Chevrolet celebrates 60 years of the Corvette with the all new 2014 Stingray and boy did it create a buzz at the North American International Autoshow in Detroit earlier in the week.
The 2014 Corvette Stingray has an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip.
The all-new Stingray only shares 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 fibre, aluminium 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 fibre hood and removable roof panel; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminium 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
The car will be built at GM’s Bowling Green, assembly plant, which underwent a $131-million upgrade, including approximately $52 million for a new body shop to manufacture the aluminium frame in-house for the first time.
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The use of composite materials includes a standard carbon fibre hood and roof panel, as well as underbody panels created with carbon-nano composite technology, an advanced blend of traditional composite material and carbon fibre, which allows lighter underbody panels without a loss of strength or stiffness. Fenders, doors, rear quarter panels and the rear hatch panel are made with lighter-density Sheet Moulded Compound than the previous generation. Combined, these materials save approximately 37 pounds (17 kg) versus the previous body structure. The car features a fully-wrapped interior, available materials, depending on the trim level, include Napa leather, aluminium, carbon fibre and micro-suede.
