Good day everyone, please excuse the "newbie" type questions but it is truly from the heart. I have owned two C4's and one C5 and I know quite well how they drove, how they felt handling etc. I have not driven a C6 yet, but I am told it is quite different in the sense for more power. But what is it TRULY like to drive a C7? is it completely different? is it revolutionary? the CAR is a stunner to me -- since 2014 with the new stingray. Sadly I personally know no-one whom has one to even sit in, but I certainly see them on the roads. Make a Vette lover's day -- tell me about it?
Thanks.
Regards
Charles
With your having both C4's and a C5, you should be aware of the handling difference between those two generations. The C5 went through drastic mods including a hydroformed box frame and moving the transmission back into an integrated transaxle assembly. This gave the C5 a 50/50 weight distribution for greatly improved handling ability and the hydroformed frame pretty much eliminated the rattles and queaks from the previous generations. If your C5 had the LS1 engine, it was either 345 or 350 HP, depending on the year. (Obviously the larger Z06 engine produced more HP but to keep this post shorter than War and Peace, I am only addressing base models). The C6 engine was the 6.0 litre LS2 in the early years which produced 400 HP. In 2008, a new 6.2 litre LS3 engine, producing 430 HP was used, and the LS3 is arguably the best engine GM had built in a long time and very desirable for HP producing modifications. The C6 suspension geometry was also tweaked again somewhat from the C5 which improved handling again. Then along came the C7. The LT1 engine found in the C7 is also a 6.2 litre but is a completely different engine than the LS. It is a direct injection engine which produces 460 HP (with the performance exhaust option, 455 without) and the manual transmission went from a 6 speed to a 7 speed. Necessary? Probably not as their was zero wrong with the 6 speed IMO.
I have owned both the C6 (LS3 engine) and now, the C7 (LT1 engine), and I do notice the difference in the acceleration, whether it is a result of the additional 30 HP or the newer 7 spd transmission gearing. The power band of the LT1 is also totally changed for the better IMO as well. While my C6 had a short build up when you asked it to go, my C7 is instant and climbs very close to dead smooth throughout every gear.... Ok...Except for 7th...lol
As Derek mentions, the body styling of the C7 and the interior quality is a huge difference. There was always a bit of a 'cheaped out' feeling with the older models interior makeup and finishing. This was a major grumble from owners that was dramatically resolved in the C7. There is a world of difference in the interior layout, materials, stitching, leather etc. etc. etc. especially with the higher trim optioned models. When you sit in a C7, it almost seems to automatically fit your body perfectly. They are comfortable to drive whether it's a 6 minute or 6 hour cruise. No sore spots, no cramped legs or a$$. They ride smooth, are quiet, handle like they are on rails, and can go like h3ll. GM have done a great job over the years with the Corvette. I love them all but the C7 is such a jump in design and quality materials from previous models, I gotta say they listened and did it right pretty much all around this time. It will be interesting if the same will be said about the new mid engine that is being revealed in July. Hope this answered some of your questions and likely some more members will chime in as well (and correct any of my mistakes...lol)
As for taking a C7 for a drive, they have been around long enough now that I'm thinking any dealership (if they think you are serious) will let you take one for a (chaperoned) test drive.
Eric