Most impressive on the new C7 will be the extensive use of carbon fiber for body panels and interior pieces. Even more impressive is the use of magnesium for other pieces like the seat frames. Rather than the conventional 6 speed we have seen in the Corvette for the last three generations. The C7 will come with an all new 7 speed manual. This new transmission is automatically controlled to match engine speeds and anticipates gear changes. This is supposed to make even a novice manual driver seem like a pro. An optional 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters will also be available.
Matted to this new transmission will be a 6.2 liter LT1 V8. Fuel mileage hasn't been released yet, but Chevrolet promises to exceed the 26 mpg the current C6 is rated at.
Source: GM
Press Release:
Return of
the Stingray: The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette
DETROIT – 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.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet
is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140
countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet
provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited
performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet
models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
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