mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Deep Dive: The Chassis Of The 2014 Corvette Stingray

The 2014 Corvette isn’t due into the hands of eager buyers until the third quarter of 2013, so we still have several months to go before getting behind the wheel of the all-new American supercar. At that, we won’t know how the C7 really drives until later this year… but what we do know right now are some of the technical elements that will contribute to the driving experience of the all-new Vette. So hold your breath, because it’s time for another deep dive.

But before we discuss anything related to the intricate mechanical elements that define the C7’s driving characteristics, it’s important to keep in mind the foundation that all of these pieces will — in some way — attach to. We’re, of course, talking about the C7’s all-new lighter and stiffer aluminum structure.

Chassis and Suspension

Corvette engineers specifically designed the C7’s chassis and suspension to take advantage of the new frame. Thanks to the frame’s reduced structural flex, engineers were able to more precisely calibrate the C7’s suspension and steering for a more nimble and responsive driving experience.

“An important goal for the seventh-generation Corvette was to create a more intimate and connected driving experience”, said Mike Bailey, chassis vehicle system engineer. “Whether on the open road or on the track, we wanted drivers to feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel.”

The C7 Stingray utilizes 35mm-piston Bilstein monotone shocks attached to dual-path aluminum shock mounts; these mounts separate the shock rod and shock body load paths, resulting in a decrease in unwanted NVH levels.

The Z51 Performance Package sees upgraded 45mm-piston Bilstein dampers for more aggressive body control on the track. The Z51 package is also available with GM’s third-generation Magnetic Ride Control technology that makes use of a new twin-wire/dual-coil damper system. The setup reacts 40 percent faster than the previous generation, enabling improved ride comfort and body control.

 The C7 makes use of the short/long-arm suspension design in the front and rear, but makes use of all-new components. Improvements consist of hollow lower control arms, as well as new aluminum rear toe links. The control arms save roughly nine pounds (4 kg) per vehicle, while the toe links save 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) compared to the steel links used in the C6.

Electric Power Steering

The C7 features a new electric power steering system that offers variable ratios and variable effort to adjust the responsiveness and feel for each driving scenario. The system also provides:

  • Greater precision in control and feedback to the driver
  • Great variability of effort for high-performance driving
  • Great on-center sensitivity and linearity

In addition, engineers improved steering feel by increasing the stiffness of the steering system by:

  • Increasing the stiffness of the steering column by 150 percent
  • Increasing intermediate shaft torsional stiffness by 600 percent
  • Mounting steering gear to the front cradle structure

Brakes

A well-rounded sports car isn’t just about hot looks, acceleration, and handling. The ability to stop, or at least slow down, is crucial — especially on the track. Luckily, GM has equipped the C7 with standard Brembo brakes with four-piston fixed calipers. These racing-derived units provide impressive stopping power on the street and on the track.

Brake system specs include:

  • Standard 12.6-inch (320 mm) front rotors and 13.3-inch (338 mm) rear rotors. They feature 35 percent more swept area than previous-generation brakes, and — consequently — improve stopping distance by 9 percent
  • Dual-cast, slotted 13.6-inch (345 mm) front rotors and 13.3-inch (338 mm) slotted rear rotors are included with Z51 Performance Package. They feature 6 percent more swept area than the C6 Grand Sport, being cooled in the front and in the rear for improved track capability. As a result, stopping distance is improved 5 percent
  • All brake packages have fixed front and rear calipers that are stiffer for more even pad wear, reduced drag and improved modulation

Rolling Stock

The 2014 Corvette Stingray features new double five-spoke 18 x 8.5-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear wheels. Models equipped with the Z51 Performance Package feature 19 x 8.5-inch and 20 x 10-inch forged aluminum wheels. Wrapping the wheels are Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat tires that, according to GM, were “developed specifically for the seventh-generation Corvette” and “deliver comparable levels of grip than the wider tires of previous models.”

Stingrays equipped with the Z51 Performance Package can achieve 1g in cornering acceleration as a result of the new tires. The capability is comparable to the 2013 Corvette Grand Sport.

Not insignificant is the fact that performance levels are achieved with wheels and tires that are narrower and lighter. Thanks to the smaller footprint, rolling resistance is reduced, as are steering effort and road noise — resulting in a more nimble feel, more immediate steering response, as well as greater touring comfort and efficiency.

Limited Slip Differential

The track-oriented Z51 Performance Package features an intelligent electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). The module attempts to make the most of the torque split between the rear wheels.

The setup features a hydraulically-actuated clutch that can infinitely vary clutch engagement and respond from open to full engagement in tenths of a second. The eLSD utilizes a unique algorithm to shift torque based on factors such as vehicle speed, steering input, and throttle position — all to improve steering feel, handling balance, and traction.

“The electronic limited-slip differential transforms the Stingray by optimizing handling for the driving situation,” said Mike Bailey, vehicle systems engineer, chassis. “By continuously modulating the torque split between the rear wheels, the eLSD can improve traction accelerating out of corner, improve stability on the highway and enhance steering turn-in and responsiveness.”

Far from being an isolated feature, the eLSD is fully integrated with the Stingray’s StabiliTrak and Performance Traction Management systems. Calibrations vary among three modes, based on the Drive Mode Selector setting:

  • Mode 1: the default setting for normal driving that emphasizes vehicle stability
  • Mode 2: engaged when electronic stability control is turned off in the Sport or Track Driver Modes. This calibration enables more nimble turn-in and traction while accelerating out of a corner
  • Mode 3: automatically selected when Performance Traction Management is engaged. This calibration has the same function as Mode 2, but is fine-tuned to work with Performance Traction Management

Dimensions

Compared to the previous-generation Corvette C6, the 2014 Corvette Stingray rides on a wheelbase that is approximately an inch longer, while its front and rear tracks are roughly an inch wider. The slight increases in wheelbase and tracks result in a more stable driving experience that is most noticeable at high speeds. As a by-product, it might come as a surprise that the C7’s turning radius is decreased by approximately two feet for greater maneuverability in tight turns.

So whether you’re planning on grand touring your 2014 Vette, working her out on the track, or hooning whenever opportunity presents itself , rest assured that the C7 makes purposeful improvements in its ride and handling over the C6… plus, it looks stunning and has a high-quality interior, to boot. What’s not to like?

More on the 2014 Corvette C7:

GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. Thanks Alex. What about the leaf springs? Nothing new?

    Reply
    1. The traverse leaf spring is still there.

      Reply
  2. Don’t worry. Get yourself a glass of milk when you go home, run a bath and have a cry.

    Reply
  3. The leaf spring is a competent engineering solution. What is the problem?

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel