What is it like?
The V8 fires to a lazy, offbeat idle which sends a gentle shimmy through the cabin at rest. Chevrolet uses terms like “fighter jet” when it describes the cockpit. Controls are arranged around the driver, but otherwise I’m not sure it’s a term I’d use.
Perceived material quality is fine; as usual it’s an improvement on what went before but not up with Europe’s best, while occupants don’t get a huge amount of space inside what is a sizeable car: 4.5m long and 1.87m wide.
There’s a decent amount of luggage volume, mind, while weight is claimed to be less than 1500kg, more or less evenly distributed between front and rear.
This Corvette needs less hefty inputs than I remember previous generations wanted. The engine response is still lazy, but the clutch manageable, the gearshift positive and short, and the steering quite light. Now electrically assisted, the rack is quite fast and the steering wheel small, and the Corvette moves around at slower speeds with a relaxed gait.
The ride is pliant, noise levels muted and the engine happy to pull from low revs. The ‘Vette is a particularly good long-distance cruiser.
There are several different driving modes and the default is ‘eco’, which shuts down four of the engine’s cylinders on minimal throttle inputs to improve economy.
Moving through Touring and Sport sharpens the engine, but it’s Track where the Corvette shows its best on give-and-take UK roads. Track weights-up the steering, opens the exhausts and firms the dampers – though never to uncomfortable extent.
With that button pressed you’re still aware you’ve got a lot of bodywork in front and to the right of you, but the C7 displays a willing, capable chassis.