The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

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The Legend Returns - Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

After years of planning, designing and engineering, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray made its stunning debut tonight in Detroit. For those who appreciate the past, but look forward to the future, this is your Corvette Stingray – a finely tuned trifecta of technology, design and performance. A new Corvette worthy of the Stingray’s name and heritage.

This is the most powerful standard Corvette ever conceived. With an estimated 450 hp, 450 lb.-ft of torque from its new generation 5 LT1 V8, it surpasses the C6’s base Corvette and the Grand Sport with specs like 0-60 in under 4 seconds, 1G cornering and a 60-0 stopping distance that’s comparable to the Z06. The new engine develops 50 lb-ft. more low-end torque, matching the C6’s LS7 V8 from 1,000-4,000 RPMs. Race-proven aerodynamics will ensure the new Stingray cuts through the air while the breakthrough fuel saving technologies are expected to make this the most fuel efficient Corvette ever.

The new Corvette Stingray features a seven-speed TREMEC manual transmission with Active Rev Matching. Exclusive to Corvette, Active Rev Matching ensures the perfect shifts whether you’re up-shifting or down-shifting. Also available is a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission which has been optimized for the new car. Both transmissions will use Active Fuel Management (AFM), another first for manual transmissions. And for you automatic lovers, Launch Control is now available too!

Performance junkies will flock to the Stingray’s new optional Z51 package that offers an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), dry sump oil system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling as well as a unique aero package for high speed stability.

Two new active exhaust systems which are less restrictive than the previous model are available on the new Stingray. The four exhaust ports feature a larger 2.75 inch diameter openings than the 2.5 inch openings on the C6. Both have butterfly valves that open for enhanced performance and sound. The standard system has a 13% improvement in airflow while the optional dual-mode system offers a 27% improvement in airflow.

The new Corvette will come standard with Brembo Brakes and 18/19″ wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat tires. Both brakes and tires are upgraded when the Z51 package is ordered for even more performance.

The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The Legend Returns – Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray    

But performance is just one of the standards to judge the new Corvette Stingray.

Inside you’ll find a completely new handcrafted high-tech interior. The jet-fighter inspired cockpit features luxurious Napa leather, micro suede, real aluminum and carbon fiber trim. Long gone are the often criticized seats of the C6. Now customers will have two new seating options – Touring and Competition – that were benchmarked against the best of the best: Porsche and Recaro.

Advance driver technologies include a five-position Drive Mode Selector that optimizes 12 different configurations for the driving conditions in five settings: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track. Two 720p high-def eight-inch screens and a configurable color heads up display provide the driver with the personalized details – whether it be commuting long distances, across town or at the track.

An advanced infotainment system features Chevrolet MyLink and high-definition audio that can play your favorite tunes through an available premium 10-speaker system which includes a base-box and two subwoofers. You’ll find an additional USB port in the center console, a stand-alone audio input jack and an SD card slot for providing seamless connectivity. Getting to your destinations is easier too with enhanced OnStar featuring 3D navigation maps.

The driving experience is also enhanced by smaller 14.1 inch (360mm) diameter steering wheel that makes the whole car feel smaller and more responsive to the driver. The steering system is now 5 times stiffer for a more direct feel and the the turning radius shortened by 2 feet.

The 2014 Stingray is a revolutionary new Corvette with just two parts carried over from the previous generation. It features a completely brand new aluminum frame structure that is 57% stiffer and 99 pounds lighter than the current steel frame. And with the roof panel installed, it’s 60% stiffer than the frame on the C6 Z06. Instead of the fully hydroformed frames of the C6 era, the C7’s frames feature 5 different aluminum segments in various thickness to provide structural rigidity where it’s needed the most. The new frames will be built in a brand new $52 million body shop inside the Bowling Green Assembly Plant and features a unique laser welding process that was showcased in the CREATION video teaser.

The C7’s new exterior features a bold departure from previous generations yet still remains true to the ideas that make a Corvette a Corvette. Born in the wind tunnel and sculpted with data provided from the Corvette Racing program – 2012’s GT class champions and the most successful racing program in the American Le Mans Series – the new aerodynamics help balance front and rear grip for high-speed driving.

All Corvettes have a new grill and radiator for sucking in massive quantities of air. Hood vents reduce front end lift while the front fender side coves vent air and reduces aerodynamic drag. One of the exciting new features are the functional cooling vents that come with the automatic or the Z51 Performance Package that channels air inside the chassis to cool the transmission fluid and the electronic limited slip differential. The air is then expelled out the rear of the Stingray through vents in the taillight assemblies and vertical vents along the rear.

Enhanced lighting is one of the signature elements of the new Corvette. On the front are indirect white LED daytime running lights which are set in a black-chrome lamp housing that is more vertically oriented than the C6.

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the new Corvette are the rear taillight design. Gone are the standard two circular taillights and in their place is are dual element taillights that house LEDs that are cast their light inside against a reflector to create an even glow that gives the car a nighttime appearance unlike anything else. And as mentioned before, functional aircraft-inspired vents on the outside of the housing release air from the cooling of the available differential and transmission coolers.

“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.”

“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 all-new Corvette Stingray is really three cars in one: It provides the comfort and functionality of a long-distance GT car, the connectedness and infotainment of a daily driver and the acceleration, grip and braking of a capable track car,” said Harlan Charles, product manager for Corvette.

The new 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe goes on sale in the 3rd quarter of 2013.

We have only scratched the surface of all the exciting changes and additions for the next generation Corvette. Click here to read the official 10-page press release from Chevrolet and come back to CorvetteBlogger as we post pictures and video from the live reveal as well as continuing our in-depth look at the 2014 Corvette Stingray.


Source:
Chevrolet

Related:
Every Line Matters: Aerodynamics Optimized on the All-New 2014 C7 Corvette
OFFICIAL: 2014 C7 Corvette to Feature 450hp 6.2 Liter V8; Revive LT1 Name
Return of the LT1: 2014 C7 Corvette to Get 450hp V8 Engine

 



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