It’s very intriguing to see pre-production 2014 Corvette Stingray models featuring digital supercharger boost pressure gauges in their reconfigurable, virtual instrument clusters. The sighting is odd, since we know full well that the Stingray’s powerplant, the new LT1 V8, is naturally aspirated, meaning there are no signs of forced induction such as a turbocharger or a supercharger. So this photo taken by a Corvette7 forum member is quite the head-scratcher.
Like the Stingray Convertible that was on display at Geneva, a digital boost gauge is present on the left… but also, on the right. We believe that their presence points to a bug in the Vette’s electronics, one that will probably be fixed by the time the C7 launches this summer. But we also believe it to be an Easter Egg — a hint of what’s to come. ZR1 C7, anyone?
Comments
C7 Z06 should stay naturally aspirated, and if the C7 ZR1 does indeed exceed 700hp (twin-turbo?), I think there is a nice slot for a new Vette between the two current kings with a supercharger.
Twin Turbo’s would do well with the new DI engine.
They may move to this like the Mustang since it is easier to package in a small area. The new intake on the LT1 is pretty low and could force a large bump in the hood even with the low profile Eaton unit.
Turbo engines thrive on DI injection as you can push them much more. Also upgrades are as easy as a change of map sensors and a computer flash. It has me at a warranty covered 290 HP on only 2 liters with 315 FT LBS. The Solstice gets 340 FT LBS.
Those icons are the symbol for supercharger. Why would you twin supercharge a V8?
One supercharger for each bank? Seems like a rather heavy and inefficient way to provide extra horsepower. My guess is this would have to be some kind of technical glitch on the display. The TwinTurbo I would believe but you would only need one boost gauge and the symbol is different
Has anyone else thought that the boost gauges might be built in for those people that are going to buy this car and make aftermarket performance upgrades, including superchargers or turbos?
That would be so nice. I would love to be able to have integrated, looks like they were meant to be there, gauges for aftermarket upgrades. Beats trying to make all those extra ones look good around the dash.
Can’t wait to see what sorts of engines the C7 Corvettes will cradle. A nice big naturally aspirated 427 and a supercharged V8 would be good for me. Remember, superchargers can give tons more horsepower easily just by changing out the pulley.
I’d also like to see some style differentiation in the sub-models, like wider fenders on the rear and what not. If you look at the C7 Corvette Stingray, its nose is pointed up a bit, maybe the faster models will be lower like the GS, Z06, and ZR1 do. The current Z06 looks so much better with wider flares along with a lower nose compared to the base model. I’m sure this magic will work for the other C7’s as well, and the Stingray is already handsome!
Clearly this is a photo of the C7’s 8″ screen displaying “Sport Mode”. My understanding is that the two smaller gages flanking the center speedo can be configured to display one of many sensors. This is a photo just with both side gauges indicating boost. No twins, turbo or super.
I guess the only thing better than a turbo 4, is two turbo fours hooked together; plus no balance shafts required. 😎
Other news sources say the screen is pre-production test. There wouldn’t be twin-supercharging, rather when supercharging is used, GM can put the boost gauge on the left or right of the tach before production.
Hell, it might even be an reconfigurable option for the driver to put the boost gauge wherever they want on the screen. If it isn’t, it should be.