Introduced at the 2013 North American International Auto Show and put on sale for the 2014 model year, the seventh generation (aka C7) Chevrolet Corvette retained the basic shape and layout of its C6 predecessors, but was also a major update for America’s sports car. Cosmetically, there was a new crossed flags logo and the four centrally located exhaust pipes were larger and set closer together. There were also functional aerodynamic pieces and vents all over, which contrasted with the smooth and simple shapes on Corvettes of the recent past. The Corvette’s grille had been an understated styling element ever since the C2 of 1963, but on the C7 it is wide and prominent. And throughout, particularly on the rear, the body lines are much more angular. Angular enough for repurpose the “Stingray” name for the C7.

Under the hood, the C7 introduced a new version of the small-block V8 – a 6.2-liter unit dubbed the LT1. In base form it came with 455 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, but with a popular performance exhaust package it delivered 460 hp and 465 lb-ft. Upon the car’s launch, buyers could choose between a Tremec 7-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic, but an 8-speed auto soon replaced it. Similar to the C6, suspension was by unequal-length double wishbones with transverse fiberglass mono-leaf springs and optional magnetorheological dampers. Buyers could also choose between a standard coupe with an easily removable targa roof panel or a full soft-top convertible. A Z51 performance package added dry-sump lubrication, a transmission cooler, close-ratio gearing, staggered aluminum wheels, bigger brakes, electronic limited-slip differential, different chassis tuning, and Magnetic Ride Control. A 3Lt package added a 10-speaker Bose audio system, color head-up display, Performance Data Recorder, navigation system, heated ventilated seats, and upgraded leather for the dash, console, and door panels.

For the C7’s sophomore year in 2015, Chevrolet introduced the much-anticipated high-performance Z06 version of the car, with its 6.3-liter supercharged and intercooled V8 that delivered 650hp and 650 lb-ft. Changes to the body included a front splitter, carbon fiber hood, larger vents, inlets ahead of the rear wheels, and a rear spoiler. Available as a coupe or convertible, the C7 Z06 carried a base price of under $100,000 when it was new. Given its supercar-level performance, the Z06 arguably delivered more performance per dollar than any other new car on the market at the time.

In 2017, Chevrolet then introduced the C7 Grand Sport. Also a successful trim on the C6 Corvette, the Grand Sport effectively bridged the gap between a base car and a Z06 by providing the chassis and handling improvements of the Z06 with the more manageable LT1 powertrain of the standard Stingray. King of the C7s, though, was the ZR1 that Chevrolet introduced for the C7’s final model year in 2019. Based on the Z06, it added a larger supercharger to its engine – dubbed the LT5 – and delivered an incredible 755hp and 715 lb-ft. Other aero improvements made it even more track capable than the Z-6, and it boasts a 215 mph top speed.

GM tends to roll out a lot of special editions over the lifespan of a Corvette and the C7 was no exception. The C7.R Edition for the Z06 was an appearance package that added a leather- and suede- and carbon fiber-trimmed interior, yellow contrast stitching, black and yellow wheels, yellow calipers, carbon-ceramic brakes, Black or Corvette Racing Yellow exterior plate, and of course special commemorative plaques. A Grand Sport Collector Edition, which numbered 935 copies, Tension Blue fender hash-marks, two-tone Tension Blue leather seats with embossed Grand Sport logo on headrest, blue leather stitching, and plaque. A Carbon 65 Edition for 2018 numbered 650 units, all Ceramic Matrix Gray with special fender stripes and door graphics. A 65th anniversary model, the Carbon 65 also added black wheels, blue calipers, suede-wrapped interior with blue stitching, and extra carbon fiber.

From 2014-19, Chevrolet sold nearly 190,000 C7 Corvettes. The very last C7, a black Z06 coupe, sold for charity at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2019. After being replaced by the C8, the C7 stands as both the last Corvette with the traditional front-engine layout and the last one available with a manual gearbox.