Chevrolet has made the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2014 its global stage for the unveiling of the much-anticipated Corvette Z06 and the C7.R race car.
Recognized as an important global launch-pad for automakers to showcase their newest and latest, the NAIAS, now in its 26th year as an international event, is one of the most prestigious auto shows in the world.
Corvette Z06
As one of the most globally-recognized brands, the latest incarnations of Chevrolet's legendary model at one of the most prestigious auto shows in the world will further consolidate the Corvette's position in the pantheon of the world's supercars. Billed as 'the most track-capable Corvette ever', the 2015 Corvette Z06 comes with a supercharged engine, automatic transmission and a removable roof panel (thanks to a stiffer aluminum frame). Co-developed with the Corvette C7.R race car, the Z06 has a new 6.2L engine rated at an estimated 625 horsepower (466 kW) and 635 lb-ft of torque (861 Nm).
The engine is the world's only supercharged engine to incorporate cylinder deactivation technology. This reduces fuel consumption in situations with low engine loads, such as when cruising on the highway. The Z06 also comes with a Driver Mode Selector like the Stingray, and features of the Z06 to suit the driver's environment, including Launch Control, Active Handling (StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control), Traction Control, Performance Traction Management and Electronic Limited Slip Differential. The 2015 Corvette Z06 goes on sale in early 2015.
Corvette C7.R Race cars
Corvette Racing will field two C7.R race cars in 2014 to take part in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in the GT Le Mans class. The cars are also expected to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Chevrolet and Corvette Racing have won seven times in the GTE Pro class in the 24 Hours Le Mans.
Many of the architectural and aerodynamic features of the C7.R are based on equivalent components and technologies from the 2015 Corvette Z06, including, a new aluminum frame, direct injected engine and advanced aerodynamics. As before, the race car and the Z06 will share the same, production-based aluminum frame. The race chassis for the C7.R is 40 percent stronger than the outgoing C6.R.
The addition of direct fuel injection promises greater efficiency, which can make a significant difference in long-distance endurance racing such as Daytona and Le Mans through fewer time-consuming pit stops. The Z06 and C7.R take that aerodynamic foundation to the next level, sharing aggressive strategies for increased cooling and aerodynamic downforce, including similar front splitters, rocker panels, and front- and rear-brake cooling ducts.
Corvette with Performance Data Recorder
In an earlier announcement, the Corvette Stingray has also received an upgrade, in the form of a Performance Data Recorder - an industry-first. Announced at the Consumer Electronics Show at the beginning of January 2014, the fully-integrated system enables users to record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track.
Developed with British motorsports-engineering company Cosworth, PDR combines the ability to record and share drive videos with the power of a professional-level motorsports telemetry system. Users can analyze their laps in detail and find opportunities to improve their driving and lap times.
The PDR system includes three major components including a high-definition camera and audio recorder, a self-contained telemetry recorder with high-precision GPS receiver and an SD-card slot for recording and transferring video and vehicle data. The PDR records four video modes (Track, Sport, Touring, Performance), each with three data overlay options in real-time. It will be available with the start of regular 2015 Corvette production, later in the third quarter of 2014.
In addition to the show cars, Chevrolet swept the North American Car and Truck of the Year voting as the Silverado pickup and the Corvette Stingray were voted the 2014 North American Truck and Car of the Year Monday, January 13, 2014 at the start of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.
Also announced this week was Chevrolet's record-breaking sales results in 2013. Chevrolet sold a record 4,984,126 million vehicles around the world in 2013. Chevrolet sales in the United States, China, Brazil and Mexico, its four largest markets, were up a combined 4 percent. The Cruze sedan remained Chevrolet's best-selling nameplate globally. Since being launched in 2008, Chevrolet has sold over 2.5M Cruzes.
