Corvette has used cascade engineering from it's race program to improve the production car for years now, and this new car is no different.
-All models have a new grille/radiator arrangement and hood vents. Venting air out of the hood reduces total front-end lift for improved steering response at high speeds.
-Models with the automatic transmission or Z51 Performance Package feature a functional vent on driver’s left side directing air over a heat exchanger for the transmission fluid and a similar arrangement on the passenger side that directs air over a heat exchanger for the electronic limited slip differential.
-Airflow through the differential and transmission heat exchangers exit through the aircraft-inspired taillamp vents and lower-rear fascia air outlets.
-The Z51 Performance Package also includes brake-cooling ducts, a unique rear spoiler and additional air deflectors for enhanced track capability.
Aftermarket's gonna have a field day with those tail lights. On the other hand, a 380 LT1 in a Stingray - what's not to love?!
--- 72 from st. coll. on 01.22.2013 at 1:06AM
I know there are many people out there that think this is the best Corvette ever, and as we all know with each new generation comes an improved Corvette. We also know that almost every new generations has those that think it is not as nice as the last, but after a few months of seeing on the road Corvette enthusiast begin to embrace ir. I am not sure this generation will get that. I am one that is not overly impressed with the all ne look. I just cannot seem to see where the design team was heading. What I see is to start with is a lot of the 2009 Corvette Concept car. The front grill is a refined version of the concept car, then moving down the side the elongated cove vents and the Stringray look much like that of the concept car and as for teh rear end, I see a lot more of teh concept car in it then the so called Camaro tail lights. I also believe that GM has a new target audience and that is the mid 20's to the mid 40's based on the European exotic look as well as all the eletronics involved. I realize that almost all high end cars are embellished with the latest electronics to keep you connected, but to a true sports car fan, that is not what they (at least many) are looking for. So in my opinion GM is saying we are still building a two seat sports car with a rumbling V8, but we are also designing a luxury car that will appeal to many that never thought of a Corvette.
--- TR6speed from Florida on 01.22.2013 at 7:05AM
TR6 speed, your last sentence is key to the Vette's future.
--- Eddie from unknown on 01.22.2013 at 8:49AM
And whats wrong with a little more luxury. Basically you are getting way more refinement and nicer materials for essentially the same price as a C6. Sure it looks a little different and in your face, but I like it. The side profile is my favorite. The truth is, the Corvette had to evolve this way to stay viable in such a large Corporation. If they would have stuck with more of the same, cheap materials, basic looks, raw power and handling, they would have a following, but not sell the numbers they need to constitute a completely new generation of car. The car would get crushed (in refinement terms) by the competition, and Corvettes would realistically have to lower the price by a fair margin to sell the numbers they want. Again, not making money that way. I think the C7 is a good step forward for the brand. It will prove itself in time to you naysayers, and I bet one test drive is all you would need to fall in love!
--- ride250s from Iowa on 01.23.2013 at 2:55PM
After seeing the car in person, I can say that the styling is right on--even the tail lights. You can see the evolution, the Corvette DNA is definitely there. But there is a level of detail that surpasses what the previous generations had. The tail lights actually work, where round would have been out if place. The interior looks fantastic, can't wait to sit in those new competition seats! As far as the electronic gadgetry, it's what buyers younger buyers expect, as do European enthusiasts. The driving experience in all cars, especially sports cars has come along way from the radio-delete days in the late sixties. If Corvette doesn't keep up with the times, it will become irrelevant. This car is anything but that. Embrace this change, when you see the car in the carbon fiber, it'll win over the doubters. Just an observation, with the wrap around glass back gone, I wouldn't be surprised to see a retractable hardtop on the convertible. Not sure how I would feel about that, it looks like that could be a possibility.
--- Richard2 from Grosse Pointe, MI on 01.23.2013 at 10:15PM
Not to change the subject but anyone notice O.Beretta wasn't on the qualifying list for the race this weekend at Daytona.Is he still a Ferrari team driver?
--- encore from Sunny Florida on 01.24.2013 at 7:30PM
Olivier should be in the F 458 #63.
--- Jeff from PNW on 01.25.2013 at 12:57AM
Now I know what a partial abortion looks like. The front end looks good, the side looks good. But I work around to the rear, it looks like they ran out of time and money and said wrap it up.
The lower valance panel is huge and looks disproportionate to the rest of the car. It looks absurd! The rest of the rear with its sharp angles and dips, dives and trimming looks like a matchbox Munsters car.
Supposedly the interior is now "World Class". We heard the same thing on the C6. Which was far from the truth. It is one thing to use CF and leather, but if it is cheap leather and flawed CF, what is the point? The seats, they seem to be a small improvement in the right direction. More upper support for performance driving, but yet the seat bottom is about as flat as a board? No thigh bolstering? Why can I get an awesome Recaro seat in the CTS-V, but not in the Corvette?
Just remember guys, this is still GM. The truth is 3 years down the road and how the car has held up.
--- Jeff from PNW on 01.25.2013 at 1:05AM
I couldn't wait to see this. After seeing this, I was actually hoping that the production car was going to be anything but the renderings "leaked" to Jalopnik. How anti-climatic. Jalopnik must be thrilled out of their minds that their scoop is miles ahead of everyone else.
However, after much deliberation, I actually like it now. The specs, the style, everything. I was not a fan of the Camaro-esque rear lamps, but I dig it now. The aftermarket tuners will have a field day with this design. Hell, I can't wait for the Z06!
I've embraced this Stingray, even though I wish it should have been slotted between the Z06 and the ZR1. But the number of performance options (FIVE!) makes sense for this as the base model. Flexible for a larger market of buyers.
The cockpit is ridonkulous and I love it to pieces. Finally, a real seat for a real performance sports car.
Well done, Chevy! Well done.
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 01.27.2013 at 11:02PM
Last comment: I couldn't wait to see this. After seeing this, I was actually hoping that the production car was going to be anything but the renderings "leaked" to Jalopnik. How anti-climatic. Jalopnik must be thrilled out of their minds that their scoop is miles ahead of everyone else.
However, after much deliberation, I actually like it now. The specs, the style, everything. I was not a fan of the Camaro-esque rear lamps, but I dig it now. The aftermarket tuners will have a field day with this design. Hell, I can't wait for the Z06!
I've embraced this Stingray, even though I wish it should have been slotted between the Z06 and the ZR1. But the number of performance options (FIVE!) makes sense for this as the base model. Flexible for a larger market of buyers.
The cockpit is ridonkulous and I love it to pieces. Finally, a real seat for a real performance sports car.
Well done, Chevy! Well done. --- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 01.27.2013 at 11:02PM
I couldn't wait to see this. After seeing this, I was actually hoping that the production car was going to be anything but the renderings "leaked" to Jalopnik. How anti-climatic. Jalopnik must be thrilled out of their minds that their scoop is miles ahead of everyone else.
However, after much deliberation, I actually like it now. The specs, the style, everything. I was not a fan of the Camaro-esque rear lamps, but I dig it now. The aftermarket tuners will have a field day with this design. Hell, I can't wait for the Z06!
I've embraced this Stingray, even though I wish it should have been slotted between the Z06 and the ZR1. But the number of performance options (FIVE!) makes sense for this as the base model. Flexible for a larger market of buyers.
The cockpit is ridonkulous and I love it to pieces. Finally, a real seat for a real performance sports car.
Well done, Chevy! Well done.
--- SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 01.27.2013 at 11:02PM