It's been more than a year since the seventh-generation Corvette->ke1280 arrived in U.S. dealerships, and Chevy's new sports car is enjoying great success. In fact, it's so successful that the 2014 SEMA Show->ke216 features yet another batch of modified Vettes. GM->ke2320 is definitely eager to showcase a bunch of new accessories for its halo car, while some tuning shops give the newly developed LT1 even more power. While that may be enticing for gearheads attending the event, there's a certain Corvette that highlights a different approach; one that's more likely to come from customizing programs such as Ferrari's->ke252 Tailor Made and Lamborghini's->ke44 Ad Personam.

This is what the Corvette Stingray Paul Stanley edition is all about, a one-of-a-kind creation that shows what Chevrolet->ke199 is capable of when it comes to creating unique vehicles. Of course, this isn't a limited-edition you'll be able to purchase at a dealership near you next year, but a bespoke sports car->ke506 crafted with input from Kiss guitarist and singer Paul Stanley, also known as "The Starchild." Rockstars are known to have a thing for fast cars, and it seems Stanley isn't keen to give up on his singing career and buy a Toyota Camry ->ke246just yet.

Click past the jump to read more about the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Paul Stanley.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray by Paul Stanley

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray by Paul Stanley
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 460
  • Torque: 465
  • Transmission: eight-speed paddle-shift automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Stanley's Corvette didn't get any aerodynamic upgrades, as you'd expect from a SEMA Show car, but it comes in a unique livery that blends a Candy Red body with a Midnight Glaze Silver roof. The mirrors, the front grille and the rear spoiler received the same silver treatment. This isn't something you can have your Corvette wrapped in from the factory, but boy we wish we could. The combo is stunning to look at and it looks like the kind of shades Chip Foose would use on its hot rods.

The paint job might be simple and clean for a show like SEMA, but there's more to it once you take a closer look at the rear fenders. The star with the three stripes running toward the rear fascia is Stanley's very own trademark. In case you're not familiar with his work, during his live performances with Kiss, Paul wears a black star painted on his right eye.

Rounding of the exterior is a set of Chevrolet Accessories forged aluminum wheels finished in Carbon Flash Metallic. The rollers measure 19 inches up front and 20 inches on the rear, and come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

Interior

The interior of the Corvette Stingray is equally unique. The seats are wrapped in quilted parchment leather, with similar accents spread throughout the cabin. The light-colored leather provides a strong contrast with the otherwise black interior, with dark-red accent stitching adding a dash of color.

Everything else is standard Corvette Stingray, but it's not something I can complain about, as the seventh-generation sports car is as premium as it gets compared to its predecessor. My only complaint is that this bespoke interior can't be selected as an option on the 2015 model.

Drivetrain

While the exterior and the interior received a fair amount of goodies, the Stingray's engine gained no updates whatsoever. However, Stanley opted for the range-topping Z51 Performance configuration, meaning this particular coupe boasts a performance exhaust system that bumps its output to 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Other features included in the package include a dry-sump oiling system, an electronic limited-slip differential, and larger front brakes.

As far as the transmission goes, Stanley selected the new-for-2015, optional eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The unit delivers lightning-quick shifting and enables the sports car to return up to 29 mpg on the highway.

Drivetrain/Specifications

Type

6.2L Gen V LT1 engine

Horsepower

460 HP

Peak Torque

465 LB-FT

Transmission

eight-speed paddle-shift automatic

Fuel economy

29 mpg highway


Prices

Chevrolet did not disclose the amount customers would have to pay for an exact replica of Stanley's Corvette, but simple math tells us it would fetch in close to $80,000. The 3LT trim with the Z51 Performance Package costs $69,445, while the Michelin tires add another $1,739. The wheels aren't yet listed on Chevrolet Accessories' website, but we expect a full set to cost about $3,000. The total sits at $74,184 without the paint job, which, unfortunately, you can't have it unless you take it to a tuning shop. On the other hand, you might as well opt for something unique if you're willing to spend a few thousand bucks on a bespoke exterior.

Conclusion

For a SEMA Show car, Stanley's Corvette is far from spectacular, especially since there are no modifications under the hood. However, it's living proof that a seventh-gen Corvette can be customized in a tasteful fashion without turning it into a 800-horspower supercar. Looking at it I can't help but wonder why Chevrolet has yet to established a customizing program similar to Ferrari's "Tailor Made" for the Corvette. Aside from the Chevrolet Accessories range, of course.