It seems like every month new revelations concerning the next-generation ‘C7’ Chevrolet Corvette surface, mostly conjecture generated by fans on forums or other random sources but sometimes official spiel from within GM.
What we do know is that the C7 will now arrive two model years after the current 2012 Chevrolet Corvette, meaning it will be a 2014 model and should be available in the second half of the 2013 calendar year. We got that confirmation following GM’s announcement of a $131 million investment in the Corvette plant at Bowling Green, Kentucky, along with comments from GM’s North American boss Mark Reuss who stated that the car will be "completely different".
Another tidbit revealed from GM design boss Ed Welburn is that the new ‘Vette will get a split rear window along with some other vintage styling cues inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray and previewed on the 50th Anniversary Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept.
Other than that, everything we’ve heard about the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette is largely a matter of speculation.
Corvette Stingray Concept split rear window
The newest info comes by way of a report on Motor Trend, which suggests that the new car will remain front-engined and rear-wheel drive, will retain a simple naturally aspirated engine in base trim and will debut with a brand new platform.
GM is reportedly happy with the way the current C6 model drives--and we wholeheartedly agree--but apparently engineers are keen to improve the level of driver feedback, allowing even novice drivers to get more out of the car when at track meets.
The overall dimensions of the car should remain the same, though increased weight saving measures should be employed, including the greater use of lightweight composite materials in its construction.
Finally, engineers are also said to be focused on improving the quality of the interior, which is completely understandable. The target is reportedly to make the cabin feel like its worthy of cars with $100,000 pricetags, with better layout, fit and finish and material choices all being examined closely.
For our complete coverage on the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette so far, click here.
