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Chevrolet discontinued the C7 Corvette in favor of the mid-engine C8 for the 2020 model year. However, that doesn’t mean the last front-engine ‘Vettes were without their charms. In fact, the C7 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and its performance variants had a couple of party pieces you might not have noticed.

The C7 Corvette boasts a couple of tidbits you may have missed

The seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette, or C7, is more than the last front-engine ‘Vette ever. It also has a few features that fans might not know about unless they own one or study all things Corvette.

  • A hidden compartment
  • Cylinder deactivation
  • The last supercharged Corvette since 2019

The C7 Corvette has a hidden compartment à la James Bond

The liftback rear end on the seventh-gen Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is deceptively spacious. According to TrueCar, the Stingray boasts up to 15 cubic feet of storage, more than a late-model Ford Mustang. However, the C7 also has a secret agent-esque compartment behind its navigation screen. 

The compartment, with an opening a little larger than 4” x 6”, tapers down into the center console. It’s a fine hiding spot for valuables or a secondary position for a standalone GPS unit. Further, owners who cover the button’s label will have a hidden compartment with little indication of its operation.

Does Corvette have cylinder deactivation?

The seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray packs a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8. As a result, it’s certainly not the most efficient car from the last decade. However, GM installed cylinder deactivation in its seventh-gen sweetheart sports car. Deactivation shuts down half of the V8’s cylinder bank, leading to a four-cylinder operation.

The result? Some owners cite over 30 mpg on the highway in Eco mode. While that won’t be an easy figure to reproduce, the lightweight Corvette will undoubtedly get better fuel economy than a V8-powered Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack. 

Does the C7 Corvette have a supercharger?

A yellow 2015 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray drives around a corner.
Seventh-generation Corvette | General Motors

While the C7 Corvette Stingray has no factory supercharger, the C7 Z06 and ZR1 have superchargers atop their 6.2L V8s. Unfortunately for fans of a whirring, whining supercharger, the C7 lineup boasts the most recent Corvette examples with forced induction. 

That’s right, the C8 doesn’t offer a supercharged model as of the end of 2023. Of course, upcoming Corvettes will likely include a factory supercharger in some capacity. Still, it’s not like Corvette fans are hurting for horsepower with the high-revving C8 Z06.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).