2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Episode 3303
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

You’ve seen the pictures, read all of the specs and claims, and even heard a few gripes as well. But now it’s time for our take on what the all-new Chevrolet Corvette is all about. And it really comes down to only one question. Does this 7th generation of America’s original sports car, and the reincarnation of the classic Stingray, have what it takes to go head to head with the world’s best?

No slew of photos or videos, or thoughtful first impressions, and certainly not knee-jerk blogs, can prepare you for the experience of getting behind the wheel for seat time in the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

Simply put, driving the new Corvette Stingray delivers far more excitement and satisfaction than even we were expecting. But before we get too far ahead ourselves, let’s take a look at the numbers that make this 7th generation ‘Vette such an incredible piece of work.

High tech has certainly arrived under the hood, but don’t think overhead cams; think Digital Direct Fuel Injection, Continuously Variable Valve Timing, and Cylinder Deactivation. All helping this new 6.2-liter small block LT1 V8 crank out 455-horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque. Making this the most powerful standard ‘Vette ever. But, smart buyers are spending the few extra bucks for the Performance Exhaust to boost those numbers 5 more to 460 and 465.  

Yes we know there are plenty of cars with higher ratings, but few deliver their power this nastily, and we mean that in the best possible way. Launch control is on hand, but most drivers will be able to get better times without it, just 3.8-seconds to 60 if you nail it just right. 

After that full-on brutal launch, it feels like this Corvette is not going to be that gentle everyman’s, easy to drive sports car of yore, but it still is. The steering is perfect in every way, quick and direct with great feel. On top of that, the wheel itself has gotten smaller and fits our hands perfectly. 

Now let’s take a breath and look at this beautiful beast. There are no rough edges to its looks. Evolutionary? Sure! But, also very much world class with an intoxicating supercar-like blend of exotic stance, beautiful curves, sharp lines, and sheer aggression. There are vents galore, and they all work!

Much ballyhoo has been made over the Camaro-like taillights. Well, they are not nearly as objectionable in person as in photos. They’re here; they’re not round, so deal with it! We’d rather admire the artful center grouped quad-exhaust. Or the beefy rolling stock that comes with the Z51 performance package; 245/35/19’s up front, 285/30/20’s in the rear, with rubber by Michelin. 

The Stingray has gotten wider and longer, but thankfully it feels much smaller behind the wheel. Engineering magic that other carmakers would love to duplicate. And even with more size, weight is held down with lots of aluminum and big panels of carbon fiber; for the hood, and the removable roof panel. The chassis is so stiff that you really feel one with the car.

We mentioned the wheels and tires of the Z51 Performance Package. Along with numerous upgrades, from dry sump oiling to bigger brakes, it ratchets up the Stingray’s feel and fun factor exponentially. No wonder 75% of early buyers are going for it.

But to us, Z51’s biggest benefit is the electronic rear differential. It’s seamless; constantly shifting power where it can be used most effectively, helping the Stingray as if it has earned a doctorate in grip.

The interior is vastly better in layout and material quality. It’s still tight, but we’ll take it. There’s nicely done aluminum trim and, if you like, still more carbon fiber. Overall it’s top notch to see and touch.

Even we’ve gotten tired of hearing ourselves complain about Corvette seats, and GM has finally put an end to that grievance. The standard buckets provide good fit and even better comfort. Thumb the start button, and there’s a nice bark, with an almost Italian flair, as everything comes to life. 

Ratios for both the 7-speed manual and 6-speed automatic are just about spot-on. The manual is an absolute joy to work. And providing rev matching through steering wheel paddles is a welcome new twist. Magnetic Ride Control is available as before, but the range of firmness is broader, with the ride going from bone jarringly harsh to almost plush, while a standard drive mode system controls up to 12 vehicle attributes to further personalize your ride. All Stingrays also come equipped with Brembo brakes that work splendidly. 

Despite all of the additional performance, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are up to 17-City, 29-Highway, and 21-Combined for manual equipped cars. 

Corvette has long delivered the biggest high performance bang for the buck. But, you often got what you paid for. The C7 charts new territory and takes a backseat to no one in finesse. Still, $51,995 for this much performance should be pure fantasy land. And, that highly recommended Z51 Performance Package? Only $2,800 more.

To say that Chevrolet has got a real hit on their hands with the 2014 Corvette Stingray might just be the understatement of the year. And as much as we love the new look and giant leap forward in interior refinement, the best thing of all to us, is that it drives even better. Thoroughly modern, thoroughly bad-to-the-bone. The new Stingray! Consider us stung!

