Following last week’s leak of the Corvette C7’s service manual, we now have more details from what seems to be the user’s manual of the C7 courtesy of Corvette Forum member BlueOx. Here’s the rundown:
The Rear End
Looks like the renderings were spot on as it relates to the Corvette’s overall profile and rear-end, with the “spoiler around the tail lights” theme being the name of the game when it comes to the back-end. Of note is the fact that the rear-end does not sport a Corvette cross flag, insignia, or logo of any kind, which could simply be a bi-product of the illustrations being in a manual.
In addition, is it just us, or does the rear glass on the hatch seem rather narrow compared to the expansive glass openings seen in the C4/C5/C6?
This hatch-up illustration shows just how massive those C-pillars really are. Will they have a negative impact on visibility?
Under The Hood
Here we see the layout of the engine bay, including the all-new LT1 small-block V8.
In addition, the hood scoop seems functional, but the off-center position of the air filter housing likely means that the air will ned to jump through a few hoops before arriving at the throttle body. Is that the best way to move air?
The Seats
The illustrations of the seats seen here show a few well-bolstered buckets that also happen to be powered, with three primary controls on the exterior side of the seat. We, however, are rather concerned about the seats’ weight: we already know that they will be powered while sporting built-in heating and cooling functionality (see below). But all that tech may just result in a heavy seat. How about a basic set of Recaros… perhaps as an option?
The Cockpit
The steering wheel seems to be an all-new unit never before seen on GM vehicle, with plenty of buttons for voice activation (and probably Siri Eyes-Free command), a four-way button cluster (most likely for the digital instrument panel) and the new Chevy MyLink system that’s similar to that found in the 2014 Impala. The illustration also shows a pair of very prominent “10 and 2” grips — which can never hurt.
Meanwhile, there is the already-expected all-digital instrument panel along with a touchscreen in the center stack. Finally, a modern infotainment system on Chevy’s flagship sports car.
The Sport Mode Screen
One of the features found in the center stack screen is the Sport Mode Screen, which provides:
- Vehicle Speed containing up to three digits (heck yeah!), with the leading zeros not being displayed upon movement. The current speed is centered in the middle of the display, which may change between MPH and km/h, depending on the driver-selected settings.
- Track Overlay seems to show the track the vehicle is on.
- Engine Rotations Per Minute (RPMs), with the vertical line and triangle indicating current RPMs. As the RPMs increase, the green back-fill follows.
- The Transmission State (Current Gear) is provided by the numbers and letters on the top right corner. What the driver sees there will depend on whether the Corvette is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission. The PRDN is for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, with the D changing to D1 or D2. Once the vehicle is shifted into drive, entering manual shift model result in M1 or M2. The 1 or 2 are for vehicles with manual transmissions.
- Lateral G-Force Meter shows left and right G-Forces. The measured G-Force displays as a digital number at the top of the graphic.
Can’t wait until January 13, 2013? Neither can we!
Comments
Very impressive work ,Chevy went all out on this one. As for rearward visibility I’m pretty certain I’ll have a backup camera somewhere in there, Along with ultrasonic parking detectors the front and back. The interior seems well done, Also if you notice number 22 on the diagram of the interior, that looks like a BMW esque iDrive control. Would make sense with those three flat-panel displays on the dashboard, and the infotainment system.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the weight of the power seats, This car has plenty of horsepower to spare, And for all we know it may be made of lightweight materials, I like the big fat paddle shifters on the steering wheels for the automatic’s.
As for the exterior I like it, Though squared taillights have been growing on me since every picture or description of the car has them, It’s given us time to get used to it. I realize many people will hate it. But the aftermarket will certainly come to the rescue. But hey the C4 ZR-1 had squarish tail lights that were fitted to the last several years of the C4 Vette’s so there is “some” and I use the word “some” in a very open manner precedent for this.
Who else wasn’t expecting a 90’s C4 interior? God that is one ugly interior, and don’t even blame it on the lighting, just look at the shapes!
The vents do seem to be somewhat of an afterthought, at least in the one drawing. There is a spy photo floating around the internet, though ,and it doesn’t look anywhere near as awkward.
I’d be willing to bet that when the C7 comes out, and you can actually put them side by side for comparison, you’d look like a fool.
Merry Christmas my fellow car junkies!
Looks good.. Looks close what Car and Driver showed.. The engine looks closer in the middle so most likely have a 50/50 weight distribution like the z06.. Supposably the new Corvette will only have 2 parts come over the c6.. So it have almost everything new.. Can’t wait.. Just 20 more days till the unveal..
I was looking at “The Sport Mode Screen” there is a lap timer and it says 7:21:57, Nurburgring reference? Also at the RPM counter, why does it say MPH / 1,000? Shouldn’t it say RPM x 1,000?
Man I think it’s hard to judge the interior with a black and white drawing.. You got the nay sayers of course like everything else GM comes out with.. But of coarse if Ford came out with something like this, you wouldn’t hear the end of it.. I notice that GM really dosesn’t get the credit it deserves.. Congrats GM
looks like someone is being naughty on xmas lol
I just noticed two different seats appear to be pictured.
I agree it’s tough to pass judgement on the interior from this black and white drawing. Also that the rear end is growing on me, and seeing the real car will be different than renderings and drawings. One thing’s for sure, I cannot wait until 1-13-13!!
I love everything about these pictures except those camaro like tail lamps. I’m not saying they look bad they’re just not fitting for America’s sports car.
Three digits. Finally!!! I hate when they ask “do you know how fast you were going” and I honestly say “no.” I WANT to know!! LOL!! ;^)
Looks like some people in the documentation team need to be fired for leaking owners manual images to the public.
That is a verry beautiful car of upper class beautibully COMPLIMENT who have worked on the people off and who have been Woring on the Ingeure. gabi
I am begining to really Like what I am seeing about the C-7..Still hoping that new engine can produce nearer to 500 bhp and at least 475 lb-ft, while delivering at least 30mpg on the highways.
I would like to see a sub 500hp base engine for the corvette, but with a new transmission it could shave off several milliseconds.. I guess we will wait and see..450 hp and lb ft of torque is kind of growing on me, that is a good amount of torque but kind of wish they up the hp and still get the projected mpg.. Getting excited for1/13/13
The more I look at these renderings, the more I think this is someone with some decent 3D surface modeling skills throwing his/her idea of what the Vette might look like. Then again the renderings are not great and lack the refinment I would expect to see even in a service manual. I am sorry I question the authenticity of these and think it more of a ploy for Jalopnik to boost there site traffic…
@Yab to be completely accurate, these renderings didn’t originate at Jalopnik… and we’ve had a few sources so far confirm their validity as being from the C7’s manual. We’ll see soon enough 🙂