Tag Archives: Corvette Stingray

Video: Hear the C7 Corvette's three-mode exhaust

By Brandon Turkus

Filed under:

Chevrolet’s new, seventh-generation Corvette Stingray is quite easily one of the most highly anticipated vehicles of the year. And as details of the new car trickle out ahead of our first drive of it (coming soon!), we’re getting more and more excited.

Perhaps the question most on our mind as this new Chevy marches towards production is, what will it sound like? That’s not a simple question, though, as the Stingray will sound different depending on whether or not you spec the optional performance exhaust, which can radically change the car’s acoustic character.

Here, we have video of three different modes for the four-piped exhaust. Unfortunately, though, the car is just idling, which isn’t ideal. It’s interesting to hear that there are three distinct settings, which contrasts with the information that this was a dual-mode exhaust. Of course, it’s possible that one of the modes is what the car sounds like with a few cylinders shut down. All Corvettes feature cylinder deactivation for their 6.2-liter V8s, with a unique exhaust mode to limit four-pot clatter. It just seems odd that it could readily be engaged at idle.

We’re going to hold off judgment until we’re behind the wheel, but right now, the performance exhaust seems like a worthwhile way to spend $1,195. Take a listen in the video below, and let us know what you think.

Continue reading Hear the C7 Corvette’s three-mode exhaust

Hear the C7 Corvette’s three-mode exhaust originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jul 2013 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

…read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Video: Corvette Stingray designer lists five goals of new exterior shape

By Michael Harley

Filed under:

Redesigning an icon is a difficult task, especially when you’ve got a blank sheet of paper in front of you and the all-new C7 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is intended to be your final objective.

General Motors has released a new short video featuring Kirk Bennion of the Corvette’s exterior design team, talking about the challenges of sculpting Chevrolet’s new flagship sports car and the five goals the team had to keep in mind as it worked. In the end, Bennion’s team had the pleasure of seeing their hard work take center stage as the Corvette captured the world’s eyes at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

Continue reading Corvette Stingray designer lists five goals of new exterior shape

Corvette Stingray designer lists five goals of new exterior shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

From: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/M6dliGClDIk/

Detroit Electric Reveals Two-Seat, All-Electric SP:01 Sports Car in the Motor City

By Andrew Wendler

An old name returned to Motor City Wednesday evening, riding in on what we believe to be a re-purposed Lotus Exige chassis. Under the moniker SP:01, the first vehicle offered by the newly re-christened Detroit Electric Company was introduced to the automotive world. The Detroit manufacturer originally produced around 13,000 electric vehicles before its late-1930s demise, only for the nameplate to be resurrected by former Lotus Engineering Group CEO Albert Lamm and a team of A-list auto-industry personnel in 2008. (Get up to date with Detroit Electric’s recent history here).

The latest vehicle to enter the tumultuous arena of all-electric transport, the SP:01 will be limited to 999 examples, exempting it from the homologation process of mass-produced vehicles. It will, however, be homologated under the “Small Series” regulations in Europe, which also are accepted by the Japanese and Hong Kong authorities. In the U.S., Detroit Electric tells us the it will submit to federal safety standards, but with an application for exceptions, which is common for low-volume manufacturers.

Secret Imposter

Arguably the most intriguing thing about the SP:01 has nothing to do with its drivetrain. At first glance, the SP:01 appears to be little more than a stock Lotus Exige stuffed full of batteries and an electric motor, but under closer inspection it becomes clear that the carbon-fiber bodywork largely is tailor-made. Only the passenger cell and a few exterior cues (firewall, windshield and frame, doors, and the Exige’s distinctive horizontal “victory sign” mirror mounts) remain untouched. All of the bodywork is supplied by motorsport and and engineering composite manufacturer, the URT Group. Compared to the 2012 Exige S Roadster that debuted at the 2012 Geneva show, the closest Exige to the SP:01 in terms of exterior styling, the SP:01 retains a three-section front fascia motif, refining the formula with smaller, mesh-filled outboard intakes bracketing Detroit Electric’s “tron” graphic front and center. Angles replace the curves throughout the body without straying too far from the Exige’s original design emphasis, and the top employs a double-bubble roof reminiscent of the new Corvette Stingray’s. Gone is the Exige’s bulging fastback, replaced buy a more vertical backlight.

As you might expect, the interior is Exige-derived, the biggest difference being the presence of the Detroit Electric’s so-called Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment system (SAMI), which provides access to such wide-ranging functions as regenerative-braking adjustment, vehicle-systems status, battery charge, range to recharge, and other vehicle telemetry as well as more-traditional features such as interior lighting, music selection, and navigation. SAMI also can act as a remote-control unit via GSM, enabling the user to locate the vehicle, turning on the climate-control system, and to check the charge status.

Power to the People

Power for the 2403-pound two-seater comes from a U.S.-made, asynchronous electric motor rated at 201 horsepower and torque of 166 lb-ft. The electric motor is located behind the cabin, while the battery pack is positioned between the transmission and the cabin firewall bulkhead, which is moved slightly forward in comparison to the Exige. A second battery …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver

Designing the New Cadillac CTS, Camaro Z/28 and Buick LaCrosse/Regal: Video

By Malcolm Hogan

Our good friends at Automotive Rhythms took some time out at the New York Auto Show last week to interview the man that helps make all new General Motors vehicle designs happen, VP of Global Design, Ed Welburn.

In the video below Ed Welburn shares many details on how the design and inspiration for new automotive design at General Motors led to the emergence of the all-new Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Buick LaCrosse, Buick Regal, Buick Encore and even the new Corvette Stingray. Enjoy!

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts

Report: Fewer than 1 in 3 Chevy dealers earn right to initially sell C7 Corvette

By Jeffrey N. Ross

Filed under:

Looking to make the launch of the 2014 Corvette Stingray as efficient as possible, Chevrolet will be limiting the numbers of its dealers that can sell the all-new coupe and convertible. According to Automotive News, sales of the C7 Corvette will initially be limited to less than a third of Chevy’s total dealership network when the ‘Vette goes on sale this summer.

Only 900 dealers out of more than 3,000 locations nationwide will be allowed to sell the new Corvette at first, and the reason for this is so that there are no shortages at dealers that can actually get the cars sold. The article says that the 900 dealerships chosen represented 80 percent of total Corvette sales in 2012.

Some of the requirements dealers had to make to get initial allocation of Stingray sales include having sold at least four Corvettes in 2012 and having a Corvette Stingray specialist who will be required to have gone through a training session costing more than $2,000 per attendee. Once demand for the 2014 Corvette Stingray begins to subside – approximately six to nine months after it goes on sale – then allocation could open up to more dealers, but the report indicates this could happen following the 2014 model year.

Fewer than 1 in 3 Chevy dealers earn right to initially sell C7 Corvette originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Video: Corvette Stingray taillamps defended by GM design director Tom Peters

By Jeffrey N. Ross

Filed under:

There has been no shortage of controversy surrounding the exterior design of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray since its debut back in January at the Detroit Auto Show. To quell – or possibly stir up – detractors, Autoweek talked to Tom Peters, GM‘s director of exterior design for performance cars, fullsize trucks and large crossovers, so that he might have a chance to explain/defend the styling of the C7 ‘Vette, especially when it comes to the car’s rump.

In attempting to “create as much newness as possible,” Peters says that the squared-off taillights fit the new design better and helped give the new Corvette its own signature styling. In regards to the similarities with the taillights of the Camaro, Peters points out that earlier generations of the two cars shared similarly shaped rear lights in the ’60s and early ’70s. Around the Autoblog water cooler, some of us think the problem lies not with the taillights but rather with the round exhaust outlets and the tacked-on rear spoiler. Feel free to share your own thoughts in the Comments.

Scroll down to watch Peters talk about just some of what went into redesigning this American icon.

Continue reading Corvette Stingray taillamps defended by GM design director Tom Peters

Corvette Stingray taillamps defended by GM design director Tom Peters originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Technology Makes The Corvette Stingray Faster: Video

By Kurt Ernst

The Driver Mode display in the 2014 Corvette Stingray

The Driver Mode display in the 2014 Corvette Stingray

For decades, sports cars were all about compromise. The stiff suspension and quick throttle response that made them fast on the track often made them a handful on the street. Likewise, a car softened up for daily driving wouldn’t always yield entertaining track days or fast autocross times.

While magnetorheological suspensions (used on select Corvette C6 models, the Cadillac CTS-V and the Ferrari 458 Italia, to name a few examples) have given drivers an impressive range of suspension settings, the ideal car setup would also involve things like shift time, throttle response, stability control and steering ratio.

Enter the new Corvette Stingray, which gets a “Driver Mode” selector switch to call up one of five pre-programmed settings, including Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track. Each mode adjusts the suspension, transmission, traction control, stability control and fuel map to optimize performance, grip, comfort or fuel economy.

The new Stingray also gets an electronic limited slip differential, which adjusts the torque output to each rear wheel multiple times per second, based on available traction. Unlike mechanical systems, there’s no delay in shifting torque from one wheel to the other, meaning that the driver never feels the system in operation.

While other companies (such as Audi) use similar changeable-mode technology, the Corvette could have perhaps the broadest range of settings. We’ll reserve judgement until we get a chance to drive the new Stingray, but we imagine Eco mode and Track mode will feel as if you’re driving two different cars. Frankly, we can’t wait for our own turn behind the wheel.

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts

First 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Crashes

By Darryl

corvette-stingray-crash

So by now you probably have already seen the famous photo of the very first 2014 Corvette Stingray to greet the rocky shoulder of an Arizona road. The photo, shared by a member of Digital Corvettes, was said to be an accident much worse than it initially appears.

Sources have alleged that the accident was a single car event where the inside tire caught the edge of pavement during a tight corner, thus causing the new Corvette Stingray to crash. It is apparent that the vehicle owned by General Motors but we are still unsure of who was driving at the time of the accident.

