RETURN OF THE STINGRAY
Chevy unveils the 7th generation Corvette

HOT WIRE—The long-awaited seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette has been unveiled—and with it, the return of the Stingray. Chevrolet is quick to point out that the 2014 model is the most powerful standard Corvette model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm), an estimated acceleration from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds and a cornering grip in excess of 1g. General Motors also expects it to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette (EPA estimates are not in yet).

According to the manufacturer, the new Corvette Stingray shares only two parts with the previous generation Corvette. The highlights of the new car include: • An interior with carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials, two seat choices – each featuring a magnesium frame and dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens • A five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver’s environment and a seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time • A new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and a combustion system that that is said to deliver more power while using less fuel • Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for a 50/50 weight balance • An optional Z51 Performance Package that includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, and differential and transmission cooling.

Chevrolet says the new Corvette Stingray will be built at GM’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant, which underwent a $131-million upgrade, including approximately $52 million for a new body shop to manufacture the aluminum frame in-house. “We believe the Corvette represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “The result is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers the fastest acceleration, the most cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking performance and what we expect to be the best fuel economy ever for a standard Corvette.”

Chevrolet says the 2014 Corvette Stingray will be at the dealers sometime in the third quarter of 2013.