DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Chevrolet slams down next Corvette

Chevrolet’s seventh-generation Corvette has broken official cover on the eve of its world debut at the Detroit motor show, and it could be coming to Australia.

Created by a global team of designers, tested at the Nurburgring and wearing a more contemporary exterior to increase its global appeal, the 2014 Corvette Stingray goes on sale in North America in the third quarter of this year and has been confirmed for right-hand drive production for worldwide consumption, although an Australian release is yet to be confirmed.

Reviving the Stingray nameplate not seen on a Corvette since 1976, the C7 Corvette is fitted with GM’s all-new 6.2-litre LT1 small-block V8, delivering 335kW and 610Nm of torque as standard and making the completely redesigned Chevrolet flagship the most powerful in the 60-year history of the iconic American super-coupe.

Despite claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in less than four seconds, making it the quickest standard Corvette ever, it’s also claimed to consume less fuel than its predecessor, with highway fuel consumption of up to 30mpg (7.8L/100km) making it the most efficient Corvette yet seen.

In what’s regarded as the biggest makeover in decades, the C7 breaks tradition by featuring rear-quarter windows for the first time since 1962 and eschewing the four round tail-lights seen on every model since 1961, and is claimed to be more refined, more comfortable and more dynamic than ever, with the ability to generate more than 1g in cornering grip.

Just two components are said to have been carried over from the current Corvette - a roof panel latch and a cabin air filter - while an overhauled interior with an abundance of soft-touch surfaces and aluminium and optional carbon-fibre trims aim to address criticisms of previous Corvette cabins.

It also features dual configurable eight-inch screens for the instrument cluster, a smaller 14-inch steering wheel, the option of touring or racing seats and Chevrolet’s latest infotainment system, while exterior lighting technology includes HID headlights and LED daytime running lamps.

As we’ve reported, the Corvette features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation for the first time and its new LT1 V8 also features direct-injection and continuously variable valve timing to deliver more power with less fuel.

It will be matched as standard with a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching or a six-speed optional automatic, plus a five-position Drive Mode Selector that allows drivers to select different combinations of 12 vehicle attributes.

Light-weighting measures include a carbon-fibre bonnet and removable roof panel, composite bumpers, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminium chassis, all of which results in a perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution and cutting-edge power-to-weight ratio.

While the body comes with “race-proven” aerodynamics and the chassis offers “improved stability and track performance”, a racetrack-oriented Z51 Performance Package will comprise an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump lubrication, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, and a unique aero package.

“We believe the Corvette represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency,” said Corvette Chief Engineer, Tadge Juechter.

“The result is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers the fastest acceleration, the most cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking performance and what we expect to be the best fuel economy ever for a standard Corvette.”

The new Corvette will be built at GM’s Bowling Green factory in Kentucky, which underwent a $US131 million upgrade including about $US52m for a new body shop to manufacture the aluminium frame in-house for the first time.

GM has sold more than 1.5 million Corvettes in 60 years, with 14,132 finding US homes in 2012.

“Like the ’63 Sting Ray, the best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences,” said General Motors North America President, Mark Reuss.

“The all-new Corvette goes farther than ever, thanks to today’s advancements in design, technology and engineering.”