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts

Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco Earns A New Corvette Stingray

By Kurt Ernst

Joe Flacco poses with his new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - image : AJ Mast for Chevrolet
Joe Flacco poses with his new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - image : AJ Mast for Chevrolet

Joe Flacco poses with his new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray – image : AJ Mast for Chevrolet

With just over half a minute remaining, the Baltimore Ravens trailed the Denver Broncos 28-35 in the playoffs. Keeping his cool, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco connected with wide receiver Jacoby Jones to score a touchdown, forcing the game into overtime. A 47-yard field goal from Justin Tucker wrapped it up for the Ravens, who’d go on to beat the New Engalnd Patriots in the AFC Championship game and the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.

Clearly, Joe Flacco knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity. It’s fitting then that his prize as the Super Bowl MVP is a new Corvette Stingray, delivered by New Orleans dealership Banner Chevrolet. Like Flacco, Banner Chevrolet knows a thing or two about fighting long odds for a win.

When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, Banner Chevrolet was all but destroyed by the storm. The family-owned business suffered one of the largest losses ever recorded for an automobile dealership in the United States, yet it was also one of the first to re-open in the wake of the storm. As the only Chevrolet dealership in Orleans Parish, there were customers to service, even if there wasn’t inventory to sell.

Banner Chevrolet has since staged a remarkable comeback, complete with a multimillion-dollar renovation to its facility. The business was chosen specifically by GM to deliver the MVP’s Corvette, since, as GM’s vice president of sales, service and marketing, Alan Batey, says, “With the Super Bowl in his backyard, we couldn’t think of a better guy (than Banner Chevrolet’s Rick Flick) to have the honor of awarding the MVP with his Corvette Stingray.”

It’s not clear if Flacco has been handed the keys just yet, since as far as we know the only Corvettes on the road today are pre-production models. Though Flacco makes the kind of money to buy any car he’d want, we’re pretty sure that earning a Corvette Stingray the hard way, in the Super Bowl, gives the car a bit more meaning.

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts

Report: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible headed for Geneva debut

By Steven J. Ewing

Filed under: , , , , ,

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible

While most of the world is still coming down from all the hype surrounding the debut of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month, we’re already looking to the future. And according to Autoweek, the next chapter in the C7 story will unfold at the Geneva Motor Show in March. That’s right, General Motors is reportedly using the Swiss stage as its venue to debut the Corvette Stingray convertible.

If this strikes you as odd, you aren’t alone. After all, with a car that’s such an American icon, we’d fully expect Chevrolet to unveil it here on our shores in either Chicago or New York. But according to Autoweek, GM is looking to boost export sales of its halo car, and since the C7 was engineered to compete with the world’s best and brightest, showing it off in Geneva is somewhat of a smart move. What’s more, those with sharp memories will recall that GM used the Geneva expo to debut the sixth-generation C6 Corvette convertible back in March 2004, so there’s also a precedent.

Details surrounding the Corvette Stingray convertible are still slim, though we fully expect the 6.2-liter V8 and choice of either six-speed automatic or seven-speed manual transmissions to carry over unchanged. Prototypes spotted on the road showed the car fitted with a cloth convertible roof, as well.

The C7 Corvette Stingray coupe is expected to go into production in August, and Autoweek estimates production of the convertible to follow about three months later. The Geneva Motor Show kicks off on March 5, 2013, so stay tuned to this space for more information closer to that time.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible headed for Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Video: Why does the Corvette Stingray have so many vents? Here's why

By Jeffrey N. Ross

Filed under: , , , ,

Just looking at the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, it’s not hard to see that the car’s design was created with aerodynamics at the forefront, but Chevrolet designers point out exactly what went into designing the iconic coupe in a pair of recently released videos. The videos show the Corvette going through early design phases, including clay models and wind tunnel tests, as well as talking to the car’s chief engineer, Tadge Juechter.

Both videos help explain various aspects of the C7 Corvette, but it’s the aero tuning of the car that is most interesting. This includes extra attention paid to the lower air dam and vented hood to help reduce drag and lift, while the rear quarter inlets are for differential and transmission cooling. Juechter said that some of these aero-tuned elements were inspired from GM‘s involvement in racing.

If you have about five minutes and you can’t get enough information about the new ‘Vette, then check out the videos posted below.

Continue reading Why does the Corvette Stingray have so many vents? Here’s why

Why does the Corvette Stingray have so many vents? Here’s why originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Jay Leno Gets Up-Close and Personal Look of All-New 2014 Corvette C7 Stingray: Video

By Malcolm Hogan

jay-leno-corvette-c7-stingray

The latest episode of Jay Leno’s garage is labeled a special edition as they come to us directly from Brown’s Classic Auto in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he gets an up-close and personal look at the revolutionary 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray along with GM’s Vice President of Global design, Ed Welburn.

In traditional form, Jay drills down a list of questions to further reveal design inspiration of the all-new Corvette Stingray. With Jay’s passion for automobiles, not to mention how he can contest to the evolution of the Corvette from his own personal collection, particularizes many features and aspects of the new Vette with Welburn. “It is all in the details!”

