The C7 Corvette, a standout in the sports car world, was made from 2014 to 2019.
Key takeaways:
- The C7 Corvette was made from 2014 to 2019.
- Key model years included 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019.
- Noteworthy changes included the introduction of the 8-speed automatic transmission and updates to the infotainment system.
- Special editions included the Z06 C7.R Edition, the Corvette Driver Series Edition, and the ZR1.
- The C7 Corvette was discontinued in 2019 to make way for the C8.
Production Timeline
The C7 Corvette revved its way into production starting in 2013. It hit showrooms for the 2014 model year, sending Corvette enthusiasts into a frenzy. The production continued until 2019, wrapping up just in time for the arrival of the C8.
The C7 had a solid run of six model years. During this period, several thrilling iterations made their debut, from the standard Stingray to the fire-breathing ZR1.
In 2017, Chevy celebrated the C7’s halfway mark with style, introducing the Grand Sport. This model packed Z06 looks with Stingray balance—a perfect blend for track and street.
By 2019, the writing was on the wall with the mid-engine C8 lurking around the corner. But the C7 went out with a bang, offering impressive special editions and unmatched performance that left a legacy hard to beat.
Initial Launch Date
January 13, 2013, wasn’t just any day; it was a red-letter day in the automotive world. At the Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet unveiled the seventh generation of its storied Corvette lineage. The crowd gasped. Cameras flashed. Ears perked at the sound of its throaty V8.
GM didn’t just roll out a new model; they rolled out a masterpiece. This wasn’t just a nod to the past; it was a technological leap into the future. With features like advanced aerodynamics and a lightweight aluminum frame, the C7 was built to perform.
The Stingray name was revived, bringing back evocative memories of vintage muscle and American auto dominance. It signaled that Chevrolet wasn’t just playing the game but aiming to win it.
Key Model Years
2014 was the starting point with the C7 Corvette’s debut, introducing the world to a sleeker and more aerodynamic design. The heartbeat was a 6.2L V8 engine, pumping out an impressive 455 horsepower. Not bad for an opening act!
Fast forward to 2015, the Z06 roared onto the scene. This beast boasted a supercharged engine delivering a jaw-dropping 650 horsepower, enough to peel your cheeks back when you hit the gas.
In 2017, Chevrolet launched the Grand Sport, marrying the powertrain of the base Stingray with the chassis and aerodynamic bits from the Z06. This combo was a fan favorite, offering balanced performance and affordability.
2019 saw the ultimate swan song: the ZR1. With a blistering 755 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2L V8, the ZR1 was not just a Corvette; it was a rocket ship.
Each of these years marked significant upgrades and innovations, keeping the C7 fresh and exciting throughout its run.
Noteworthy Changes Over the Production Span
Throughout the life of the C7 Corvette, Chevy didn’t just sit back and coast. They tweaked and tuned, and the result was a series of updates that kept the C7 sizzling hot.
In 2015, the introduction of the 8-speed automatic transmission was a big deal. It replaced the old 6-speed, making the shifts quicker than a squirrel on espresso. Seriously, it helped improve performance and fuel efficiency.
Then came 2017, when Chevy gave us a sneak peek into the future with the Grand Sport. Imagine the track-ready Z06 had a baby with the street-friendly Stingray. It boasted wider tires, upgraded brakes, and a suspension built for handling the twisties.
And let’s not forget 2019, when the ZR1 roared onto the scene. Packing a supercharged V8 with a whopping 755 horsepower, it was like strapping a rocket to a rocket. It upped the ante with more aggressive aero and cooling enhancements – a real beast on wheels.
Throughout its run, the C7 also saw updates to its infotainment system, more exotic color options, and interior tweaks that made the cabin feel more luxurious without sacrificing that race-car edge.
Special Editions and Limited Runs
One eye-catching special edition is the C7 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition. Built in 2016, this homage to Corvette Racing’s C7.R race cars came in either Corvette Racing Yellow or Black, with unique graphics, black wheels, and a performance-focused aerodynamics package.
Next up, the 2019 Corvette Driver Series Edition stood out. Partnering with current and former Corvette Racing drivers, each version featured unique color and trim schemes reflecting the tastes of these motorsport legends.
Then, there was the grand finale, the 2019 Corvette ZR1. This beast pushed boundaries with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering a jaw-dropping 755 horsepower. The ZR1 Sebring Orange Design Package added bold color and premium features for a final punch.
Limited runs aimed to stir excitement and exclusivity, reminding us why the C7 Corvette continues to rev hearts.
Date of Discontinuation
The C7 Corvette bid its farewell to the automotive world in 2019. Corvette fans felt a pang of nostalgia as the last model rolled off the production line in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It was a bittersweet moment.
To commemorate the end of an era, Chevrolet produced the final C7 as a special Stingray, auctioned off for a whopping $2.7 million. Talk about going out with a bang!
The move to discontinue the C7 made room for its flashier sibling, the mid-engine C8. It was a clear indicator that Chevrolet was ready to push the envelope of performance and design into the new decade.
The end of the C7 marked the end of the front-engine Corvette lineage, an era that spanned over six decades. Exciting times ahead, but boy, the C7 will always have a spot in our hearts.
Significant Performance Statistics
Let’s dive into some juicy performance stats that made the C7 Corvette a thrill machine. Buckle up!
First up, horsepower. The base model Stingray came with a 6.2L V8 engine, cranking out 455 horsepower. If that’s not spicy enough, opt for the performance exhaust and bump that to 460. Feel that sizzle?
Now for the Z06—hold onto your hat—it boasts a supercharged 6.2L V8, pushing a whopping 650 horsepower. That’s more oomph than you’d need to outrun the neighborhood gossip.
Zero to sixty? How about in just 3.7 seconds for the Stingray. And the Z06 can do it in a mind-blowing 2.95 seconds. Blink and you’ll miss it.
Quarter-mile times tell no lies. The Stingray clocks around 12 seconds, while the Z06 rips through in approximately 11.2 seconds. That’s speed you can brag about at the BBQ.
Top speed is another realm. The Stingray can hit around 186 mph when you’re feeling rebellious. Meanwhile, the Z06? A heart-racing 195 mph. Just imagine the wind in your hair—or not, because at that speed, you’re helmeted up for the track.
Lastly, cornering G-force. With its advanced suspension and aerodynamics, the C7 sticks to the road like gum to a shoe, cornering at about 1.03 g for the Stingray and 1.19 g for the Z06. Hugging curves has never felt so right.