I agree. The everything about the C7 looks better than the C8. People buy a Corvette for it to be a Corvette, not a camaro; so why the hell did GM put Camaro lights on the rear of the C8?
I'm a Brit and a HUGE American car enthusiast. Yes our roads are not wide enough for these cars, nor are they practical and don't really have the weather. But they are incredible cars. Camaro, Mustang , challenger they're unique which makes it even better in the UK!!!
I've got a C6 ZO6 in the U.K.,it's no wider than a Porsche,Ferrari etc,I've had a couple of Firebirds,the great thing about the 'pony' cars is they arn't particularly big or no bigger than a Jaguar and are fine on U.K. roads,it's just they're left hand drive which is no big deal.
I own one of these. Best car I've ever owned. Had it 4 years and every year I change the oil. That's it. As far as visibility- use your mirrors. If you put it in touring mode its really comfortable to drive. It's completely Jekyl and Hyde. One minute it's comfortable and quiet- the next... Ohh that sound!!
Use the mirrors ! Exactly.. Afteral, that’s their sole function. Comparing the $80k bulletproof Z06 to a half M Aston DBS and 1/4 M Ferrari F12 and say the Vette isn’t quite up to par as those two. PSSHH! It 1/6th the price and way more durable. Give me the Z06 al day over those Euro pansies. Save the 911, that’s a drivers car too
Bit late I know, but the use your mirrors comment makes me think you have never drove in the UK before? 🤔 Our junctions are at many different angles, not all just 90 degrees on big, wide, grid-like roads, driving a car with that big of a blind spot, and lack of side visibility is a problem for sure on narrow UK roads.
@lorddoobsworth144 Once he started to complain about blind spots, I lost interest in the review. After that, it just felt like your typical European looking for reasons to bash on an American made car. So meh. The blind spots aren't that terrible, not any worse than most Ferrari. And that's why u have mirrors, and take an extra second to check if you need to on the UK roads. U aren't ripping thru town anyway, and no sports car is gonna have 360 visibility. So the blind spot thing feels incredibly nitpicky, but that's just me.
Having seen this car in the "flesh" on the day of filming, it is an amazing thing to behold. From every angle it just looks aggressive, beautiful, sharp, purposeful, in yer face, exciting........ it truly is something that you keep on looking at from one angle, then another, and then another. There is no getting away from the size of it though. It's all in proportion which I think masks the size to a point. This Z06 has the ability to make pretty much any car look boring, and small when side by side with it !!
My uncle took me for a ride in a Z06 when I was a kid in the mid 2000’s. That was the first time I’ve ever experienced g forces like that in a car. I’ve always wanted to experience that again.
It's a bat shit crazy car. It's certifiable to have one in the UK. I want one so bad lol. I love it's looks, besotted by the engine and sound. There is something to be said about having a std car that isn't held back in any way due to restrictions. Just seeing it on those roads make look as scary as hell, not just in looks, but the fact it just barely fits on them!
@@invisiblekid99 it's the best corvette ever made with only one downside. believe me i was a hater until i rode in it. its just a different step taken. only downside is no manual... 😢🇺🇲
@@malp6280 Stupid comment. If you don't like the rev matching, turn it off. Look, the Corvette is for people who value performance over soft touch door panels. If soft touch door panels are your thing, get a Porsche or BMW. Just be quick with the point by at the track day.
@@CharlesFlahertyB which porsche has soft close doors, or even bmw for that matter. A porsche is a sport car - supercar with a 3-4l engine & they still out perform every corvette Bmw are not even supercars there everything from saloon cars, coupes, convertibles etc to high performance saloons/coupes & for their purpose they out do corvettes.. Going back to your original comment bases on track cars, well whats the point of buying a new car only to be 'ok' during noce weather occasions only to find it could easily overheat which many have suffered with & that's not only this model.. You simply can't handle the fact other manufacturers pay attention to their product, as a result they make good cars.. & have a purpose behind them.. Remind me how many european, or Japanese model cars require 6-7l engines & produce 3-4-500bhp, we have 3-4l 3engines & produce alot more power then any American produced engine & with that we also ensure good handling, build quality aswell, including using good materials... not forgetting these cars/models are also usable no matter what weather conditions are..
@@CharlesFlahertyB pps also remind me how many worlswide races have corvette won in recent years... Have they won many races in sucession??? Or are you basis your information on usa only race series where its usually only usa teams & cars being used as a whole....
Why can't a European brand come up with an affordable sports car that offers this kind of performance without having to visit a service center every 5 miles?
the tires need to be warm enough and to get these monsters warm on cold english streets is a bit tricky. i guess that is why you had grip later at the video.
Wonder if the castor was off? The car shouldn't have that much difficulty gripping. Did you have sport cup 2 tires on? They have a hard time heating up because the tire is so wide without enough lateral stresses on the tire. I have a camaro zl1 1le..so same engine. I switched to michelin pilot sport 4s tires...30kph and full throttle I have full traction with tc off when 20c outside and only warm them up a couple of blocks away from my house. The stock tires were goodyear supercar 3r tires and were a death trap at 15c and took forever to warm up.
its the UK, so lucky if the outside temp itself is 14 degrees celsius, and then the road will still be damp or greasy from the night before's low dip in temps and possible spit of rain. not sure on how much that would affect but id imagine even the road temp itself where your from is double of what ours would be. 20c outside for us is maybe 14-21 days realistically out of the whole year in the bit of UK im from. although recently we've been hovering above 14c even with heavy clouds and small rain fall.
I love this car and thinking of being a manual C6 or maybe C7. Think you are being a little unfair to it as an actual ownership prop. Sure its not a day to day driver on such small roads but use it like a Ferrari or similar now and again for high days and holidays and its awesome. Even better as a car to take on the continent touring. I expect good residuals and low running costs too compared to the European rivals.
I owned a C7 Z06 for about a year. Drove it from Tacoma to Pahrump for the Corvette school. Got it to 161 mph on a road in the NV desert on the way. That seemed fast enough. I still play the PDR file whenever I need cheering up. I Spent a few hours at over 100 mph over the days of the trip. Came back through the twisty mountain roads of OR. It’s made for that. Nobody was thinking UK when they were designing the C7. Merica!!
