I bet it drives just like a corvette at low speed. These guys with cameras who shouldn’t be buying corvettes, should walk away and do something else in life.
I agree! I know we're taught to never judge a book by it's cover, but come on GM have a dress code or uniform in these assembly plants or at least during photo/video shoots "pretend to" !! If you ever watch a "how it's made" video on any Porche, BMW, Audi, Ferrari,etc… every assembly plant worker looks professional! They wear uniforms or something, not tank tops, jorts or any other midlife, blue collar, AC/DC listening to apparel :-)
Would you rather be stuck with the owner of a Aqua Velva-drenched Corvette, a mumble-rapping Civic Type R, a S2000 owner with a picnic table wing (looks cleeeeaaaaan bro!), or a 911 owner who acts like you're invisible?
As a three time Corvette owner, the C7 was a huge jump over the C6, C5 , etc. The C8 is very tempting because i love driving mid engine cars but the lack of a manual transmission has kept me from pulling the trigger
I found the DCT was fun and engaging. I drove the C8 @ NCM for 3 sessions. Im debating on C8 Z06 or Z51. Love the FPC but tire cost of $100-200 per tire more & the 12-16 mpg. However "the sound is of the Gods" - Savagegeese Corvette enthusiast
I’m a GM fan but even I can say, their engineers couldn’t figure out how to design an 8spd auto, their making wheels that crack, the fundamental cooling issues that should be sorted out from year one. Who in their right mind thinks the C8 is gonna be reliable. Their now dipping their toes in dual clutch trans, completely moving an engine in a different spot, new geometry and engineering altogether. Whoever buys a first year run, I wish you the best of luck.
GM does not build the wheels or transmissions for the C8. I bet the C8 will be reliable. But I also think the first year of production will have bugs. That’s common amongst ALL automotive manufacturers. I have a 15 year old 2005 C6, early build and have zero issues, so really it’s hit and miss.
@@Todd66 Im going to side with joe on this one. the c5-c7 cars all had issues, some catastrophic some not so much. But the C8 is all new, mid engine(first one since the 80s), new DCT (never done one before) and a new"er" engine design as well. I just don't see it ending well for first year owners.
I can't afford a c7 or any sports car... I just bought my first house. But these videos you guys do are just so amazingly meant for real people. It keeps me watching. You guys aren't motortrend. You're savagegeese! The of quality and information in these videos is top notch. Keep up the good work guys.
I have faith in you my automotive brother in need! I pray to Horsepower Jesus and His papa God the Father of Torque to deliver you the sportscar that your heart desires! Lord Jesus bring him a tastefully modded Vette for an incredible deal. Amen.
I've had a grand sport for two years now and love it. One thing not mentioned in this review is how wonderful it is to drive with the top off (and super easy/quick to remove). Its like having two cars in one. I considered the porsche cayman, 911, mustang, and camaro in my car search, but none of those offer that open air experience and if you live in a warm environment that is something really worth having. And I know you can get convertibles in those other cars, but those soft top versions ruin the lines of those cars (imo).
@@zzz7zzz9 You know what I mean... the corvette is the only option that gives you both a hardtop and a convertible in one. All those other cars (i.e., the cayman, 911, camaro, mustang) only offer an ugly convertible version if you want to drive with the top down.
@@toodanderson351 No... I live in CA and as far as I know there aren't any CA legal longtubes. I had them on my last corvette in a different state and they sounded amazing.
I ordered a new manual transmisiion Stingray in 2017.I wanted the small body and lightest weight version. Sold a Mustang GT manual to move up to the C7. Having owned a Miata and an Elise, I like nimble lower HP cars as well. This was intended to be a street car, even though I live 20 miles from Mid Ohio race track, I will probably never do a track day. I went with the base wheel and tire sizes for durability on the street. Never bent a rim yet in 3 years. I also believe this combo has less unsprung weight. My experience leads me to believe a wide front tire tramlines on bad pavement making relaxed cruising less fun. The engine packaging is amazing, low CG, Mid front location, all aluminium. The Corvette is too fast for the street enviroment. It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. Shifting gears for fun in the Corvette puts you at about 100 mph when 3rd gear tops out. Miata's can be enjoyed for their responsiveness at lower speeds. Really both cars have their place and are fun. Both cars can be daily drivers. The Vette drives large and the Miata drives small, both are enjoyable. Somehow a 911 drives small compared to a C7. Other thoughts: I never use 7th gear even on the interstate at 75 mph. I never use cylinder deactivization, I want to keep the AC ticking over, hill climb ability available, alternator putting out, coolant circulating, as hiway revs in 6th are around 1500 rpms. Over 30 MPG at this. I have LT1 trim. LT2 Trim is mostly cosmetic. I wondered if Mag Ride is worth it. I wondered If EDiff is worth it but would have liked to try it but that was a step up in money. I don't have any complaint with the audio system or touch screen. Both designs were finalized in 2013 and a lot has changed since then. My only mod is a wiring device to defeat to skip shift function on the manual transmission. The Mustang Tremec shifts better then the Corvette's Tremec, but the Mustang has annoying throttle hang when shifting gears. Probably not noticable if you drive an automatic trans. I got $10K off sticker, $47.5k plus taxes out the door. Amazing value for money. Better deals are out there now. I recently went and saw the C8 in person. I like it. But it got heavier and no manual transmission. Hey, do what I do and own both styles of sportscars.
Why turn of cylinder deactivation? It literally turns them back on in milliseconds. Your not losing anything. Now, I could see turn off auto start stop but not cylinders. If you used the excuse because of the exhaust note that would make more sense.
Cylinder reactivation is a bit strange in this car it comes on quite jerky and you need to drop down about 2 gears for it to activate so the extra revs feels like you aren’t even saving fuel. I wish in eco it was permanently in 4 cyl mode. Does anyone know how to activate the hill assist? I have a 2016 base stingray M7 grey black pack and get so many looks on the streets of London since they are very rare over here. The wheel being on the wrong side isn’t a problem, but it’s super wide I can’t fit within the parking lines on some streets so my rims are f**ked. So much fun dumping that clutch and squealing off a red light! Even over here getting work done on it isn’t suuuper expensive so I just drive it without much care lol. I hate when people are too precious with their cars! Get a car you can afford to mess around with to have most fun I would say.
I purchased a 2019 C7 eleven months ago exactly like what you bought for the same reasons. Keep it light with few of the extra bells and whistles to keep it as pure as possible and $10k off sticker. Love the manual and have always had at least one car that I could row the gears but the C7 now is the sweetest ride I have ever had and will enjoy for years to come. Enjoy!
@Commentor1 Not really, I would never buy the first year of a completely redesigned high end sports car like the C8. I'll let others be the guinea pigs and deal with the issues that may come up. My plan is to wait a couple years and trade my C7 GS for a C8 ZO6( fingers crossed).
@Commentor1 True, but I really love the way the C7 looks and I wanted to enjoy a new C7 before I move on to the C8. To be honest, I'm not completely sold on the look of the C8, I'm hoping the ZO6 version will look much better.
Jorge O I’m glad you like the video. I just tried to be as honest as possible about the car. I like it a lot(obviously I bought one), but as you know it has its problems. That being said I don’t think based on its price there is much better available.
So I just got a brand new C7 two weeks ago and it will be my daily driver. My dream vette was a Grand Sport but due to my trades and being upside down I couldn't get a GS. It's a 1LT but it's still a Vette. I've always wanted a Vette and love it so far. I love his GS so much and that is exactly what I wanted so much.