If you have 12 minutes to sit back and enjoy Jay Leno and Ed Welburn’s detailed walk-around of America’s newest sports car, hit up the video below. Enjoy!

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts

Detroit: 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray is worth another (and another) look [w/poll]

By Chris Paukert

Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette - front three-quarter view, NAIAS reveal

We already told you all about the Corvette Stingray in our Deep Dive feature last night, but now we’ve had a chance to part the massive crowds surrounding it and get up close and personal at the Chevrolet stand here on the Detroit Auto Show floor. What do we think?

Not surprisingly, the C7 has real presence. And at least without a proper street backdrop and other vehicles for scale, this new Corvette looks smaller – likely because of the more defined surfacing along the side and less-rounded appearance overall, it has a shrink-wrapped appearance (this, despite a longer wheelbase). In our book, that’s a very good thing.

We expected to have some trouble wrapping our heads around the Stingray’s rear end treatment, and we have – but not for the reason you might think. The taillamp array is a bold departure from tradition, but the indirect lighting and deep-mounted fixtures are compelling, and the functional vents that surround them are unique. It’s the prominent center-mount exhaust outlets that we’re having a bit of trouble wrapping our head around. We’d like to see what the rear end looks like with squared-off outlets that mimic the taillamps, as right now, the exhausts are the only circular element on the entire back graphic of the car, and that strikes us a bit odd. Maybe for the eventual Z06 or ZR1?

Back to the vents for a moment – there are a whole lot of them, especially on this Z51-spec model. Thankfully, they’re all functional, and they add a sense of genuine purpose and menace to the design. That said, we’d like to see how the car looks in a bright paint hue like red with the vents finished in body color, as going color-keyed should smooth out the design somewhat, which some of us found a bit fussy. Perhaps it’s just going to take some time to get used to versus the C6 and C5 generations, which were much simpler designs overall.

Even at a glance, the interior is leagues ahead of the outgoing model, which is no surprise. We like the new smaller-diameter wheel, the driver-oriented center stack and the passenger-side climate controls underneath the air vent is a nice touch. The fit-and-finish evident is significantly better than what we’ve seen in the past, but at first blush, it doesn’t appear to set new standards for the class.

The most important thing about the C7 Corvette will be its performance, of course, and the new LT1 small block and the preliminary performance metrics released look spectacular, from the 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque to the promised 0-60 mph of under four seconds.

The C6 was already a bargain, and if Chevrolet manages to keep the C7’s pricing more or less in check, this new model figures to be a smash hit.

View Poll

2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray is worth another (and another) look [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Gran Turismo 5 Gets Free 2014 Corvette DLC

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is coming to Gran Turismo 5 as free downloadable content tomorrow. The car was originally released as the C7 Test Prototype in November (and covered by a tarp) but will now be fully unveiled just one day after its reveal at the North American International Auto Show.

“During the creation of the virtual Corvette Stingray, careful attention was paid to the tiniest details of the new design inside and out, as well as to the enhanced performance and driving characteristics — right down to the shift schedule for the 7-speed manual transmission,” SCEA associate product manager Ken Chan wrote on the PlayStation Blog. “The Corvette Stingray will produce an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 ft. lbs. of torque, is capable of accelerating from 0-60 in less than four seconds and will achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It will also be the most fuel-efficient Corvette ever, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 MPG of the current model.”

Continue reading…

Source: FULL ARTICLE at IGN Video Games

2014 Chevrolet Corvette: The Stingray Is Back

Among iconic automotive names, few conjure up the visceral reaction of the Corvette Stingray. Originally applied to the short-lived C2 Corvette (built for the 1963-1967 model years), the Stingray name came to be associated with advances in both styling and performance. It’s fitting, then, that Chevrolet is applying the Stingray name to the…
Source: FULL ARTICLE at The Car Connection

Chevrolet Officially Reveals All-New 2014 Corvette Stingray

By Malcolm Hogan

After many months (years for some) of anticipating the all-new 2014 Corvette C7, the time has come to see what the best of American engineering and pride of the world’s best nation has to serve up . Chevrolet has taken the wraps of one of the most highly anticipated sports cars in years at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show today. What you see here is reminiscent of the many spy shots, renderings and leaked photos over the course of many months last year. Now, we have the real deal to see in the flesh – the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

The new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette is all-new from the ground up featuring the new 6.2-liter 450 horsepower and 450 ft-lbs. of torque direct-injection V8 engine, 57% stiffer body construction, 99 pounds lighter, state-of-the-art aluminum frame, new 7-speed manual transmission, and a carbon fiber roof and hood starting with the entry level Vette. 0-60 mph times are claimed to be under 4 seconds with an expectation of higher performance in upper trim level Vettes.

It is almost like no stone was left unturned in the development and design of the all-new 2014 Corvette. Virtually all design aspects are functional from providing additional downforce or added cooling. The stance is now wider, longer and wider. The Vette has an international flare with the true character of a Corvette not to be confused with any other sports car.

All materials of the interior are new featuring real carbon fiber bits, trim and a driver focused environment with a strong emphasis put in place from a race car driver’s perspective. There is no doubt that this is the best Vette yet.

