The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray arrives with edges sharpened
In a rational world, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray wouldn’t exist. The very idea of launching a two-seat sports car named after a World War II ship powered by a truck-sized V-8 goes against every trend line on every chart in every automaker’s boardroom. Yet here it is, the seventh generation of America’s most venerated sports car, sharpened in all dimensions by racing experience toward out-hustling the best sports cars in the world. The question will be whether it can outrun history.
After 60 years of production, General Motors could have found ample reasons for waving the checkered flag at the Vette. Thanks to GM’s bankruptcy, the Vette has soldiered on longer than it should have without a major update; GM sold 14,132 last year, well off the 30,000 a year it sustained for much of the past decade. New U.S. fuel economy rules hit sports cars head-on, demanding the same measure of efficiency improvements in hot rods as in compact family sedans.
More importantly, the Corvette has lost much of its cultural currency from the heyday of NASA astronauts drag-racing their free Corvettes on the beach, falling into the tar pit of an old man’s car competing for young people’s attention. From “Transformers” to the “Fast and Furious” movies, Hollywood prefers the new Chevy Camaro and those Vettes the astronauts drove. A survey from the popular Forza racing video game of the most-driven models found the modern Vette didn’t crack the top 40. And while you can still buy Barbie her classic pink Vette, it’s a far less popular choice than sending her off with Ken in a Mini Cooper.
On first view, the makeover wrought by Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter and team appears evolutionary. Yet every piece of the Vette has either been re-engineered or updated, from the new all-aluminum frame to the sharper, “shrink-wrapped” exterior to the 6.2-liter, 450-hp, 450 lb.-ft. V-8. That engine can now be paired to an optional Tremec 7-speed manual, a GM first, that will automatically match the engine’s RPMs to the anticipated gear in all shifts.
More at: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-arrives-edges-sharpened-235611949.html
= new reply since forum marked as read
drool...
but in reality I drive this...
which I also love.
The Vette;
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta;
Gorgeous car. I pass by the plant in Bowling Green, KY. about once a month.
... one could not help but notice the Euro influence in the styling, and why not, the Europeans (ok Italians 
have always made the most exciting sports cars.
I too have always wanted a vette but looks like that ship has sailed. If I DID get one I'd want a 69 or so
Also available in hard top I think? But I love an open roof.
And, the Tesla's loads better for the environment, too, since it's all electric. 
('62)
My choice would be the '63 split window coupe
More low T sufferers to ride my ass down the road.
I was skepitical when the renderings leaked a year ago. However after seeing actual photos I am loving it.
GM said they are targeting a younger dempgraphic with the C7. Being a 22 year old, I think I fall right into the dempgraphic they wish to target. (Or will be in that demographic in a few years)
The styling this time around is much more exotic than the outgoing model. Lamborghinis have long been my dream cars, however this Corvette is making me reconsider. Plus the fact that a new Corvette is ~$60k vs. a new Lamborghini Gallardo's ~$200k helps. 
Some hi-res pics from the show:
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Also in gray!
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I like the gray one a LOT more than the red. It just looks sleeker, somehow. Maybe because the black bits on the body don't stand out as much? Now if only I had a pile of cash sitting around that I no other use for.... (And if I did, make mine the 7-speed manual, please.)
Well, it can't, 'cause my dad took it out to get rebuilt and the truck it was in the back of was stolen on the way to the shop. In like 1991. We suck at prompt completion of projects. Which is why like two years ago we were talking crate motors.
He made noises about yoinking the engine out of the El Camino, you can guess what my response sounded like.
edit: And the silly rear spoiler just messes up the aerodynamics and the lines of the car, both.
I'm glad I did the work, but I never want to do that again. It took me about two years to get everything apart, cleaned, and put back together. I was really proud of myself for what I managed to accomplish - especially since before doing any of the work I knew absolutely nothing about cars. I sure learned a lot. I even rebuilt the transmission (TH350) on my own.
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For the engine, I ended up with a 465 hp, 450 tq, 383 cubic in, 6.2 liter V-8. It made a huge difference over the stock L-48 that the car used to have.
I don't need a garage queen, though. I will buy a sailboat or something to go camping with.