IMO, the C7 Z51 is probably the sweet spot in terms of driving. It's not too wide. It's less snappy in the handling department, and you get to enjoy flooring it for slightly longer time before it becomes illegal. It's also the lightest version, so it has the most sports car experience of its variants. The grand sport, z06 and ZR1 come with ridiculous wide bodies with even wider front tires (285 in the front) and in semislick tires that don't like the cold. Unless you're gonna track your car, the base model is the best.
Yes. And many, many (see what I did there?) people choose the wrong package for their use case. The Z06 is a track car, really. Incidentally, hard track use is where the cooling issue became a problem, not normal driving. Maybe in Houston, Texas' rush-hour traffic, or something like that, but I doubt it. There have been aggressive performance packages available in every generation since the C4. All have been too stiff, harsh, and hyper-responsive to make good street cars. On track, though, they are magic.
Buddy's dad had a C4 ZR1 when I was in high school, he would let us take it out once in awhile but only in the detuned mode, but it was still glorious. There are 3 yellow C7 Z06s within a mile of my house, one in the house literally behind me. My one neighbor had horrible problems with his, it was always gone for service for very long periods, still love them though. Got a few C8s around here too, they are nice, very much a Vette in my opinion. lol
Y'all know this is a world- class sports car in supercar territory. Full stop. And to boot, it's basically half the price of anything which can keep up with it. It doesn't have "too much" power for its chassis; it simply has hordes of luxurious extra power and torque beyond what any front engine- rear drive platform is expected to handle.
Absolutely,sometimes reasonable priced parts become expensive due to import duties,V.A.T. but availability definitely not an issue unless you're driving a '49 Tucker Torpedo or something!😉😊
@BEASTMODE 2020 it's the aero "winglets" on the front splitter that don't comply with European pedestrian collision regulations which is why I was amazed to see one in the U. K., all I can think is that he personally imported it but how he got motor insurance on it, I have no idea.
If I and my C7 were somehow magically transported from California to the UK, I would surely end up wrapped around a fine old British oak tree in very short order! Very good video James. Very perceptive.
Hi jay nice review...fyi in Malaysia we have one c7 chevy corvette z06 which has been converted to a right hand drive version...agreed it is a beast but man..what a beautiful beast
the C7 was meant for tracks where it can stretch it's legs. if you buy it for a redlight to redlight acceleration joyride, you bought the wrong car. those short british roads don't have the space to unleash that beast. and, the C8 Vette is EXACTLY what Corvette HAD to make. their tuning potential on RWD cars had reached its peak. i can't wait for the Zora C8. that's the Vette i'm saving for!
I have a C7 z06 z07 package manual, upgraded from the stingray. I live in the States. Absolutely love it. Funny he said 50 feels like 90, problem is 120 can feel like 90 too when you get on it. You get there so damn fast you don't even realize it until you look at the speedometer
Thank you for your appreciation and review! It is a fine machine if I say so myself. The visibility is a bit of challenge but I turn my head and use the mirrors and drive sensibly and with awareness. It’s truly an engaging sports car.
riding a powerful thoroughbred after learning one's riding on a tractable suffolk punch can be disconcerting. time and practice will sort things out, however. a more enjoyable experience may well be had on the new right hand drive version of the mid-engined c8. :)
The Grand Sport is always kind of the sweet spot for Corvettes. All the go fast bits without too much horsepower. I have a C6 Grand Sport and enjoy it on the track, but it's still too much for the street even just on handling. It's hard to have fun near the speed limit when the car's handling limits are so stupidly high. I started watching your channel because I happened across it when looking for reviews on the Evora. How would you say the Evora compares with a Corvette in terms of being fun on the street?
I test drove one in the uk 2years ago and came very close to buying. It wasn’t the car but a lack of access to parts and servicing and support that was the issue. I was also concerned that if I bought one I wouldn’t be able to sell it on if I needed to as these are so niche that the pool of potential buyers is very small. Still want one tho.
@@lorenrich2525 I’m sure they are, however if you saw the garage of the one and only corvette official dealer in the UK you probably would reconsider one over here (as I did) as there ain’t much support if it goes awry.
If these were available in right-hand drive I would sell my daily and weekend cars tomorrow and get one. Absolutely ticks all the boxes for me. Amazing value for money, stunning looks etc
Jay, you're a good man for giving the Chevy's their due. Unlike Clarkson making jokes about fat Americans, (rather ironic, considering his girth). I'm hardly the flag-waver, as I drve a "89 Si. Fortunately the big 3 have been forced to up their game, as the quality in the past was a embarrassment. I've spoken to many enthusiasts over here who love your channel, as do I.... P.s. I'd chose the Lotus as well, but I'm '6ft5.🏁liked/subbed.
@@SieTeppischfresser - but this one is from a British perspective... AND being driven on UK roads. So it's unlike almost any other test given that it's telling us, in the UK, what it might be like to own one and use here!
@@markchip1 precisely my point mate. I wanted to know what it was like to own a C7 from a British perspective since I do plan to own one in the UK someday
Great to see you going through these American classics. I would love to see you review a C4 ZR1. Growing up as a kid it was that C4 and the Countach that had the most iconic looks for me. The C4 ZR1 has an engine that GM collaborated with Lotus on, and has about 450bhp I believe...
As a Z06 and a Viper owner, I can tell you those cool damp roads are not made for that car with those tires... in fact, it will feel like you're driving on an ice skating rink! Warm dry tires and it will feel like a hero car, but cool damp roads and you're lucky to stay with a damn Camry!
If I could get one with the steering wheel on the right, and that was actually affordable, I'd have to get one of these. A relatively light two seater RWD sports car with a supercharged 6 liter V8 and a manual gearbox, it's the dream they don't make cars like that in Europe any more.
