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Just picked up my new C7 from a museum delivery (Lime Rock Green, Kalahari interior, 3LT, Z-51, 7 speed).
The first impressions in no particular order:
1. 7 SPEED TRANSMISSION
The rev matching feature works very well during an up shift particularly during less than all out aggressive driving – almost no speed mismatch when you release the clutch. Have not really pushed this since am still less than 500 miles. One interesting outcome of this logic is on a down shift. If you were cruising in 4th or 5th and down shift to 2nd with the clutch depressed as you approach a stop sign, the engine speed will increase to match the 2nd gear and then drop back down to idle.
The adjustment from my C6 Z51 with the 6 speed is strange. Reverse has moved!
2. ENGINE
Strong solid pull up to 4000 rpm – the 4500 rpm limiter is still in effect but not for long. The idle is a bit rougher that I expected. I will have this looked at during the first oil change ~ 1500 miles.
Cruising down from the museum to my home in Georgia, I still managed to get 27.5 mpg – impressive since I am still in break in and the economode is not selected.
3. SOUND SYSTEM
So much better. The quality of sound, the lower tire noise of the C6 and the better sound damping all help.
Like the multiple ports available for inputs.
Have not yet figured out how to set more than 5 preselect stations but on XM but that’s where I am on the learning curve.
4. SEATS
SO MUCH BETTER – at 6’4”. 250# I manage to fit. The interior does feel a bit smaller but the design of the seat does offset this.
Have not yet had hot weather to judge the air circulation feature in the seats yet.
Wish GM made the seat belt mounting point higher or adjustable.
5. INTERIOR QUALITY
Everything that has been written about the C6 to C7 improvement is true. From the dash covering, seats, interior carpeting, door liners – all of it is such a huge step improvement.
I have the transparent top and even the finish of the frame is improved. On my C6, the surface of the frame was so rough that cloth or paper fibers would be torn off and stick to the black mat surface during cleaning.
6. HANDLING
Again, all of the press about this handling package is true. In the past I have noticed the difference of my C6 Z51 and non Z51 car on the “Tail of the Dragon” (Deals Gap, North Carolina - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). This new performance package is nothing short of amazing – the confidence you sense at low and higher speeds is incredible. Looking forward to do the Tail again.
7. STEERING
Very sensitive, in a good way, regardless of vehicle speed.
The side skipping of the outside front tire during a slow tight turn (Ackermann steering geometry) is very noticeable. Felt is on the C6 but to a much lesser degree. When you first encounter the hopping of the large tire during the turn, unless you are expecting it, the sound could make you feel like something is very wrong.
8. NAVIGATION
Much improved. Display is far more informative that the monochrome C6 version which was probably designed in 2003. Still on the learning curve however.
The one thing that is lacking also applies to all of the features of the “Information” system. User instructions in the owner’s manual are minimal. There are links to targeted YOUTUBE videos that should help but I have not been there yet.
9. REAR DECK
Other forum articles have discussed the overall tightness in trying to close the rear deck – they are correct. Closure with both doors closed with windows up takes more force than I care to apply. Best to open a window or door before closing the rear deck. This may get easier when the gaskets seals relax with some time.
I think GM should rethink deletion of the electric pull down feature that was installed in the C6
The rear deck is higher and the full wing of the Z51 raising the level even more. The aftermarket aprons that fold over the rear deck and wing during loading will be the second purchase – after installing E-pell on the nose
10. GAS CAP
A push on the exterior pops the lid open. I would prefer to have the interior release to pop the door open rather than pushing on the paint each fill up.
11. DOOR HANDLES
The smaller opening is fine but I wish the small plastic pad that protected the paint on the C6 was carried over – I can see some aftermarket coming.
12. PAINT
Yes there is orange peel. Cannot say it is more or less than my 06 Lemans Blue but it does look better than some of the images I have seen on the forum. I think the first good polishing (3000 grit wet perhaps) will help some of what I have.
