When General Motors unlocked the first video trailer called Conception from the C7 Corvette countdown site, www.one13thirteen.com, one of the memorable clips showed the GM wind tunnel and the tag line “Every Line Matters.” That of course refers to the aerodynamics of the brand new Corvette. The body has been redesigned but the redesign’s purpose was more than just providing a new look – every line, vent, inlet and surface area has been optimize to make the C7 Corvette the most aerodynamic Corvette ever.
“The all-new Corvette integrates more high-performance aerodynamic features than ever before, many taken directly from Corvette Racing,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “For example, the front grill and radiator flow paths reduce lift, improving vehicle stability at high speeds by keeping the car pressed to the pavement. In addition, functional vents increase track capability by channeling air to the brakes, as well as heat exchangers for the transmission and differential.”
Of course, Corvette Racing knows a thing or two about the importance of aerodynamics. The most successful team in the ALMS and this 2012 GT Class Champions have years of on-track, high-speed performance data and these techniques and lessons learned were applied to the C7 program using some of the industry’s most advanced computer-aided modeling programs to predict and track airflow over, under and through the new Corvette’s body.
“Its sculpted design excites in all the ways that a Corvette has for six decades, with elements carefully shaped in the wind tunnel to increase airflow potential and improve cooling for a system that is as efficient as possible,” said Kirk Bennion, Corvette exterior design manager. “It’s said that form follows function, but in the case of the aerodynamic 2014 Corvette, form and function work cohesively to produce beautiful purpose.”
The all new 2014 C7 Corvette will be unveiled on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sunday, January 13th, 2013.
Source:
General Motors
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