2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible: Review

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
What Is It?
Ever since its introduction in 1953, the Corvette has been the flagship sports car of the Chevrolet brand. This is the seventh generation and arguably the best version ever. In addition to the considerably-improved interior, the current ‘Vette’s updated styling and impressive performance put it in company with some of the best sports cars on the market. Corvette’s competitors include the Porsche 911, Dodge Viper, Jaguar F-TYPE and the Ford Mustang GT350. Our test vehicle was the Corvette Stingray Convertible Z51, which has a base price of $64,000. Optional extras on the car include the 2LT package (power heated and ventilated seats, premium audio, head-up display and more), magnetic ride control, a performance data recorder, an 8-speed automatic transmission and special painted aluminum wheels — for a total sticker price of $75,560.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
What We Like
The Corvette is an American icon, and there’s a feeling of pride knowing that this icon looks really good. Our tester wore Blade Silver Metallic paint, black wheels, red calipers and Adrenaline Red leather interior — one of the best combinations possible, in our opinion. Top up or down, the 7th-gen ‘Vette is a looker.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Performance
Of course, good looks are not the only factor in the great sports car equation. Not a problem for the Corvette — it has the performance chops to match its looks. Under the hood lurks a 6.2-liter V8 engine putting out 460 horsepower (without the performance exhaust, power is a mere 455 horses). Although we prefer a manual transmission, the automatic shifts very quickly so acceleration is impressive. We tried paddle shifting, but the delay between shifts is too long for our liking.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Sound Qualities
Our tester had the Z51 package, which includes a performance exhaust system. The sound at idle is nice but not obtrusive, and full throttle delivers a wonderful, throaty V8 roar. When the automatic shifts into second gear the tires chirp and a blast like a clap of thunder emanates from the exhaust.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Handling
Wider and lower than the past generation Corvette, the C7 offers amazing grip and stability, even when taking highway entrance ramps at high speed. The stability control system has a number of settings that allow the driver to have a bit more fun while minimizing the danger of losing complete control. At the same time the ride is quite comfortable — not overly stiff, even on rough roads.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Interior
Controls in the Corvette are intuitive. General Motors makes one of the better interfaces on the market, with a display screen that is both easy to read and navigate. Unlike many sports cars, the Corvette has cupholders and room to put a smartphone. Even better, the display screen retracts to reveal a hidden storage location, complete with a USB power connection. Seats are very comfortable and supportive — a road trip in a Corvette would be wonderful.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Convertible Top
The Corvette Convertible features a power-operated soft-top that operates via a button on the dashboard or the key fob. The top can be operated at speeds up to 30 mph, and when stowed it is completely hidden under a hard tonneau cover.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Trunk Space
The Corvette is a true sports car and, as is typically the case, trunk space was not the utmost priority during the car’s design. That said, the C7’s trunk is usable for multiple bags of groceries or a small suitcase. With the top up, the trunk can be expanded to handle a bit more cargo.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
What We Don’t Like
Most modern-day convertible sports cars have a wind-suppressing screen behind the front seat that tempers airflow into the cockpit while driving at high speeds with the top down. Unfortunately the Corvette does not have a screen, so the result is a very blustery interior — even at slower speeds.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Standout Feature
One of our favorite features in the Corvette is the Performance Data Recorder. The PDR will record video and overlay the display with gear, throttle and speed data. This includes times for zero to 60 mph, zero to 100 mph, quarter-mile times, and zero to 100 mph to zero again. An excellent keepsake from your day at the track or cruise to work.

© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rating: 9.5
We have to agree — this is the best Corvette GM hath wrought. With impressive performance, useful features and beautiful styling, the Corvette is an incredible value, especially when compared to other cars with similar attributes. It’s the automotive embodiment of American pride.