Detroit VIDEO: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

www.leftlanenews.com ^ | 03-20-13 | By Nat Shirley

[Red Badger]

After years of anticipation and speculation, Chevrolet has finally unveiled the all-new, seventh-generation (C7) Corvette. The latest iteration of America’s sports car will launch with more power, an upscale interior and a historic nameplate – the Corvette Stingray.

Outside, the new model continues to use the long hood, short rear deck proportions that have characterized Corvettes for decades, but the overall look is crisper and more angular than before. Notable touches include a tapered greenhouse, new rear-quarter windows and closely-grouped, center-mounted quad exhaust pipes.

Unlike the first model year of the original Stingray (and the recent Stingray Concept), the C7 doesn’t feature a split rear window. In a break with Corvette styling tradition, the usual rounded taillights have been replaced by new rhomboid units, which are grouped with functional vents that connect with air inlets mounted on the tops of the rear fenders.

The Small Block Lives On Though some rumors had indicated that the Corvette would get a twin-turbo V6, the sports car will instead use an all-new small-block V8 known as the LT1. It churns out 450 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 450 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, improvements of 20 ponies and 26 lb-ft over the LS3. Chevrolet says that output is enough to empower the C7 Corvette to sprint from zero-to-60 mph in under 4.0 seconds, and with over 400 lb-ft of twist on tap between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, the LT1 also provides plenty of mid-range output.

While the tried-and-true pushrod configuration remains, the LT1 features direct-injection, variable valve timing and a fairly high 11.5:1 compression ratio. A dry sump oil system will be an optional extra in place of a standard wet sump unit.

Also part of the LT1 package is a cylinder deactivation system that saves fuel by effectively turning the 6.2-liter V8 into a 3.1-liter V4. Chevrolet says the system will help the LT1 better the less-powerful LS3's 26-mpg highway rating, although official numbers are not yet available.

Like the latest Porsche 911, the Corvette uses a seven-speed manual transmission. It features a “Active Rev Matching” system that provides rev-matched upshifts and downshifts. It can be switched on or off via steering wheel-mounted paddles shifters – an unusual touch for a manual-equipped vehicle.

The optional automatic transmission is a six-speed unit, not the eight that was previously rumored. Additional gears after the first six offer negligible efficiency benefits, Chevrolet says.

New to the Corvette is the Driver Mode Selector, which lets drivers optimize the sports car for any given driving situation. It offers five different modes: Tour mode is the default setting for day to day driving; Weather mode is intended to provide additional confidence in rain or snow; Eco mode helps achieve maximum fuel efficiency; Sport mode is for spirited road driving and Track mode is, as one would expect, for track use.

The Drive Mode Selector modifies 12 different vehicle settings, including steering assist effort, throttle responsiveness, launch control calibrations stability control settings, traction control parameters, exhaust noise levels, active fuel management settings, Performance Traction Management configurations, automatic transmission shift points, electronic limited-slip engagement and Magnetic Ride Control damper settings (the last two are Z51-exclusive features). Additionally, the gauge cluster changes to display information pertinent to the selected drive mode.

As before, a Z51 performance package will be available to make the Corvette even more track-friendly. It includes dry-sump lubrication, closer manual-transmission gear ratios, an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential and additional cooling for the gearbox, differential and brakes. Also part of the package are upsized brakes and 19-by-8.5-inch front and 20-by-10-inch rear wheels and tires, compared with 18-by-8.5- and 19-by-10-inch as standard.

Available as an option on Z51-equipped models is the third-generation of GM’s Magnetic Ride Control, which features a new twin-wire/dual-coil damper system that reacts 40 percent faster for improved ride comfort and body control.

Lightweight Components For the first time, the base Corvette rides on an aluminum frame – a feature previously reserved for Z06 and Z51 models. The new setup is 99 pounds lighter and 57 percent stiffer than the C6’s steel unit. To save additional weight, the hood and roof are constructed from carbon fiber, and the underbody trays are said to be lighter than before.

Despite those measures, the new Corvette’s higher content level will likely mean it ends up slightly heavier than the C6, which weighed in at 3208 pounds.

Improved Interior Inside, the two most highly criticized elements of the outgoing model’s cabin – cheap materials and seats unbefitting of a performance car – have been improved. Soft-touch materials abound, and premium trimmings such as Nappa leather, micro-suede, aluminum and carbon fiber can be spec’d as options.

Two seating choices will be on offer: comfort-oriented “GT” seats and “Competition Sport” thrones that promise the lateral support for which track-going Corvette enthusiasts have long clamored.

Eight-inch configurable screens are mounted at the center of the instrument cluster and at the top of the center stack, which is canted towards the driver and fitted with Corvette-specific HVAC controls.

Chevrolet says that the 2014 Corvette Stingray will hit the market in the second half of 2013; watch for fuel-economy and pricing details to be released in the coming months.

Live photos by Chris Doane.

[Fletcher J]

I wish that Ford would make a direct competitor to the Wrangler and call it a Bronco. That would be awesome.

I keep daydreaming about the viability of taking a new Wrangler Rubicon and trading out wheels, badging, front grill, etc., and turning it into a fake “2014 Ford Bronco”. Maybe a blue one, repainted as a modern take on the 69 Bronco, with white wheel arches and white top? That would be an awesome conversation starter... lol

[blueunicorn6]

No UAW made car......ever. They can steal my money through the government, but I won’t willingly give them one red cent.

