The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has been unveiled, reviving the muscle car nameplate. For the first time, the Corvette comes with a Gen 5 6.2 V8, a unique and removable double-bubble roof, a seven-speed manual transmission, and a carbon fibre bonnet.
The last time Chevrolet offered the Stingray (also the String Ray) was in the late 1970s. As you would expect, the 2014 iteration is filled with contemporary technologies and is made using modern construction materials and techniques.
Starting with its construction, the 2014 Stingray features an underbody made from something called ‘carbon-nano’ panels to keep weight to a minimum, and to keep rigidity to a maximum. The front guards, the doors and the rear quarter panels are also made from lightweight composite materials.
Chevrolet is yet to provide overall kerb weight figures, however, the company says the package has a 50/50 weight distribution for optimum balance and handling. Mark Reuss, General Motors North America president, recently spoke about the new model, saying,
“Like the ’63 Sting Ray, the best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences.
“The all-new Corvette goes farther than ever, thanks to today’s advancements in design, technology and engineering.”
As for the performance, a new 6.2-litre Gen 5 LT1 naturally aspirated V8 sits under the carbon fibre bonnet, featuring direct injection and a high compression ratio of 11.5:1. It produces 335kW of power and 610Nm of torque.
Chevrolet says the hardware allows the new Stringray to be the most capable standard model ever, and estimates a 0-97km/h (0-60mph) time of under 4.0 seconds.
Not only is the new ‘Vette quick in a straight line, Chevrolet says it can generate up to 1.0g in the corners. To further increase handling, Chevrolet will be offering a Z51 Performance option pack, bringing dry-sump engine lubrication, an electronic limited-slip differential, a cooler for the diff, brakes and transmission, as well as an aerodynamics bodykit for added downforce.
Unfortunately, like the previous models, the 2014 Corvette won’t officially go on sale in Australia. For those who are interested in buying one though, we recommend getting in contact with either Performax International or Trofeo Performance, two of the biggest importers of US muscle cars.
The new model will hit US showrooms during the third quarter of this year.
