New Stingray lives up to its name

THE 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever built by the Chevrolet subsidiary,       with an estimated 335 kW (450 horsepower) and 610 Nm of torque.

It is also their most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-100 Kph in less than four seconds and achieve more than one gee in cornering grip.

It is expected by the carmaker to be the most fuel efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA estimated 26 mpg of the current model. It will go on sale in the third quarter of 2013, no prices disclosed yet.

The all-new Corvette Stingray shares only two parts with the previous generation.  It incorporates an new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs.

Highlights include new driver technologies, such as a five position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to 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 accurate shifts every time.

A new 6.2L LT1 V8 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.

The interior includes real carbon fibre, aluminum and hand wrapped leather materials, two new seat choices and dual eight inch configurable driver/infotainment screens.

A sculptured exterior features advanced high intensity discharge and light emitting diode lighting and race proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability.

A 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 is also on offer.

“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history,” Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design said. “We knew we could not 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.”