We’re just over two weeks out from the official 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 unveiling on January 13, 2013 — the night before the official start of the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Despite leaks from every which way in regards to design, powertrain and technology, anticipation remains white-hot. That being the case, we felt it would be a great time to revisit what we currently know about the all-new, 2014 Corvette.
The Stingray Moniker Is Coming Back As The Base Model Name
No, not “Sting Ray”, but “Stingray“. The name also means the base Corvette will have a proper name, rather than some generic title like “Corvette Coupe” that was used for the base C6 model. What’s more, it’s expected that the Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1 names will continue to live on through the product life cycle of the 2014 Corvette C7. But like the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, don’t expect everything to roll out of the gate at once. It could be a couple years before we see a new ZR1.
The 6.2L LT1 Will Be The Base Engine
Back when we  published our first C7 “What We Know” piece in 2011, sources told us that the Corvette team will be using a 5.5L displacement V8 engine as the car’s bread and butter powerplant. But after testing and observing performance with Active Fuel Management, engineers determined that a 6.2L block was a more optimal choice. Believe it or not, the Corvette team found that the larger engine posted better fuel economy numbers when four of its cylinders were deactivated over what a 5.5L could do. Thus, the LT1 engine is a 6.2L block. Preliminary numbers are at 450 horsepower and torque, but we’re expecting that to be an underestimation. What’s more, expect GM to add forced induction for the range-topping models such as the Z06 and ZR1. No word on whether or not there will be a successor to the wondrous LS7, which produces 505 horsepower with a 7,000 RPM redline and breathes naturally. We think it would be a blunder not to.
There Will Be Loads Of New Features And Technology
As first reported by LSXTV, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 will feature more track and go-fast performance applications than you can shake a stick at. Things like Active Rev Match (ARM), a Performance Data Recorder (PDR) and Engine Sound Management (ESM) will all be present in the new Corvette, if the alleged owner’s manual leak is accurate, which appears to be so. There will also be a digital instrument panel, rather than conventional gauges, that the C7 will rely on to display information. The latest Chevy MyLink system is also expected to make an appearance, with just the right amount of buttons and knobs.
Of course, we could talk all day about what the new Corvette is shaping to be like on paper, but the only way to properly understand a vehicle like this is to drive it. Vigorously. Hopefully, everyone gets the chance to do just that.
Comments
^Thumbs up to that last paragraph.
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…
Saw the new C7 rear end in just released owners manual graphics. Can you say HIDEOUS?
Chevy takes ugly and turns the new C7 Vette into FUGLY.
Again, the automotive world is filled with “speculators.” Seems like everybody hates a design they haven’t even seen yet, and yet alone able to drive it. Let’s wait and see the car first before hating………and then actually test drive it.
All I know is that I’m getting a second job to afford one……
It really confuses me how many people can be so negative to a vehicle they have never seen? These are renderings, a whole lot different then seeing the actual vehicle.
I for one like the renderings, which brings the Vette to a more “modern” look.
I remember all the hate the C6 received for the non pop up lights but, everyone’s argument is to say oh I’ll never trade my C6 in now. Give the car a chance to even come out to the world.
Don’t hate on the HP ratings either, as stated before these are preliminary numbers that are likely to increase, also who cares what they name the motor as long it’s a Chevy lineage.
If you want the Vette to be designed a certain way, then go get a job with GM and present your drawing, obviously these deseigners got to their occupation for knowing what they do, and not just a bar room comintator.
amen paul
I don’t like how they chose Stingray as the base name, that seems disrespectful.
Also, that picture of the lap timer on the Performance Data Recorder said 7:22, if I remember. I play Gran Turismo 5 occasionally and they have Seasonal Events where they set up a random challenge. They recently added one where you would drive the camouflaged C7 and you can see the lap times for people all around the world. The good times range from someone doing a 7:19 to a 7:23 on average.
Imagine if the base model is really that fast, I don’t care what it looks like, I want a C7 Z06!
Looks like they took the side of a GTR, added a Ferrari roof, mangled a C6 front, fashioned the rear from camaro taillights and broken pieces of glass. Then they beat the “design” with a cadillac art & science stick. It wasn’t stupid looking enough, so they added a bunch of vents to it. They saved me some money. I definately won’t be buying a C7.
I already have an appointment to see the first one show up at my local dealer. Can’t wait!!!
I don’t think any of this is close to what we will see Jan 13
I’m looking at the possibility of starting a small bespoke sports-car manufacturer that licenses and modifies Corvette running gear (and safety equipment like airbags and such), so I’m particularly interested in what the C7 will offer…
I see that this car is great , I have seen many leaked pics of it and the (tail lights) was the most important issue that I wanted to solve I saw with zooming in that they are round not square … guess we can see today thr real thing . hope that people wold love this and i love corvette and all the new things thay do but the bad part is ( small bluck ) engine why? why lt1 why not ls7 seven speed manual 450 hp!!! any way anu idea when it will be in markets??
by the whay i love the new look of the vette xD