Bringing back the heritage of the Stingray name plays homage not only to the historical nameplate for the Vette, but is new design character with many aspects incorporating that recognizable look.

We welcome you to check out the new photos and official press release below of the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-045-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-044-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-043-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-019-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-018-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-017-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-016-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-015-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-008-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-006-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-005-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-004-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-003-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-002-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-001-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-012-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-025-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-010-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-014-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-011-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-009-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-020-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-021-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-022-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-023-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-024-medium
2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-013-medium

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 GM 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.

Handcrafted, high-tech interior

• Premium materials including genuine aluminum and available carbon fiber trim
• More connected driving experience through the smaller-diameter steering wheel and two new seat choices
• Advanced technologies including standard dual, high-resolution information screens and available color head-up display.

The new Corvette Stingray interior blends fine materials and craftsmanship with advanced technologies that contribute to a more connected and more engaging driving experience, said Helen Emsley, interior design director.

“Every feature and detail in the interior is designed to enhance the driver’s connection to the Corvette,” Emsley said. “It starts with the fighter jet inspired wraparound cockpit; continues to build with the smaller steering wheel, more supportive seats, and high-definition, configurable screens, and is finished in gorgeous materials.”

The smaller, 14.1-inch-diameter (360 mm) steering wheel fosters a more direct, immediate feel to directional inputs. The attention to the driver extends to the smallest details, including the flat, precise stitching on the steering wheel designed to provide a smooth, consistent feel.

Precise and elegant stitching also is seen in the available Napa leather trim of the all-new seats.
Two seating choices will be offered: a GT seat for all-around comfort and a Competition Sport seat with more aggressive side bolstering which provides greater support on the track.

The frame structure for both seats is made of magnesium for greater strength and less weight than comparable steel frames. They’re also more rigid, contributing to the enhanced feeling of support during performance driving.

Additional performance-enhancing details of the interior resulted from designers’ “field trips” to GM’s Proving Ground in Milford, Mich., where high-performance driving experiences spurred the design and implementation of several features, including a steel-reinforced grab bar on the center console for the passenger and soft-touch materials on the edge of the console, where the driver naturally braces during high-load cornering.

High-performance driving also influenced elements of the configurable display screens and available head-up display, which vary depending on the driving mode, including the Track display inspired by the C6.R.

The performance-supporting elements inside the new Corvette Stingray are complemented by unprecedented attention to detail and build quality, including the sweeping arch motif over the driver cockpit trim and the seamless transition of the line from the instrument panel to the door.

All models feature a fully-wrapped interior, where every surface is covered with premium, soft-touch materials. Available materials, depending on the trim level, include Napa leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and micro-suede.

A blend of hand craftsmanship and machined precision is intended to ensure the fit, finish and ambience of the cabin is first-rate. The leather-wrapped instrument panel, for example, features hand-selected and hand-stretched materials for better grain matching with stitching performed by robots that deliver perfect seams.

There’s even a micro-LED screen for the passenger’s climate control placed below the vent on the on the dash away from the performance features on the instrument panel.

“To ensure the high quality of the interior, we spent time working on the line alongside the team that builds the Corvette every day at Bowling Green Assembly Plant,” said Ryan Vaughan, interior design manager. “And thanks to that collaboration between design, engineering and manufacturing, we were able to make adjustments that allowed us to maintain the integrity of the design, improve the assembly process and ultimately deliver what we believe to be a world-class interior.”

Driver-oriented technologies

Driver Mode Selector optimizes 12 vehicle attributes
• Configurable screens and head-up display can be tailored to the driver’s preference
• Central touch screen uses gesture-recognition technology.

At the core of the Corvette Stingray’s driver-focused technologies is the cockpit-mounted Driver Mode Selector, which allows drivers to optimize the car for their driving preference and road conditions via five settings: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track.

“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.

“With the Driver Mode Selector, we wanted to give the driver an easy way to tailor virtually every aspect of the car to fit their driving environment. The result is a more rewarding, more confident experience, whether you’re commuting in a downpour or charging through the corkscrew at Laguna Seca.”

The Driver Mode Selector is easy to use via a rotary knob near the shifter. The Tour mode is the default setting for everyday driving; Weather mode is designed primarily for added confidence while driving in rain and snow; Eco mode is for achieving optimal fuel economy; Sport mode is for spirited road driving and Track mode is for track use.

“Early in the development process, we spent time on the track, driving Corvettes hard. That experience shaped many parts of the interior, such as the instrument display in Track Mode,” said Vaughn. “At 120 mph, you experience a sort of tunnel vision, as you concentrate on the next turn. At that moment, you don’t need to know the next song playing on the radio.”

