Chevrolet has announced that its next-generation Corvette 'C7' is ready for a grand unveiling at Detroit's North American International Auto Show come January 13, 2013.
With the unveiling of the all-new Porsche 911 and the SRT Viper earlier this year, no car is more highly anticipated than the next halo "Heartbeat of America."
Drumming up some buzz months ahead of the sports car's debut, GM has just released images of the latest refresh of the iconic crossed flags emblem adorned to Corvettes since 1953. According to GM vice president of Global Design Ed Welburn, "The flags are much more modern, more technical, and more detailed than before-- underscoring the comprehensive redesign of the entire car."
Despite the changing of the guards, many car enthusiasts agree that the C6 Corvette has aged rather well. In fact, Corvette Racing's Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner had just won the ALMS GT Drivers Championship at the VIR 240 of Virginia International Raceway. This was the team's fourth victory in nine races for the GT Manufacturer Championship class.
That said, for car buyers still in the market for a C6 model, customers have until December to submit their orders. The 2013 C6 Corvette will officially go out of production in February. GM's Bowling Green, Kentucky, plant will then revamp the facility to ready production for the 2014 C7-generation Corvette.
So, what exactly do we know about the next Corvette? GM announced that a new small-block V8 powerplant will make its first debut on Wednesday, October 24. Beyond that, a number of mules have been spotted under extensive camouflage and cladding in an effort to keep its development hush-hush.
Based on what we've seen, the profile of the new C7 stays very close to the general shape of past corvettes. Front overhang on the new C7 seems shortened compared to the out-going model, no doubt in an effort to keep its mass centralized. Also, its wheelbase may be stretched ever so slightly as well. As stylized in the C5 and C6, the C7 Corvette also boasts centralized quad-exhausts, this time grouped together in a full-enclosed surround possibly for better aero management under the car. At the front, air inlights seem sharper and more aggressive while the light elements also indicate the use of LEDs.
Perhaps the most crucial revamp for the C7 Corvette is its interior. The next Corvette is expected to receive a much more premium treatment to evoke the sort of bespoke luxury now expected in halo vehicles in its category.
As for the structure and mechanical bits, the Corvette is expected to push the composite envelope and extensively apply carbon fiber and light weight metals throughout the architecture. Engine-wise, GM's new powerplant will no doubt address not just superior performance, but fuel management technology as well. We predict a standard Corvette will offer power outputs in the 450-hp range while the range-topping Z06 and ZR1 models should push the mark well beyond 650-hp. Finally, a patent leak has shown that GM has been working on a seven-speed manual transmission very similar to the unit found in the Porsche 911. GM is expected to offer a seven-speed automatic gearbox as well.
Stay tuned as we draw closer to the Corvette's official debut. For now, check out the new Corvette emblem short video from GM below:
