Through the past month or two, no vehicle has been more talked about than the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray. And rightfully so, as the Corvette has proudly resided as an American icon for over 60 years now, and the latest in the bloodline stands as perhaps the most radical and outstanding model to-date, from an aesthetic, performance, and technology standpoint.
But therein lies the rub. Just look at the C7. Really, look at it. While it is easily one of the most striking shapes to come out of GM Design since the Cadillac Cien Concept, it’s also downright zany. As if a Ferrari 599 copulated with an F-22 Raptor, sprouted offspring, which in turn got intimate with the product of a Nissan GT-R and the outgoing Corvette C6. And then from that hot car action came the new Stingray. And while everything about the new Stingray’s design serves a purpose, the amount of vents, extractors, inlets, and diffusers is almost too high to count.
Oppositely, the current Porsche 911 has almost none, which may lead to inferior lap times, but at the same time retains a very clean and timeless look, never appearing to over-reach. But does the Stingray? Let’s hear you input in the comments below.
Comments
Nah, I would say World Class is trying just enough 🙂
You’ve been stuck in the office way too long. Will somebody please take Mani out on a long drive in the New Corvette, topping out with a 200mph run?
Thank you.
Greatest looking Vette ever! Definitely NOT trying too hard
If trying to do your best is wrong? Then I like being naughty! Just take it all in 🙂
I have a serious problem with the black vents. They should be body coloured.
Its a base Stingray. Wait for the uplevel models.
If the Corvette is trying too hard then cars like the Viper, Ferrari F12, Aventador, and Viper are downright neurotic. I think it’s modern, aggressive, and has just the right look to it (for a Corvette). Could it be made better, yeah, particularly in the rear. But it’s pretty awesome, and among the best looking cars on the planet as it sits. I imagine the Z06 and ZR1 will take things up another notch, and I can’t wait.
Now, me personally, I would like something a little more sophisticated for my daily driver… something a little less racy and mature–something a little more British. Maybe Cadillac will step up???
Jaguar has just what you need!
Pardon me for saying it but Hell No! This is the best looking ‘Vette ever. It succeeds in doing what only the original did in 1953 at the Motorama. It has captivated not just Chevy and Corvette diehards but also the wider public. and they are really talking about it. It is a stunning piece of design work by GM. I can’t wait to see the Convertible!
Product of a “Nissan GT-R” and the outgoing Corvette C6, you went to far on that! You should have stopped at “Ferrari 599 copulated with an F-22 Raptor”.
The C6 while having a more sculpted look always seemed a little bit on the plain side (I have always loved it though). Not so much as a “kit car” like the Viper has always looked (to me any way).
What do I mean by that? Kit cars are or were typically fiberglass bodied cars and in being so you can’t get sharp edged body lines or a lot of detailed trim integration without a lot of cutting and grinding. Just look at all those kit cars from the past. It is why todays concept car have carbon fiber bodies.
The C7 looks world class by todays “Super Car” standards, and the Corvette is a global car now so I’m backing it!
If you are interested in seeing VIN 2, it will be sold through Al Serra Chevrolet in Grand Blanc
One Word : No
Well, I wouldn’t say it’s trying too hard. It has and will always beat the competition with relative ease.
Not trying too hard at all. The C7 looks awesome! However, there is one thing that almost ruins the whole thing for me. Why would you put a retro looking 50s Corvette grille on the front of this car. There is absolutely nothing 50s looking about it. The grille doesn’t look right.
Why would it being trying to hard? It is most definitely.. When something good comes out there always has to be that one to say otherwise.. But no I think it looks great, I’m excited to see the others as well as this on the track. And how does this look like a GTR? Way different..
Look at side view pic of this car, the front fender detail, and the rear window shape and pillar. Those are GT-R’s. Are you blind or something sir? 🙂
Hardly. You say this as if the GTR has some type of monopoly on fastback styling and fender vents. The Vette has ALWAYS had side fender vents. The GTR only spawned em on the R35. Oh and I love how the GTR has cribbed the Vette’s rear lights since the Ken-Mary (second gen) GTR. Fastback roofline, side vents, and angular styling are as much elements of modern car design as classic traditional elements of sports car design from the past.
