I’ll admit it, the Corvette has never been high on my list of dream cars. As a self-proclaimed “car guy,” this might sound like automotive blasphemy, but save for the legendary C4 ZR-1, no generation really ignited my passion. Each iteration had its merits and drawbacks, but the Corvette brand didn’t truly resonate with me until I witnessed the C7 generation Stingray debut in Detroit. Finally, here was a Corvette that wasn’t just visually striking on the outside, but boasted an interior that could finally compete with its European rivals. Of course, the Corvette’s hallmark performance was still present – a potent 460 horsepower and matching torque figures in a lightweight, sub-3,500-pound package is enough to excite any driving enthusiast. However, judging the quality of pre-production show cars is always tricky, so I reserved my full judgment until I could experience a production model firsthand.
And after spending time behind the wheel of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible, I can confidently say my initial excitement was completely justified.
For years, Corvette enthusiasts seemed willing to overlook the somewhat lackluster interiors of previous generations. The rationale was understandable: while the cabin might not rival a Porsche or BMW, the Corvette’s performance often matched or even surpassed those luxury brands, all while boasting a significantly lower price tag. Who needed a fancy interior when you had performance that could embarrass a Carrera S? Well, I did, for one. In my view, the interior of a car, the space you inhabit for the entirety of your driving experience, should be a pleasant and well-designed environment. Frankly, the previous Corvette generations fell short in this crucial aspect.
However, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible is a product of the “new GM” – a General Motors focused on producing genuinely competitive vehicles. It’s clear that the design team prioritized the interior as a key area for improvement over the C6. And they delivered in spades. The cockpit of the C7, especially with the optional heads-up display and sharp digital instrumentation, genuinely feels like a cockpit. It represents a massive leap forward, now competing with the likes of BMW and Lotus, and even challenging Porsche in terms of interior quality and design. “Soon…” the interior seems to whisper, hinting at even greater aspirations. The seats are now supportive and comfortable, the materials finally reflect the car’s price point, and the technology features are impressive. The overall design is modern, cohesive, and no longer feels like an afterthought. It’s a truly significant upgrade.
But let’s move beyond the interior – Corvette buyers were already accustomed to the cabins of the C5 and C6. The fact that the C7’s interior is now class-leading is a welcome bonus, but not the primary reason for its existence. The real question is: how does the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible actually drive? The answer is, in a word, wonderfully. Power is readily available throughout the rev range, with the direct-injected 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine performing just as impressively at low RPMs as it does when screaming towards its 7,000 RPM redline. My test car was equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission, which, surprisingly, deserves praise even from driving purists. While it’s still a traditional torque converter automatic with “only” six speeds, its performance is remarkably refined in everyday driving. In Sport or Track mode, the transmission executes rapid upshifts and perfectly rev-matched downshifts with a speed and responsiveness that belies its conventional roots.
The chassis of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible is another area where significant development is evident. The car’s reactions are sharp and immediate, characteristic of a true sports car, not the somewhat softened responses of a muscle coupe. The optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension on my test car performed admirably, effectively damping out rough road surfaces while maintaining excellent body control and minimizing brake dive. Yet, there’s no mistaking that you’re driving a Corvette, not a luxury sedan. The ride is firm and controlled, never floaty or disconnected. Even in convertible form, the chassis rigidity is impressive. The windshield frame remains remarkably stable, exhibiting no cowl shake, and unwanted vibrations through the steering column are nonexistent. The electric power steering, while perhaps not the most communicative system available, is precise and nicely weighted, especially when it firms up further in the selectable Sport and Track driving modes.
As a convertible, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible is genuinely impressive. However, this is not a car for those who prefer to blend into the background. Its striking design and the relative scarcity of C7 convertibles on the road guarantee attention from the public. Driving with the top down only amplifies this effect. While some might relish the attention, I personally found it a bit overwhelming, preferring a more understated driving experience. It will likely take some time before the C7 Corvette becomes commonplace enough to avoid drawing stares, even in more subdued colors like the stunning Lime Rock Green Metallic of my test car. Regardless of individual opinions on specific design elements, the overall aesthetic of the C7 Corvette appears to be a resounding success – both with the general public and automotive journalists alike. Personally, I think it looks fantastic, although I might consider color-matching the black bezels around the taillights for a cleaner look. Are there any drawbacks? If pressed, I might mention that the cabin can be a bit drafty with the top down – those with elaborate hairstyles might want to take extra precautions. With the top raised, rearward visibility is somewhat limited. And, of course, there’s the aforementioned attention you’re likely to attract from admiring onlookers and perhaps even law enforcement.
However, if you can embrace the temporary celebrity status and the slight sense of automotive entitlement that comes with it, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible is a truly exceptional sports car. It not only reaffirms the faith of long-time Corvette enthusiasts but, more importantly, it converts skeptics like myself into believers. I’m finally among the converted.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible Specs (as tested):
- Base price: $59,795
- Price as tested: $73,525
- Options: 3LT Preferred Equipment Group ($8,005), Magnetic Ride Control w/ PTM ($1,795), 6-speed paddle shift automatic ($1,350), Multi-mode exhaust system ($1,195), Lime Rock Green Metallic paint ($495), Sueded microfiber-wrapped upper trim package ($495), Sueded microfiber seat inserts ($395)
- Powertrain: 6.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
- Horsepower: 460 hp
- Torque: 460 lb-ft
- Observed Fuel Economy: 19.7 mpg
