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One of America’s most iconic sports cars has been revealed. The C7 Corvette Stingray is the seventh-generation of the nameplate that started in 1953.
It is also only the 3rd model in the car’s lineage to wear the Stingray designation, the other two being the second (1963-1967) and third (1969-1976) generation Corvette.
The new car wears an all-new sheet metal that albeit instantly recognisable as a Corvette, especially in profile, also breaks with tradition by replacing the rounded taillights (used since 1961) with Camaro style squarish items. Another new feature is the presence of rear-quarter windows, which nods back to the first generation coupé model.
The most welcome aspect of the new car though is its interior. Gone was the old Corvette’s low-rent and plain cabin. The new model sports a decidedly superior interior with a driver-oriented dashboard, which seems to have been inspired by the Audi R8.
Chevrolet says the quality of the material has been improved as well, with the cabin featuring real carbon fibre, aluminium and hand-wrapped leather surfaces. Customers will also have a choice of two seats, each with a lightweight magnesium frame.
Underneath the long bonnet is GM’s new small block 6.2-litre LT1 V8 engine that features direction injection, cylinder shutdown technology, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system.
It pushes out 336kW (450hp) of power and 610Nm (450 lb-ft) of torque, enabling the Corvette Stingray to sprint from 0-60mph (96km/h) in less than 4 seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. This makes it the most powerful entry-level engine in the model’s history.
The engine can be paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and, a first for a Corvette, a 7-speed Tremec manual transmission with Active Rev Matching.
21st century features include a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to fit the driving style.
Those wanting an even more focused machine can specify the track-capable Z51 Performance Package as an option. It brings an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, and a unique aero package that improves high-speed stability.
Sadly, for us Aussies, the Corvette is unlikely to be imported into the country….officially, that is.