I think it's interesting how cars are different depending on the environment. The c7 doesn't feel too large on American roads when you catch a slow Ford f350 winding through the hills. A 991 feels small and perfectly sized. With a 991 you can easlly explore the width In a lane while in the UK you need more a 993 to do that. Also as a camaro owner I am curious of your thoughts on the Camaro SS
Compared with the F Type R, does the Z06 automatic “feel” more like a sports car? Or just a fancy muscle car? I have an Evora 400 and F Type and am thinking of replacing the F with a Z06 because the F feels vague and hard to control. Maybe the Evora just makes everything seem that way
You need to educate yourself a little better...previous gen Corvettes C4 and on have been excellent handling cars even compared to Euro sports cars...especially the C5 Z06 and C6 Z06.
Exactly I don’t know where these euro fan boys get this bad handling thing with corvettes. They have been one of the best handling and braking cars since the c5 zo6. The c7 zo6 has a top 3 60-0 branding distance and in the right hands a zo6 zo7 and zr1 can handle with and or beat any car on track. Corvette racing dominates lemans with every car c5r-c6r and c7 r winning 3 or the four years they ravines each ending in championships. The c6 r made Ferrari quit the gt1 class because it dominated. People kill me with the handling thing lol. When I go To the track nothing on track perfomante, gt3 rs , amg gtr etc is out handling my car or out braking me in the apex but down the back straight I blow oasss them.
@@speedlife301 Heres how. They started by taking a mild mustang from the 60's and expouse that all muscle cars drive the exact same (underbraked, plow understeer, luxury car body roll, no traction), thus all American performance cars are glorified drag machines with no idea how to handle a corner in spite of America proving that wrong since the 60's.
My Camaro SS has the same engine, minus the supercharger. Even here on US roads, there are so few occasions when I can put my foot flat to the floor; it’s that fast. I grew up throwing old cars down country lanes in England. I cannot imagine doing it in my Camaro, it’s just too big.
I had 2017 C7 Z06 7spd manual for 3 years. Loved it, best car I've had (E60 M5, second gen CTS-V manual, current M8). However, I got rid of it because of service. Most Chevy dealers are just not capable of servicing this car, and the ones that are are never local. Brought it in for manufacturer recall work for steering assembly, and the dealership messed up the car to say the least. You will definitely need to find independent sports car shop to work on this car.
@@trashbandit2449 I bought it from Kerbeck...the largest Corvette dealer in the world. But they're about an hour away so I would get it serviced at out local dealership.
@@YarMobile C7 Z06 definitely much more nimble and raw. M8 is not a sports car, it’s a heavy tourer, rather boring. I currently have AMG GTR-Pro. Best car I’ve had to date!
...when I saw this vid for first time I was really clueless what to think about this machine....and now I saw TV documentary about last (3rd)gen of Viper...and it suddenly made me finding out what GM tried to achieve with this Vette.... to bring it with new version closer (and further)to specifics originally limited to Viper and still keep it what it use to be according to pure Vette fans at the same time....does it work? From Jay's presentations...I understand that special cars shouldn't be compromised to be more utilities together....
My turbo charged c5 has 800 plus to the wheels you need to run a Hoosier tire if you want to apply more than half throttle I can light them them up at 100 mph but not with the Hoosiers
The c7 is a real mans car! Jeramy Clarkson drove the c6 zo6 and the audi r8 and said the Audi is a better car but if he had to choose it would be the vett! That says it all! And the c7 looks AMAZING! I love McLaren and lambo merc but the c7 is one of the best looking sports cars ever made! I don't care what anybody says it looks amazing! It sounds amazing and it goes like shit of a shovel! And the c7 zr1 is the car I'd take over almost everything at a 3rd of the price! Cars are ment to be driven not fancy interiors and fancy exteriors! And the yanks do it better than anyone when it comes to that! Cheap to service and bulletproof drivetrains! Euro stuff is overpriced and overrated! It's a fact!
As an American and a Corvette owner, it's interesting to observe Euro/Anglo disdain for the Corvette. 'It's so big and heavy', for example. Actually it weighs almost exactly what a 911 Turbo weighs (both 2018). The Turbo is not exactly a skinny car, either. Anyway, it's OK, really. Believe me, we have our prejudices against 'obscenely overpriced European junk', on this side of the pond. Fair is fair.
Why do you assume majority of European people have a disdain for American cars? Your statement proves you are just as bad. The reason corvettes don't sell is more likely it being lhd only, fuel is pricier here and costs associated with buying one are usually prohibitive for a lot of people, British people like some American cars, the mustang for example sells quite well, and ironically it's the V8 that is the most popular.
Maybe the tyres started gripping later in the review because you'd scrubbed them in (new tyres). Also interested to know how it compares with the Mustang you reviewed a few months ago. Both modern American muscle, but I'm guessing quite different?
The car is quite manageable! Street speed 717 drives it flat out with ease on fairly small roads aswell near his house!(he did when it also had a 1000hp) He did switch the tyres though... many cars with these tyres feel dangerous until they have temperature in them! If Jay drove 1000 miles in this car he’d soon tame the beast! The sound and throttle response is something else!
The C6 ZO6 was much lighter than a 997 turbo or any other contemporary supercar in the mid 2000's,when the C7 came out it seemed G.M. had not worried so much about weight saving even though it's not heavy.If you think a C7 has bad visibility drive a 5th Gen onwards Camaro!
Yes, the Camaro is downright claustrophobic inside. So bad that a friend, who has owned over 100 cars (including a '69 Camaro or two) and is not squeamish, was set to buy one until he found that he could not stand to be inside the coupe. Maybe the convertible is OK with the top down, but you can't always go that way.
@@Michael_Lorenson exactly,that's why I bought a C6,a friend took me for a run in his 5th Gen,brilliant car in every way barring the visibility which has obviously taken 2nd place to styling,I would buy one but there are better options and in the U.K. driving on the left,the vision issue is exacerbated.
I rented one for a week from Gotham Dream Cars of New Jersey in 2017. Sadly I had to cancel the trip and only got 50% back. Would have loved it I expect. It wasn't a manual though.
Most Americans do not realize just HOW narrow European backroads are. You are a brave man to ring that thing on a wet road. I've driven every rendition since a 65 Stingray and though i love Corvettes it's a bowie knife on a scalpel job there. Cheers!
