Month: March 2013

Chevy hasn’t been forthcoming about what, if any, tricks are up its sleeve to increase the horsepower in future renditions of the C7.

We’ve been left to hope that the much beloved Z06 and ZR1 will live on in the new generation of the Corvette.

Now comes a little more hope for at least a ZR1, thanks to a photo taken by Car and Driver as the Stingray convertible prepared to make its debut in Geneva this week. The magazine reports that a close examination of photos after returning to the office reveals a PSI gauge in the instrument cluster of the subject convertible that is similar to the one in the current supercharged C6 ZR1.

The magazine couldn’t confirm that the gauge means the actual existence of a supercharged engine underneath the hood of the base convertible in the photos and believes that it could more likely just show the programming flexibility of the C7′s new instrument cluster.

It could just be a case of “GM programming the (thin-film transistor) display for all future powertrain options,” the magazine wrote. “Building a ZR1? Flip some ones and zeroes, and – bam! – the right gauge cluster pops up.”

While Car and Driver wouldn’t rule out that the display could also be only wishful thinking on the part of a software programmer, the magazine reminds us that “this is GM, not Disney.”

Though speculation has been rampant about turbocharged and supercharged V-8s, twin-turbocharged V-6s, and heavily massaged naturally aspirated V-8s on the way, Car and Driver notes that Chevrolet has been secretive about any such future engines for the C7. They add that their sources believe the twin-turbo V-6 is a “non-starter” for the Vette in the near future and that powertrain decisions for the C7 were finalized in the first quarter of 2012.

Since the LS3 in the C6 was able to add more than 200-hp to the base V-8, Car and Driver says “there’s no telling how much power” might be added with a supercharger on the high-tech LT1 engine in the C7.
The magazine says its industry analysts believe interest in the C7 could remain high for 18 months with “just” the 450-hp base motor so Chevy is obviously not interested in releasing details of any more powerful engines too early. After all, they’re in the business to sell the most Corvettes possible. Guess we’ll just have to be patient.

Source:
Car and Driver

Related:
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Road & Track Imagines the Next Corvette ZR1
Motor Trend: C7 Corvette ZR1 Could Have More than 700 HP

 

Chevrolet got some good news and some bad from Consumer Reports in its annual Car Brand Perception survey.

In the survey, Consumer Reports lists each automaker’s highest-rated vehicle – and its lowest-rated.

Fortunately for Corvette fans, the Z06 was Chevy’s highest rated with a score of 92.

Here’s what Consumer Reports had to say about the ‘Vette:

“The Corvette offers impressive performance, with a relatively comfortable ride and very capable handling. The interior is roomy for a two-seat sports car, but fit and finish should be far better given the price. The Z06 we tested is a bargain high-performance sports car. Its 505-hp V8 produced ferocious acceleration with an exhaust note to match, but the base car is plenty powerful. Reliability has dropped to below average of late. A redesigned 2014 Corvette, called the Stingray, arrives this fall with more angular styling and a much nicer interior. A seven-speed manual will be standard, with a six-speed automatic optional. Power will come from a 6.2-liter V8 that will produce at least 450 hp, according to GM, and includes cylinder deactivation to maximize highway mileage.”

Unfortunately for Chevy, the Spark got the brand’s lowest score with a 34, prompting Consumer Reports to say this:

“Chevrolet’s smallest car is a four-seat ‘city car’ that’s well equipped with standards features such as a touch-screen infotainment system. Despite that, however, the Spark isn’t a good deal. Its dinky 84-hp, 1.2-liter four-cylinder and jerky four-speed automatic combine to provide slow acceleration; the standard manual transmission delivers better performance. The Spark’s cabin is cramped and relentlessly noisy, the ride is stiff and jittery, and fuel economy of 32 mpg overall isn’t that impressive. While it isn’t exciting to drive, the Spark is certainly maneuverable, exceptionally easy to park, and boasts a rear seat that is actually usable by two adults.”

Chevy no doubt hopes that the halo image of the Corvette will lead consumers to check out its other offerings, but Consumer Reports warns consumers to be careful about choosing a vehicle based on a single high-rated model. It’s not always a one-rating-fits-all system, though the magazine does point out that some brands fared better than others. Acura’s worst model, the ILX, still managed a score of 77 out of 100 and met the Consumer Reports’ performance standards, safety, and reliability criteria to be Recommended.

See how other General Motors’ brands fared in this survey at Consumer Reports.

Source:
Consumer Reports

Related:
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Consumer Reports: 2012 Corvette Z06 Is America’s Best Car

 

Chevrolet has already released several batches of photos showing the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible over the last coupe of days, but now that the Geneva Motor Show is finally here, we get a chance to learn all the details regarding the seventh generation convertible.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible features a fully electronic fabric top that can be operated with the key fob. Sales of the new Convertible Stingray model will begin in late 2013.

The Coupe and Convertible Stingrays are born the same, with a new aluminum frame that’s 99 pounds lighter than the current steel frame. Both models also receive the LT1 V8 that delivers an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. In fact all the performance technology and capabilities introduced on the Corvette Stingray Coupe carry over the Stingray Convertible. The only structural changes are for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts.

And if you’re wondering where the intake vents are on the rear for cooling the transmission and differential? The Stingray Convertible has them too. The functional cooling vents are still there but the air intakes are integrated into the underbody of the Convertible.

Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter says that “every Corvette is designed at the outset as an open car.” He adds, “The new Stingray is no different, with the coupe and convertible designed to excel in any situation – be it your daily commute, a drive across the continent, or charging through twisting backroads.”

And how grand it would be to charge through some twisting backroads with the top down in the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible.

When the top is up, the Corvette Stingray Convertible offers a refined driving experience. The thick three-ply fabric features sound-absorbing padding and glass rear window help to keep outside noise to a minimum while maintaining a premium appearance.

Put the top down, and you’re driving a new American icon – the Corvette Stingray roadster.

“The convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of Corvette since the very beginning in 1953,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously. As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design.”

The tonneau cover features dual black accent panels behind the seat and the signature “waterfall” brings the exterior into the interior, complete with the 7th generation crossed-flags logo.

The new Convertible top is now completely hands free. No more do you have to manually release the t-bar. In addition to its rocker button which has been moved to the left of the steering wheel, the top can also be activated with the key fob. Chevy also says the top can be opened or closed on the go, at speeds of up to 30 mph.

Like the Corvette Stingray Coupe, the Convertible can be ordered with the Z51 Performance Package which includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling and the unique aero package that further improves the stability of the car at high speeds.

Expect the new Corvette Stingray Convertibles for sale in late 2013.

In addition to the US market, Chevrolet will also be selling the left-hand-drive models in Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Japan and Russia.

According to Chevrolet, Corvettes for export vary only in equipment required to accommodate the respective markets’ regulations, such as lighting, headlamp washers and outside mirrors. No word from Chevy if Corvettes sold in Russia also come with a dash cam.

Click here of the official 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible Announcement (PDF)

Source:
General Motors

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