2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray white 14k Z51 2LT rear wheel in Houston, TX

Driving Impressions The 2014 Corvette Stingray is an A-Plus player, owning every corner and rolling out acceleration without breathing hard. It'll snap to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, or log 30 miles-per-gallon on a fuel-economy run (the official EPA miles-per-gallon numbers are seventeen city, 29 highway). In Eco mode, an automatic cylinder-shutoff turns the V8 seamlessly into a fuel-saving V4. The Chevy's responsive steering will give Porsche night sweats, and its braking has that buttoned-down, all-business feel that makes driver confidence a given. A Drive Mode Selector on the middle console adjusts the Corvette's handling, steering, throttle response and even the exhaust note. Unlike many such systems, the Drive Mode Selector's 5 driver-selectable programs significantly changes the Corvette's character, with the starkest difference between the default Tour and the all-performance Track modes. The convertible offers everything the coupe does, but with a power top that opens in a scant sixteen seconds, at speeds up to 30 mph. Interior Easy on both the eyes and the body, the Corvette Stingray's interior is a premium space upholstered in leather and trimmed in aluminum and carbon fiber. The magnesium seats are a real treat, as is the 8-inch color screen on the center dash. Information, for a long time not a specialty of Corvette interiors, are now a point of legitimate pride, including 2 power USB ports in the middle console and more good cargo space under the coupe's rear hatch than you'll find in a BMW seven Series even the convertible sports a big and usable trunk. Exterior Finally, the Chevrolet Corvette looks like it could win a knife fight. Gone are the rubbery curves from the last 2 decades in favor of strong, folded edges and functional inlets. That lithe skin is bonded to an all-aluminum frame that's 100lbs lighter, 57 percent stiffer, and otherworldly times more talented than last year's model no additional structural stiffening was needed for the convertible. In top-up mode, the Stingray convertible loses the exquisite sweep of the coupe's rear roofline and hatch window, but regains its presence when the fabric top retracts completely out of sight behind the seats. Under the Hood The new Corvette's wicked 6.2-liter V8 engine offers more naturally aspirated horsepower and a much bigger bite of low-end torque than ever. At the same time, the V8 highway fuel economy that can reach as high as 29 miles-per-gallon that's better than a Scion xB , and pretty much better than any high-performance car you can name thanks to the engine's ability to imperceptibly shut down 4 of its 8 cylinders when the Stingray's driver is taking it easy on the throttle. A standard seven gear manual gearbox sends the V8's glorious power to the rear wheels, though most Corvette buyers will opt for the six gear automatic. With either setup, you'll find nothing to disappoint you. 6.2-liter V8 455 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm 460lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm 460 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (with available performance exhaust) 465lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm (with available performance exhaust) EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/29 miles-per-gallon (manual), 16/28 miles-per-gallon (automatic)