The seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has been officially revealed, with the all-new model breaking cover before the iconic American sports car’s much anticipated public unveiling at the 2013 Detroit auto show.
The most powerful standard Corvette model ever, with an estimated 335kW and 610Nm, the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray accelerates from 0-100km/h in under four seconds and achieves more than 1g under cornering. Chevrolet expects the new Stingray to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette ever made, trumping the previous generation’s US EPA-estimated 9.0 litres per 100km.
Based on an all-new aluminium frame and incorporating carbon-nano composite underbody panels, aluminium and magnesium structural and chassis components, a carbonfibre bonnet and removable roof panel, and composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels, the 4495mm long, 1877mm wide (2710mm wheelbase) Chevrolet Corvette boasts a performance-oriented 50/50 weight balance.
Helping to get the grunt of the all-new 6.2L LT1 V8 direct injection engine to the ground is a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching and an optional six-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission, as well as 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels wrapped in 245/40 and 285/35 tyres respectively.
An optional track-focused Z51 Performance Package boosts wheel sizes by one inch front and rear, and includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integrated brake, differential and transmission cooling, along with a unique aero package for improved high-speed stability.
Stopping the new ‘Vette are four-piston calipers front and rear clamping down on 320mm front and 338mm rear discs as standard but these are upgraded to slotted discs with the Z51 Performance Pack measuring 345mm on the front.
Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter said Chevrolet believes the new car represents the future of modern performance cars delivering more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency. “The result is better performance by every measure,” Juechter said.
General Motors North America president Mark Reuss said, “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.”
Speculation is high that the new Corvette could reach Australian shores after General Motors CEO Dan Akerson made it clear that a right-hand-drive variant would be made at some stage in the future.
Holden director of external communications Craig Cheetham told CarAdvice that while the Corvette is not part of Holden’s current plans, the potential was there if a right-hand-drive variant was built. Cheetham said if the Corvette was confirmed for RHD markets, Holden would still need to develop a business case for it, and even if the decision were made to bring it here, an on-road Australian-spec Corvette would still be at least three to four years away.
The newest Corvette Stingray is to be built at GM’s Bowling Green assembly plant in Kentucky, before going on sale in the US in the third quarter of 2013.
