Ever since its inception in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has always been America’s bargain sports – and sometimes, super-car (think ZR1). Despite all the improvements and advances made to the new, seventh generation model, General Motors will keep this tradition with the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the prices of which were announced today.
The base coupe model starts at $51,995 (equal to €39,910 at today’s exchange rates), while the soft-top convertible has a starting retail price of $56,995 (€43,800), with both MSRPs including a $995 destination fee. We’ll remind you that the base models are powered by GM’s new LT1 6.2-liter V8 delivering 450hp linked to a standard 7sp manual, or an optional automatic transmission driving the rear set of wheels.
Not bad at all, especially considering that the current 430hp C6 Corvette retails for $50,595 (including destination fee), which means Chevrolet increased the price by just $1,400. It also remains cheaper than the base 275hp Porsche Cayman that starts at $53,550 (including a $950 handling and delivery charge).
“The 2014 Corvette Stingray perfectly embodies Chevrolet’s mission to deliver more than expected for our customers,” commented Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The Corvette Stingray delivers a combination of performance, design and technology that very few manufacturers can match, and none can even come close for $52,000.”
As for the standard features on the base versions of the 2014 Corvette Stingray, Chevrolet issued the following list:
- Seating with lightweight magnesium frames for exceptional support, and eight-way power adjustment
- Five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors up to 12 vehicle attributes
- New seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching
- 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system
- Carbon fiber hood on all models, and a carbon fiber removable roof panel on coupes
- Aluminum frame that is 99 pounds lighter (45 kg) and 57-percent stiffer than the previous model’s structure
- Advanced, high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting
- Dual, eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, with next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and rear vision camera
- Bose nine-speaker audio system with SiriusXM Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and SD card and auxiliary input jack
- Keyless access with push-button start
- Power tilt/telescope steering wheel
- An all-new, fully electronic top on the convertible that can be lowered remotely using the key fob
If you’re wondering about the cost of the full-spec Corvette Stingray that was displayed at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year and which includes the Z51 performance kit ($2,800), GM tells us that it’s priced at $73,360. It came with the following extras:
- 3LT interior package, with leather-wrapped interior ($8,005)
- Z51 Performance Package ($2,800)
- Competition sports seats ($2,495)
- Exposed-carbon-fiber roof panel ($1,995)
- Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management ($1,795)
- Dual-mode exhaust system ($1,195)
- Carbon fiber interior trim ($995)
- Sueded, microfiber-wrapped upper interior trim ($995)
- Red-painted calipers ($595)
- Black-painted wheels ($495)
The 3LT interior package includes: Bose 10-speaker surround-sound audio system; SiriusXM Satellite radio with one-year subscription and HD radio receiver; color head-up display; memory package; navigation system; heated and ventilated seats with power lumbar and bolster adjustment; premium Napa leather seating surfaces; and leather-wrapped dash and instrument panel, console and door panels.
The Z51 Performance Package includes: high-performance gear ratios; transmission-cooling system; larger 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels and tires; larger, slotted rotors and brake-cooling ducts; electronic limited-slip differential and differential cooling system; unique chassis tuning; and available Magnetic Ride Control active-handling system with Performance Traction Management. Equipped with the Z51 package, the Corvette Stingray is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in under four seconds, and more than 1 g in cornering.
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