2019 Corvette C7 Stingray Coupe Review and Test Drive

This week I am reviewing, for the last time, the C7 Corvette. This is the 2019 Corvette Stingray coupe. When the C7 debuted in 2014, I immediately ordered one, and got another new one in 2016, so as you can tell, I’m a big fan. Of course today, all the buzz is about the mid-engine C8 that debuts in early 2020.

Let’s take a look under the carbon fiber hood where you find the tried and true 6.2-liter V8 that is rated at 460-horses, and 460 pound-feet of torque. My test car has the shiftable 8-speed automatic transmission, and together they’ll get you from a dead stop to 60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds.

All Stingray coupes come with a carbon fiber removable roof that stores nicely in the more-than-ample cargo area, and gives you an open-air feeling without the extra cost of the ragtop.

1LT Package

My test vehicle has the 1LT package, which is the base model. From there you can go up to the 2LT and 3LT, depending on how much standard equipment you want.

Notable standard features on the 1LT include rear view camera, power seats, power tilt wheel, HID lights, Driver Mode selector, and a capless fuel filler neck, which you’ll grow to love the more you use it.

You also get keyless entry with remote start, a leather flat-bottom steering wheel, stability and traction control.

Ride & Handling

Let me touch on the Driver Mode selector for a moment, it is the round knob on the center console, and turning it lets you choose from the following settings: Touring, Sport, and Track. All those settings make a substantial difference in the way the car rides and handles. In track mode, the Corvette completely changes to a very stiff ride and much tighter handling characteristics.

Interior

Moving to the interior, the GT bucket seats are extremely comfortable and hold you in place even in the tightest of turns. This car has the dual-zone air conditioning, and a driver information center that you can configure. This sits in the middle of the large center tachometer on the dash which features a digital speedometer. The gauges, by the way, peg out every time you start the Corvette.

Everything on the car runs from an 8-inch color monitor in the center of the dash and features a Bose stereo. All functions work by touch and you get a suite of apps, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sirius XM radio, and you can turn the inside of the car into a Wi-Fi hotspot. The screen also makes for a cool hidden compartment with the push of a button.

Options

This car has three options totaling $5350. It has the 8-speed automatic, chrome 19” front wheels and 20” rear wheels, and it has the amazing performance exhaust.

I’ve said on my radio show many times that everyone should own a Corvette once in his or her life, there is just something unique and different about one. Every time you hear the sound of the exhaust coming out of the quad pipes, it’s a rush, and there is no car that sounds, drives, or handles like a Corvette, and nothing is even close.

Fuel Economy

The fuel economy is rated at 15 city, 25 highway, and 18 overall. It’ll do the highway mileage, but if you truly enjoy the car, it won’t do the 15 city, but that’s OK.

What You’ll Pay

Base price on this Coupe is almost $56,000 and as equipped like this one, MSRP is $62,345.