2014 Chevrolet Corvette

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  • Model: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

The history of the Chevrolet Corvette shows that the company has been steady with their sports car like soft curves and sporty profile. Recently, a video was released (displayed above) that showed a rendering of the sports car's future design, detailing a supercar with hard angles and a harder edge fastback. This rendering is more like a daydream as opposed to a viable prediction. Chevrolet has been known to hold on to their core designs for dear life (see: pop-up headlights) and even failing sales may prove to be a weak reason to reconfigure their thought process.

We're not saying that the future Corvette will not receive somewhat of a dramatic redesign, but Chevrolet straying too far from the sports car tried and true recipe is a bitter pill for us to swallow. Instead, we think that Chevrolet will take their current model and try to provide a harder edge look within reason. They have even described their future model's design as being more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, which means that it will be the same old Corvette with stand-out enhancements. The fast-back style roof will absolutely be part of the equation, as will the twin-circle taillights and the famous Corvette pointy nose which were shown in the digital renderings leaked onto the internet. The front end will get harder edges that will enhance its look and redesigned headlights to draw more attention to the signature style. Rumors began flying that the Corvette would be offered with a split rear window - like the one first seen on the 1963 Stingray - but GM has confirmed that is not the case.

After all is said and done, if Chevrolet cannot come up with an edgier design that maintains the classic Corvette look, we'll be served up with the same old dish as before. As of right now, Chevrolet may be having a bit of trouble coming up with the right formula to pull the iconic sports car out of the sales gutter. Even Ed Welburn, GM’s Global Design head, said that designing the next Corvette has been a real challenge: "Everyone wants to design a Corvette, but it is hard work. Finding that right balance is a challenge. You want it to be a new design, but it needs to be recognizable as a Corvette. You don’t want to be the guy who screwed it up."

Interior

Current Corvette Interior

The Chevrolet Corvette's interior has been a sore spot for owners for many years due to the lack of quality in the materials and the uncomfortable sport seats with springs that dig into your arse like high school bleachers. If a new exterior design is a tough sell, convincing GM to allow for an improved interior should be a cake walk.

Turns out, it was as GM had no problem addressing that issue. They have stated that the future Corvette will get higher quality materials for the interior, but have yet to announce any details as to what will be changed. Cushier seats will have to be a given - maybe something like the upgraded seats on the 2012 Centennial Edition and the 2013 60th-anniversary and 427 convertible Collector Editions - and we're thinking a little more technology wouldn't be a tough call to make, like a new infotainment system. Hey, if the Ford Focus->ke440 can get all teched out, then the Corvette should be able to dazzle us with something.

Engine

2014 Corvette Supposedly On Sale On eBay

It has been said that the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette->ke1280 would be utilizing a 5.5L small block V8 engine in its front engine, rear wheel drive platform and will actually get more horsepower than the typical 6.2L and 7.0L engines used in the past. With this engine, the Corvette would end up with 440HP, about 5 HP up from the previous generation, and will also feature better fuel economy to boot. The engine was also said to come with a revised combustion system and an aluminum block and heads.

This isn't 100% the case as it stands. Chevrolet has confirmed that the future Corvette would be powered by a 6.2-liter engine mated to a seven-speed manual transmission under the hood. This larger displacement engine, with the help of direct injection, should be able to push out much more horsepower than the current model, possibly reaching 500 HP. Better fuel economy is also anticipated.

Another sore spot for the current Corvette is its suspension. Unfortunately, nothing has been said that would make any of us believe that any dramatic, drive-altering changes will be made. Yes, even the transverse leaf springs will be making a comeback, which may leave a bad taste on the mouths of some enthusiasts that believe coil springs will improve handling and flexibility, but shouldn't be a surprise nonetheless. Chevrolet has been using this setup for years and isn't about to pull a 180. What we do know is that the suspension setup will include some weight-saving measures.

Pricing and Availability

Rendering Found On CorvetteConti.Com

The next generation Corvette was supposed to debut in 2011, but clearly, Chevrolet has been having some issues as to which direction the new design should take. The official debut has been pushed back to sometime in mid-2013, for a 2014 model. Preparations for production have already started taking place at Chevrolet's Bowling Green, Kentucky plant where all Corvettes are made. Tours of the plant will cease on September 14, 2012 to provide ample time to rearrange the plant and bring in new machinery for production.

Anticipated starting price for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette is between $50,000-$60,000.

Competition

Our Original Wishful Thinking Rendering

We don't anticipate the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette to get any new competitors based on its "new" design. It will still take on the likes of the Jaguar XK and the Nissan GT-R.

The Jaguar XK has been redesigned for 2012 and is powered by a 5.0 Liter V8 that delivers a total of 385 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque or 510 HP in the XK-R version. The Corvette may have a higher power output, but the XK has the advantage of a more luxurious interior, which the Corvette, even with a higher quality interior, will never be able to compete against.

The Nissan GT-R comes with a 3.8-liter V6 twin turbo engine that delivers 475hp to 530hp at 6,400rpm and is by far one of the best looking sports cars on the market.