Twelve performance parameters are adjusted with the selection of each mode, including:

• Gauge cluster configuration: The Tour, Eco and Weather modes feature displays for trip data, audio and navigation; Sport mode shows classic, easy-to-read sports car gauges; and Track mode’s configuration shows a gauge design based on the Corvette Racing C6.R race car display with lap timer
• ETC (Electronic Throttle Control): Adjusts the throttle input curve for the selected mode for improved responsiveness
• Paddle-shift automatic transmission: Adjusts shift comfort and shift points
Active Fuel Management: in normal mode, the LT1 engine uses V-8 power during acceleration and V-4 power when coasting; in Eco mode the engine remains in V-4 mode to improve fuel economy until aggressive acceleration is needed
• Exhaust (active exhaust system): The system adjusts the timing of the electronically controlled exhaust valves to enhance audible feedback from the V-8 depending on the drive mode
• Electronic limited-slip differential (Z51): Adjusts the rate at which the limited slip engages, to balance between steering response and stability in different driving conditions; more aggressive performance in Sport and Track modes
• Steering: Assist effort is adjusted in the modes to provide the driver with the correct steering feel for the driving condition
Magnetic Ride Control: Adjusts shock damping based on road conditions, from optimized comfort to performance driving
• Launch control: Available in Sport and Track modes for manual and automatic transmissions, providing maximum off-the-line acceleration
• Active handling (StabiliTrak stability control): A “competitive” setting is available in Sport and Track modes and is more suited for on-track conditions. It can also be disabled, giving the driver complete control
• Traction control: Weather mode tailors traction control and engine torque for driving in inclement conditions
Performance Traction Management: Available in the Sport and Track modes and offers five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving.

Three configurable displays, including a pair of eight-inch screens and color head-up display, deliver personalized information and convey the different performance parameters of each drive mode.

The two eight-inch screens offer excellent visibility in direct sunlight, with 650 cd/m2 of brightness for the one integrated into the instrument cluster and 1,000 cd/m2 of brightness for the one in the center stack, making it among the brightest screens in the industry. The screen in the center stack also features touch-screen control with gesture recognition and can be lowered to reveal a hidden storage that includes a USB input for device charging or uploads.

The Corvette Stingray delivers an advanced infotainment system, featuring Chevrolet MyLink and high-definition radio, as well as enhanced OnStar with 3D navigation maps. An additional USB port in the center console, a stand-alone audio input jack and an SD card slot provide seamless connectivity.

An available premium 10-speaker audio system includes a bass box and two subwoofers – and speakers with rare-earth magnets that deliver greater sound quality with reduced weight and size.

Every line counts on Corvette Stingray’s functionally elegant exterior

• Aerodynamic design integrates strategies from Corvette racing
• Signature lighting includes distinctive frosted light-emitting diode daytime driving lights, high-intensity discharge headlamps and indirect-LED taillamps
• Carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel enhance front/rear weight balance

Corvette Stingray’s provocative exterior styling is as functional as it is elegant, said Ken Parkinson, executive director of global design.

“Developing a new Corvette, while every designer’s dream, is not an easy task,” Parkinson said. “The goal was a bold design statement that embraced the advanced technology of the car, while enhancing its overall performance in everything from the wind tunnel to the track. The result is a new Corvette Stingray – a fantastic car that breaks new ground yet remains true to the fundamental elements that make a Corvette a Corvette.”

While no single detail is repeated from previous generations, the new Corvette Stingray include the distinctive profile defined by a long dash-to-axle ratio and the greenhouse evoking the canopy of a fighter jet with dual-element taillamps. To this foundation, designers built a form vocabulary from two very different sources: aerospace and nature.

“For the new Corvette to be called a Stingray, it had to deliver an incredible, purposeful visual impact – just as the original did in 1963,” said Tom Peters, exterior design director. “That visual impact is evident in fighter jets and the Stingray animal itself. Their beauty comes from their purpose, designed to cut through air or water as quickly and efficiently as possible. As with aircraft and living forms, every transition on every surface of the Corvette Stingray serves a purpose executed with beauty and proportion.”

Lighting is a signature element of the Corvette Stingray’s design and reinforces its high-tech aesthetic. At the front, indirect white LED lamps form a distinctive daytime styling cue. They are set in a black-chrome lamp housing with standard HID projector headlamps. The turn signals feature edge-lit amber LED lighting.

All-new, dual-element taillamps represent the greatest departure from tradition and are among the car’s most dramatic elements. The three-dimensional, sculpted lenses house innovative indirect LED lighting. The state-of-the-art lighting uses hidden LED lamps that cast their light up from the bottom of the housing into a reverse reflector, creating an even glow. LED lamps are also used for the white backup lamps. The taillamps integrate functional aircraft-style air outlets for the available differential and transmission coolers.

“From the front or rear, the signature lighting brings the new Corvette to life,” said Peters. “It looks beautiful, sinister and more than a little intimidating. It gives the Corvette a nighttime appearance unlike anything else on the street.”

When it comes to aerodynamics, the new Stingray is in a league of its own. Advanced computer-aided modeling programs were employed to predict and track airflow over, under and through the new Corvette’s body. Engineers and designers also relied on data gleaned from the Corvette Racing program – the most successful program ever in the American Le Mans Series and the 2012 GT class champion – to help balance front and rear grip for high-speed stability.