Nice review. The C7 is a great car. I had the Stingray which I think is a little more manageable. It held the track a bit better than the Z06 at the Corvette driving school. (Free with a new purchase) The C7 in any guise wouldn't be ideal in the UK. Too much car for your little country lanes and left hand drive doesn't help. In the states? No problem.
If you want the performance of this with a Right Hand Drive you really need to check out the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS. There is a rumour Chevy are going to sell the new C8 in right hand drive. We'll just have to see if it comes to the UK.
Since most people are going to mistake it for a Ferrari anyway - yes it works. IF my TVR Cerbera works then so does this. Ps My TVR Cerbera never worked, as in when it worked it worked, but when it didn't it was trailered...
So it's kind of like a bare-knuckle boxer... who has a tendency to intermittently thump a nearby brick wall, just because he can - and he doesn't much think about the bones he's going to break in his hand when he does so!! A lovely, yet unpredictable, best buddy who doesn't seem to care unduly if you end up accompanying him to the hospital - or prison!
I respect the car for what it is - and it is a good Sportscar, but I never felt the need to own one. - The only Corvette I lust for is the C4 from the A-Team in exactly that specification. - I even drove one for a week (C6 when it was the new model) and I was left cold somehow. Don`t know why.
I reckon the problem with these aero mad american sports cars is they need to be at _SPEED_ to really show their chops as handlers... Not something possible one blighties narrow countryside roads.
I know the vette is wider than the average European daily driver, made for American roads. However there are loads of European higher end vehicles that compare. Aston, rolls, Ferrari, BMW, Audi, even any truck. The real car guy will have the driving skills to properly position any vehicle. Visibility problem? What about your Ferrari, Lamborghini? Parts availability? Not many manufactures support beyond 10 years. But the aftermarket support to all vettes of all years is unprecedented in the industry.
Not a vette guy but nice car. Too much for the UK? Better performance and price than a Aston v12. I own a 67 Shelby GT500 Clone with a elephant 429 Cobra Jet Semi Hemi. Bored and stroked to 500 ci
I like the c7 styling better than c8 thoughts?
Yup. Cause C7 is a better looking car (y)
Same
Agreed. I love all corvettes but a c7 has a more flowing design, even with the vents
Everyone has forgotten how upset people were over the rear of the c7 at first.
I agree. The everything about the C7 looks better than the C8. People buy a Corvette for it to be a Corvette, not a camaro; so why the hell did GM put Camaro lights on the rear of the C8?
I'm a Brit and a HUGE American car enthusiast. Yes our roads are not wide enough for these cars, nor are they practical and don't really have the weather. But they are incredible cars. Camaro, Mustang , challenger they're unique which makes it even better in the UK!!!
I've got a C6 ZO6 in the U.K.,it's no wider than a Porsche,Ferrari etc,I've had a couple of Firebirds,the great thing about the 'pony' cars is they arn't particularly big or no bigger than a Jaguar and are fine on U.K. roads,it's just they're left hand drive which is no big deal.
I own one of these. Best car I've ever owned. Had it 4 years and every year I change the oil. That's it. As far as visibility- use your mirrors. If you put it in touring mode its really comfortable to drive. It's completely Jekyl and Hyde. One minute it's comfortable and quiet- the next... Ohh that sound!!
Use the mirrors ! Exactly.. Afteral, that’s their sole function. Comparing the $80k bulletproof Z06 to a half M Aston DBS and 1/4 M Ferrari F12 and say the Vette isn’t quite up to par as those two. PSSHH! It 1/6th the price and way more durable. Give me the Z06 al day over those Euro pansies. Save the 911, that’s a drivers car too
Bit late I know, but the use your mirrors comment makes me think you have never drove in the UK before? 🤔 Our junctions are at many different angles, not all just 90 degrees on big, wide, grid-like roads, driving a car with that big of a blind spot, and lack of side visibility is a problem for sure on narrow UK roads.
@@lorddoobsworth144 likely.
In the uk?! That’s literally the dream😅
@lorddoobsworth144 Once he started to complain about blind spots, I lost interest in the review. After that, it just felt like your typical European looking for reasons to bash on an American made car. So meh. The blind spots aren't that terrible, not any worse than most Ferrari. And that's why u have mirrors, and take an extra second to check if you need to on the UK roads. U aren't ripping thru town anyway, and no sports car is gonna have 360 visibility. So the blind spot thing feels incredibly nitpicky, but that's just me.
Having seen this car in the "flesh" on the day of filming, it is an amazing thing to behold. From every angle it just looks aggressive, beautiful, sharp, purposeful, in yer face, exciting........ it truly is something that you keep on looking at from one angle, then another, and then another. There is no getting away from the size of it though. It's all in proportion which I think masks the size to a point. This Z06 has the ability to make pretty much any car look boring, and small when side by side with it !!
Isn’t it the same size as a 911?
My uncle took me for a ride in a Z06 when I was a kid in the mid 2000’s. That was the first time I’ve ever experienced g forces like that in a car. I’ve always wanted to experience that again.
I'm really happy this channel took off the way it did and is already at a 100k in subs
Me too!
@@JayEmmOnCars great job Jay, especially recent releases. I love your in depth knowledge. These comparisons to closest competitors are spot on.
It's a bat shit crazy car. It's certifiable to have one in the UK. I want one so bad lol. I love it's looks, besotted by the engine and sound. There is something to be said about having a std car that isn't held back in any way due to restrictions.
Just seeing it on those roads make look as scary as hell, not just in looks, but the fact it just barely fits on them!
invisiblekid99 it’s not a big car really.
@@tarmac1697 Must be the colour and or design, looks very wide, but I'd would have one in a heartbeat. That mid engined thing is not a corvette.
invisiblekid99 Less than 15 feet long and 6 feet 1 inch wide.
@@tarmac1697 Blimey. My Stinger is longer and as wide! Wish it made the same noise.
@@invisiblekid99 it's the best corvette ever made with only one downside. believe me i was a hater until i rode in it. its just a different step taken. only downside is no manual... 😢🇺🇲
I have one, a 7 speed manual and it is the best purchase I have ever made, it will change your life & never rust.
Me too. With the Z07 package. Agree on every single word you said (y) Even on my worst day it makes me smile
That exhaust note 👍
Sounds mad doesn't it?
