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2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray Debuts in Detroit

The seventh generation of the Chevrolet Corvette has just made its world debut in Detroit and we have to tell you that this is way more than just a generation change. GM has turned to the "Stingray" designation, one that it only uses for special models, for the C7 and the company promises massive upgrades both in terms of sheer performance and feel.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray 24 photos
Photo: GM
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Under the sculpted hood, we find GM's new LT1 V8 unit. This marks the debut of the Gen 5 range of Small Block engines, which means that it's packed with technology.

The powerplant makes use of features such as direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation. The V8 has a displacement of 6.2 liters, delivering 450 hp and a peak torque of 450 lb-ft (610 Nm). In addition to that, the torque curve is phenomenal - for example, at 2,000 rpm the unit is already delivering 295 lb-ft (400 Nm).

Customers can choose between a seven-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with paddles. The manual offers rev matching on both downshifts and upshifts and also adapts to the gear you're shifting into, whichever one you choose. What's more, the engineers have not managed to make the cylinder deactivation work together with the manual gearbox.

The unit allows the C7 Corvette to complete the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in under 4 seconds. For the sake of comparison, we'll tell you that the C6 'Vette needed 4.2 seconds for the job.

Despite the increase in performance, the C7 is less thirsty, as it comes with a highway fuel efficiency of 26 mpg (9 liters per 100 km).

The body structure is 60 % stiffer and 99 lbs (45 kg) lighter compared to the C6's one, thanks to solutions like aluminum construction for the chassis, as well as the use of carbon fiber for the hood and removable roof panel. As for the distribution of the weight, the new Corvette offers the ideal 50/50 setup.

The Corvette now uses an electric power steering system and to make sure that it offers the right feel, engineers have increased the stiffness of the system by an incredible 500 percent.

The car incorporates a Drive Mode Selector which allows one to choose one of the five settings available: weather, eco, tour, sport, track. This controls the magnetic ride control suspension, valve-fitted exhaust, throttle pedal map, ECU map, steering assistance, active fuel management, as well as the way in which the stability and traction control act.

There's also a Z51 Performance Package, which comes fully loaded with an electronically-controlled limited slip diff, a dry sump system, custom gear ratios, larger brakes, as well as Bilstein dampers that use magnetic ride control and extra coolers for the diff, transmission and brakes. On the skidpad, this achieves up to 1 G of lateral acceleration, a value that places it in the same league as the C6 Corvette Grand Sport.

The Corvette Stingray rides on new 18x8.5-inch front and 19x10-inch rear wheels, and if you go for the aforementioned Z51 Performance Package you'll get 19 x 8.5-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear forged aluminum wheels.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 is scheduled to land is US showrooms in the third quarter of the current year, but the pricing hasn't been announced yet.

You can get the complete details of the car in the press release below (PDF file).
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 Download: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray (PDF)

About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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