Long-Term Road Test Update
arrow
Our Corvette blew an engine but we nevertheless really like it.
WHAT WE LIKE: From the crisp, new style, to the cozy, contemporary interior, to the exceptional balance of efficiency and drivability, there’s not much we do not love about our long-term 2014 Corvette Stingray Z51. Our automobile continues to turn heads and elicit cheers from passersby, even in its subtle Blade Silver Metallic hue. (The wailing exhaust note guarantees we’ll at least be heard if not noticed.) Several drivers have praised the Corvette’s comparatively compliant ride and the comfort from the optional Competition seats, which make lengthy voyages a treat, as properly as its exceptional brakes and flypaper-like grip. Our observed fuel-economy average has climbed to 21 mpg, as well, thanks to greater amounts of highway cruising exactly where the car’s Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation technique and a slippery shape aid it accomplish an indicated 30-plus mpg.
WHAT WE Don’t LIKE: Our greatest displeasure has been the car’s downtime at the dealer for repairs (much more on that in a second), but we have some day-to-day complaints as effectively. A couple of drivers have however to bond with the Competition seats and moan about insufficient lumbar assistance, and other people take situation with the occasional slowness of the MyLink infotainment’s operation. There is nearly unanimous agreement that the 6-speed manual’s gates ought to be better defined. We’ve also noticed some notchiness with the shift linkage in the reduce gears regardless of how careful we are with the clutch. Lengthy stints behind the wheel are marred by substantial road noise and footwells that can get overly toasty in city visitors.
 |
WHAT WENT Incorrect: For starters, the LT1 tiny-block V-8 introduced with the C7 lunched itself at 6000 miles, necessitating a total replacement beneath warranty. Our forensics lab was unable to help in dissecting the matter, but an investigation by GM pinned tentative blame on a piece of metal debris (likely from a negative oil filter) that worked its way into the oiling program and wrecked a connecting-rod bearing, which created even far more debris that damaged the engine’s bottom-finish. Offered the LT1’s tight tolerances and higher-functionality style, it didn’t take considerably to upset its workings. We’ve heard of a few related accounts throughout the Stingray neighborhood and GM says it’s conscious of the concern and is analyzing its manufacturing approach for a root cause. Our auto was returned quickly and as healthier as new, but—just to be safe—we sent the auto back to the dealer following 1300 engine miles for its initial scheduled service at 7500 overall miles. The stop integrated an oil-and-filter change and inspection for $ 57.28.
The vehicle returned to the dealer at 15,25 miles for an identical scheduled service, in the course of which the side-airbag module in the passenger seat was also replaced under one of GM’s several current recalls. Other maladies that befell our Corvette contain a punctured rear tire at 13,000 miles—which necessary us to reshod the rear of the vehicle with a pair of new run-flat 285/30ZR20 Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZPs ($ 905 for the pair from the Tire Rack)—as well as a sizable chip in the windshield that expense us $ 50 to seal up.
 |
Where WE WENT: Most of our drive time in the Stingray continues to be nearby commuting, although it has embarked on a couple of trips to Indiana and a weekend in Chicago, right after which the driver noted that he loves how “the entire car subtly rumbles to the modest-block’s lumpy idle.” The grandest trek was a 6-day, 1700-mile round trip from Ann Arbor to Virginia International Raceway and New Jersey Motorsports Park, averaging an impressive 27 mpg all round. Extra voyages certainly will take place ahead of the ambient temperature drops significantly and we have to dig out the car’s winter rubber.
Months in Fleet: 6 months
Current Mileage: 15,436 miles Average Fuel Economy: 21 mpg
Fuel Tank Size: 18.5 gal Fuel Range: 390 miles
Service: $ 115 Typical Put on: $ Repair: $
Harm and Destruction: $ 1019
Continued…
Other Stories You May well Like
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Lengthy-Term Update: The Second Engine Runs Fine
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder