The all-new Chevrolet Corvette has been revealed after years of rumours and teasers – and the new model is very different from what has gone before.
While latest versions of the other pillars of the US muscle-car establishment, the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, clearly evoke their predecessors, the new Corvette Stingray is turning from muscle car to supercar format.
It retains a traditional V8 power plant, but this has been moved from beneath the bonnet to behind the driver in a mid-engined layout.
Chevrolet says the new positioning of the 6.2-litre engine improves weight distribution. It also allows the driving position to be moved forward and closer to the axle, which is said to improve responsiveness and a sense of control.
The V8 develops 495hp, put through the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. With the Z51 Performance Package, the car completes the 0-60mph sprint in under three seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating Corvette ever.
The aggressive styling treatment is said to be inspired by modern fighter jets and Formula One race cars, while still incorporating classic Corvette cues.
According to Michael Simcoe, vice president of global design at General Motors, redesigning the Corvette Stingray from the ground up; “presented the team with a historic opportunity, something Chevrolet designers have desired for over 60 years.
“It is now the best of America, a new arrival in the mid-engine sports car class – we know Corvette can stand tall with the best the world has to offer,” he says.
Pricing for the Corvette Stingray has not yet been revealed, but Chevrolet has hinted at a sub-$60,000 (£53,700) price tag in the US. And Chevrolet is following the example of Ford with the Mustang by confirming that the new Corvette will be sold in the UK as a right-hand drive model for the first time.