13. DRIVING MODES
I like the selection feature and the resulting impact on the main displays. Still too soon to assess the actual handling changes and the long trip impact of the variable displacement (Economode)
The first impressions in no particular order:
1. 7 SPEED TRANSMISSION
The rev matching feature works very well during an up shift particularly during less than all out aggressive driving – almost no speed mismatch when you release the clutch. Have not really pushed this since am still less than 500 miles. One interesting outcome of this logic is on a down shift. If you were cruising in 4th or 5th and down shift to 2nd with the clutch depressed as you approach a stop sign, the engine speed will increase to match the 2nd gear and then drop back down to idle.
The adjustment from my C6 Z51 with the 6 speed is strange. Reverse has moved!
2. ENGINE
Strong solid pull up to 4000 rpm – the 4500 rpm limiter is still in effect but not for long. The idle is a bit rougher that I expected. I will have this looked at during the first oil change ~ 1500 miles.
Cruising down from the museum to my home in Georgia, I still managed to get 27.5 mpg – impressive since I am still in break in and the economode is not selected.
3. SOUND SYSTEM
So much better. The quality of sound, the lower tire noise of the C6 and the better sound damping all help.
Like the multiple ports available for inputs.
Have not yet figured out how to set more than 5 preselect stations but on XM but that’s where I am on the learning curve.
4. SEATS
SO MUCH BETTER – at 6’4”. 250# I manage to fit. The interior does feel a bit smaller but the design of the seat does offset this.
Have not yet had hot weather to judge the air circulation feature in the seats yet.
Wish GM made the seat belt mounting point higher or adjustable.
5. INTERIOR QUALITY
Everything that has been written about the C6 to C7 improvement is true. From the dash covering, seats, interior carpeting, door liners – all of it is such a huge step improvement.
I have the transparent top and even the finish of the frame is improved. On my C6, the surface of the frame was so rough that cloth or paper fibers would be torn off and stick to the black mat surface during cleaning.
6. HANDLING
Again, all of the press about this handling package is true. In the past I have noticed the difference of my C6 Z51 and non Z51 car on the “Tail of the Dragon” (Deals Gap, North Carolina - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). This new performance package is nothing short of amazing – the confidence you sense at low and higher speeds is incredible. Looking forward to do the Tail again.
7. STEERING
Very sensitive, in a good way, regardless of vehicle speed.
The side skipping of the outside front tire during a slow tight turn (Ackermann steering geometry) is very noticeable. Felt is on the C6 but to a much lesser degree. When you first encounter the hopping of the large tire during the turn, unless you are expecting it, the sound could make you feel like something is very wrong.
8. NAVIGATION
Much improved. Display is far more informative that the monochrome C6 version which was probably designed in 2003. Still on the learning curve however.
The one thing that is lacking also applies to all of the features of the “Information” system. User instructions in the owner’s manual are minimal. There are links to targeted YOUTUBE videos that should help but I have not been there yet.
9. REAR DECK
Other forum articles have discussed the overall tightness in trying to close the rear deck – they are correct. Closure with both doors closed with windows up takes more force than I care to apply. Best to open a window or door before closing the rear deck. This may get easier when the gaskets seals relax with some time.
I think GM should rethink deletion of the electric pull down feature that was installed in the C6
The rear deck is higher and the full wing of the Z51 raising the level even more. The aftermarket aprons that fold over the rear deck and wing during loading will be the second purchase – after installing E-pell on the nose
10. GAS CAP
A push on the exterior pops the lid open. I would prefer to have the interior release to pop the door open rather than pushing on the paint each fill up.
11. DOOR HANDLES
The smaller opening is fine but I wish the small plastic pad that protected the paint on the C6 was carried over – I can see some aftermarket coming.
12. PAINT
Yes there is orange peel. Cannot say it is more or less than my 06 Lemans Blue but it does look better than some of the images I have seen on the forum. I think the first good polishing (3000 grit wet perhaps) will help some of what I have.
13. DRIVING MODES
I like the selection feature and the resulting impact on the main displays. Still too soon to assess the actual handling changes and the long trip impact of the variable displacement (Economode)
) Just wondering about any indications of early front tire wear.
