Chevrolet Corvette (C7)

Development and introduction

According to Motor Trend, GM executives have been planning the next-generation (C7) Corvette since 2007. On October 18, 2012, GM made an official news announcement confirming the seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette would debut on Sunday evening, January 13, 2013, in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show. Chevrolet also showed the new Crossed Flags logo for the new 2014 Corvette. The car was originally planned for the 2011 model year, but was delayed. Mid-engine and rear-engine layouts had been considered, but the front-engine, rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform was chosen to keep costs lower. The C7's all-new LT1 6.2L Small Block V-8 engine develops 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 460 pound-feet (620 N·m) torque, which can accelerate the Corvette from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The C7's suspension consists of independent unequal-length double wishbones with transverse fiberglass mono-leaf springs and optional magnetorheological dampers, similar to its predecessor.

The C7 was designed not only to provide a bold styling statement, but also to incorporate an interior makeover that would put to rest past complaints about the quality of interior fit and finish. While overall the C7 attempts to provide an evolutionary redesign to an iconic theme, the car's designers took their inspiration from the 5th generation Chevrolet Camaro's squared rear end, incorporating aggressive angular elements that disappointed many Corvette enthusiasts. The C7 received instant criticism for some of the most overstyled elements of the car. "The rear contains what will surely be the C7's most controversial styling elements. It's all creases and vents back there, with aggressive trapezoidal taillights similar to those found on the current Camaro and quadruple-barreled tailpipes lined up in a neat row in the center of the rear valance", wrote Jason Kavanagh for Edmunds. Other designers found the C7's large front grille to be a rather unattractive reversion away from the Corvette's prior four generations of grille-less designs that pulled cooling air from beneath the nose. Functional aerodynamic aids are tacked on or cut into every body panel of the C7, often juxtaposed against sharp creases. This is a radical departure from the prior generations of Corvettes, whose clean muscular styling revealed no tack-on spoiler, few body panel creases, and only semi-functional gills for front brake cooling. In addition, past Corvette models minimized the size of headlamps or even hid them altogether. The C7 reverses that clean minimalist styling language with oversized, intricately styled headlamps with LED accents.

Production

Production and customer delivery of the 2014 Corvette began in September 2013. Corvette Bowling Green, Kentucky Assembly Plant tours begin again in October 2013. As noted previously, the official announcement date for the 2014 Corvette was on January 13, 2013.

Delivery of 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe to dealers began on September 18, 2013. Production of the Stingray Convertible began at the end of 2013.

The Gen 5 small block engine used in the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was built in GM's Tonawanda Engine Plant.

The first production 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible was sold in 2013 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach to Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick for USD $1,000,000 in a Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer institute charity lot.

A month since the first 2014 Corvette Stingray delivery, 485 vehicles had been delivered, with 38% of the vehicles include 7-speed manual transmission, 75% of all orders include Z51 Performance Package (with 54% also selected magnetic ride suspension system).

Equipment

The new Corvette from day one was a pioneer in the use of advanced materials. Features of the new generation include a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel. Its fenders, doors, and rear quarter panels remain fiberglass composite. The C7 uses Aerogel, a material developed by NASA, to keep heat from the transmission tunnel from transferring into the cabin. The under-body panels are made of "carbon-nano" composite. The chassis is made of hydro-formed aluminum. The rear tail lights use indirect LED technology.

Despite the increased use of aluminum and other light weight materials, the overall weight of the car remains the same as that of the previous generation (C6). The C7 Corvette offers a seven-speed manual transmission made by Tremec that implements active rev matching. The Corvette also provides a driver mode selector with five settings: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport, and Track mode. The C7 hood and side vents and inlets assist in cooling and aerodynamic stability. The interior features a driver display that allows the driver to select from several modes with up to 69 different sources of information, ranging from an interactive performance timer to a tire tread temperature display. Two seat options are available: a sporty touring seat for every day use, and a competition sport seat for track driving with pass-throughs for a racing harness.

The new Corvette LT1 engine, the first of the Gen 5 family of Small Block engines, retains the push-rods acting on overhead valves design. It implements direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), and continuously variable valve timing.

Awards

Motorsports

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pace Car (with Laguna Blue body colour) was used in 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, driven by Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.

2014 Corvette Stingray was used as Indy Dual Pace Car in the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit, driven by General Motors Corporation North America President Mark Reuss.

