In the end, you can live with the six-speed automatic though. Still, if you do wish to switch to the manual, you’ll have a pleasant surprise. The Automatic Rev Matching function is brilliant. There are special sensors which “feel” where the shifter is going. Thus, the system reacts quicker, as it doesn’t have to wait for a certain gear to actually be engaged, like others of its kind do.
As with Tremec’s six-speed manual, the clutch engages high in its travel, so you don’t risk accidentally launching the car. As for the pedal action itself, you can get used to its necessities.
Regardless of the transmission choice you make, that LT1 V8 is one nicely-dressed brute. Actually, it feels like you have two engines in one. Up to 3,000 rpm it’s a civilized naturally-aspirated unit. Past this point, the muscle start arriving faster and faster, as if there was a miniatural supercharger hidden under that vented hood.
This all means that on the highway, the Corvette isn’t necessarily the car that pushes you to hit the pedal, like the Viper does, for example. And thanks to the increased wheelbase and tracks, the thing is stable. Its natural state right now is to cruise peacefully and you could use the C7 Corvette for a cross-country drive without breaking a sweat.
Oh and all the fuss about boosting fuel efficiency hasn’t been in vain. The official figures place the Corvette Stingray at 17 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Our “Touring” highway drive returned 28 mpg, while a more spirited behavior made the dash say 21.4 mpg. Nice.
Even with the Corvette’s run-flat tires, the ride stays manageable and, if you switch to the adaptive dampers, things become pretty good. Since we mentioned the rubber, we have to explain that the C7 doesn’t follow the usual growth trend. Its Michelin Super Sports use the same diameter as the tires on its predecessor, but they’re narrower (one inch up front and two at the rear). Chevrolet claims that the rubber was developed specifically for the C7, so it manages to deliver a similar level of grip.
The standard car rides on 18x8.5-inch front wheels and features a 19x10-inch size at the back. The Z51 brings a 19x8.5-inch size up front and a 20x10-inch size at the rear.
The aforementioned state of cruising is maintained as we make a right, heading up to a deep canyon road. You can enjoy the Corvette without having to hammer it, but only after you’re past five out of ten.