2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: Pictures

 The trunk isn’t deep, since the transmission sits beneath it, but it is very wide and open, with plenty of space for your gear. Occupants can even reach back to access their things, if they like. Notice the clip assemblies on either side of the trunk above the wheels? They hold the roof panel securely in place when you remove it.

 Photos by Justin Pritchard and Chris Koski

 Driver-centric on a whole new level, the cockpit wraps around the driver, while a console-mounted ‘holy-heck’ handle literally blocks the passenger from accessing the driver’s controls. That big centre screen slides down and out of the way, concealing a storage space and charge-port behind it.

 Another bit of high-tech floats in front of the driver virtually, in the notch at the front of the hood. This Head-Up Display (HUD) can be configured to show revs, navigation directions, G-Forces, speed and more. Only the driver can see it.

 The new LT1 V8 makes 460 horsepower. It’s mounted in the ‘middle of the front’ of the car, helping weight balance. Direct injection helps keep fuel bills down, as does cylinder deactivation. The hood is extremely light, and supported by two small gas struts when it’s open.

 The instrument cluster includes a partially digital configuration, with a large, high-resolution screen in the middle. Drivers can select dozens of readouts to monitor, in one of three display themes: Sport, Track or Touring. The Rev Match paddle activates automatic throttle blipping when you gear down. Just worry about the clutch, and the car works the throttle for you for racecar down-shift sound effects without the work (or skill).

 Thin, single-layer, expanded-tip tailpipes, instead of thicker, double-walled tailpipes, help reduce cost and weight. The little divots help give the exhaust its distinctive, meaty sound. So do a set of flaps that open and close within the outer pipes to control muffling characteristics and sound volume.

 Side mirrors are mounted on stalks, rather than to the side of the door, for improved air flow to the transmission cooling vents behind them. Those vents, located above the rear wheels, channel air towards the transmission, keeping the fluid inside cooler. Corvette has had a rear-mounted transmission for nearly 20 years now, and the new cooling vents are straight out of the Corvette racecar.

 One vent, two vents, three vents, four vents… Corvette’s body is all about exploiting aerodynamics. The body covers things up and keeps the elements out, but it also provides cool, fresh air to vital parts underneath. For instance, the vent in the hood connects to the lower grille and forms a pressure differential, effectively ‘vacuuming’ hot air away from the radiator at speed. The plastic flaps in front of the wheels, called spats, keep air away from the tires for better aerodynamics and stability.

The Stingray’s rear end is the best angle for showing off the wide-set stance, carefully designed aerodynamics, and the new, non-round taillamps. Quad-pipe exhaust communicates the need for high-performance breathing, and the subtle lip spoiler adds flare and downforce.