The paddles on the MT car enable/disable the rev-matching.
a good driver can do this without gimmick's or oversized buttons originaly for gear change aka "being stoopid & lazy to save money"
@@malp6280 Stupid comment. If you don't like the rev matching, turn it off. Look, the Corvette is for people who value performance over soft touch door panels. If soft touch door panels are your thing, get a Porsche or BMW. Just be quick with the point by at the track day.
@@CharlesFlahertyB which porsche has soft close doors, or even bmw for that matter. A porsche is a sport car - supercar with a 3-4l engine & they still out perform every corvette
Bmw are not even supercars there everything from saloon cars, coupes, convertibles etc to high performance saloons/coupes & for their purpose they out do corvettes..
Going back to your original comment bases on track cars, well whats the point of buying a new car only to be 'ok' during noce weather occasions only to find it could easily overheat which many have suffered with & that's not only this model..
You simply can't handle the fact other manufacturers pay attention to their product, as a result they make good cars.. & have a purpose behind them..
Remind me how many european, or Japanese model cars require 6-7l engines & produce 3-4-500bhp, we have 3-4l 3engines & produce alot more power then any American produced engine & with that we also ensure good handling, build quality aswell, including using good materials... not forgetting these cars/models are also usable no matter what weather conditions are..
@@CharlesFlahertyB pps also remind me how many worlswide races have corvette won in recent years...
Have they won many races in sucession???
Or are you basis your information on usa only race series where its usually only usa teams & cars being used as a whole....
@@malp6280 Stupid, since 2000 they've won the GT Class at Le Mans 8 times. They won the GTLM Class at the IMSA race at Sebring two days ago.
Why can't a European brand come up with an affordable sports car that offers this kind of performance without having to visit a service center every 5 miles?
All them European "super cars" should come with free tow truck 🤣
the tires need to be warm enough and to get these monsters warm on cold english streets is a bit tricky. i guess that is why you had grip later at the video.
And please... If you have this car, put Michelin PS Cup 2's on it. It makes whole a lot of difference
Good God, this car sounds fantastic.
Wonder if the castor was off? The car shouldn't have that much difficulty gripping. Did you have sport cup 2 tires on? They have a hard time heating up because the tire is so wide without enough lateral stresses on the tire. I have a camaro zl1 1le..so same engine. I switched to michelin pilot sport 4s tires...30kph and full throttle I have full traction with tc off when 20c outside and only warm them up a couple of blocks away from my house. The stock tires were goodyear supercar 3r tires and were a death trap at 15c and took forever to warm up.
its the UK, so lucky if the outside temp itself is 14 degrees celsius, and then the road will still be damp or greasy from the night before's low dip in temps and possible spit of rain.
not sure on how much that would affect but id imagine even the road temp itself where your from is double of what ours would be.
20c outside for us is maybe 14-21 days realistically out of the whole year in the bit of UK im from. although recently we've been hovering above 14c even with heavy clouds and small rain fall.
I love this car and thinking of being a manual C6 or maybe C7. Think you are being a little unfair to it as an actual ownership prop. Sure its not a day to day driver on such small roads but use it like a Ferrari or similar now and again for high days and holidays and its awesome. Even better as a car to take on the continent touring. I expect good residuals and low running costs too compared to the European rivals.
I owned a C7 Z06 for about a year. Drove it from Tacoma to Pahrump for the Corvette school. Got it to 161 mph on a road in the NV desert on the way. That seemed fast enough. I still play the PDR file whenever I need cheering up. I Spent a few hours at over 100 mph over the days of the trip. Came back through the twisty mountain roads of OR. It’s made for that. Nobody was thinking UK when they were designing the C7. Merica!!
Merica indeed
Spring mountain! Great track and lots of straights on the roads outside town. That's where Koenigsegg did their top speed record
IMO, the C7 Z51 is probably the sweet spot in terms of driving. It's not too wide. It's less snappy in the handling department, and you get to enjoy flooring it for slightly longer time before it becomes illegal. It's also the lightest version, so it has the most sports car experience of its variants. The grand sport, z06 and ZR1 come with ridiculous wide bodies with even wider front tires (285 in the front) and in semislick tires that don't like the cold. Unless you're gonna track your car, the base model is the best.
Yes. And many, many (see what I did there?) people choose the wrong package for their use case. The Z06 is a track car, really. Incidentally, hard track use is where the cooling issue became a problem, not normal driving. Maybe in Houston, Texas' rush-hour traffic, or something like that, but I doubt it. There have been aggressive performance packages available in every generation since the C4. All have been too stiff, harsh, and hyper-responsive to make good street cars. On track, though, they are magic.
The paddle shifters on the manual Corvettes turns on & off rev matching. Thanks for reviewing with a different view.
I own a 2017 ZO6, auto and it's an incredible car. As impressive as the new C8 is, I don't plan on getting one anytime soon! Nice review Jay.
Please please review a 2016 Cadillac CTS-V saloon (if you can). That would be a great video. They are criminally underrated.
Stunning car! I've never been a huge fan of American cars but the C7 seemed like the one that could have changed my mind!
Buddy's dad had a C4 ZR1 when I was in high school, he would let us take it out once in awhile but only in the detuned mode, but it was still glorious. There are 3 yellow C7 Z06s within a mile of my house, one in the house literally behind me. My one neighbor had horrible problems with his, it was always gone for service for very long periods, still love them though. Got a few C8s around here too, they are nice, very much a Vette in my opinion. lol
Really? Usually corvettes are super reliable
Actually I think I've never heard of a c7 having a problem (other than z06 cooling), but haven't really specifically looked for them
I am glad you enjoy the Z06. I have had my ‘16 Z06 for over 4 years and it has been great. Giving a shout out from across the pond. 😎
Had a C7 stingray in the US too. Absolutely loved it
Y'all know this is a world- class sports car in supercar territory. Full stop. And to boot, it's basically half the price of anything which can keep up with it. It doesn't have "too much" power for its chassis; it simply has hordes of luxurious extra power and torque beyond what any front engine- rear drive platform is expected to handle.
