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Detroit 2013: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

An American car featured on AUSmotive; what’s going on?! But it’s a Stingray!

Truth be told, we knew those interested in the new C7 Corvette would have already read up on it and figured it wouldn’t be worth running. But when we looked a bit closer and saw those, let’s face it, pretty stupid centre-mount quad exhaust tips we just had to get in on the act.

Like many things American, those tips are stupid in such a loveable way.

Also, in GM’s current renaissance we’d not be surprised if this 2014 Chevrolet Corvette turned out to be a half decent drive. It’ll be plenty fast, that we can be sure of.

You’ll get that when you stick a brand new 335kW/610Nm 6.2 litre V8 into a “lightweight” coupé boasting better power-to-weight numbers than a Porsche 911 or Audi R8. At least, that’s what the marketing boffins at Chevy are claiming. They’ve not published the kerbweight of the C7 Stingray so we can check for ourselves.

Get this, there’s gee-whiz carbon fibre body panels, a hydroformed aluminium frame and even a 7-speed manual box as well. The Yanks have discovered the 21st century! There’s also some serious irony here that in time, American cars may prove to be the last bastion of the manual transmission.

If this new Stingray has grabbed you by the balls and made a man out of you then why not satisfy your feminine side by reading all about it in the full media kit made available for all at the very friendly GM media portal.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Return of the Stingray: The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

DETROIT, 13 January 2013 – Chevrolet is redefining modern performance with today’s debut of the all-new Corvette Stingray. And only a Corvette with the perfect balance of technology, design and performance can wear the iconic Stingray designation.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.

“Like the ’63 Sting Ray, the best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “The all-new Corvette goes farther than ever, thanks to today’s advancements in design, technology and engineering.”

The all-new Corvette Stingray shares only two parts with the previous generation Corvette. It incorporates an all-new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs. Highlights include:

  • An interior that includes real carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials, two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support – and dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens
  • Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
  • An all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers 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 an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
  • A sculptured exterior features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability
  • Track-capable Z51 Performance Package including: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.

“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “We knew we couldn’t use the Stingray name unless the new car truly lived up to the legacy. The result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition, while remaining instantly recognizable as a Corvette the world over.”

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 for the first time.

“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.”

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013.

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9 replies on “Detroit 2013: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray”

This is seriously one hot car. But will the interior feel like a Holden taxi in its material quality?

Also, really good to be seeing new articles on Ausmotive again Liam!

As I said, new articles will still be likely to appear, just not as regularly as they once were. In time, though, I expect to be back to normal. Just not sure if that’s one, six or more months away.

I’ve driven a Z06 and loved the feel and the sound (and the power!), but the interior was just depressing in its build quality, and the seats weren’t supportive at all.

Hopefully they’ve figured out how to build a good quality interior.

Damn that looks damn fine!!

Wonder if this will make it over to Australia at all.

IE get converted to RHD and add another 100k on to the price…

The new Corvette is the most awesome vette ever. I want one so bad I would rob a bank to get one. No not really but it makes you think about it

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