Many hours were spent in the wind tunnel hand-sculpting surfaces for aesthetics and performance. Functional exterior elements include:
• All models have a new grille/radiator arrangement and hood vents. Venting air out of the hood reduces total front-end lift for improved steering response at high speeds
• The front fender side coves also help vent underhood air pressure to reduce aerodynamic drag
• Models with the automatic transmission or Z51 Performance Package feature a functional vent on driver’s left side directing air over a heat exchanger for the transmission fluid and a similar arrangement on the passenger side that directs air
• over a heat exchanger for the electronic limited slip differential
• Airflow through the differential and transmission heat exchangers exit through the aircraft-inspired taillamp vents and lower-rear fascia air outlets
• The Z51 Performance Package also includes brake-cooling ducts, a unique rear spoiler and additional air deflectors for enhanced track capability.

“Every square inch of the 2014 Corvette’s exterior is designed to enhance high-performance driving,” said Kirk Bennion, exterior design manager. “The team delivered a great balance of low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability – all in a sculpted design that excites in all the ways that a Corvette has for six decades.”

Engineered to race, built for the road

• New aluminum frame structure is 57-percent stiffer and 99 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the current steel frame
• Innovative use of composite materials, including carbon fiber the hood and roof panels, lightweight Sheet Molded Compound for the fenders, doors and rear quarter panels, and carbon-nano composite for the underbody panels help reduce the weight of the body by a 37 pounds (17 kg)
• New LT1 V-8 uses advanced technologies to produce more power with less fuel and is paired with an industry-exclusive seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching for more precise up and down shifts.

The new Corvette Stingray takes advantage of lightweight materials, advanced manufacturing techniques and technology transfer from the Corvette Racing program to produce an ideal 50/50 weight balance and to deliver a world-class power-to-weight ratio.

“Chevrolet has a long history of using racing to improve production cars, and nowhere is that more evident than with Corvette,” said Jeuchter. “We continually apply technologies and strategies developed for Corvette Racing directly to the production car. That influence can be seen in virtually every aspect of the new Corvette Stingray, from the aerodynamic design to the use of carbon fiber, to the cooling techniques and even in the brake system

The technologically advanced foundation is an all-new aluminum frame structure that is 57 percent stiffer and 99 pounds (45 kg) lighter. The greater torsional rigidity reduces unwanted noise and improves ride and handling.

Compared to the previous generation, which used continuous hydroformed main frame rails with a constant 2mm wall thickness, the new Corvette’s frame features main rails composed of five customized aluminum segments, including aluminum extrusions at each end, a center main rail section and hollow-cast nodes at the suspension interface points. Each segment is tuned – varying in thickness from 2mm to 11mm – tailoring the gauge, shape and strength properties to optimize the requirements for each frame section with minimal weight.

The frame is assembled at an all-new welding shop at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant using a unique laser welding process in which a computer-controlled beam of high energy joins the components with exceptional precision and tolerances of about 0.001-inch.

Supporting the frame’s greater strength and lower weight are complementing chassis elements, including hollow-cast aluminum front and rear cradles that are approximately 25-percent lighter and 20-percent stiffer than the solid cradles used on the previous structure.

The innovative use of materials includes a standard carbon fiber hood and roof panel, as well as underbody panels created with carbon-nano composite technology, an advanced blend of traditional composite material and carbon fiber, 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 Molded Compound than the previous generation. Combined, these materials save approximately 37 pounds (17 kg) versus the previous body structure.

The lightweight elements of the Stingray contribute to the ideal 50/50 weight balance. Combined with its estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW), the new Corvette delivers a better power-to-weight ratio than the Porsche 911 Carrera or Audi R8.

Those 450 horses are generated by an all-new LT1 6.2L Small Block V-8 engine, which produces an estimated 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). More importantly, it generates 50 lb.-ft. more low-end torque than the previous 6.2L engine, matching the 7.0L LS7 engine from the 2013 Corvette Z06 from 1,000 to 4,000 rpm.

The engine’s performance comes from combining advanced technologies like direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing with an advanced combustion system. More than 10 million hours of computational analysis went into the new Small Block’s design, including more than 6 million hours alone on the combustion system.

The LT1 is backed by a choice of active exhaust systems that are less restrictive than the previous generation, due in part to an increase in diameter from 2.5 inches to 2.75 inches. The standard system offers a 13-percent improvement in airflow and features a pair of butterfly valves that contribute to greater refinement at cruising speeds when the engine is operating in fuel-saving V-4 mode.

An available dual-mode active exhaust system offers a 27-percent improvement in airflow. It features two additional valves that open to a lower-restriction path through the mufflers. When open, these valves increase engine performance and produce a more powerful exhaust note.

The LT1 is mated to either a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission or an industry-exclusive TREMEC TR6070 seven-speed manual with Active Rev Matching. The Corvette retains its distinctive rear transaxle layout for optimal weight balance.

The seven-speed manual incorporates rev-matching technology for upshifts and downshifts. This driver-selectable feature can be easily engaged or disengaged via paddles on the steering wheel. The seven-speed is used with a new dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch, which deliver greater shift quality and feel through lower inertia. The transmission with the Z51 Performance Package includes specific close-ratio gearing for more aggressive driving.