I purchased a new 2019 Grand Sport and was concerned I would regret not getting a C8. (I had not yet seen a C8) I finally seen a C8. Very very nice car, but at no time did I feel I should've waited. I'm good.
Still a beautiful car and performing. The C8 is a revolution but C7 is an amazing vehicle. So nice in and out and fast and looks great and reliable. Fantastic.
For a RWD front engine car, it's perfection for the layout in the sub $100k price range (the GS). Even a used C6 GS is a great buy for the money. All the aero, cooling, and suspension benefits of the Z06, without the quirks of owning a Z06.
I really appreciate the section about reliability. Many reviewers do not talk about cost to own after the warranty period or what type of problems certain cars have. This is the best car review channel on TH-cam!
Those 2018 Z06s prices will be a droppin. Nothing like 650 horsepower with a beautiful car, without having to get a second mortgage. Even if it has a seven speed manual
Of ALL the GM cars THIS particular car is designed for high revs and tall gearing. UNFORTUNATELY the better design is the ‘general purpose’ high revving design called the mustle car. In this brand it’s called camaro. It’s got some mustle in its arms and some in its waist and some in its legs. It’s not the MR UNIVERSE which a corvette actually is. Race cars go round and round in circles for 1 hour.
I own a C7 GS and have now driven the C8 as well as taken a very thorough look at it. The C8 Z51 suffers from significant mid corner understeer ( tight ) and as we all know, tight is slow and a touch lose ( free) is fast. C8 corner exit is stellar, puts down the power every time but all it’s doing is making up its corner loss. The C8 needs a healthy dose of nose ballast. I’m not rushing out to buy a C8 anytime soon, Chevy has a lot of work to do on the C8. Speaking of work, that car is going to be a very time consuming car to work on.
C8 looks like a good looking front end melded to a good looking rear end but from entirely two different cars. Yes looks awkward from the side. It's a design failure in my opinion but then again I also think McLarens are ugly.
When the C7 came out people hated how it looked so much GM decided to make the C8 even uglier so we’d appreciate the C7 even more. Fuckin wizards at GM playing 4D chess.
Thank you for another thoughtful review! With the entire focus of the automotive journalistic community on the C8, it is refreshing to get an owner's honest evaluation, pros and cons, for the consideration of the value of a C7 'Vette. Well done!
I had a arctic white c7 GS, sadly I sold it after we had our second child. I still thinking about that car everyday. Amazing drive, loved that on a beautiful day I can take the top off and put it in the trunk. Still drove it in the rain on crappy days along the PCH as well.
You guys are bumming me out with the reliability issues. But I'm so grateful to hear it. I was seriously considering a used Z06. It sounds like a nightmare out of warranty.
I laughed at that comment... I drove the 911 and GS back to back and thought the corvette had a lot more theater than the 911. Especially in terms of engine noise. By comparison the 911 just seemed boring.
All things being equal, if this was a Japanese car they'd be calling it the greatest track/sports car of the decade. But the Corvette baggage is deeply ingrained.
@@Edde2016 Depends on which 911 IMO. What i liked about the 911t so much is you had to wind out the car to redline to get all the power. The gear box was much better and the car was more fun on the street because it was easier to reach its limits. Objectively the LT1 is great, makes a ton of power, linear but i think its missing that wow of the 5.2 voodoo high reving nature or the whine of the hellcat motor.
I'll probably never ever buy a Corvette but found this video incredibly satisfying, informative, and entertaining to watch. Jack and Mark have so much knowledge (kudos to Jack doing his due diligence in his research) and have great rapport and chemistry. Well done guys... seriously!
Every few years I reconsider buying a GM car, but nope - your comments have reinforced my decision never to buy one again. Thanks for your frank discussion of pros and cons...
So saying the engine is uninspiring is another way of saying it doesn't have a flaw in it's performance. I agree, cylinder deactivation is absolutely terrible!
Yeah, I don't get it. Really tired of all these critiques the Vette gets. I need to start a TH-cam channel and bash every car while comparing it to the Corvette.
The cylinder deactivation for the manual when the drive mode is set to economy is bothersome when the cylinders deactivate because of a very loud “clunk” sound you can hear and feel when it occurs. Sometimes the sound is much louder than others, but every once in a while there’s a “special” !CLUNK! that rustles your jimmies. It’s one that is louder than all the other loud ones and will legit make you think you hit an anvil. I stopped using eco mode because it just feels like something that is breaking a little each time and is leading up to the inevitable day when it finally fails…..which will be no less than 1 day after the warranty expires of course..
I just bought a C7. Dealerships still have a lot of 2019s in stock. They're discounting them $10k-$15k off MSRP. I got the automatic. I think its smooth and fast shifting. I don't use the paddles. As far as the wheels bending, don't drive in track mode. The suspension travel in track mode is so short that a big bump or pothole will damage the car.
The complaint about the engine not being exciting is what I like about the LS/LT engines. Way back when I did high speed events in my C5, the car had more torque than traction in 3rd gear on the twisty portions of tracks. Fewer shifts made for faster lap times.
Fantastic review. Also it made me feel great about not getting MR on my Mustang. There are a lot of car reviews on youtube but savageese is in a class of one. Period.
Got a 2017 C7 GS Heritage Manual (just broke 10K km on it) and I don’t miss the 2008 911. The C7 puts a smile on my face from the moment the engine starts. Great review.
End theme back to longer version, instant like comment subscribe. 😉 But seriously I love that little bit that had been cut lately, thanks for bringing it back!
@16:27 That's crazy such a small/shallow waffle pattern actually makes a significant structural difference in strength. I'm sure you can thank computer modeling for that; that can basically figure out the exact amount of waffling to employ before the cost to benefit ratio starts to tip the wrong way in a matter of seconds. Great video! I always love the detail and editing style, and this is no different. Keep em' coming!
took a bus tour all through Rhineland and Bavaria many years ago - the German bus driver was exceptional - we eventually got talking about cars and how I drove an E46 M3 (manual of course) and he smiled wryly at me and then showed me pictures of his C5 Z06..........btw Jack is awesome Geese......that's a very nice ride Jack .
Great video.. I do love a good C7 myself.. Not a fan of the way the C8 looks either. We'll see after I see a few in the wild. But you're right, front engine rear drive manual, classic.
Skip Barber used to have a track day program that allowed you to jump back and forth from Porsche 991's, Mustang GT's and the C7 Stingray. Did it at Lime Rock a few years ago with around 10 other people and almost everyone was in agreement that the Corvette was the one they wanted more time with after a day of lapping. Having since driven the C7 Z06 on track a few times, I can't imagine needing or wanting any more than what those cars offer. Both are remarkable for the price.
From somebody who has been ripped around a track in this exact car (Jack’s Grand Sport) I will confirm that it is a great purchase for so many reasons.
The fun on the street quotient is the primary issue with the vast majority of modern sports cars - most are too capable, too powerful, too stable - it just makes a backroad drive boring...
Yeaaaaa. I enjoy my camaro SS 1le, but for a spirited drive I’d rather have a Miata. You pretty much need to be doing 80-100 for it to be exciting in the camaro. Or a big ass power slide lol. It’s a hell of an all rounder but way overkill for street fun.
So what!!! You two are just a couple of kids. Much smarter than me for certain. Most of us don’t have a clue about your concerns. I kill termites...I’ve worked my butt off for something like this car. You’re right, I probably won’t track it but I guarantee you that I’ll have a blast driving this wonderful vehicle. Who cares about what GM did or didn’t do. It works for my kind!!!
Glad you guys finally did this. I love my manual Grand Sport and track it too. MGW shifter helps with better shifting feel. So far 3 cracked wheels so I ditched the stocks.
