gata. The Stingray – with its power, control and presence – is at a lower tag. The C7 offers packages for exotic looks, hardcore performance and comfortable designs and atmosphere. Of course on a reasonable price. No longer a car for the American but the young generation in the Middle East is desiring about it and in every car auctions done, they will line with it for it costs 20,000 USD less from the nearest competitor.
This is the new Corvette, America’s best sports car has made in a long time.
Specifications
- Engine: 6.2-litre V8
- Power: 450 hp
- Torque: 624 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds
