2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51

What can it be?

The seventh-generation of Usa's first sportscar, now re-united against the 'Stingray' title that graced a few of its most well-known forerunners. On paper, it appears like little has transformed, with the 'C7' Corvette sticking against the tried-and-analyzed blend of a push-rod V8, a back transaxle and (yes!) that notorious transverse leaf spring in the rear.

But don't compose this Corvette off as some sort of dinosaur - it's also packaged with a few serious technology, featuring an aluminium body-shell, carbon bonnet plus roof and a correctly state-of-the-art multi-way stability administration system that features a competitive 'Track' way.

Set by means of the Z51 performance-package the Sting-Ray prices $53,800 in the USA - only under GBP33,000 at present exchange rates. Don't get overly excited, although - when the automobile comes to the United Kingdom after this yr the EU variation will definitely cost GBP61,645, and that's using the steering wheel in the incorrect side.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51

Technical highlights

Much is recognizable regarding the brand new Corvette, needless to say - perhaps not least the existence of a 'small block' v 8 under the bonnet, which nevertheless uses its valves by pushrods. To the doubters, which will be taken as signs of the recent auto's dearth of development over its forerunners. The facts are more complex, and perhaps not least because Chevy claims the overhead-valve powertrain empowers a reduced bonnet line plus a smaller sized engine. The v 8 additionally features equally direct injection and particular cylinder shut down to foster market.

Our test car was fitted with the Z51 functionality pack and an elective sports exhaust, improving productivity to your reputable 465bhp, with this followed closely by 464pounds feet of torsion.

Beneath, this 'Vette sticks by means of the blend of double-wishbones all round, with these at a corner sharing a transversely mounted composite leaf-spring. The back transaxle gearbox empowers Chevy to declare 50:50 entrance-to-back static fat distribution.

This Corvette is also significantly more sophisticated than its forerunners in regard to electronic structure, with typical switchable dampers plus a multimode equilibrium administration system that has 'athletics' and 'track' modes as well as total deactivation. Cottage quality feels much greater than that of the final 'C6', with a TFT screen in the dash reporting on velocity and revs plus a central touchscreen for nav and sound features.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 - Road Test

How does it generate?

Impressively nicely - surely about the Californian streets we set it through its paces on. Regardless of the promise implied in the engine's tremendous capability it truly feels a but under-gunned at standard rates - possibly because we've got accustomed to the mix of turbo charged low down torque and fast-responding automated gearboxes. The v 8 is joyful to trundle at reduced revs, but until there's at least 3000rpm revealing it doesn't begin to supply - and actually comes on tune between about 4500rpm to its 6500rpm red-line. Throttle reaction is superb, however.

It will take some time to get accustomed to the gear box, that will be addressed by means of a hefty clutch having a somewhat unexpected biting stage. And as sixth exhibits significantly less than 2000rpm with an 80mph motorway cruise it's perhaps not altogether clear what seventh is really for, the United States being visibly short of Autobahns.

The steering system takes a bit more time to get employed to. It utilizes electric support, but feels much closer to a conventional hydraulic method than most comparable systems. The stand is fast, but the support weighting is mild and also you should build up self-confidence. After you do, you'll discover some workable responses there, even though the degree of hold created by the leading Michelin Pilot Super-Sports means you'll remain taking serious speed before discovering the limitations approaching.

In something above second-gear you've got to be wringing the motor outside to sense the torsion having any sway to the backend, and you suppose the transition would have been a surprising one when a corner tyres do operate from hold. On lower handle surfaces changing the traction control away shows a neutral handling equilibrium and a simple low-velocity driftability.

All current Covettes have sent delights - occasionally of the time-to-modify-your-underpants assortment.

How can this compare?

In Usa, incredibly nicely - the Stingray is $30,000 less than an entry level Porsche 9 11, and with a much better power-to-fat In Europe that towering price tag will most likely ensure the 'Vette staies of minority curiosity.

Anything else I ought to know?

Substances quality may not be really on a level with upmarket opponents, but it's good-ended and feels a lot more permanent than its created-from-Styrofoam ancestors.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51! Testing the New High Tech Vette!