Active Rev Matching makes the new Corvette easier and more fun to drive in performance conditions,” said Jeuchter. “It anticipates the next gear selection and electronically ‘blips’ the throttle to match engine speed for a seamless gear change.”

A six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 paddle-shift automatic is also available. It is optimized for use with Active Fuel Management and features a lower-inertia torque converter for improved shift quality and shift speeds. In addition, shift feel and shift points can be adjusted through the Driver Mode Selector.

More direct, more connected driving feel

• Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control for greater comfort and control
• Electric power steering system tailors steering response and feel
• Electronic limited-slip differential delivers optimal traction

The new Corvette Stingray’s chassis and suspension are designed to take advantage of the lighter, stiffer structure. The reduced structural flex allowed engineers to more precisely tune the suspension and steering for a more nimble and responsive driving experience.

“An important goal for the seventh-generation Corvette was to create a more intimate and connected driving experience, said Mike Bailey, chassis vehicle system engineer. “Whether on the open road or on the track, we wanted drivers to feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel.”

While the Corvette Stingray retains the racing-proven short/long-arm suspension design, front and rear, the components are all-new. Improvements to the suspension include hollow lower control arms which save approximately nine pounds (4 kg) per vehicle and new aluminum rear toe links which save 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) over previous steel links.

The Corvette Stingray rides on new 18 x 8.5-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear wheels, while models with the Z51 Performance Package roll on 19 x 8.5-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear forged aluminum wheels. New Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat tires developed specifically for the seventh-generation Corvette deliver comparable levels of grip than the wider tires of previous models.

As a result, the track-oriented Corvette Stingray with the Z51 Performance Package is capable of 1g in cornering acceleration – comparable to the 2013 Corvette Grand Sport. Significantly, that is achieved with narrower and lighter wheels and tires. The reduced “footprint” reduces rolling resistance, steering effort and road noise, contributing to a more nimble feel, more immediate steering response and greater touring comfort and efficiency.

Dimensionally, the new Corvette’s wheelbase is approximately an inch longer than the previous generation, with front and rear tracks that are almost an inch wider. Those changes provide a more stable feel, particularly at high speeds, while the turning radius is decreased by approximately two feet for greater maneuverability in tight turns.

The Corvette Stingray features standard 35mm-piston Bilstein monotube shocks that connect to dual-path aluminum shock mounts that separate the shock rod and shock body load paths. The Z51 Performance Package comes with 45mm-piston Bilstein dampers for more aggressive body control and track capability. Z51 is available with the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, which features a new twin-wire/dual-coil damper system that reacts 40 percent faster, enabling improved ride comfort and body control.

The new electric power steering system offers variable ratios and variable effort to tailor responsiveness and feel for each driving situation. It also delivers more precise control and feedback to the driver, along with greater variability of effort for high-performance driving and greater on-center sensitivity and linearity. Steering feel was further improved by increasing steering column stiffness by 150 percent, increasing intermediate shaft torsional stiffness by 600 percent, and mounting the steering gear to the front cradle structure. As a result the steering system is five times stiffer than the previous generation.

A smart electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) is included in the Z51 Performance Package and continuously makes the most of the torque split between the rear wheels. The system features a hydraulically actuated clutch that can infinitely vary clutch engagement and can respond from open to full engagement in tenths of a second. It shifts torque based on a unique algorithm which factors in vehicle speed, steering input and throttle position to improve steering feel, handling balance and traction.

“The electronic limited-slip differential transforms the Stingray by optimizing handling for the driving situation,” said Mike Bailey, vehicle systems engineer, chassis. “By continuously modulating the torque split between the rear wheels, the eLSD can improve traction accelerating out of corner, improve stability on the highway and enhance steering turn-in and responsiveness.”

The eLSD is fully integrated with StabiliTrak and Performance Traction Management systems. Its calibrations vary among three modes, based on the Drive Mode Selector setting:
• Mode 1 is the default setting for normal driving and emphasizes vehicle stability
• Mode 2 is engaged when electronic stability control is turned off in the Sport or Track Driver Modes. This calibration enables more nimble turn-in and traction while accelerating out of a corner
• Mode 3 is automatically selected when Performance Traction Management is engaged. This calibration has the same function as Mode 2, but is fine-tuned to work with Performance Traction Management.

Standard Brembo brakes, with four-piston fixed calipers derived from racing, deliver exceptional stopping power on the street or track. System highlights include:
• 12.6-inch (320 mm) front rotors and 13.3-inch (338 mm) rear rotors are standard and have 35 percent more swept area than previous-generation brakes. Consequently stopping distance is improved 9 percent
• Dual-cast, slotted 13.6-inch (345 mm) front rotors and 13.3-inch (338 mm) slotted rear rotors are included with Z51 Performance Package. They have 6percent more swept area than the previous-generation Grand Sport and are cooled front and rear for improved track capability. Consequently stopping distance is improved 5 percent
• All brake packages have fixed front and rear calipers are stiffer for more even pad wear, reduced drag and improved modulation.

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.

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts