2014 C7 Corvette Stingray unveiled at North American International Auto Show

By Samuel McEachern

The Corvette has been with us since 1953, and it rarely gets a complete redesign. That is why the C7 is without a doubt one of the stars of the show at this years 2013 NAIAS.

So what has changed? Alot. You should know that General Motors took this Corvette seriously, as they’ve given it their legendary “Stingray” moniker. GM developed an aluminum frame that is 57 per cent stiffer and 99 pounds lighter than the C6’s frame. An all-new aluminum 6.2 litre pushrod V8 was developed for the C7, producing 450hp and 450 pound-feet of torque. The Corvette reaches 60 miles per hour in a claimed time of less than four seconds. Usually with high performance numbers comes low fuel economy. However the C7 will deactivate four of its cylinders when less power is needed, making it into a V4 to save fuel.

“The engine is the most powerful yet in a Corvette and yet a bit more fuel efficient,” said Tony Faria, Professor of Automotive Marketing at the University of Windsor.

The transmission still sits towards the back, between the driver and passenger for a more even weight distribution.  The all-new seven speed manual will match revs on downshifts and upshifts and can be deactivated and controlled with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. A six speed automatic is available for those who wish to cruise.

Also new for the C7 is loads of vents and ducts. Vents on the hood help increase grip at the front, vents on the front fender reduce drag, rear vents help with cooling and air exits through pair of taillight vents.

“There are many nice styling changes on the exterior to give the vehicle an even sportier look than the last two generations, there are more curves much like the first generations,” Said Faria

Even at a quick first glance it is easy to see the huge improvements made on the interior. It could be described as luxurious. A smaller, chunkier steering wheel and higher quality leather seats are just the beginning. A knob on the center console called the Drive Mode Selector controls 12 different powertrain settings. There is an Eco mode that will help you save fuel, a track mode to help you go fast, a snow and rain setting and everything in between. The Drive Mode Selector also controls throttle response, cylinder deactivation, launch control and traction control amongst other things. The whole interior is a huge improvement on what has been seen in Corvettes of the past.

“The interior is the most improved. There has often been criticism of previous generation Corvette interiors. This interior is very nice, very stylish, and looks like what an interior for a $50,000 to $60,000 vehicle should look like,” Said Faria

With improved quality comes a higher price. The more complicated exterior design, coupled with improved interior quality and the use of exotic materials like Carbon Fibre will result in a higher price for the C7.

“I think this vehicle will be slightly higher priced than the sixth-generation Corvette,” said Faria.  “Averaging about $3000 – $5000 more and will sell better than the sixth generation. While not achieving huge numbers, the Stingray should achieve sales of 20,000 units per year.”

The 2014 Corvette C7 is an all new chapter for Corvette. A chapter that involves better interior and exterior quality, as well as world class build quality and performance. America, meet your new hero.