If anything the R35 GTR is stealing design elements from other cars, not the other way around.
It hits the mark pretty well, just as it is, without breaking a sweat.
I think it looks great. If they would have backed off on anything, they would get criticized for being too conservative!
I would say no,but it is very different from the C6.The thing is anything less would have been a disappointment,I think once we all see it in person we will feel very different in opinions of this vehicle.To really appreciate this car I say you must see the car looking down from about 15 feet up.I seen the seen a C6 coupe from that angle and let me tell you I could really see the C2 styling cues in that vehicle.The only thing I would say the was really went out on a limb is the Stringray name.
I’m trying to hard not to laugh that this could be a question. The people in charge met their goals while meeting head on the problems of the past such as interior appointments and not so great seats. When the car is public tested, some things may not be perfect, but the positives of this design are many. No one will ever have a perfect sports car as judged by everyone, but the C7 comes closer in my mind then anything and for many thousands less.
No it seems more refined,todays standard, ever inch has something to look at, and all the scoops and vents have a purpose,and the interior, i will bet it looks better in real life.
Not at all, it’s perfect (except for the black vents) Trying to hard would make it look like a Lamborghini, gold chains & hairy chest included!!
Are you kidding me? The vette’s not tying AT ALL. The competition just isn’t trying hard enough therefore makes the vette look like it’s trying too hard
Personally, I think it may be just a bit over the top such that we will get tired of its looks in a few years. And I loved the styling of the C6; it was clean and classic, but with sharp edges. But, a lot(!) of people out there disagreed with me, calling it bland. GM really had little choice but to style it this aggressively. Time will tell, in terms of both sales and how well the design wears over the years.
I see where you’re going, but honestly what did anyone expect. It’s gotta be in your face and head turning – it’s a Corvette! Personnaly all I see is modern Americana. Lots of areonautical cues, a stylized yet highly functional body, and a healthy dose of performance tension!
In a word it says “I’m Fast” and it’s very unapologetic about it.
No, it is not trying to hard. I love it as is and I can only imagine what upgrades will come with the premium models. The only thing I want it to try harder to do is get into my garage, like now! 🙂
Now, that is a great looking Autobot vehicle, and it will whip all the Decepticons without Bumblebee’s help!
Why is this even a subject?
It looks like what it is-a supercar. Ferrari’s don’t look meek and mild-neither does this. I would love to be able to indulge one-but even with the multiple “modes”, I’m afraid practicality calls me to the new CTS or Chevy SS. However, I can certainly appreciate this car for its segment-blasting beast that won’t be matched by any car at twice the price.
The vents are a bit much. I might accept them in a ZO6 or ZR1 that might need them for occasion or heavy track use but not on the Stingray. I know black wheels & black vents are appealing to the younger crowd but us older Corvette guys tend to not care for them so much. If the vents were body color I think I think the car would be more appealing, not so much “in your face”. I currently have three Corvettes in my garage so you know I am a big fan. I will probably add a C7 (already have one priced our) but in a color that will make the vents less eye catching. Laguna Blue, Cyber Gray, or Lime Rock Green. Overall you did a great job on the C7. It took me awhile to warm up to the C5 & C6 but I have three of them in my garage. When the C7 was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show I thought I was going to puke. Torch Red with all the black vents and black wheels. After seeing a pic of a Cyber Gray Convertible with a Kalahari 3LT interior my opinion changed. What a beautiful car. I instantly loved the C7 after I saw it in that color combo. Nice job folks. .
…”appearing to over reach”…everything that I have learned about the new C7 can be stated in simple terms…” everything you need, nothing you don’t…advanced form and function in balance “…coming soon to a Chevrolet lot near you at a relatively affordable price…I wouldn’t call that over reaching I’d call it doing your job and then some..well done, GM, Chevrolet and Corvette…adb