Corvette Stingray Coupe, 3LT interior package, Z51 Performance Package

The 3LT interior package includes Bose 10-speaker audio system; SiriusXM radio with one-year subscription and HD radio receiver; color head-up display; memory package; navigation system; heated and ventilated seats with power lumbar and bolster adjustment; premium Napa leather seating surfaces; and leather-wrapped dash and instrument panel, console and door panels.

The Z51 Performance Package includes dry sump lubrication, specific close-ratio gearing; transmission-cooling system; larger 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged alloy wheels and dual-compound tires; larger, slotted rotors and brake-cooling ducts; electronic limited-slip differential and differential cooling system; unique chassis tuning; and optional Magnetic Ride Control active-handling system with Performance Traction Management. Its center of gravity height is 17½"; lower than the Lotus Elise.

The Corvette Stingray Coupe was first unveiled in 2013 with the 3LT interior package and leather-wrapped interior ($8,005), Z51 Performance Package ($2,800), competition sports seats ($2,495), exposed-carbon-fiber roof panel ($1,995), Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management ($1,795), dual-mode exhaust system ($1,195), carbon fiber interior trim ($995), sueded, microfiber wrapped upper interior trim ($995), red-painted calipers ($995), and black-painted wheels ($495), followed by 2013 Monterey Motorsports Reunion, 2014 Kagawa import car show.

The US model went on sale in the third quarter of 2013 as the 2014 model-year vehicle. Early models incorporated TREMEC TR6070 7-speed manual with rev-matching for both downshifts and upshifts or Hydramatic 6L80 6-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission optimized for Active Fuel Management.

Preorder for the Japanese model began between July 6, 2013 and August 25, 2013. Sales of Corvette Stingray Coupe and the Z51 version was set to begin in 2014-04-12.

2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible

This is a version of the 2014 Corvette Stingray with a power-operated fabric roof. The roof can be opened at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h).

The 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible was unveiled in the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The Japanese model was set to go on sale in 2014-05-24. Early models included 6-speed automatic transmission.

2013 SEMA concepts

The Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo concept is a version of 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe featured in the Gran Turismo 6 video game, with custom exterior paint scheme, yellow-tinted headlamps, carbon fiber rear spoiler, carbon fiber hood and extractor design, ground effects kit with carbon fiber rockers and front splitter, exhaust tips, racing-style front tow hook, front grille, front fender and rear quarter vents, Competition Sport seats, driver and passenger racing harnesses, flat-bottom steering wheel, leather-wrapped safety belt bar and rear braces.

Corvette Stingray Convertible Atlantic concept is a version of 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible with Blade Silver body colour, carbon flash metallic front splitter, rocker extensions and rear lower diffuser, fusion gray headlamp housings and hood accents, a sueded-wrapped interior package, Chevrolet accessories parts (19x8.5-inch front and 20x10-inch rear chrome five-spoke wheels, wheel center caps with the Stingray script, under-hood liner with the Stingray logo, carbon flash metallic rear license plate holder, molded splash guards, windscreen mounted behind the seats, custom luggage, premium carpet floor mats, sill plates, embroidered center armrest with the Stingray logo), and six-speed automatic transmission.

The Corvette Stingray Coupe Pacific concept is a version of the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe inspired by West Coast culture, with torch red body colour, Z51 Performance Package, a carbon fiber hood, a visible carbon-fiber weave on the removable roof panel, a satin-black front splitter and rocker extensions, Z51 rear spoiler in Carbon Flash Metallic, a carbon flash graphics package, a carbon fiber trim kit, competition sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel with a carbon fiber finish, seven-speed manual transmission, and Chevrolet accessories parts (19x8.5-inch front and 20x10-inch rear satin black aluminum wheels with a red accent stripe).

The vehicles were unveiled in the 2013 SEMA Show.

2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe Premiere Edition

It is a limited (500 units) version of the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe 3LT with Laguna Blue Tintcoat body colour, Brownstone suede interior, suede-wrapped interior trim, carbon-fiber interior packages, visible carbon fiber roof, variable tuned performance exhaust system, Z51 Performance Package, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, "stinger" hood stripe, "Stingray"-logo interior sill plates and wheel caps, custom Corvette-branded luggage from Thule, a unique vehicle identification number starting with 300001, and an exclusive dash plaque.