[Red Badger]

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/u-s-government-sells-chrysler-stake-losses-higher-than-reported/

[diogenes ghost]

"Sooooo...what was wrong with it?"

VASTLY overrated reputation. Did not perform much better than the 428, at least on the street. Did not excel in NHRA classes, stock or superstock.

I knew 2 guys in Lansing with 428s, one in a Fairlane, one in a Mustang. Fairlane beat the Mustang by 2-4 lengths every time they ran. So the Mustang guy buys a 429 Mustang & wants to race me. I told him if he could beat his buddy he could try me. So they ran several times....yup, the Fairlane by 2-4 every time. He never got to run me, not that it woulda done any good.

Oh, if you have the time, check out Jay Leno's garage online. He has a buttload of videos, with great info on some of his, and other's, cars, including a lot of engine info. There are some REAL pinnacles of automotive excellence there.

[Norm Lenhart]

That’s just beautiful.

[Fletcher J]

Love the Mustang. My 2013 GT with 420hp 5.0 “Coyote” V8 and 6sp manual is my daily driver, and is the most fun I’ve ever had with my clothes on. It puts some joy into my commute. :)

[Norm Lenhart]

You do realize that motor was highly detuned for the street cars right? The only reason it ever got into a street car at all was NASCAR’s rule about what constituted a production engine.

Actually the Boss 351 was the quicker of the two when you get right down to it. But open the hood on a 428 car, a Boss 351 or the Boss 429 and guess which all eyeballs shoot to?

OK, I’ll admit ‘pinnacle’ was hyperbole. But you must admit it was a pretty unique and impressive machine.

[bigfootbob]

Yes, it is worse, IMHO. Want an $80,000.00 Camaro? That’s what it looks like from the rear. No big block option?

Obama has ruined the thinking at the GM design center. As expected...sigh!!!

This comes from someone who owned one of Corvette’s worst performance Corvette, the 1977 L-82 Corvette. I thoroughly rebuilt that car from the radiator, springs, everything, into a fire breathing 1977 sleeper with a 427 CI Big Block with nitrous..

[gibsonguy]

Agreed, it’s sickening what the chief punk got away with the bondholders and the handpicked dealers that survived based on political contributions. My wife is retired GM white collar but I bought a KIA built in a RTW state. That said, the C7 looks pretty cool to me. Surprised they didn’t cancel it to save the planet.

[Norm Lenhart]

And the mid 80s looked like stablemate Firebirds. But I’ll concede the $80,000 point as there is no arguing that.

[nascarnation]

No big block option?

The big block gasser has been dead a long time, even in pickups.

The 638 hp / 604 lb-ft aluminum small block seems adequate for most (that's the current rating, I assume the 2014 will be more).

[Norm Lenhart]

Oops. forgot one. When was the last ‘Big Block’ option available? 73ish? That’s no biggie at this point. The mighty L88 was less powerful than the Z1s anyway so no great loss from a pure power perspective.

Though I’d rather have the L88 roaring in my face ;)

[Windflier]

...after the ‘Stingray’ style body was replaced with the mid 80s ones, I just didn’t ‘see it’ as a Vette.

I know what you mean, but I guess I'm just not a purist about such things. Despite the flattened, sleeker shape of the '84 Vette, I fell in love with the thing anyway. When the styling later began to hearken back to its roots, I loved that too.

About the only Vettes I didn't much care for, were the late 70s, early 80s Vettes without the tail fin. I didn't exactly hate 'em, but they looked disfigured to me.

One sports car that I always thought GM should have built for mass consumption, was the Cadillac Cien:

Unfortunately, it was just a concept car that they used to draw design elements from for other (more watered down) models. GM could have stuck a Corvette badge on that thing, and the public would have gone gaga for it.

[bigfootbob]

Don’t really know. After I sold my Corvette in 1991, I sort of lost interest, then the GM takeover....

That is certainly a lot of power out of a small block. I didn’t see anything in the Cormero article spouting those kind of numbers! Holy Moley.

[diogenes ghost]

"....Automotive Excellence.....and Shelby GT500..."

Whoa there, pardner. Nice cars, but not a pinnacle. Highly doubtful ANY American car can lay that claim. The pinnacle has to be European, very hard no to give it to the Veyron by acclaim.

But Ford DOES have some great Mustangs, they are called Cobra Jets.....verrryyy expensive, limited production balls-out racers. And DAMN are they fast...8.5 seconds with a 5.0 Liter in Stock Eliminator - Awesome!! That is almost as fast as the 45 years old HemiCudas and HemiDarts.

[Norm Lenhart]

Impressive looking beast in a 2095 sort of way.

I like the late 70s ear but ya...lack of a spoiler did them no favors. Nor did the smogged 305/350s.

Raced and wiped a couple of them on a freeway with my F250. Acceleration AND top end. Which speaks pretty poorly for “America’s Sports Car” of the era. I won’t mention the 485 HP FE Ford Big block that particular truck had under the hood though... ;)

[primatreat]

This looks like my 1990 NSX (yes I purchased it in June 1990) on a overdose of steroids. I still have it and love it.

The 2015 NSX will put this vet to shame!

[longtermmemmory]

GM - Full Gear Stupid.

That is it?

Dull.

Pedestrian.

ORDINARY.

WORTHLESS.

Sucker Sheet Metal for the Stupid Class.

The only peole who will like it will be the paid for road and track magazine stooges.

[Clay+Iron_Times]

Ditto

[nascarnation]

Well the 2015 NSX is a hybrid.
So at least the “earth people” will love it.