The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: a Legend Rockets into the Future

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - all photos courtesy of Chevrolet 

The new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has been one of the most anticipated new vehicles in years. The Corvette has represented affordable and potent American automotive performance for decades, making this new generation ‘Vette an important leap in innovation. Everyone will notice first the futuristic yet muscular look of the new Corvette, complete with LED lights and functional hood vents.

Chevrolet does not disappoint when it comes to innovations. The C7 Corvette comes with a newly-designed LT1 V8 engine that puts out a blistering 450 horsepower and 450 pound-foot of torque. It still employs the overhead valve setup, with two valves per cylinder, which has helped make the Corvette a performance legend. This new engine employs modern engine technologies such as Active Fuel Management, direct injection and continuously variable valve timing. Teamed with either a seven-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic and steering wheel mounted shift paddles, the Corvette Stingray rockets from 0 to 60 MPH in under four seconds.

Everyone is looking to save on gas these days. The 2014 Corvette will help owners save on fuel through innovative technology. The frame and seats make use of magnesium and aluminum, both of which are lightweight yet strong materials. Parts of the body and interior components are made of real carbon fiber, further cutting weight. The end result is a curb weight that is several hundred pounds less than the C6 Corvette.

GM designed the new Chevrolet Corvette to handle with the best cars in the world. The car’s front and rear suspension makes use of a short/long arm and double wishbone setup. Cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite springs and monotube shock absorbers complete the setup, helping the car take sweeping turns with grace, even at high speeds. In fact, the Corvette is able to pull over 1g of force while turning, which should provide plenty of thrills for both drivers and passengers.

The interior of the 2014 Chevy Corvette promises to me nothing less than the best.  Surfaces are made of real carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather, providing a driver with a pleasurable daily interaction with the car. The steering wheel has been shrunk to just 14 inches, giving the driver a more connected driving experience, while the instruments have been setup to mimic a fighter jet’s cockpit. Both the driver and passenger enjoy contoured seats wrapped in Napa leather, with high side bolsters to hold them in place during high-speed cornering.

For the performance-minded, Chevrolet is offering the Corvette Stingray with a Z51 Performance Package. This package takes the regular ‘Vette and adds performance upgrades such as an electronic limited-slip differential, cooling for the differential and transmission, dry-sump oil system and an integral brake setup. The Z51 also adds aero parts to the car’s body, helping keep it firmly planted on the track at high speeds.