Love it or hate it, the 2014 Corvette Stingray has achieved exactly what Chevrolet was aiming for: it’s gotten people talking about Corvette again. That hasn’t happened for quite a while, and we get the sense that the C7 launch is the biggest change to the Corvette product line since the C4 replaced the C3.
In the past, Corvettes always seemed to be about equal parts style and substance. Those wanting more speed were directed to the Z06 and ZR1, while those content to cruise to the local car show at legal speeds were happy with base model Corvettes. In fact, we’d bet that the vast majority of Corvette owners, like the vast majority of new Porsche buyers, would never even consider putting a wheel on the racetrack.
That’s why the C7 Corvette is such a welcome departure from the norm. Form follows function here, and everything on the car has a purpose. The hood vents are there to promote cooling, reduce front-end lift and cut down on drag. The rear fender ducts? Those allow cooling air to reach the transmission and differential coolers.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
As Ed Welburn explained to Jay Leno, “there is no such thing as a base model with the new Corvette.” That’s going to play well to the hardcore enthusiasts among us, but we’re not sure how the new Corvette will be received by the casual buyer.
If the phrase “beautiful weapon” doesn’t quicken your pulse, perhaps you should be shopping for something more sensible than a Corvette in the first place.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