I was just wondering about aftermarket options for this car regarding the wheels, are there certain things to consider? Do you have any brand suggestions?
@@TheKroopView any of the big brands like forgeline, hre, etc would be great. titan7 if youre on a budget. cray or house of wheels if youre really on a budget
Nice take. My Stingray has been very good to own and reliable on and off the track. One thing to keep in mind about the dated interior and infotainment system is, this came out in 2013. It was actually tremendous at the time and is most definitely last gen now that the C8 is here. Also the performance seats are not all that bad. You get used to them. And they allow for a 5 point harness. Furthermore the car IMO rides soft enough for what it is. Mine is definitely more comfortable than my ‘19 E63s. One thing that I want to mention here, that I didn’t notice brought up is that the dealership experience is fairly abysmal where I live. It doesn’t matter if you’re rolling in a $100k Z06, until you start to get to know one or two people in the service department, you might as well come in with a 10 year old Malibu you’ll be treated all the same. Poorly, in my opinion for an owner of a brand’s halo car.
I found that out I bout my in tx and day 1 I noticed smoke from hood a idling radling noise 1000 to 4000 rpm while giving it gas vibration too so once I get it fix I'll judge then...
2019 base trim c7 with manual transmission. Thats is what all I need and enough for me. But what is amazing is that super charged one can have manual transmission too. I was shocked. Please all auto maker keep doing that and save manuals.
I haven’t been interested in Corvette models since the C5 Z06. After this video I am interested in a C7 Grand Sport. Looks like they’ll make a great track car. (:
I am in my late seventies. My last corvette was a 1968. I just acquired a very low mileage 2018, GG, 3 Lt and yes an 8 speed automatic. For me it's the cats meow. I come a go kart racing background in southern California. My mentors were 2 uncles, both aeronautical engineers. They gave me a profound advantage over many of my competitors. My current corvette should give me a final drive on my last task at hand. Your summation has given me volumes of usable information. Had a little try at street racing yesterday when a certain BMW challenged me. The end result was deeply in my favore. Looking forward to this affordable toy.
Owning a corvette was always a dream of mine and the C7 has been my dream car since it released in 2014. Finally got one a few months ago for my 26th birthday. Absolute beast of a car. I love it. This is an extremely accurate and balanced review. No it doesn't have the best fit and finish inside and there are definitely some squeaks and rattles (especially on a cold day or bumpy road) but I'll be damned if you can find anything with more performance, style, and fun available for 35k used and low mileage.
Even though the C8's dual clutch transmission shifts quicker, I agree, the 7-speed manual C7 adds to the driving fun factor, which is the main reason I still own my C7. Truth is, unless you track your Vette odds are the difference in shifting times between the transmissions aren't even noticed. This is the main reason I've been hesitant to move to a C8. From what I've read, if you pull both shift handles on the C8 at the same time the transmission will go into neutral. That being the case I can't imagine it would be very difficult for GM to offer a fly-by-wire clutch pedal option for the C8 and please everyone. Perhaps someday they will (or some smart after-market company will). It wouldn't bother me at all if I owned a manual shift C8 that was a bit slower than the Automatic model.
Summary: Overall, good review and fair. I feel like people not familiar with the platform will overreact to those reliability details you mentioned, which I think are overblown....class actions are led by the old boy club. I agree 100% on C8 though...it's a big HOLD for me...for the foreseeable future. Keep in mind, C8 is Tadge's car...not really the C7. C7 was Dave Hills architecture, taken a step further (due to Gm in Chap11 recovery). C8 is purely of Tadge's direction and he's a manual hater, he's a softy, he loved the A8 transmission...i.e. he could be Justin Trudeaus dad (not really but...he's soft like that). C8 is an all around mild disappointment to me (but it's still early), as was the C7 generation, never bringing a true purist track machine, and instead putting out that disgusting ZR1, which while fast, was just a mess of hood shakers, a wing just small enough to look awkward (if you go big wing, think ACR-E and do it for real)...all ZR1 needed was a tow hitch option...it was anything but dedicated, it was Tadge's "bandwidth" approach to sports car....please everyone...the muscle car guy, the track guy, the old boy, etc...doesn't work. Tadge knows how to sell cars, he's a corporate guy, which is why he's head of the show...but his influence on the Corvette brand is steering the ship slowly to something that I think will never find the exact mark. He just doesn't have it...he understands fast, he understands marketing to the masses, but...the guy just doesn't have that edge to make Corvette truly great (did I mention it's because he's soft?) because it's the right series of compromises that are the key to finding that magical combination that may not sell a ton of cars, but will be one of the best ever made. I'm a Tadge hater...I ain't gonna lie...I've met him a number of times and I think both he and Harlen Charles are douches and I can't wait to see the torch passed.
Fun fact : The new LT1 camaro uses the same Corvette engine, in fact Chevy made some many hand assembled LT1 engines for the vette , some left overs found their way into new manual transmission Camaros (remove plastic engine cover to find signed plaque in said engines)
For those complaining about the ride quality just get the Stingray with the magnetic ride. It's firm but surprisingly damped when going over bumps. There is no chassis flex at the rim/tire setup on that variant is a bit more forgiving. Driving that car with the suspension in tour but the exhaust in sport makes for a great spirited driving experience.
Well said...my 2014 Z51 has/had every available option including Magnetic Ride control...rides like a dream in Touring. And I agree with Eddie....top comes off quick and stores easily.....and for myself,at 6'1" its alot easier getting in and out!
Great music for the track bit, fitting for the retro style resolution of the on board camera. Great info and pacing all through the video. Was eating dinner while watching, never got bored and never overwhelmed to follow on all the interesting details you showed and explained so well. Good teamwork presenting together.
I really like the C7 it’s a huge improvement over the C5 and C6 and possibly the Corvette in its best form But I like the C8 more as it is an important car as it is the first ever mid-engine Corvette and that’s better than having it as a crossover thank God Yes I was a bit upset with it not having a manual transmission but at the same time the DCT is a huge improvement over the automatic in the C7 and it has an engaging experience one of the few cars I’ll be okay with having an auto We do need a C8 Review by the one and only Mr. Geese
I appreciate this video so much because you guys touched on the long term reliability issues one may endure owning this car. Transparency and neutrality is everything. I commend you guys for that. It's still on my short list of weekend cars though haha.
Thorough and fair analysis - I purchased Range Technology Active Fuel Management Disable Device (Blue) device for my Z06 - I bought it directly from Range Technology - it's sold on Amazon for the same price $189, but I prefer to go direct - works great and I suggest other C7 owners to do the same - simple and effective.
I have a 2019 GS with a manual that I daily drive. These guys are absolutely dead on with their evaluation of the vehicle. It's not a very fun daily driver unless you drive far to fast for the street, or you just like the looks you get driving it. The GS is an absolute blast on the track and that's where this car needs to be in order to be enjoyed.
I drove the C5 on Bondurant’s track, was like driving a race car with sloppy shifting (relative to real race car). I’ve driven C6 on street, much improved sfifting, WAY better interior, but yes, same as C5...too fast for the street. I’ve driven Porsche 997s/987s on the track, and can confirm the better steering feel, but the C5/6 is so much faster...so much more racecar experience, that the vette is just a no-brainer preference for the track. However, I’d take the Porsche’s for the street
Can’t go faster on a track for less $ than a C5 Z06 with a few cooling upgrades. Tires, brakes and engine maintenance are all an order of magnitude less than a C6/7. The C6 might be faster, but bigger brake rotors, tires, etc. all cost more $ and are consumables that will be replaced every few track days. That shit adds up, and you’ll be driving less coz of the cost. The best way to get faster is to drive more, and a less expensive car to run you will drive more, enjoy more and become a better driver with. Having said that, the C5 interior is such a rattley plastic piece of shit that is typical 90’s GM quality. I wouldn’t want to look at or experience that shit every day, so for a street/daily driver get a nicer car and you’ll be happier every day coz you’re driving it every day. If you want to go fast on track and aren’t driving it every day, that’s the C5 Z06 niche.
