2014 C7 Corvette: My Most Anticipated Reveal of 2013

Possible Rendering of the 2014 Chevrolet C7 Covette

There are a lot of new cars and watches coming in 2013.  Some, like the McLaren P1, Porsche Macan, Audi RS7 Cabriolet, a miscellaneous 50th anniversary Lamborghini, a miscellaneous 50th anniversary Rolex Daytona, the Rotonde de Cartier Perpetual Calendar Chronograph and oh so much more are certainly worth waiting for.  2013 is shaping up to be a banner year for all things TickTickVroom-y.  

However, there is one thing that I await with baited breath; one thing more than all others.  That (in case you haven't read the title of this post) is the 2014 C7 Chevrolet Corvette.  While there was the opportunity to "test drive" the C7 in Gran Turismo 5, we have only ten more days until it is revealed in all of its Detroit-y glory.  While the 2014 Corvette may be revealed on January 13, 2013, that does not mean Chevrolet and its various apparati haven't given us, the automotive public, nuggets of information on which to chew.  Perhaps it is time to take a quick account of what we know so far...

TRANSMISSION:
The 2014 C7 Chevrolet Corvette will get a 7-speed manual gearbox.  None of the dual clutch, F1, SMG or manu-matic shenanigans here, just seven gears, four gates, a clutch pedal and so much fun.

ENGINE:

2014 C7 Corvette Intake Manifold

The C7 Corvette, just like every other car must increase its overall fuel efficiency.  Rumor had it that the 2014 'Vette was to be powered by a turbo V-6.  But, a few months ago, Chevrolet announced it would use a 6.2 liter V-8 putting out 450 horse and 450 lb-ft of torque as its "base" engine which will get better than 30 mpg.  As the fastest ever "base" Corvette, the C7 will hit 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.  Just imagine the C7 Z06 and ZR1!


BODY, TIRES AND CHASSIS:
For the first time, the base 2014 Corvette's main spaceframe members will be aluminum alloy.  The weight savings shouldn't hurt performance and fuel efficiency numbers.  Also on the weight saving front, the panels, floors and bulkheads of the base 2014 C7 will be made of composites, likely carbon fiber.  Oh, and don't forget the squared-off taillights (think Camaro or C4 Corvette).  Finally, goodbye Goodyears.  Hello Michelin Pilot Sports.

INTERIOR:
A plastic and sub-par interior has been the bane of the Corvette for several generations.  Chevrolet has been able to achieve world leading performance and speed for a relative bargain ($105,000 for a Corvette ZR1 vs $225,000 for a Porsche GT2 RS).  However, that is about to change.  If leaks, rumor, innuendo and a Chevy teaser video are to be believed (sure, why not), the C7 interior will be a very pleasant place, indeed, swathed in leather, carbon fiber and alcantara.  Fit, finish and build quality to be determined.


All in all, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 is shaping up to be the best, fastest, most luxurious and eco friendly Corvette to date.  Finally, it seems Chevy has listened to the complaints about their flagship sports car and delivered a 'Vette to go toe-to-toe with Europe's and Japan's best.  Ten days cannot possibly pass quickly enough.