Specifications

  • Engine: 6.2-liter
  • Horsepower: 455
  • Torque: 460 lb-ft.
  • 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
  • EPA: 17 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway
Honda Prologue Reinvigorates Brand’s Electric Efforts

2024 Honda Prologue

Honda Shows Up Late To EV Party, Brings Best Appetizer

Episode 4329
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Except for some very limited run vehicles over the years, Honda has largely been sitting out the EV revolution. But that all changes now their first high volume effort, the Prologue. So, let’s find out if it is indeed the start of a great run for Honda.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is not only the brand’s first serious battery electric effort, but it’s also a substantial midsize five-passenger SUV, coming in about 3-inches longer than the internal combustion Passport. Though it’s worth noting, they got here with the help of General Motors and their Ultium EV platform.

So, Honda came to play, both with ultra-competitive pricing and segment leading 296 miles of range. That’s with the standard single-motor front-wheel drive EX rated for 212 horsepower, but top Elite doesn’t sacrifice all that much, coming in at 273 miles. The additional rear motor raises total output to 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft torque.

2024 Honda Prologue 4
2024 Honda Prologue 2
2024 Honda Prologue 3
2024 Honda Prologue 1
2024 Honda Prologue 5
2024 Honda Prologue 42024 Honda Prologue 22024 Honda Prologue 32024 Honda Prologue 12024 Honda Prologue 5

Relatively low output numbers in the EV game, but the Elite’s all-wheel drive setup delivered plenty enough acceleration to get our blood pumping during some early and very wet drive time through the recent historic downpours in Northern California.

And while Honda did get here with the help of GM and their Ultium chassis, the multi-link suspension bolted to it has been optimized by Honda for a “dynamic driving experience.” It was indeed plenty of fun to drive, nimble for its size with responsive steering, though we were also happy to find it comfortable and safe feeling in those weather conditions. It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

Comprehensive drive modes address just about every aspect of the driving experience, from power delivery to steering response and even braking power; but also changes things up inside with lighting and displays as well as active sound control.

For now, all Prologues come with an 85-kWh battery that will accept up to 150-kW fast charging for 65 miles of range for every 10 minutes on charge.

It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

As we’ve come to expect from Honda, the Prologue’s interior is minimalistic and practical, though not fully simplistic as there is plenty of tech on display, including the very high-mounted 11.3-inch touchscreen display. It has a Google-based operating system built into it like in the latest Accord Touring, and you can still use your Apple Carplay and Android Auto phones, both of which connect wirelessly.

Just below that display is some refreshingly easy to use traditional climate controls, and behind the steering wheel is a hoodless 11-inch tablet-style gauge display. Honda worked with Bose to develop an EV-specific sound system with 12 speakers. The standard EX’s system works with six speakers.

Being an EV means more space inside for both front and rear passengers than a vehicle built around a conventional drivetrain. Though with a substantial dual-level center console it doesn’t have the open floorplan of some EVs. The top layer of that console houses dedicated cell phone storage, mega-sized cupholders and Honda’s first use of a pocket-type wireless phone charger, which is standard. There’s space in back for 23.7 cubic-feet of cargo; 54.5 cubic-feet with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded; plus, more space under the cargo floor.

2024 Honda Prologue 6
2024 Honda Prologue 10
2024 Honda Prologue 8
2024 Honda Prologue 7
2024 Honda Prologue 9
2024 Honda Prologue 62024 Honda Prologue 102024 Honda Prologue 82024 Honda Prologue 72024 Honda Prologue 9

And while length and ground clearance are in the ballpark with the Passport, the Prologue’s wheelbase is nearly a foot longer, and it sits much lower, with a design theme that Honda calls “neo-rugged.” Its slick shape and smooth body panels are clearly designed for enhancing aerodynamics, yet the overall design doesn’t necessarily shout it from the rooftops. Aero-optimized 19-inch wheels are standard, with Elite rolling on 21s, a first for Honda. Roof rails, panoramic roof, and power liftgate are standard on all but the base EX.
With the launch of this new generation of Honda comes new badging that looks to the past with throwback-looking Honda script now spelled out across the back. The Prologue and future Honda EVs also get a new “e” series logo.

Comprehensive Honda Sensing safety features are included on most Prologues, with just rear pedestrian alert and a Surround Vision camera system reserved for Elite.

Pricing starts, before incentives, at just $48,795 for a front-wheel-drive EX, top Elite comes with all-wheel drive and starts at $59,295.

Like most brands, Honda has big plans to deliver a full array of battery electrics in the near future, making significant investments here in the U.S. to make it happen. It may have taken a little help from General Motors to get them started, but Honda is in the EV game for real now, and it arrives at a great time when competition in the midsize SUV EV ranks is getting serious. So, the 2024 Honda Prologue does indeed look like the start of something special for Honda, and for all of us.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Horsepower: 288
  • Range: 273 miles
  • Battery Size: 85-kWh
  • Torque: 333 lb-ft
  • Peak Charging Rate: 150-kW