2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible Premiere Edition

It is a limited (550 units) version of the Corvette Stingray Convertible 3LT with Lime Rock Green body colour, Brownstone suede interior, suede-wrapped interior trim, carbon fiber accents, variable tuned performance exhaust system, Z51 Performance Package, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, unique wheels with "Stingray"-logo center caps, "Stingray"-logo interior sill plates, a five-piece set of Corvette-branded luggage from Thule (from the Corvette Accessories catalog), and a unique VIN sequence starting with 400001, in unique dash plaques.

The US model went on sale for $77,450, including destination and delivery fees, and was set to arrive in dealerships in early 2014.

Production

The 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission used in the Corvette will be built at GM's Toledo, Ohio, transmission facility.

The 2015 Corvette Z06 and C7.R's aluminum frames will be produced at the Bowling Green, Kentucky assembly plant.

Performance Data Recorder (PDR)

Performance Data Recorder includes:

The PDR system can record video with three data overlay options, each rendered in real time:

The PDR vehicle data can be opened in the included "Cosworth Toolbox" software, which combines Cosworth's professional-level motorsport data analysis with an easy-to-use graphic interface. The Cosworth Toolbox application overlays recorded laps on a Bing-enabled satellite map of the track, and features an easy-to-use interface to compare selected laps in detail, for any requested point on the drive. Comparisons include corner traces, vehicle speed, and cornering force to help drivers improve their driving consistency, and ultimately lap times.

Motorsports

Corvette Racing's Corvette C7.R entered 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship starting with Rolex 24, and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was selected as the official pace car of the 2015 Indianapolis 500 with Indiana native and NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon selected to drive. This is the 13th Corvette to be selected in 99 years of the race.

Models and special editions

The 2015 Corvette Stingray Coupe with the 1LT package is offered in the US for $54,000; the Convertible for $59,000. Additional packages

2015 Corvette Z06, Z07 performance package

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a version of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with 6.2L supercharged intercooled LT4 engine with 1.7L Eaton R1740 TVS supercharger, which makes 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. It also has Rotocast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads, a removable roof panel, seven-speed Tremec manual with rev-matching technology or an Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, a removable carbon fiber roof panel, uniquely calibrated SLA-type front and rear suspension design, standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control dampers, standard smart electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) integrated with Electronic Stability Control and Performance Traction Management systems, Michelin Pilot Sport P285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear tires. The fenders are extended by 56 mm front and 80 mm rear, 19x10-inch front and 20x12-inch rear spin-cast aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes (371x33mm front and 365x25mm rear two-piece steel brake discs, aluminum six-piston front and four-piston rear fixed calipers), a front splitter, spats around the front wheel openings, a unique carbon-fiber hood with a larger vent, and a larger unique rear spoiler; redesigned mesh pattern on the front fascia for maximum airflow to the supercharger's intercooler heat exchanger, dedicated brake-cooling intakes and wider grille outlets on the bottom serve as air diffusers, a larger hood vent, larger front fender vents and unique air blades over the inlets on the rear fenders, larger rear-fascia openings than the Stingray, a choice of 2 magnesium frame seats (GT seat or a Competition Sport seat with more aggressive side bolstering), a steel-reinforced grab bar on the center console for the passenger, soft-touch materials on the edge of the console, a fully wrapped interior with soft-touch materials (Napa leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and micro-suede depending on the trim level).

Z07 performance package includes Michelin Sport Cup P285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear tires, 394x36mm front and 388x33mm rear carbon ceramic-matrix brake discs, a larger winglets to the front splitter, an adjustable see-through center section on the rear spoiler.

Optional carbon-fiber aero package (in either black or a visible carbon-fiber finish) adds a carbon fiber front splitter with aviation-style winglets, carbon fiber rocker panels, and a larger rear spoiler with a fixed wickerbill – a small, vertical tab at the edge of the spoiler that significantly increases downforce.

The 2015 Corvette Z06 was unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.

US model was set to go on sale in January 2015 as 2015 model year vehicle with a base price of $78,995.

Chevrolet offers buyers of the Z06 an opportunity to personally assemble the engine used in their cars as part of a $5,000 package. The top speed of the Z06 is officially 185 mph (298 km/h).

2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible

Corvette Z06 Convertible includes power-folding top at driving speed up to 50 km/h (31 mph), and repositioned safety-belt mounts.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2014 New York Auto Show.

