As a self-proclaimed “car guy,” it’s almost automotive blasphemy to admit I’ve never been a die-hard Corvette enthusiast. While respecting each generation’s merits, none truly ignited my passion—barring the C4 ZR-1. That was until the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the C7, burst onto the scene at the Detroit Auto Show. Finally, here was a Corvette that visually stunned both inside and out. The raw specs were undeniably enticing: 460 horsepower and matching torque figures in a sub-3,500-pound package – a recipe for driving exhilaration. However, judging pre-production show cars is risky. I needed real-world experience to validate my initial excitement about the 2014 Corvette Stingray.
Turns out, the hype was absolutely justified.
For too long, Corvette interiors were… excused. Fans accepted subpar cabins, reasoning that blistering performance and a competitive price overshadowed interior shortcomings compared to Porsche or BMW. Why fret over a basic interior when you could outrun a Carrera S? For me, a car’s interior environment is paramount. It’s where you spend your driving hours, and the previous Corvette generations simply didn’t offer a truly pleasant space.
The 2014 Corvette Stingray, born under a revitalized General Motors, clearly prioritized interior refinement. The mandate was clear: the C7’s interior had to represent a significant leap forward. And it delivers in spades. Stepping into the cockpit – and with its driver-focused design, heads-up display, and digital instrumentation, it genuinely feels like one – is a revelation. The 2014 Corvette Stingray now competes directly with BMW and Lotus, even nudging at Porsche’s premium territory. The seats are finally supportive and sculpted, the material quality justifies the price tag, and the feature list impresses. The cabin design is modern, cohesive, and no longer an afterthought. It’s a monumental improvement.
But let’s move beyond the interior – Corvette loyalists were already willing to overlook previous generations’ cabins. The C7’s vastly improved interior is a welcome bonus, not its primary selling point. The crucial question: how does the 2014 Corvette Stingray perform on the road? In a word: wonderfully. The power delivery from the direct-injected 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine is relentless across the rev range. It’s equally potent at low-end cruising speeds and screaming towards its 7,000 rpm redline. My test car featured the six-speed automatic transmission, which deserves accolades even for purists who favor manual gearboxes. While still employing a torque converter and “only” six speeds, it operates seamlessly in everyday driving. Switch to Sport or Track mode, and the transmission unleashes rapid upshifts and perfectly rev-matched downshifts that defy its conventional roots.
The chassis of the 2014 Corvette Stingray is another testament to meticulous engineering. The handling is sharp and responsive, truly befitting a sports car, shedding any lingering associations with lumbering muscle coupes. The optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension on my test car adeptly smoothed out rough road surfaces while maintaining exceptional body control during cornering and braking. Yet, there’s no mistaking the Corvette DNA; it’s firm and planted, never disconnected. Typically, a firm ride can compromise a convertible chassis, but not in the 2014 Corvette Stingray. The windshield frame remains remarkably stable, exhibiting zero cowl shake, and vibrations through the steering column are non-existent. The electric power steering, while not brimming with feedback, is precise and nicely weighted, especially when it firms up further in Sport and Track modes.
As a convertible, the 2014 Corvette Stingray excels. However, it’s not for those seeking anonymity. Its striking design and relative rarity of C7 convertibles guarantee attention. Driving with the top down amplifies this effect. For someone who prefers to blend in, the constant stares can be a bit much. Even in the tester’s understated yet stunning Lime Rock Green Metallic, flying under the radar in the 2014 Corvette Stingray is simply not an option, at least not yet. Regardless of individual design preferences, the overall aesthetic is undeniably a hit with both the public and automotive press. Personally, I find it visually arresting, although I might opt to color-match the black taillight bezels. Any drawbacks? With the top down, the cabin can get a tad drafty – those with elaborate hairstyles might need to take precautions. Rear visibility with the top up is limited. And, of course, prepare for admiring glances and potential scrutiny from law enforcement, given the car’s head-turning presence.
If you can embrace the temporary celebrity status and the rush of driving a car that commands attention, the 2014 Corvette Stingray is a triumph. It not only reinforces the faith of Corvette devotees but also converts skeptics like myself. I’ve officially joined the ranks of Corvette believers, thanks to the 2014 Corvette Stingray.
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 (LT1), 6-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
- Horsepower: 460 hp
- Torque: 460 lb-ft
- Observed Fuel Economy: 19.7 mpg
Vehicle provided for testing by Chevrolet. Photos by the author.
