Chevrolet->ke199 has just pulled the covers off its highly anticipated C7.R, the racing version of its new C7 Corvette Stingray. The news falls with the unveiling of the new Corvette Z06, the car the C7.R shares many design and performance attributes with. The two beasts were co-developed to take full advantage of the engineering expertise and technology both versions of the Vette use to succeed.

The C7.R features the same fuel-saving/power-making direct injection technology as the production C7 Z06, though used on a 5.5-liter V-8 instead of the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 - all mounted to a highly-ridged aluminum frame. Vents, scoops, extractors, wings, and underbody panels all act together in reducing drag and creating down force.

The lessons learned on the race tract with the outgoing C6.R were key in assisting designers and engineers in developing the current C7 and more so the C7 Z06. For more info on the new production model 2015 Corvette Z06, check out TopSpeed’s full coverage.

Updated 01/23/2015: We've added a series of new images taken during the car's presentation at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

Click past the jump for more info on the C7.R and official Press Release

2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Chevrolet->ke199 learned a lot with the C6.R and it’s not messing with success. The forward-tilted radiator, hood heat extractor, and huge side gills work together to both keep the engine cool and provide copious amounts of downforce. New to the C7 and C7.R are the beltline-mounted, rear quarter panel air inlets feeding air onto the rear-mounted transmission and differential. Out back, a huge wing and lower diffuser help route air in the most beneficial ways by creating downforce on the rear tires.

Designing both the production Z06 and dedicated racer C7.R together has it major engineering benefits. "We worked concurrently with the race team developing the aerodynamic packages for the Z06 and the C7.R," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "We even used the same modeling software to test both cars, enabling us to share data and wind-tunnel test results. As a result, the aerodynamics of the production Z06 produce the most downforce of any production car GM has ever tested, and we are closing in on the aero performance of a dedicated race car."

Chassis

Both the C7 Z06 and C7.R ride on the same aluminum frame manufactured in-house at the Bowling Green, KY plant. Advancements in laser welding, Flowdrill-machined fasteners, and a proprietary aluminum spot-welding process make the frame 40 percent stronger than the frame on the outgoing C6.R. The result is said to be a better handling car that reacts more predictably over ever-changing and rough surfaces. “This is important as our drivers don't always stay on the smooth pavement, and are constantly driving over curbing at corner apexes,” says Mark Kent, the director of Racing for Chevrolet.

Drivetrain

Limited by displacement regulations, the new C7.R is powered by the same 5.5-liter V-8 that powered the outgoing C6.R. However the engine now features GM’s direct injection fuel system, giving the C7.R three-percent better fuel economy than the outgoing car. Good fuel economy might not be the first thing conjured up regarding a race car, but refueling stops take time away from racing. Extra power will likely be a huge benefit of the direct injection, though Chevy has yet to release those numbers. Like the Z06, the C7.R sill has the rear-mounted transmission for better weight distribution.

Competition

The Race Season Begins

The C7.R will have little time to meet the press and public before it hits the track in its first race. January 25 will see the C7.R take on the Rolex 24 at the Daytona International Speedway. It will be racing against the likes from Porsche->ke1, Ferrari->ke252, BMW->ke178, and Aston Martin->ke13 as it competes to expand its healthy race career. The Corvette race team has 90 global victories and 10 manufacturer championships under its belt since beginning in 1999.

Conclusion