2015 Corvette Stingray Atlantic Design Package

2015 Corvette Stingray Atlantic Design Package is inspired by the luxury and performance of private jets seen at European vacation destinations. Based on Z51-equipped Corvette Stingray convertibles with 2LT or 3LT trims, changes include front Z06-style splitter, Shark Gray exterior vents, hood "stinger" graphic and tonneau inserts; chrome Torque wheels with Stingray center caps, Stingray underhood liner and floor mats, custom splash guards, rear license plate frame and logo valve stem caps; custom luggage.

2015 Corvette Stingray Pacific Design Package

2015 Corvette Stingray Pacific Design Package is inspired by West Coast drivers who attend weekend track events. Based on the Z51-equipped Corvette Stingray coupe, with 2LT and 3LT trims, changes include choices of 5 body colours (Torch Red, Black, Arctic White, Blade Silver and Shark Gray), satin black full-length racing stripes, satin black Z51 wheels with red stripe and Stingray center caps, "CFZ" carbon fiber ground effects package and visible carbon fiber roof panel, Carbon Flash rear spoiler, outside mirrors and exterior badges; red brake calipers, Competition Sport Seats in red or black, carbon fiber interior trim, Stingray sill plates and Stingray floor mats; custom splash guards and rear license plate frame, indoor car cover (gray).

Corvette C7.R

The Corvette C7.R is the racing version of the 2015 Corvette Z06. It is modified to have increased cooling and aerodynamic downforce, including similar front splitters, rocker panels, and front- and rear-brake cooling ducts; a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, suspension modified to accommodate wider racing tires and larger brakes, air intake openings on each of the rear quarter panels above the brake ducts, rear wing, and larger radiator inlet.

The vehicle was tested in 2013 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2014 North American International Auto Show.

Changes for 2015

Production

A mid year production change involves the phasing out of 4 exterior colors:

Twilight Blue Design Package (ZLD)

Available on 3Lx trim models. Includes Twilight Blue full color instrument panel, doors and seats, (EYK) Chrome Badge Package and Shark Gray painted exterior vents. Convertible models include Blue Top with Shark Gray tonneau inserts. There is also an available tri-color full-length stripe. Available in (G1B) Shark Gray Metallic, (G8G) Arctic White, (GAN) Blade Silver Metallic or (GXH) Night Race Blue Metallic exterior colors.

3LT Stingray also includes:

3LZ Z06 also includes:

Spice Red Design Package (ZLE)

Available on 3Lx trim models. Includes Spice Red full color interior, (EYK) Chrome Badge Package and Shark Gray painted exterior vents (Long Beach Red exterior color comes with standard Carbon Flash painted exterior vents). Convertible models include Spice Red Top. Available in (G1E) Long Beach Red, (G1B) Shark Gray Metallic, (G8G) Arctic White, (GAN) Blade Silver Metallic exterior colors.

3LT Stingray also includes:

3LZ Z06 also includes:

Jet Black Sueded Design Package (ZLG)

Available on 3Lx trim models. Includes Jet black interior with sueded microfiber accents on instrument panel, doors and seat inserts. Sueded microfiber wrapped steering wheel and shifter. High gloss carbon fiber instrument panel bezel. (EYT) Carbon Flash Badge Package. Convertible models include Black Top. Available in (GBA) Black, (GKZ) Torch Red, (G8G) Arctic White, (GAN) Blade Silver Metallic exterior colors. Includes (J6F) Red brake calipers along with a Satin Black hood extractor and hood stinger graphic.

3LT Stingray also includes:

3LZ Z06 also includes:

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition (ZCR)

Available only with 3LZ trim. The Z06 C7.R Edition is primarily an appearance package. Included interior features are Jet Black leather trimmed and suede wrapped interior, competition sport seats, suede wrapped steering wheel and shifter, Yellow contrast stitching, carbon fiber interior package, C7.R Limited-Edition interior plaque (includes racing victories) and Corvette Racing sill plates. On the exterior you will find (Q9C) Black Z06 Wheels with Yellow stripe, Yellow brake calipers, Corvette Racing wheel center caps, visible carbon fiber package, visible carbon fiber hood insert, Spectra Gray grille and vents, C7.R graphics package (hood stripe includes Jake Corvette Racing logo), unique indoor car cover with C7.R Racing Graphics and the Z07 Performance Package with carbon ceramic brakes. Available in (GBA) Black or (GC6) Corvette Racing Yellow exterior colors. It will include its own sequential VIN starting with 700001. Only 500 units will be produced.

Changes for 2016