The ZO6 is phenomenal, but it is too much car for public roads. The manual C7 Grand Sport is the way to go. Sadly the last manual Vette.
Song Ho: I have a manual C7 GS. Number plate: LAST C7. Cheers!
American car parts hard to get hold off. What ???. US Automotive mate in Bedford. Ive always got what ever i needed more or less next day.
Absolutely,sometimes reasonable priced parts become expensive due to import duties,V.A.T. but availability definitely not an issue unless you're driving a '49 Tucker Torpedo or something!😉😊
The C7 corvette... 🥰🥰🥰
Driving a C3 and then jumping into a C7Z must be a very strange experience.
Is the C7 ZR-1 on the table? That’s even more powerful than this Z06 (and maybe try it with a manual, too).
Good luck finding a manual C7 ZR1 in the UK.
@@rv9990 there's definitely one here at least.
Shmee reviewed one in the UK I think
@@trashbandit2449 nah he didn't. He did review a tuned one in the AED tho.
@BEASTMODE 2020 it's the aero "winglets" on the front splitter that don't comply with European pedestrian collision regulations which is why I was amazed to see one in the U. K., all I can think is that he personally imported it but how he got motor insurance on it, I have no idea.
If I and my C7 were somehow magically transported from California to the UK, I would surely end up wrapped around a fine old British oak tree in very short order!
Very good video James. Very perceptive.
California 🤢
California 🤢
knows how to party@@defyyourlogic487
Hi jay nice review...fyi in Malaysia we have one c7 chevy corvette z06 which has been converted to a right hand drive version...agreed it is a beast but man..what a beautiful beast
Super car, super looks, super sound, what more could any driver want. Love this and thanks for sharing.
the C7 was meant for tracks where it can stretch it's legs. if you buy it for a redlight to redlight acceleration joyride, you bought the wrong car. those short british roads don't have the space to unleash that beast. and, the C8 Vette is EXACTLY what Corvette HAD to make. their tuning potential on RWD cars had reached its peak. i can't wait for the Zora C8. that's the Vette i'm saving for!
I have a C7 z06 z07 package manual, upgraded from the stingray. I live in the States. Absolutely love it. Funny he said 50 feels like 90, problem is 120 can feel like 90 too when you get on it. You get there so damn fast you don't even realize it until you look at the speedometer
Thank you for your appreciation and review! It is a fine machine if I say so myself. The visibility is a bit of challenge but I turn my head and use the mirrors and drive sensibly and with awareness. It’s truly an engaging sports car.
riding a powerful thoroughbred after learning one's riding on a tractable suffolk punch can be disconcerting. time and practice will sort things out, however. a more enjoyable experience may well be had on the new right hand drive version of the mid-engined c8. :)
Jeez James, Now it Grips while it didn`t before...You were finally getting some HEAT in the tires.
I'm glad to have stumbled across your TH-cam channel! Very refreshing points of view and very humorous/informative my friend!
Thanks!
The Grand Sport is always kind of the sweet spot for Corvettes. All the go fast bits without too much horsepower. I have a C6 Grand Sport and enjoy it on the track, but it's still too much for the street even just on handling. It's hard to have fun near the speed limit when the car's handling limits are so stupidly high. I started watching your channel because I happened across it when looking for reviews on the Evora. How would you say the Evora compares with a Corvette in terms of being fun on the street?
I test drove one in the uk 2years ago and came very close to buying. It wasn’t the car but a lack of access to parts and servicing and support that was the issue. I was also concerned that if I bought one I wouldn’t be able to sell it on if I needed to as these are so niche that the pool of potential buyers is very small. Still want one tho.
You must be in Europe. It’s so crazy you guys have to plan out owning a corvette over there.
Yep. UK. We have one main dealer and very little support. Love the corvette cars tho.
Corvettes are known to be pretty damn reliable here in the states
@@lorenrich2525 I’m sure they are, however if you saw the garage of the one and only corvette official dealer in the UK you probably would reconsider one over here (as I did) as there ain’t much support if it goes awry.
If these were available in right-hand drive I would sell my daily and weekend cars tomorrow and get one. Absolutely ticks all the boxes for me. Amazing value for money, stunning looks etc
Nice review. I own a 2017 Z06 in torch red with a manual. Such a great car.
Thanks for calling it the Zee o six
Zed zéro six in France
Jay, you're a good man for giving the Chevy's their due. Unlike Clarkson making jokes about fat Americans, (rather ironic, considering his girth). I'm hardly the flag-waver, as I drve a "89 Si. Fortunately the big 3 have been forced to up their game, as
the quality in the past was a embarrassment. I've spoken to many enthusiasts over here who love your channel, as do I.... P.s. I'd chose the Lotus as well, but I'm '6ft5.🏁liked/subbed.
I've been waiting forever for a review of the C7. At last.
There are thousands of reviews on the C7.
@@SieTeppischfresser - but this one is from a British perspective... AND being driven on UK roads. So it's unlike almost any other test given that it's telling us, in the UK, what it might be like to own one and use here!
@@markchip1 precisely my point mate. I wanted to know what it was like to own a C7 from a British perspective since I do plan to own one in the UK someday
Great to see you going through these American classics. I would love to see you review a C4 ZR1. Growing up as a kid it was that C4 and the Countach that had the most iconic looks for me. The C4 ZR1 has an engine that GM collaborated with Lotus on, and has about 450bhp I believe...
You are right. A quad cam too, very rare for GM
375bhp then the facelift had 405bhp
I love your cinematic views and the sounds that car makes are fantastic
As a Z06 and a Viper owner, I can tell you those cool damp roads are not made for that car with those tires... in fact, it will feel like you're driving on an ice skating rink! Warm dry tires and it will feel like a hero car, but cool damp roads and you're lucky to stay with a damn Camry!
BTW, it always freaks me out see you drive on the WRONG side of the road over there, lol!
It would be like playing through a Marshall stack at volume 1, 2 at best. Confucius say ‘this car is pants’
Props to you for saying "Zee" and not "Zed"👍. 'Murica!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
If I could get one with the steering wheel on the right, and that was actually affordable, I'd have to get one of these.
