The latest version of the most iconic of American sportscars has just been revealed on the eve of the North American International Auto Show: behold the seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette. The C7 will be officially launched in 2014 but available towards the end of next year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the famous Chevy model.
Perhaps the most striking thing, looks aside, is that the new Corvette has resurrected the StingRay name for the base model, almost 40 years after the last Corvette carried that epithet.
The name might be retro, but the styling definitely isn’t: although it has a visual lineage that ties into its predecessors, the C7 is a much more angular, aggressive beast with hints of other contemporary Japanese and European supercars. A dab of R35 on the rear three-quarter; a touch of Ferrari there along the long nose; a Lamborghini angle on the splitter?
It’s at the back where the biggest change is apparent. Although we’ve lost the classic round tail-lights and curved uplift tail, it still looks pretty dramatic: just check out the central, quad pipes. There are definite hints of Camaro out back, but little of the rather awkward prototype (quad exhausts aside) revealed a year or so ago.
The Corvette will be the most powerful standard model ever, with over 450hp and 450lb-ft of torque on tap from its 6.2-litre aluminium V8.
Rumours about the engine location changing to mid-mounted have been premature, and the block is up front as it should be.
There are two transmission options: a six-speed sequential or manual seven-speed with Active Rev Matching for smoother downshifts – although it appears that the seventh manual gear is ultra tall for going into highway cruiser mode and keeping from having to find a gas station every couple of miles.
It’s a radical follow-on from the C6, with a completely new chassis and powertrain, cutting edge technology applied throughout and carbon fibre elements used on the modern-looking interior– which may shock some Corvette fans whilst others sigh with relief…
Carbon is also used for the hood and removable double-bubble roof panel, and composite materials have been used for the rest of the body.
Chevrolet claim that the C7 has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, so handling should be significantly improved in association with the lightweight body and stiffer frame – despite the kerb weight coming in heavier than the C6. The numbers ‘911’ have been mentioned by Corvette engineers…
For that extra push there will also be a Z51 Performance Package, which adds an electronic limited-slip diff, shorter gearing, Bilstein dampers and dry sump oil system under the skin plus larger rims and a unique aero kit. This is just a taster of what’s to come for the new Corvette – we can expect Z-prefixed street racers in the near future – and as an entrée it’s all a pretty exciting prospect. Will the Viper’s 600hp be the target, but with modern handling to match?
Jonathan Moore
Photo by Jonathan Moore
Photo by Jonathan Moore
Photo by Jonathan Moore
Photo by Jonathan Moore
Photo by Jonathan Moore
Photo by Jonathan Moore
Photo by Jonathan Moore