The C7 Corvette Grand Sport is a diamond in the rough and a very special sports car. This video has made me fall in love with the C7. I know Alex from Legit Street Cars would enjoy this homage to the outgoing C7. His C5 is also very special. When you look back at the Corvette, it's truly a very special sports car in its own unique way. Super bargain fun mobile in less than 1 year for sure (Grinning and wringing of hands)!!
The problem with the cooling was the grille wasn't large enough. Thus they put a much larger grille on the ZR1 models. That being said the Z06 C6 is the pinnacle on the Front Engine Corvette for me, mostly because of that 427 LS7.
With Chevy ending production on the 6th Gen Camaro, and seeing as you all have never reviewed the Camaro SS. I would give anything to see a good thorough review on the SS 1LE because it truly is the best performance bang for your buck on the market. Would love for you all to review it.
They went to cool overs because they COULDN'T FIT the leaf in the rear because of the packaging of the drivetrain. Tadge wished he could've kept it. The coilovers weight a ton more with negligible benefits AND it gave the C7 a specific handling trait. It stopped excess understeer.
Indeed. The composite spring is nothing that should be referred to as a traditional leaf spring even though it technically is a leaf spring. The whole idea of transverse composite spring was pioneered in the Corvette and later on went to be adopted by Mercedes and Volvo among others. The composite spring is superior to coil springs in every measurable way, including durability. The only reason why someone would want coil over steel springs instead is if they want to alter spring rates more than once. If you're happy with the factory setup or only want to fit stiffer springs once, the coil overs offer no benefit.
I was just looking at this same Grand Sport recently & as a long time Vette owner it's tempting but the allure of the new C-8 is strong. A very good profile on the C-7 which I enjoyed very much & appreciate!
As a driver of a 2011 Maybach with a V12 620hp and 738 lbs of torque, I can appreciate a mature sports classy vehicle like the Corvette. I feel the Challenger and Charger are more for the common man, Ravi Peiris M.D.
@@rickhunter6513 yeah, two generations of Corvette don't look like Corvette. 🤦🏻♂️ I'll be sure to notify GM. What car did they unknowingly build by the way?
Since the C8 is sold out I decided to check out the C7. Found my '19 Grand Sport at Kerbeck Corvette in Atlantic City. MSRP was $68k. I drove it home for $55. Just over 900 miles and am now putting the power down after break in and some warm temps in NJ. OMG!! Car is amazing. The Grand Sport is the sweet spot in the C7 line up. Mine is Shadow Gray Metallic and 1LT.
I like the C8, but the C7 GS looks stunning.
Warhead Urban Exploration exactly. Not a big fan of the looks of the C8. Too many external bits, winglets, etc. and the back end is fugly.
@@artagain8977 yes, and it looks as though it sits too high and is too narrow. Just looks funny.
@@derekwood3189 yet its 2in wider then the C7 haha
My favorite is the C6 Z06
@@artagain8977 I agree but the stock stingray c7 isnt that good looking either. Maybe once we get a C8 z06/GS it will look sexy
I just bought a C7. It’s my only car. Can’t imagine driving anything else. Absolutely love driving it! It’s hilarious!
Nice, hope you enjoy it for many years.
I bet it drives just like a corvette at low speed.
These guys with cameras who shouldn’t be buying corvettes, should walk away and do something else in life.
Not in Wisconsin.
I hate yu
C8?
22:22 Jack has transformed
decepticons
I thought my headphones gave out for a second
I got really nervous, sitting in my dark house at 1 in the morning....
How gracious of him to bless us with his true cyborg form
Transformers roll out
That robot voice sent a shiver down my spine
lizard people confirmed. they are everywhere, don't believe the lies
Jack needs to be more apparent about his relationship with Skynet.
I thought my laptop's speakers were done
The power of Corvette compels you!
22:20 thank me later
With everything that goes into a Corvette, it's ironic that most owners of them sit on folding chairs in parking lots next to them.
Funny, and some truth to it. Do it myself. Thanks for the smile I got reading this.
Agreed. I drive the snot out of mine (rain or shine), and can't understand the garage queen aspect of Corvette ownership for so many!
leaf spring is pretty much a foliding chair... the good thing is made the car so thin....
Comes in a random black guy: "It's not how you sit by your car, but how you race your car."
nic jones - Exactly. Built for driving!!!
Ever since I saw the C7 for the first time I have loved the design. It’s one of my dream cars. Great review as always.
So, have you bought one yet, or what?
I'm dying at the fact that everyone who builds Corvettes looks exactly like every Corvette owner ever
I agree! I know we're taught to never judge a book by it's cover, but come on GM have a dress code or uniform in these assembly plants or at least during photo/video shoots "pretend to" !! If you ever watch a "how it's made" video on any Porche, BMW, Audi, Ferrari,etc… every assembly plant worker looks professional! They wear uniforms or something, not tank tops, jorts or any other midlife, blue collar, AC/DC listening to apparel :-)
@@MrJeffyb69 welcome to "Murica"
@@MrJeffyb69 The UAW wanted that in the contract and got it in...probably so they could have people wearing their UAW propaganda lol.
@@MrJeffyb69 I was thinking the same. Very sloppy looking, but comfortable ...I guess.
Would you rather be stuck with the owner of a Aqua Velva-drenched Corvette, a mumble-rapping Civic Type R, a S2000 owner with a picnic table wing (looks cleeeeaaaaan bro!), or a 911 owner who acts like you're invisible?
As a three time Corvette owner, the C7 was a huge jump over the C6, C5 , etc. The C8 is very tempting because i love driving mid engine cars but the lack of a manual transmission has kept me from pulling the trigger
I never drove a c8
I found the DCT was fun and engaging. I drove the C8 @ NCM for 3 sessions. Im debating on C8 Z06 or Z51. Love the FPC but tire cost of $100-200 per tire more & the 12-16 mpg. However "the sound is of the Gods" - Savagegeese Corvette enthusiast
I’m a GM fan but even I can say, their engineers couldn’t figure out how to design an 8spd auto, their making wheels that crack, the fundamental cooling issues that should be sorted out from year one. Who in their right mind thinks the C8 is gonna be reliable. Their now dipping their toes in dual clutch trans, completely moving an engine in a different spot, new geometry and engineering altogether. Whoever buys a first year run, I wish you the best of luck.
GM does not build the wheels or transmissions for the C8. I bet the C8 will be reliable. But I also think the first year of production will have bugs. That’s common amongst ALL automotive manufacturers. I have a 15 year old 2005 C6, early build and have zero issues, so really it’s hit and miss.
@@Todd66 Im going to side with joe on this one. the c5-c7 cars all had issues, some catastrophic some not so much. But the C8 is all new, mid engine(first one since the 80s), new DCT (never done one before) and a new"er" engine design as well. I just don't see it ending well for first year owners.
The transmission is built by tremec, not gm
At the end of the day, it’s got GMs name on it. These consumers aren’t saying “well their not GM wheels, or GMs transmissions” That’s the point.
Don't blame the engineers. Blame the pencil pushers man. The finance department
That C5 at the end at the track still fighting the good fight 👍🏼
Only because GS was not being driven "9/10-10s" as mentioned.
Still my favorite, the c5 zo6.
I can't afford a c7 or any sports car... I just bought my first house. But these videos you guys do are just so amazingly meant for real people. It keeps me watching. You guys aren't motortrend. You're savagegeese! The of quality and information in these videos is top notch. Keep up the good work guys.
I have faith in you my automotive brother in need! I pray to Horsepower Jesus and His papa God the Father of Torque to deliver you the sportscar that your heart desires! Lord Jesus bring him a tastefully modded Vette for an incredible deal. Amen.
I've had a grand sport for two years now and love it. One thing not mentioned in this review is how wonderful it is to drive with the top off (and super easy/quick to remove). Its like having two cars in one. I considered the porsche cayman, 911, mustang, and camaro in my car search, but none of those offer that open air experience and if you live in a warm environment that is something really worth having. And I know you can get convertibles in those other cars, but those soft top versions ruin the lines of those cars (imo).
Have you done long tube headers yet?
you literally just said that those other brands DON'T offer convertibles, then said that you know they do.
@@zzz7zzz9 You know what I mean... the corvette is the only option that gives you both a hardtop and a convertible in one. All those other cars (i.e., the cayman, 911, camaro, mustang) only offer an ugly convertible version if you want to drive with the top down.
@@toodanderson351 No... I live in CA and as far as I know there aren't any CA legal longtubes. I had them on my last corvette in a different state and they sounded amazing.
@@Edde2016 Except that there is the 911 Targa
I ordered a new manual transmisiion Stingray in 2017.I wanted the small body and lightest weight version. Sold a Mustang GT manual to move up to the C7. Having owned a Miata and an Elise, I like nimble lower HP cars as well. This was intended to be a street car, even though I live 20 miles from Mid Ohio race track, I will probably never do a track day. I went with the base wheel and tire sizes for durability on the street. Never bent a rim yet in 3 years. I also believe this combo has less unsprung weight. My experience leads me to believe a wide front tire tramlines on bad pavement making relaxed cruising less fun.
The engine packaging is amazing, low CG, Mid front location, all aluminium.
The Corvette is too fast for the street enviroment. It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. Shifting gears for fun in the Corvette puts you at about 100 mph when 3rd gear tops out. Miata's can be enjoyed for their responsiveness at lower speeds. Really both cars have their place and are fun. Both cars can be daily drivers. The Vette drives large and the Miata drives small, both are enjoyable. Somehow a 911 drives small compared to a C7.
Other thoughts: I never use 7th gear even on the interstate at 75 mph. I never use cylinder deactivization, I want to keep the AC ticking over, hill climb ability available, alternator putting out, coolant circulating, as hiway revs in 6th are around 1500 rpms. Over 30 MPG at this.
I have LT1 trim. LT2 Trim is mostly cosmetic. I wondered if Mag Ride is worth it. I wondered If EDiff is worth it but would have liked to try it but that was a step up in money. I don't have any complaint with the audio system or touch screen. Both designs were finalized in 2013 and a lot has changed since then.
My only mod is a wiring device to defeat to skip shift function on the manual transmission. The Mustang Tremec shifts better then the Corvette's Tremec, but the Mustang has annoying throttle hang when shifting gears. Probably not noticable if you drive an automatic trans.
I got $10K off sticker, $47.5k plus taxes out the door. Amazing value for money. Better deals are out there now.
I recently went and saw the C8 in person. I like it. But it got heavier and no manual transmission.
Hey, do what I do and own both styles of sportscars.
Lol that’s crazy I’m boutta trade my gt for one too 😂
Why turn of cylinder deactivation? It literally turns them back on in milliseconds. Your not losing anything. Now, I could see turn off auto start stop but not cylinders. If you used the excuse because of the exhaust note that would make more sense.
Cylinder reactivation is a bit strange in this car it comes on quite jerky and you need to drop down about 2 gears for it to activate so the extra revs feels like you aren’t even saving fuel. I wish in eco it was permanently in 4 cyl mode. Does anyone know how to activate the hill assist? I have a 2016 base stingray M7 grey black pack and get so many looks on the streets of London since they are very rare over here. The wheel being on the wrong side isn’t a problem, but it’s super wide I can’t fit within the parking lines on some streets so my rims are f**ked. So much fun dumping that clutch and squealing off a red light! Even over here getting work done on it isn’t suuuper expensive so I just drive it without much care lol. I hate when people are too precious with their cars! Get a car you can afford to mess around with to have most fun I would say.
I purchased a 2019 C7 eleven months ago exactly like what you bought for the same reasons. Keep it light with few of the extra bells and whistles to keep it as pure as possible and $10k off sticker. Love the manual and have always had at least one car that I could row the gears but the C7 now is the sweetest ride I have ever had and will enjoy for years to come. Enjoy!
Why not have it in 7th at 75 mph on a flat road when you are just cruising?
Interior shots could’ve used some increased brightness adjustments... good review though
It’s a man cave, man
Ok, this is officially the best review of a 2019 Corvette GS (I own a new one) that I've seen on TH-cam. Excellent job gentlemen, Subscribed.
@Commentor1 Not really, I would never buy the first year of a completely redesigned high end sports car like the C8. I'll let others be the guinea pigs and deal with the issues that may come up. My plan is to wait a couple years and trade my C7 GS for a C8 ZO6( fingers crossed).
@Commentor1 True, but I really love the way the C7 looks and I wanted to enjoy a new C7 before I move on to the C8. To be honest, I'm not completely sold on the look of the C8, I'm hoping the ZO6 version will look much better.
@@jorgeo4164 Same….
Jorge O I’m glad you like the video. I just tried to be as honest as possible about the car. I like it a lot(obviously I bought one), but as you know it has its problems. That being said I don’t think based on its price there is much better available.
@@jorgeo4164 I totally agree with you Jorge. I own a 2019 GS 3LT with the Z07 performance package. I absolutely love it!!
So I just got a brand new C7 two weeks ago and it will be my daily driver. My dream vette was a Grand Sport but due to my trades and being upside down I couldn't get a GS. It's a 1LT but it's still a Vette. I've always wanted a Vette and love it so far. I love his GS so much and that is exactly what I wanted so much.
Looks like you at least got the Z51 which is a great package. I've been enjoying mine very much for the last 3 years and over 63,000 miles.
@@PaulMEdwards no just the 1LT. Has the Z51 spoiler though
Love my C7 manual!
Keep it because my generation of idiots don't even know how to drive a manual so the C8 won't have one
Manual all day..
CarGuy11
Yes, Manual Transmission!
Only way to go
I purchased a new 2019 Grand Sport and was concerned I would regret not getting a C8. (I had not yet seen a C8) I finally seen a C8. Very very nice car, but at no time did I feel I should've waited. I'm good.
I waited and saw the C8 and went out and bought a low miles used C7 Grand Sport Manual instead. The C8 doesn't do it for me.
C8 is a chimera and aberration of hell in design compared to the c7.
Another in-depth, excellent video. Jack's knowledge and delivery are next level.
For 20k off list I'd take a C7 and really enjoy it for what it is, oh and still have 20k left !
Still a beautiful car and performing. The C8 is a revolution but C7 is an amazing vehicle. So nice in and out and fast and looks great and reliable. Fantastic.
you don't watch the video... saying that it had heating issue when performing...
"... and looks great and reliable." Important word is "looks."
For a RWD front engine car, it's perfection for the layout in the sub $100k price range (the GS). Even a used C6 GS is a great buy for the money. All the aero, cooling, and suspension benefits of the Z06, without the quirks of owning a Z06.
@@campkira never once had the car get hot while beating it.
@@campkira Drove the wheels off one at spring mountain in 109 degree heat. No problems whatsoever with it overheating. Z06’s on the other hand...
I really appreciate the section about reliability. Many reviewers do not talk about cost to own after the warranty period or what type of problems certain cars have. This is the best car review channel on TH-cam!
Those 2018 Z06s prices will be a droppin. Nothing like 650 horsepower with a beautiful car, without having to get a second mortgage. Even if it has a seven speed manual
stuna101a do they have them Manuel
When do you suspect they will be dropping?
As of right now C7 Z06 prices are going up not down especially the rare manual cars.
This is the tech breakdown of the C7 GS I've been looking for. A veritable treatise. Thanks!
I am happy with my C7 automatic. It is a stunning car, faster than any sane person should drive and handles very well on mountain roads.
There’s no down time if you buy 3.
Being thrifty can actually ruin your life.
Of ALL the GM cars THIS particular car is designed for high revs and tall gearing.
UNFORTUNATELY the better design is the ‘general purpose’ high revving design called the mustle car.
In this brand it’s called camaro.
It’s got some mustle in its arms and some in its waist and some in its legs.
It’s not the MR UNIVERSE which a corvette actually is.
Race cars go round and round in circles for 1 hour.
Boutta get a auto one too
I own a C7 GS and have now driven the C8 as well as taken a very thorough look at it. The C8 Z51 suffers from significant mid corner understeer ( tight ) and as we all know, tight is slow and a touch lose ( free) is fast. C8 corner exit is stellar, puts down the power every time but all it’s doing is making up its corner loss. The C8 needs a healthy dose of nose ballast. I’m not rushing out to buy a C8 anytime soon, Chevy has a lot of work to do on the C8. Speaking of work, that car is going to be a very time consuming car to work on.
C8 looks so awkward when compared to this masterpiece.
C8 looks like an imitation McLaren or NSX
C8 looks like a good looking front end melded to a good looking rear end but from entirely two different cars. Yes looks awkward from the side. It's a design failure in my opinion but then again I also think McLarens are ugly.
When the C7 came out people hated how it looked so much GM decided to make the C8 even uglier so we’d appreciate the C7 even more. Fuckin wizards at GM playing 4D chess.
C8 rear looks like a squished Cruze. They took design cues from pedestrian cars.
Deuteross
👍
Thank you for your 40 hours of research! It was super detailed and great information.
Thank you for another thoughtful review! With the entire focus of the automotive journalistic community on the C8, it is refreshing to get an owner's honest evaluation, pros and cons, for the consideration of the value of a C7 'Vette. Well done!
Coming out of a 997.1 into my neighbors C7, the thing that surprised me most was the steering. I felt right at home, great steering.
As a passenger in it for a few laps at the meet in Toronto I can tell you this car is incredible!! And Jack isn't afraid to Send It!!
Oh but he didn’t get a rush of adrenaline 🤦♂️
I had a arctic white c7 GS, sadly I sold it after we had our second child. I still thinking about that car everyday. Amazing drive, loved that on a beautiful day I can take the top off and put it in the trunk. Still drove it in the rain on crappy days along the PCH as well.
You guys are bumming me out with the reliability issues. But I'm so grateful to hear it. I was seriously considering a used Z06. It sounds like a nightmare out of warranty.
this is the best 7th gen corvette video i’ve ever seen, lots of good info!!
Some call it lack of theater, some call it highly refined...
Like a refined version of Grand Turismo 2 sound effects, in my mind. 7:10 for the demo.
I laughed at that comment... I drove the 911 and GS back to back and thought the corvette had a lot more theater than the 911. Especially in terms of engine noise. By comparison the 911 just seemed boring.
All things being equal, if this was a Japanese car they'd be calling it the greatest track/sports car of the decade. But the Corvette baggage is deeply ingrained.
@@taylorc2542 I'd agree with that
@@Edde2016 Depends on which 911 IMO. What i liked about the 911t so much is you had to wind out the car to redline to get all the power. The gear box was much better and the car was more fun on the street because it was easier to reach its limits. Objectively the LT1 is great, makes a ton of power, linear but i think its missing that wow of the 5.2 voodoo high reving nature or the whine of the hellcat motor.
I'll probably never ever buy a Corvette but found this video incredibly satisfying, informative, and entertaining to watch. Jack and Mark have so much knowledge (kudos to Jack doing his due diligence in his research) and have great rapport and chemistry. Well done guys... seriously!
Every few years I reconsider buying a GM car, but nope - your comments have reinforced my decision never to buy one again.
Thanks for your frank discussion of pros and cons...
These two gentlemen love Corvettes and they love Turbowski. 💕
Brilliant insight into the C7. Savage Geese presentations just get beter and better.
So saying the engine is uninspiring is another way of saying it doesn't have a flaw in it's performance. I agree, cylinder deactivation is absolutely terrible!
Yeah, I don't get it. Really tired of all these critiques the Vette gets. I need to start a TH-cam channel and bash every car while comparing it to the Corvette.
The cylinder deactivation for the manual when the drive mode is set to economy is bothersome when the cylinders deactivate because of a very loud “clunk” sound you can hear and feel when it occurs. Sometimes the sound is much louder than others, but every once in a while there’s a “special” !CLUNK! that rustles your jimmies. It’s one that is louder than all the other loud ones and will legit make you think you hit an anvil. I stopped using eco mode because it just feels like something that is breaking a little each time and is leading up to the inevitable day when it finally fails…..which will be no less than 1 day after the warranty expires of course..
@@watchandjewelryloft4713 The cylinder deactivation mode is a disaster on most motors. I have a manual C7 and it will never see Eco mode as a result.
I've been waiting for this a loooooong time
I just bought a C7. Dealerships still have a lot of 2019s in stock. They're discounting them $10k-$15k off MSRP. I got the automatic. I think its smooth and fast shifting. I don't use the paddles. As far as the wheels bending, don't drive in track mode. The suspension travel in track mode is so short that a big bump or pothole will damage the car.
The complaint about the engine not being exciting is what I like about the LS/LT engines. Way back when I did high speed events in my C5, the car had more torque than traction in 3rd gear on the twisty portions of tracks. Fewer shifts made for faster lap times.
Fantastic review. Also it made me feel great about not getting MR on my Mustang. There are a lot of car reviews on youtube but savageese is in a class of one. Period.
Got a 2017 C7 GS Heritage Manual (just broke 10K km on it) and I don’t miss the 2008 911. The C7 puts a smile on my face from the moment the engine starts. Great review.
End theme back to longer version, instant like comment subscribe. 😉 But seriously I love that little bit that had been cut lately, thanks for bringing it back!
@16:27 That's crazy such a small/shallow waffle pattern actually makes a significant structural difference in strength. I'm sure you can thank computer modeling for that; that can basically figure out the exact amount of waffling to employ before the cost to benefit ratio starts to tip the wrong way in a matter of seconds.
Great video! I always love the detail and editing style, and this is no different. Keep em' coming!
Dude you have to review the C8 I’d love to hear your take from C7 to C8.
they not big enough to get them...
took a bus tour all through Rhineland and Bavaria many years ago - the German bus driver was exceptional - we eventually got talking about cars and how I drove an E46 M3 (manual of course) and he smiled wryly at me and then showed me pictures of his C5 Z06..........btw Jack is awesome Geese......that's a very nice ride Jack .
Great video.. I do love a good C7 myself.. Not a fan of the way the C8 looks either. We'll see after I see a few in the wild. But you're right, front engine rear drive manual, classic.
Skip Barber used to have a track day program that allowed you to jump back and forth from Porsche 991's, Mustang GT's and the C7 Stingray. Did it at Lime Rock a few years ago with around 10 other people and almost everyone was in agreement that the Corvette was the one they wanted more time with after a day of lapping. Having since driven the C7 Z06 on track a few times, I can't imagine needing or wanting any more than what those cars offer. Both are remarkable for the price.
The perfect outro for this review!
From somebody who has been ripped around a track in this exact car (Jack’s Grand Sport) I will confirm that it is a great purchase for so many reasons.
Riley Gifford haha great to hear from you Riley.
Jack Holmes Hope things are well Jack! You’ve got a sweet ride man! Cheers 👍
The fun on the street quotient is the primary issue with the vast majority of modern sports cars - most are too capable, too powerful, too stable - it just makes a backroad drive boring...
Yeaaaaa. I enjoy my camaro SS 1le, but for a spirited drive I’d rather have a Miata. You pretty much need to be doing 80-100 for it to be exciting in the camaro. Or a big ass power slide lol. It’s a hell of an all rounder but way overkill for street fun.
So what!!! You two are just a couple of kids. Much smarter than me for certain. Most of us don’t have a clue about your concerns.
I kill termites...I’ve worked my butt off for something like this car. You’re right, I probably won’t track it but I guarantee you that I’ll have a blast driving this wonderful vehicle.
Who cares about what GM did or didn’t do. It works for my kind!!!
Glad you guys finally did this. I love my manual Grand Sport and track it too. MGW shifter helps with better shifting feel. So far 3 cracked wheels so I ditched the stocks.
I was just wondering about aftermarket options for this car regarding the wheels, are there certain things to consider? Do you have any brand suggestions?
@@TheKroopView any of the big brands like forgeline, hre, etc would be great. titan7 if youre on a budget. cray or house of wheels if youre really on a budget
Nice take. My Stingray has been very good to own and reliable on and off the track. One thing to keep in mind about the dated interior and infotainment system is, this came out in 2013. It was actually tremendous at the time and is most definitely last gen now that the C8 is here. Also the performance seats are not all that bad. You get used to them. And they allow for a 5 point harness. Furthermore the car IMO rides soft enough for what it is. Mine is definitely more comfortable than my ‘19 E63s. One thing that I want to mention here, that I didn’t notice brought up is that the dealership experience is fairly abysmal where I live. It doesn’t matter if you’re rolling in a $100k Z06, until you start to get to know one or two people in the service department, you might as well come in with a 10 year old Malibu you’ll be treated all the same. Poorly, in my opinion for an owner of a brand’s halo car.
I found that out I bout my in tx and day 1 I noticed smoke from hood a idling radling noise 1000 to 4000 rpm while giving it gas vibration too so once I get it fix I'll judge then...
The Corvette is one of the best American cars ever made
The C8 is a major car and it needs to be mentioned in history books
I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting older (36), I'm seriously considering getting one of these for my next car
I have really enjoyed my 2018 Grand Sport I bought new. I have a few maintenance and mod upgrade videos on it. Good review guys, enjoyed! 👍
If I was tracking I wouldn't buy a corvette. Its a great sport touring car for me. He is right if Im going to track its way more options.
Starting the video with a nice and long burnout... that's how you instantly get a like!
So we done, so much knowledge. This could not have been done any better. Appreciate the reliability issues brought up. Thank you for this
For the record, mono composite leaf springs were introduced in 1984 with the 4th generation Corvette. The C5-C7 continued the tradition.
@Pete I just need to be held and understood.
@@ozzstars_cars 😂😂😂😂
I don't think you could have had a better response
😂😂😂😂😂
2019 base trim c7 with manual transmission. Thats is what all I need and enough for me. But what is amazing is that super charged one can have manual transmission too. I was shocked. Please all auto maker keep doing that and save manuals.
I haven’t been interested in Corvette models since the C5 Z06. After this video I am interested in a C7 Grand Sport. Looks like they’ll make a great track car. (:
Guys awesome job on this video. I love the way you break down the details and share information between the two. Thumbs Up Review!
Jack killing it in this vid. Kudos.
I am in my late seventies. My last corvette was a 1968. I just acquired a very low mileage 2018, GG, 3 Lt and yes an 8 speed automatic. For me it's the cats meow. I come a go kart racing background in southern California. My mentors were 2 uncles, both aeronautical engineers. They gave me a profound advantage over many of my competitors.
My current corvette should give me a final drive on my last task at hand.
Your summation has given me volumes of usable information.
Had a little try at street racing yesterday when a certain BMW challenged me. The end result was deeply in my favore. Looking forward to this affordable toy.
The C7 is better looking than the C8. Edit: just get rid of the "without scott turbouski" on the shoppe screen, he hasn't been here in like years
C8 are ugly af
Owning a corvette was always a dream of mine and the C7 has been my dream car since it released in 2014. Finally got one a few months ago for my 26th birthday. Absolute beast of a car. I love it. This is an extremely accurate and balanced review. No it doesn't have the best fit and finish inside and there are definitely some squeaks and rattles (especially on a cold day or bumpy road) but I'll be damned if you can find anything with more performance, style, and fun available for 35k used and low mileage.
Even though the C8's dual clutch transmission shifts quicker, I agree, the 7-speed manual C7 adds to the driving fun factor, which is the main reason I still own my C7. Truth is, unless you track your Vette odds are the difference in shifting times between the transmissions aren't even noticed. This is the main reason I've been hesitant to move to a C8. From what I've read, if you pull both shift handles on the C8 at the same time the transmission will go into neutral. That being the case I can't imagine it would be very difficult for GM to offer a fly-by-wire clutch pedal option for the C8 and please everyone. Perhaps someday they will (or some smart after-market company will). It wouldn't bother me at all if I owned a manual shift C8 that was a bit slower than the Automatic model.
Dude great review, super informative. Loved the 80's guest appearance of your uncle!
Summary: Overall, good review and fair. I feel like people not familiar with the platform will overreact to those reliability details you mentioned, which I think are overblown....class actions are led by the old boy club. I agree 100% on C8 though...it's a big HOLD for me...for the foreseeable future. Keep in mind, C8 is Tadge's car...not really the C7. C7 was Dave Hills architecture, taken a step further (due to Gm in Chap11 recovery). C8 is purely of Tadge's direction and he's a manual hater, he's a softy, he loved the A8 transmission...i.e. he could be Justin Trudeaus dad (not really but...he's soft like that). C8 is an all around mild disappointment to me (but it's still early), as was the C7 generation, never bringing a true purist track machine, and instead putting out that disgusting ZR1, which while fast, was just a mess of hood shakers, a wing just small enough to look awkward (if you go big wing, think ACR-E and do it for real)...all ZR1 needed was a tow hitch option...it was anything but dedicated, it was Tadge's "bandwidth" approach to sports car....please everyone...the muscle car guy, the track guy, the old boy, etc...doesn't work.
Tadge knows how to sell cars, he's a corporate guy, which is why he's head of the show...but his influence on the Corvette brand is steering the ship slowly to something that I think will never find the exact mark. He just doesn't have it...he understands fast, he understands marketing to the masses, but...the guy just doesn't have that edge to make Corvette truly great (did I mention it's because he's soft?) because it's the right series of compromises that are the key to finding that magical combination that may not sell a ton of cars, but will be one of the best ever made. I'm a Tadge hater...I ain't gonna lie...I've met him a number of times and I think both he and Harlen Charles are douches and I can't wait to see the torch passed.
