Although the Chevy Corvette hasn’t really been at the forefront of the sportscar market for many years, it is nevertheless seen as the marque’s “spiritual core”. For that reason alone, any new model is as much a celebration as it is of vital importance. Chevrolet has now released the seventh incarnation of the iconic ‘Vette at the Detroit Motor Show.
Reviving the Stingray moniker for the dramatically styled new car, the 2013 Chevy Corvette is said to represent the biggest generational change for this model in several decades. Its new LT1 small-block V8 engine is of the same size (6,2-litre) than what was used in the C6 and produces 335 kW and 610 N.m of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via either a new seven-speed manual transmission (with Active Rev Matching) or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifts. Chevrolet claims a 0-100 km/h run in below 4,0 seconds and, when equipped with the Z51 Performance Package, the Stingray should be able to achieve 1g of cornering grip – impressive stuff, given that this is the “base” model of the new C7 line of Corvettes. Standard on the new Stingray is a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to suit the driver’s immediate demands and driving conditions.
The new car’s construction includes the use of lightweight materials such as a carbon fibre bonnet and removable roof panel, composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels, carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminium frame that is 57 per cent stiffer than what was used before and also 45 kg lighter.
A somewhat controversial technical development is the inclusion of an electric power steering system on all models. The Z51 package adds a number of other technologies, including third-generation Magnetic Ride Control and an electronic limited slip differential.
Previous Corvettes were regularly criticised for their plasticky interiors, and this has been an area of focus of Chevrolet. The new car features a cabin with premium materials, including real carbon fibre, aluminium and leather. Infotainment is taken care of by dual 8-inch configurable screens.
