Corvette has been the hallmark of performance in General Motors ever since its maiden debut back in 1953. To make the latest Corvette, GM had to ensure that it combines the perfect balance of technology with design and performance. The result is the most beautiful, breath taking and powerful standard Chevrolet Corvette ever made.
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| Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray |
The Corvette’s beautiful exterior is fresh and does not have any connection to the outgoing model. Lighting is a signature element of the new C7’s design. This is evident from the new white LED lamps. They have a distinctive daytime styling that gives the front a striking look during the day or night. The LEDs are set in a black-chrome housing with standard HID projector headlamps.The turn signals feature edge-lit yellow LED lighting. Dual-element taillamps replace the circular lights that were visible on the C6. The taillights have three-dimensional, sculpted lenses that feature innovative indirect LED lighting. To bring out the taillight’s charming glow, LEDs cast their light from the bottom of the housing into a reverse reflector that creates even glow. Reverse lights are also feature white LEDs.
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| Two great Corvette Stingrays side by side |
A distinct feature of the taillights is the aircraft-style outlets that open up to cool the transmission. The party piece for the rear design has to be the new quad-exhaust pipes. They are tuned to bring out the car’s new V8 soundtrack in an unmatched way. Corvette designers also spent hours tweaking its stylish body to make it more aerodynamic. Their work is visible all-round the car. At the front it has a new grille that keeps the front stuck to the road. This helps improve steering performance at high speed. Its front fenders have side covers that vent air from underneath the car to reduce drag at high speed. The roof and bonnet are made of carbon fibre while the space frame is made of aluminium. The new C7 has a lower overall weight compared to the outgoing model.
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| Unlike any Corvette before it |
Under its carbon fibre bonnet is an all-new LT1 6.2L Small Block V-8 engine, which produces 450hp (335kW) and an impressive 610Nm of torque. 0-100km/h takes less than 4 seconds. The engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel. The Small Block V-8 uses less than 9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. Married to the engine is either a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission or an industry exclusive TREMEC TR6070 seven-speed manual with Active Rev Matching. The seven-speed manual incorporates rev-matching technology for upshifts and downshifts. This driver-selectable feature can be easily engaged or disengaged via paddles on the steering wheel. A six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 paddle-shift automatic is also available. It is optimised for use with Active Fuel Management and features a lower-inertia torque converter for improved shift quality and shift speeds. Power to the rear is managed by its distinctive rear transaxle layout for optimal weight balance.
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| Unique front design empathized by LED at the headlamp |
A track-capable Z51 Performance Package is now available for the C7. This adds an electronic limited-slip differential, a dry-sump oiling system, integral brakes, a differential and transmission cooling system, as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability. The C7 rides on new 18 x 8.5-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear wheels, while models with the Z51 Performance Package roll on 19 x 8.5-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear forged aluminium wheels. Standard Brembo brakes, with four-piston fixed callipers derived from racing, deliver exceptional stopping power on the road or track. New Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat tires developed specifically for the seventh-generation Corvette deliver comparable levels of grip than the wider tires of previous models. Other performance features included in the new C7 include a Launch Control system that provides maximum off-the-line acceleration, Magnetic Ride Control that adjusts shock damping based on road conditions to offer optimized comfort and StabiliTrak that comes with two modes (Sport and Track) which are more suited for on-track conditions.
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| Crafted driver focused interior |
Its highly crafted exterior is echoed by its new interior. A blend of fine materials and crafted adornments interplay with each other. All models feature a fully-wrapped interior, where every surface is covered with premium, soft-touch materials. Available materials, depending on the trim level, include Napa leather, aluminium, carbon fibre and micro-suede. The leather-wrapped instrument panel features hand-selected and hand-stretched materials. A smaller 14.1-inch-diameter steering wheel fosters a more direct, immediate feel to directional inputs. Two seating choices, GT and Competition Sports packs, are available. With the GT pack the C7 gets all-around comfort seats while the Competition Sport seat pack features more aggressive side bolstering which provides greater support on the track. The frame structure for both seats is made of magnesium for greater strength and less weight than comparable steel frames. They’re also more rigid, contributing to the enhanced feeling of support during performance driving. A sweeping arch motif over the driver cockpit trim helps to bring a cockpit effect to the driver. Three configurable displays, including a pair of eight-inch screens and colour head-up display, deliver personalized information and convey the different performance parameters of each drive mode. The two eight-inch bright screens offer excellent visibility in direct sunlight. One of the large eight-inch-screen is visible behind the steering wheel while the other is tucked neatly at the centre console. The screen in the centre console features touch-screen control with gesture recognition and can be lowered to reveal a hidden storage that includes a USB input for device charging or uploads. Sound comes out of a premium10-speaker audio system with a bass box and two subwoofers.
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| Quad exhaust pipes |
The new Chevrolet Corvette C7 is the best Corvette ever made. General Motors thinks so as well. Like the 1962 C2 Corvette which had cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and an inspiring driving experience, the new C7 also delivers similar capabilities. This is why it gets the unique Stingray name.
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| Comfort Pack Seats |
Prices for the new Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray have not been released yet. The first Corvette C7 to be made was sold for an impressive $1.1 million (Kshs 95.7 million). This shows that demand for the C7 will surely be nothing short of great.
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| Removable carbon fibre roof |
Chevrolet has also hinted that since the C7 is targeted for the international market it might be available in Right Hand Drive as well. Is any rich Kenyan reading this?