The design of the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is almost universally loved.

From its distinct aeronautical lines to its intricate ventilation systems to its sleek, sculpted finish, the new Corvette, the seventh generation of the iconic American sports car, looks good from virtually any angle.

What makes the design all the more fascinating is the fact that the form of the car fully follows function.

As 2014 Corvette exterior design chief Tom Peters explains in this latest video, every feature of the car’s body has a serious functional aspect to it.

In fact, almost every millimeter of the new Corvette’s surface is the way it is for a specific reason rather than purely design.

In addition to countless hours in the wind tunnel, the final shape was also dictated by lessons learned from motorsport. In particular, lessons learned from racing the car’s predecessor.

This directly affected the shape of the front-end: the air dam has been designed so that air flows through the angled radiator and out through the vented hood and over the roof, helping to optimize cooling and downforce. Another standout feature is the rear fender vents, which channel air to the transmission and differential.

All of this hard effort should ensure that the new Corvette is the best yet, not only in track times but efficiency too. Yes, it is also expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.

For our complete coverage on the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray so far, click here.