A relatively light two seater RWD sports car with a supercharged 6 liter V8 and a manual gearbox, it's the dream they don't make cars like that in Europe any more.
it is actually a 7 liter...427 ci
I think it's interesting how cars are different depending on the environment. The c7 doesn't feel too large on American roads when you catch a slow Ford f350 winding through the hills. A 991 feels small and perfectly sized. With a 991 you can easlly explore the width In a lane while in the UK you need more a 993 to do that. Also as a camaro owner I am curious of your thoughts on the Camaro SS
How much did your Lotus cost? Servicing? Reliability?
Compared with the F Type R, does the Z06 automatic “feel” more like a sports car? Or just a fancy muscle car? I have an Evora 400 and F Type and am thinking of replacing the F with a Z06 because the F feels vague and hard to control. Maybe the Evora just makes everything seem that way
The visibility is not bad. Just add some wide angle side mirror attachments for $15. I have a C7.
Nice video Nice Vette...But where did you get the Awesome Jacket? 😎😉
You need to educate yourself a little better...previous gen Corvettes C4 and on have been excellent handling cars even compared to Euro sports cars...especially the C5 Z06 and C6 Z06.
Exactly I don’t know where these euro fan boys get this bad handling thing with corvettes. They have been one of the best handling and braking cars since the c5 zo6. The c7 zo6 has a top 3 60-0 branding distance and in the right hands a zo6 zo7 and zr1 can handle with and or beat any car on track. Corvette racing dominates lemans with every car c5r-c6r and c7 r winning 3 or the four years they ravines each ending in championships. The c6 r made Ferrari quit the gt1 class because it dominated. People kill me with the handling thing lol. When I go
To the track nothing on track perfomante, gt3 rs , amg gtr etc is out handling my car or out braking me in the apex but down the back straight I blow oasss them.
@@speedlife301 Heres how. They started by taking a mild mustang from the 60's and expouse that all muscle cars drive the exact same (underbraked, plow understeer, luxury car body roll, no traction), thus all American performance cars are glorified drag machines with no idea how to handle a corner in spite of America proving that wrong since the 60's.
My Camaro SS has the same engine, minus the supercharger. Even here on US roads, there are so few occasions when I can put my foot flat to the floor; it’s that fast. I grew up throwing old cars down country lanes in England. I cannot imagine doing it in my Camaro, it’s just too big.
Not any bigger then Aston or Bentley.
@@TraveladvRajanSRai, no, but neither of those are suited to zipping down country lanes either.
I have this car and love it (2015 Z06/07).
It puts the power down a lot better with all-season tires.
Trying to get a nice C4 ZR1 next ☺️
I have a 96 LT1 so I can tell you the ZR-1 would be even crazier! The ZR-1 blocks have a higher redline than the LT1 and the later models made 405hp!
I had 2017 C7 Z06 7spd manual for 3 years. Loved it, best car I've had (E60 M5, second gen CTS-V manual, current M8).
However, I got rid of it because of service.
Most Chevy dealers are just not capable of servicing this car, and the ones that are are never local.
Brought it in for manufacturer recall work for steering assembly, and the dealership messed up the car to say the least.
You will definitely need to find independent sports car shop to work on this car.
Small city? I would assume if they're a little bit of a bigger dealership that sells corvettes that they could service them
@@trashbandit2449 I bought it from Kerbeck...the largest Corvette dealer in the world.
But they're about an hour away so I would get it serviced at out local dealership.
How would you compare the C7 Z06 and M8 in terms of driving?
@@YarMobile
C7 Z06 definitely much more nimble and raw.
M8 is not a sports car, it’s a heavy tourer, rather boring.
I currently have AMG GTR-Pro. Best car I’ve had to date!
Would be good to see more American muscle cars on UK roads
Jay. Some education for you. Corvettes have always wiped the floor, or kept up with any of Europe's offerings.
...when I saw this vid for first time I was really clueless what to think about this machine....and now I saw TV documentary about last (3rd)gen of Viper...and it suddenly made me finding out what GM tried to achieve with this Vette.... to bring it with new version closer (and further)to specifics originally limited to Viper and still keep it what it use to be according to pure Vette fans at the same time....does it work? From Jay's presentations...I understand that special cars shouldn't be compromised to be more utilities together....
Great video. Can you please make a video about electrical issues of your Lotus?
My turbo charged c5 has 800 plus to the wheels you need to run a Hoosier tire if you want to apply more than half throttle I can light them them up at 100 mph but not with the Hoosiers
The c7 is a real mans car! Jeramy Clarkson drove the c6 zo6 and the audi r8 and said the Audi is a better car but if he had to choose it would be the vett! That says it all! And the c7 looks AMAZING! I love McLaren and lambo merc but the c7 is one of the best looking sports cars ever made! I don't care what anybody says it looks amazing! It sounds amazing and it goes like shit of a shovel! And the c7 zr1 is the car I'd take over almost everything at a 3rd of the price! Cars are ment to be driven not fancy interiors and fancy exteriors! And the yanks do it better than anyone when it comes to that! Cheap to service and bulletproof drivetrains! Euro stuff is overpriced and overrated! It's a fact!
That Corvette sounds so good because it probably has headers and an xpipe. I would know because my supercharged 2014 Z51 has it ;)
As an American and a Corvette owner, it's interesting to observe Euro/Anglo disdain for the Corvette. 'It's so big and heavy', for example. Actually it weighs almost exactly what a 911 Turbo weighs (both 2018). The Turbo is not exactly a skinny car, either. Anyway, it's OK, really. Believe me, we have our prejudices against 'obscenely overpriced European junk', on this side of the pond. Fair is fair.
It’s lighter than a 911 turbo s
Why do you assume majority of European people have a disdain for American cars? Your statement proves you are just as bad. The reason corvettes don't sell is more likely it being lhd only, fuel is pricier here and costs associated with buying one are usually prohibitive for a lot of people, British people like some American cars, the mustang for example sells quite well, and ironically it's the V8 that is the most popular.
@@darronian4951
You might want to work on your reading comprehension.
Maybe the tyres started gripping later in the review because you'd scrubbed them in (new tyres).