Fun fact : The new LT1 camaro uses the same Corvette engine, in fact Chevy made some many hand assembled LT1 engines for the vette , some left overs found their way into new manual transmission Camaros (remove plastic engine cover to find signed plaque in said engines)
For those complaining about the ride quality just get the Stingray with the magnetic ride. It's firm but surprisingly damped when going over bumps. There is no chassis flex at the rim/tire setup on that variant is a bit more forgiving. Driving that car with the suspension in tour but the exhaust in sport makes for a great spirited driving experience.
Well said...my 2014 Z51 has/had every available option including Magnetic Ride control...rides like a dream in Touring. And I agree with Eddie....top comes off quick and stores easily.....and for myself,at 6'1" its alot easier getting in and out!
Track mode for life
Mostly were waiting for the C8 mid engine experience Awesome content
22:22 Satan took over there for a sec
lmao
Great music for the track bit, fitting for the retro style resolution of the on board camera. Great info and pacing all through the video. Was eating dinner while watching, never got bored and never overwhelmed to follow on all the interesting details you showed and explained so well. Good teamwork presenting together.
i would love to see you do a video on the c6 generation grand sport and zo6
31:25 So did the base audio system test worse than the broken Jetta speakers?
32:39 That C4 is still quite the bomb. (It's my favorite design.)
Thats why I want the c7 its to me its like modern day c4 with some tribute from the old c3 stingray. Such a great mix
I really like the C7 it’s a huge improvement over the C5 and C6 and possibly the Corvette in its best form
But I like the C8 more as it is an important car as it is the first ever mid-engine Corvette and that’s better than having it as a crossover thank God
Yes I was a bit upset with it not having a manual transmission but at the same time the DCT is a huge improvement over the automatic in the C7 and it has an engaging experience one of the few cars I’ll be okay with having an auto
We do need a C8 Review by the one and only Mr. Geese
Nice run on sentence
C8 isn't going to do well. It looks like a generic Ferrari, and a recession is coming anyway.
@@80s_Boombox_Collector it sold about 30k units it's first year. How is that not doing well?
The people Chevy is targeting with this fake Corvette won't even be able to afford it
The next Corvette will be electric and the one after that would be self-driving only. People, unfortunately, do not want fun to drive cars.
I appreciate this video so much because you guys touched on the long term reliability issues one may endure owning this car. Transparency and neutrality is everything. I commend you guys for that. It's still on my short list of weekend cars though haha.
Needs more Turbowski! 😢
He's gone, driven off into the sunset in his Chevrolet Spark.
Noooo, Turbowski was so entertaining.
Thorough and fair analysis - I purchased Range Technology Active Fuel Management Disable Device (Blue) device for my Z06 - I bought it directly from Range Technology - it's sold on Amazon for the same price $189, but I prefer to go direct - works great and I suggest other C7 owners to do the same - simple and effective.
Love my C6 Grand Sport.
Ok boomer
I have a 2019 GS with a manual that I daily drive. These guys are absolutely dead on with their evaluation of the vehicle. It's not a very fun daily driver unless you drive far to fast for the street, or you just like the looks you get driving it. The GS is an absolute blast on the track and that's where this car needs to be in order to be enjoyed.
I drove the C5 on Bondurant’s track, was like driving a race car with sloppy shifting (relative to real race car). I’ve driven C6 on street, much improved sfifting, WAY better interior, but yes, same as C5...too fast for the street. I’ve driven Porsche 997s/987s on the track, and can confirm the better steering feel, but the C5/6 is so much faster...so much more racecar experience, that the vette is just a no-brainer preference for the track. However, I’d take the Porsche’s for the street
Put a shifter in the c5z and you're set. Also a square setup makes the steering better.
Can’t go faster on a track for less $ than a C5 Z06 with a few cooling upgrades. Tires, brakes and engine maintenance are all an order of magnitude less than a C6/7. The C6 might be faster, but bigger brake rotors, tires, etc. all cost more $ and are consumables that will be replaced every few track days. That shit adds up, and you’ll be driving less coz of the cost. The best way to get faster is to drive more, and a less expensive car to run you will drive more, enjoy more and become a better driver with.
Having said that, the C5 interior is such a rattley plastic piece of shit that is typical 90’s GM quality. I wouldn’t want to look at or experience that shit every day, so for a street/daily driver get a nicer car and you’ll be happier every day coz you’re driving it every day. If you want to go fast on track and aren’t driving it every day, that’s the C5 Z06 niche.
joeracer302 agreed
The C7 Corvette Grand Sport is a diamond in the rough and a very special sports car. This video has made me fall in love with the C7. I know Alex from Legit Street Cars would enjoy this homage to the outgoing C7. His C5 is also very special. When you look back at the Corvette, it's truly a very special sports car in its own unique way. Super bargain fun mobile in less than 1 year for sure (Grinning and wringing of hands)!!
I’d Love to see a viper review sometime if you guys get the chance to review one.
Solid review. The owner has the right spec, color, and car. Just need them to drop into the 20's someday lol.
The problem with the cooling was the grille wasn't large enough. Thus they put a much larger grille on the ZR1 models. That being said the Z06 C6 is the pinnacle on the Front Engine Corvette for me, mostly because of that 427 LS7.
With Chevy ending production on the 6th Gen Camaro, and seeing as you all have never reviewed the Camaro SS. I would give anything to see a good thorough review on the SS 1LE because it truly is the best performance bang for your buck on the market. Would love for you all to review it.
They went to cool overs because they COULDN'T FIT the leaf in the rear because of the packaging of the drivetrain.
Tadge wished he could've kept it. The coilovers weight a ton more with negligible benefits AND it gave the C7 a specific handling trait. It stopped excess understeer.
Indeed. The composite spring is nothing that should be referred to as a traditional leaf spring even though it technically is a leaf spring. The whole idea of transverse composite spring was pioneered in the Corvette and later on went to be adopted by Mercedes and Volvo among others. The composite spring is superior to coil springs in every measurable way, including durability. The only reason why someone would want coil over steel springs instead is if they want to alter spring rates more than once. If you're happy with the factory setup or only want to fit stiffer springs once, the coil overs offer no benefit.
Truly a nity gritty review I've never seen for the corvette excellent work to both of you.
Also I loved that TP dig. :)
I was just looking at this same Grand Sport recently & as a long time Vette owner it's tempting but the allure of the new C-8 is strong. A very good profile on the C-7 which I enjoyed very much & appreciate!
As a driver of a 2011 Maybach with a V12 620hp and 738 lbs of torque, I can appreciate a mature sports classy vehicle like the Corvette. I feel the Challenger and Charger are more for the common man,
Ravi Peiris M.D.
I like this styling better than the brand new one.
Neither one look like a corvette tho
@@rickhunter6513 yeah, two generations of Corvette don't look like Corvette. 🤦🏻♂️ I'll be sure to notify GM. What car did they unknowingly build by the way?
Watchandjewelryloft I’m sorry my comment went right over your head😘
I want to hug my loved ones after watching this video....don’t know why. But great car!
DELL. WOW. HERE WE GO BOYS WE MADE IT. QUACK.
Are we getting a Dell my dude?
@@burnferris Getting Adele to do what?
Since the C8 is sold out I decided to check out the C7. Found my '19 Grand Sport at Kerbeck Corvette in Atlantic City. MSRP was $68k. I drove it home for $55. Just over 900 miles and am now putting the power down after break in and some warm temps in NJ. OMG!! Car is amazing. The Grand Sport is the sweet spot in the C7 line up. Mine is Shadow Gray Metallic and 1LT.
This car in the video was also bought from Kerbeck.