The Chevrolet Corvette C7 (2014-2019) brought back the Stingray name after a 37-year absence and launched with the all-new 6.2-liter LT1 V8 rated at 455 hp, or 460 hp with the optional performance exhaust. It rode on a new aluminum frame for every model, not just the Z06, and offered the first 7-speed manual in a Corvette, complete with active rev matching. The lineup grew fast: the supercharged 650 hp Z06 arrived for 2015, the Grand Sport returned for 2017, and the 755 hp ZR1 closed out the generation in 2019 as the most powerful production Corvette to that point.
Other Chevrolet Corvette generations
Platform and Body
The C7 moved every Corvette onto a hydroformed aluminum frame, a structure previously reserved for the C6 Z06 and ZR1. Chevrolet said the new frame was 57 percent stiffer and 99 pounds lighter than the C6 steel frame. Body panels stayed composite, with a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel on the Stingray. Coupe and convertible body styles were both offered from the start, and the convertible gave up little structure because the frame was designed without a fixed roof in mind. Production stayed at Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Engine Lineup
- LT1 6.2L V8 (2014-2019 Stingray, Grand Sport): 455 hp and 460 lb-ft in the Stingray, or 460 hp and 465 lb-ft with the NPP performance exhaust. The Grand Sport included that exhaust as standard, so every Grand Sport is rated 460 hp and 465 lb-ft. Direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation (Active Fuel Management) were all new to the base Corvette engine.
- LT4 6.2L supercharged V8 (2015-2019 Z06): 650 hp and 650 lb-ft, using a 1.7-liter Eaton supercharger. The most powerful engine GM had put in a regular production car at its launch.
- LT5 6.2L supercharged V8 (2019 ZR1): 755 hp and 715 lb-ft, with a larger 2.65-liter supercharger and supplemental port injection on top of direct injection.
Transmissions and Drivetrain
All C7s are front engine, rear drive, with a rear-mounted transaxle for weight balance. The manual is the Tremec TR-6070 7-speed with active rev matching, engaged by paddles on the steering wheel. Automatics changed mid-generation: 2014 Stingrays used the 6L80 6-speed automatic, and for 2015 every model switched to the 8L90 8-speed automatic. The ZR1 was the only C7 that paired the 8-speed with the LT5; the 7-speed manual remained available on every trim through 2019, ZR1 included. An electronic limited-slip differential came with the Z51 package and on Z06, Grand Sport, and ZR1.
Year-by-Year Changes
- 2014: Stingray coupe and convertible launch. LT1, 7-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Z51 Performance Package adds the eLSD, dry-sump oiling, closer gearing, and cooling upgrades.
- 2015: Z06 arrives with the 650 hp LT4, available as coupe or convertible and with either transmission, a first for a Z06. The 8L90 8-speed automatic replaces the 6-speed across the line. Performance Data Recorder becomes available.
- 2016: Minor updates; C7.R Special Edition Z06.
- 2017: Grand Sport returns, combining the LT1 with the Z06 chassis, wide body, and standard eLSD. Z06s get revised supercharger cooling after early cars showed heat-soak trouble in track use.
- 2018: Carbon 65 Edition marks the Corvette's 65th year.
- 2019: ZR1 caps the generation with 755 hp, a 212 mph claimed top speed, and the optional ZTK track package with a high rear wing. The ZR1 came as a coupe or a convertible. Drivers Series editions honor the Corvette Racing drivers. Final year of front-engine Corvette production.
Trims and Variants
- Stingray (2014-2019): LT1, 455/460 hp. The Z51 package is the one to look for on track-driven cars.
- Z06 (2015-2019): LT4, 650 hp, wide body, standard magnetic ride. Z07 package adds carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Cup 2 tires, and more aggressive aero.
- Grand Sport (2017-2019): LT1 power (460 hp with its standard performance exhaust) in the Z06 wide body and suspension. Naturally aspirated, so it avoids the Z06 heat concerns while keeping most of the grip.
- ZR1 (2019 only): LT5, 755 hp, unique carbon fiber halo hood over the intercooler. Offered as coupe and convertible; 2,953 were built for the model year, 2,441 coupes and 512 convertibles.
Asked all the time
What engines came in the C7 Corvette (2014-2019)?
The 2014-2019 Corvette C7 used three versions of the 6.2-liter small block. The Stingray ran the naturally aspirated LT1 at 455 hp, or 460 hp with the performance exhaust, and the Grand Sport carried that exhaust as standard for 460 hp. The 2015-2019 Z06 ran the supercharged LT4 at 650 hp. The 2019 ZR1 ran the supercharged LT5 at 755 hp.
What transmissions did the C7 Corvette offer?
Every 2014-2019 Corvette C7 offered the Tremec 7-speed manual with active rev matching, including the Z06 and ZR1. The automatic was a 6L80 6-speed in 2014 only; from 2015 on it was the 8L90 8-speed. The transmission is a rear transaxle on all C7s.
Which C7 Corvette years should a buyer look for?
For a C7 Stingray, 2015 and later cars get the 8-speed automatic and the Performance Data Recorder option, and a Z51-equipped car adds the electronic limited-slip diff and better cooling. For a Z06, 2017-2019 cars have the revised supercharger cooling that addressed the early cars' track heat-soak issues. The 2017-2019 Grand Sport is the value pick for handling without supercharger heat concerns.
What is the difference between the C7 Grand Sport and Z06?
The 2017-2019 Corvette Grand Sport uses the Z06's wide body, suspension, and electronic limited-slip differential but keeps the naturally aspirated 460 hp LT1 instead of the Z06's 650 hp supercharged LT4. The Grand Sport gives up straight-line speed but avoids the heat management issues early Z06s showed in track use.
Did the early C7 Z06 really have overheating problems?
The 2015-2016 Corvette Z06 could pull power on hot track days because the supercharged LT4's intercooler system heat-soaked, and automatic cars were hit hardest. Chevrolet revised the supercharger cover and hood venting for 2017, and 2017-2019 Z06s handle sustained track sessions noticeably better. Street driving was never really affected.
How powerful is the 2019 Corvette ZR1?
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 makes 755 hp and 715 lb-ft from the supercharged 6.2-liter LT5, which uses a 2.65-liter blower and adds port injection alongside direct injection. Chevrolet claimed 212 mph, and it was the most powerful production Corvette until the C8 ZR1. It was a one-year model, the last front-engine Corvette, sold as both coupe and convertible.
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