2014 Corvette Stingray

An undoubted star of this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit is the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette.

Two things are immediately striking: firstly, the famous Stingray suffix has been resurrected; secondly, the sharper styling gives the seventh-generation Corvette a much more purposeful look.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (2014) Front Side
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Scroll down for more images.

The bodywork is made from various lightweight materials, including a carbon-nano composite for the underbody sections and pure carbon fibre for the removable roof panel and bonnet. It’s built around a hydroformed aluminium frame structure that’s said to be both lighter and significantly stiffer than before.

As a result, the 2014 Corvette Stingray boasts a perfect 50% front / 50% rear weight distribution and, to help take advantage of that balance, the wheelbase and track measurements have grown by about an inch for improved stability. Among the chassis components are Bilstein monotube dampers, Brembo disc brakes with four-piston calipers and 18” front / 19” rear wheels that wear specially developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat tyres.

Power comes from a new all-aluminium LT1 V8 engine that features continuously variable valve timing, direct injection and active fuel management. With a displacement of 6,162 cc (376 cu. in.), its estimated output of 450 bhp (335 kW / 456 PS) makes this the most powerful standard-specification Corvette ever, although it should be more economical than its predecessor. Peak torque is 610 Nm (450 lb/ft).

Buyers will have a choice of either a Tremec TR6070 seven-speed manual gearbox with ‘Active Rev Matching’ on up- and down-shifts, or a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. Performance figures have yet to be released, but Chevrolet is claiming a sub-four second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time.

A hardcore Z51 Performance Package is also going to be available. Described as ‘track capable’, it consists of closer ratio gears, dry-sump lubrication, an electronic limited-slip differential, 19” front / 20” rear forged alloy wheels, aerodynamic tweaks and enhanced cooling for the transmission, brakes and differential.

North American sales of the 2014 Corvette Stingray are due to begin during the third quarter of 2013.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (2014) SideChevrolet Corvette Stingray (2014) Interior

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (2014) RearChevrolet Corvette Stingray (2014) Rear Side

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2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS
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Images © General Motors.

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