Test Drive: The All-New 7th Generation Corvette | Chevrolet
Chevrolet Corvette | Chevrolet Corvette
A 60th Anniversary Rebirth
Test Drive: The 7th Generation Corvette
The Corvette has been reborn. Arriving at the milestone of its 60th anniversary,7th Generation Corvetteit has been renamed "Corvette Stingray" in its home market.Corvette StingrayThis is an ambitious full model change. The transformation is not just in the name. The exterior design, which emphatically declares itself a "Corvette," is vastly different from its predecessor, and its internals have been completely updated with the latest technology.Reservations began in Japan in the summer,andit was officially announced in December.While delivery was announced to start in April, Jun Nishikawa had an early opportunity to test drive the new C7 Corvette and experience its evolution firsthand in its home country.
Text by NISHIKAWA Jun
Carrying on Tradition, Evolving for a New Generation
The Corvette, the "soul sports car" of America, has evolved into its seventh generation. This year, marking its 60th anniversary, it has truly been reborn. It has undergone a dramatic transformation and begun to carve out a new history.
The strong will for change is evident in its ultra-modern styling, achieved with the latest racing aerodynamics technology. The wide and low image that characterized the C4 to C6 generations has been completely revamped. With the theme of "lower and longer," it features a dynamic fender line reminiscent of the C3, creating a sports car silhouette. The rounded hatchback, a distinctive feature of the past three generations, was deliberately abandoned to enhance performance and competitiveness in racing.
Yet, despite its entirely new shape, it is unmistakably a Corvette. Yes, this is the "Stingray" (though it cannot be named as such in Japan due to certain circumstances).
The interior also shows remarkable improvements in appearance and quality. The driver's seat is designed as a complete cockpit, surrounded by a full-wrap leather dashboard fascia. The generous use of premium materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber, in addition to leather, creates a significantly more luxurious finish. It is truly an interior befitting a world-class luxury sports car, rivaling even Italian supercars in its splendor.
Chevrolet Corvette | Chevrolet Corvette
A 60th Anniversary Rebirth
Test Drive: The 7th Generation Corvette (2)
Packed with the Latest Features
The Driving Mode Selector dial was located on the center console. Advanced electronic devices have finally been introduced to the Corvette. This likely signifies that its dynamic performance has reached a new level.
There are five modes: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport, and Track. The default is Tour. Depending on the selected mode, the steering assist, throttle response, fuel management, exhaust mode, Magnetic Ride Control (on equipped vehicles), traction control, stability control, and instrument cluster display all change.
The engine is the "LT1" 6.2-liter direct-injection V8. It produces a maximum output of 460 hp and a maximum torque of 640 Nm, the same as the LS7 7-liter V8 in its usable range. Notably, it incorporates a cylinder deactivation system to improve fuel efficiency. In V4 mode, it delivers 126 hp and 300 Nm, operating effectively up to approximately 100 mph (161 km/h).
The transmission options are a 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed manual. The latter features a unique SynchroRev Match function.
The body frame housing this latest powertrain has also been completely redesigned as an all-aluminum frame. It is 45 kg lighter and 57 percent stiffer than the previous version. Additionally, the engine hood and detachable roof are made of CFRP, contributing to weight reduction.
The Z51 package is also noteworthy. It includes a dry-sump engine, an electronic limited-slip differential replacing the standard mechanical LSD, 45mm monotube shocks with Magnetic Ride Control capability (replacing the 35mm shocks), larger brake rotors, and larger forged wheels – a luxurious optional set.
Chevrolet Corvette | Chevrolet Corvette
A 60th Anniversary Rebirth
Test Drive: The 7th Generation Corvette (3)
A World-Class FR Sports Car
I test drove the standard 6-speed automatic, the Z51 6-speed automatic, and the Z51 7-speed manual. The Z51 automatic left the strongest impression.
First, the difference between the standard and Z51 models was stark. After driving the Z51, the standard model felt like a luxury sedan. The ride comfort was refined, the performance felt more subdued, giving it the air of a sophisticated grand tourer.
The Z51, on the other hand, was remarkably spartan. I almost thought I was in a different car. In Track mode, the engine's coarseness increased, the suspension became rigidly firm, and the car felt a size smaller. Its flat and hard ride is truly world-class. The intense exhaust note from the optional system is pure American muscle.
Of course, selecting Tour or Eco mode on the Ride Mode Selector still provides a reasonably comfortable ride.
Conversely, if you hadn't experienced the Z51, even the standard model would feel like a genuine sports car compared to previous generations, offering high satisfaction. The Z51 was simply that exceptional.
The Z51 6-speed manual also delivers a similarly impressive experience. The paddle shifters remain, and pulling them activates the SynchroRev function. The manual gearshift feel is exceptionally satisfying. It's wonderful to know that it continues to evolve. The joy of controlling a powerful V8 engine with a manual transmission is certainly hard to give up.
However, with this level of power, constantly operating the manual transmission can become a chore, and one might eventually find it cumbersome.
Personally, I find the connection with the machine hard to abandon. However, reflecting calmly, in terms of being able to concentrate on handling while fully enjoying the high engine and chassis performance, I would give the edge to the automatic transmission.
The new Corvette has been refined into a world-class FR sports car. The biggest difference from previous Corvettes is how compact the car feels. For example, compared to the latest Jaguar F-TypeF-Typeor the Porsche911 Carrera S, its ride and performance are on the same level, and depending on the driver's skill, it can even rival the FerrariFerrariF12 BerlinettaF12's performance.
Chevrolet Corvette Coupe | Chevrolet Corvette
Body Dimensions | Length 4,495 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,230 mm
Wheelbase | 2,710 mm
Engine | 6,153cc V8 Direct Injection OHV
Bore x Stroke | 103.2 x 92.0 mm
Max Output | 339 kW (460 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 624 Nm (63.6 kgm) / 4,600 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT / 7-speed MT
Drivetrain | FR
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone
Front Tires | 245/40R18
Rear Tires | 285/35R19
Price | (6AT) ¥9,290,000 (7MT) ¥9,182,000
Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Z51 | Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Z51
Body Dimensions | Length 4,495 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,230 mm
Wheelbase | 2,710 mm
Engine | 6,153cc V8 Direct Injection OHV
Bore x Stroke | 103.2 x 92.0 mm
Max Output | 343 kW (466 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 630 Nm (64.2 kgm) / 4,600 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT / 7-speed MT
Drivetrain | FR
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone
Front Tires | 245/35R19
Rear Tires | 285/30R20
Price | (6AT) ¥10,990,000 (7MT) ¥10,882,000
*Specifications are for the Japanese market. Prices include 8% consumption tax.