Also interested to know how it compares with the Mustang you reviewed a few months ago. Both modern American muscle, but I'm guessing quite different?
Yeah and heat, big tyres require heat on any car, especially one wrestling with 650bhp through the rears
It's very possible
The car is quite manageable! Street speed 717 drives it flat out with ease on fairly small roads aswell near his house!(he did when it also had a 1000hp) He did switch the tyres though... many cars with these tyres feel dangerous until they have temperature in them!
If Jay drove 1000 miles in this car he’d soon tame the beast! The sound and throttle response is something else!
@@WeirdBrick US roads I assume?
The C6 ZO6 was much lighter than a 997 turbo or any other contemporary supercar in the mid 2000's,when the C7 came out it seemed G.M. had not worried so much about weight saving even though it's not heavy.If you think a C7 has bad visibility drive a 5th Gen onwards Camaro!
Yes, the Camaro is downright claustrophobic inside. So bad that a friend, who has owned over 100 cars (including a '69 Camaro or two) and is not squeamish, was set to buy one until he found that he could not stand to be inside the coupe. Maybe the convertible is OK with the top down, but you can't always go that way.
@@Michael_Lorenson exactly,that's why I bought a C6,a friend took me for a run in his 5th Gen,brilliant car in every way barring the visibility which has obviously taken 2nd place to styling,I would buy one but there are better options and in the U.K. driving on the left,the vision issue is exacerbated.
I rented one for a week from Gotham Dream Cars of New Jersey in 2017. Sadly I had to cancel the trip and only got 50% back. Would have loved it I expect. It wasn't a manual though.
Most Americans do not realize just HOW narrow European backroads are. You are a brave man to ring that thing on a wet road. I've driven every rendition since a 65 Stingray and though i love Corvettes it's a bowie knife on a scalpel job there. Cheers!
Corvettes are quite small and low in person. It's not bigger than Bentley, Mercedes Benz, or Audi car.
A looker, but scary on small European roads with oncoming traffic. Perhaps it can show its strength as an Autobahn stormer.
* Yes, this is a hint to do a car review in Germany *
Nice review. The C7 is a great car. I had the Stingray which I think is a little more manageable. It held the track a bit better than the Z06 at the Corvette driving school. (Free with a new purchase) The C7 in any guise wouldn't be ideal in the UK. Too much car for your little country lanes and left hand drive doesn't help. In the states? No problem.
If you want the performance of this with a Right Hand Drive you really need to check out the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS. There is a rumour Chevy are going to sell the new C8 in right hand drive. We'll just have to see if it comes to the UK.
The Motortrend guys concluded that the GS was the right play for the C7, having the right balance.
Yeah he did it a bit of disservice saying it was a base model with Z06 looks. There's so much more to the GrandSport.
Corvettes have had good handling on par with euro cars since the 60's 69 Vette LT1 vs 69 911 was a pretty even competition
What would you know about a zo6 when you drive on the wrong side of the road
Jay, your looking very American with that coat😋
Bought it at the Daytona 500!
What is your perspective of lc 500 against it?
Lexus is a real proper GT car. Much easier to use in the UK thanks to RHD. Obviously a lot slower, but feels far more luxurious inside.
@@JayEmmOnCars And what about the driving dynamics as you weren't quite satisfied with the c7?
The LC500 has great handling and road manners. Very easy to control
I love your new intro!
Another excellent review!
Since most people are going to mistake it for a Ferrari anyway - yes it works. IF my TVR Cerbera works then so does this. Ps My TVR Cerbera never worked, as in when it worked it worked, but when it didn't it was trailered...
I can't decide if I like watching cars on the channel that we don't get in the States more than watching cars from the States out of their element.
I wonder how this car would be with straight pipe side exit exhausts?...
Check out Street Speed 717, he had 2 heavily modified Z06's ( 2 stingrays and 2 zr1's as well )
So it's kind of like a bare-knuckle boxer... who has a tendency to intermittently thump a nearby brick wall, just because he can - and he doesn't much think about the bones he's going to break in his hand when he does so!! A lovely, yet unpredictable, best buddy who doesn't seem to care unduly if you end up accompanying him to the hospital - or prison!
I respect the car for what it is - and it is a good Sportscar, but I never felt the need to own one. - The only Corvette I lust for is the C4 from the A-Team in exactly that specification. - I even drove one for a week (C6 when it was the new model) and I was left cold somehow. Don`t know why.
Looks good, especially compared to this new Hyundai Corvette C8...)))
I was surprised how good they look in the flesh
I reckon the problem with these aero mad american sports cars is they need to be at _SPEED_ to really show their chops as handlers...
Not something possible one blighties narrow countryside roads.
Used z06s in the US go for $55K-65K - crazy performance for that price.
UK and Australia 3lZ 707 standard , I know usa doesn't have federal sales tax
"Too much for the UK?"...never said about Bib's Peugeot 106 diesel....
I know the vette is wider than the average European daily driver, made for American roads. However there are loads of European higher end vehicles that compare. Aston, rolls, Ferrari, BMW, Audi, even any truck. The real car guy will have the driving skills to properly position any vehicle. Visibility problem? What about your Ferrari, Lamborghini? Parts availability? Not many manufactures support beyond 10 years. But the aftermarket support to all vettes of all years is unprecedented in the industry.
Not a vette guy but nice car. Too much for the UK? Better performance and price than a Aston v12. I own a 67 Shelby GT500 Clone with a elephant 429 Cobra Jet Semi Hemi. Bored and stroked to 500 ci
🤣 comparing a C7 to an Aston Martin. Good joke
@@millenniumzeek It's not really a joke though is it? Comparing them is perfectly valid. The C7 is a good car.
@@detaart I've been to LeMans once. And guess who was neck and neck with the Vettes,the whole time... Aston Martin
SO nice.
That front reg looks extremely illegal 😂
If buying to drive it on the road as a daily would guess a lower spec right hand controverted car would make more sense
THANK YOU!!! SOMEONE WHO AGREES WITH ME THAT THE C8 IS NOT A CORVETTE!!
This car is a beast! England, USA , Japan or anywhere, that bitch is so fast!
Spot on...!