On September 18th, the first shipments of the 2014 Corvette Stingray began rolling out from GM’s exclusive Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The hotly anticipated next generation car will be arriving in showrooms in a few weeks. Here’s a look at what potential buyers and Corvette aficionados can expect.
- A high price tag. Starting at nearly $52,000, or $56,000 for the convertible version, the C7 won’t be for just anyone. With the all the anticipation, effort and seemingly great performance, this price tag shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.
- A bit of a wait. So far, only 1000 models have been built and shipped and only to Chevrolet Performance Stores – stores exclusively selling high performance models. It’s reported that some dealers may have to wait months, some may only get one model, and the convertible version won’t be available until later this year. In addition, Chevrolet is requiring sales teams to attend a 2-day seminar about the new Corvette before selling them, making the wait even longer.
- Lots of power. The newly designed C7 is built with a small block 6.2L V8 engine that outputs 450hp and 460lb-ft of torque. Design on this Gen V LT1 began in 2007 and, according to Car & Driver’s blog, took over 10 million hours of hours of computer-aided design, most of which was dedicated to a new combustion system.
- High speed. The test track performance of this vehicle is 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, and Car & Driver confirmed reaching it in 3.9 seconds, with the Z51 performance package option. The redesigned body featuring an aluminum frame and featherweight body panels surely help since it’s lighter than any other model. Of course, you may not get that speed on a standard concrete road but the right surface and a skilled driver can go far in this car.
- Standard 7-speed manual gearbox with Active Rev Matching (ARM). The only other car currently made with a 7-speed is the Porsche 911 – that’s the class the C7 is in. ARM is designed to make it easier to shift and give drivers a smoother gear transition. Or, you can get the 6-speed paddle shift automatic transmission. Both models come with paddle shifters.
- Lots of driving options. Chevy’s decision to add the Drive Mode Selector button to the console gives drivers lots to play with, providing optimal performance in a number of conditions. Featuring five different options to choose from – Weather, Eco, Sport, Tour and Track – drivers can dynamically affect a wide range of items such as throttle control, transmission shifting pattern, steering sensitivity, electronic slip off, traction, fuel efficiency and even exhaust sound.
- Rave reviews. Delivering performance and style you’d expect but rarely have seen in recent Corvettes, the C7 has industry reviewers pleasantly surprised. The 2014 Stingray gets a KBB.com consumer rating of 9.3 out of 10. Michael Harley of Autoblog.com gave it rave reviews, stating, “It is the best Corvette I’ve ever driven.” Consumer Reports’ first test drive report was pleasantly positive, and they are eager to put it through its paces with their official test program. Motor Authority said, “It’s fantastic fun…”
After sharp criticisms for years on models that just haven’t lived up to Corvette’s classic days, it looks like the C7 generation has finally given Corvette fans something to cheer about with the 2014 Stingray.
Images from Wikimedia Commons and http://www.nydailynews.com/
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