Tag: 2014 Corvette

Illustrated Corvette Series No. 193 – 2014 C7 Corvette Arrives!

Published on by Scott

Dateline: 5.1.13

The 2014 C7 Corvette Arrives… FINALLY!

ICS-II-2014-C7-Corvette-TN

 After what was without a doubt the longest, most tortuous buildup for a new generation Corvette ever, Chevrolet finally unleashed the 2014 C7 Corvette at the Detroit Auto Show on January 13, 2013. It was exhausting and I thought that Tadge Juechter, Tom Peters, and Ed Welburn would never stop talking. Finally, in a “TA-DA!” style, the red C7 came up and over a ramp, making it look like the car leapt on stage. It turned out that the spy photos and computer generated illustrations were close… but not quite on the mark. No, what we saw was better. But, I expected this, as the same thing happened before the C6 arrived – only we weren’t all on the torture rack for months on end.

This was the fifth new generation Corvette arrival I have seen, and it’s never easy. The ‘68 C3 wasn’t “Mako Shark” enough for many. The ‘84 C4 seemed too straight-lined and slab-like. The ‘97 C5 was called “too round” by some. The ‘05 C6 seemed like a crisped up C5 and was deemed a “C5.5” by a few. When it comes to Corvettes, you just can’t make everyone happy. However, each new generation, except for the C3, dished up stacks of impressive mechanical improvements, each taking the new generation to a new and higher level of performance. Continue reading “Illustrated Corvette Series No. 193 – 2014 C7 Corvette Arrives!” →

C7 Report – Styling Analysis of the Jalopnik C7 ZR1 Renderings

Published on by Scott6 Comments

Dateline: 2.10.1

Are the Jalopnik C7 renderings revving you up, or stalling you out?

Catch the entire Jalopnik report here... http://jalopnik.com/5858683/exclusive-this-is-the-2014-chevy-corvette

Be sure to take out C7 Jalopnik rendering poll at the bottom of this post!

I’ve been meaning to get to this for about two months now.  Back on November 14, 2011, Jalopnik.com dropped a fire bomb on the Corvette community with three renderings of what they claim to be, accurate illustrations of a ZR1 version of the C7 Corvette. Chevrolet immediately said, “Thanks, but WRONG, Jalopnik!” And Jalopnik called GM’s response, “a weak ass denial…” Okay, play NICE, everyone!

So, it’s been almost three months and if you read through the various forums and blog comments, not everyone is jazzed about what they see. Initially, Jalopnik said they would be releasing “photos” and then delivered “renderings,” claiming that their inside source swears on his mother’s grave that the created renderings are correct. I also have it from a Corvette writer friend with an inside source (I don’t know if it’s the same source as Jalopnik’s) that the renderings are spot on. Yes, right down to the Camaro taillights. My friend’s friend claims that even though Chevrolet knows that the Corvette fans will negatively react to the Camaro taillights, it’s a “corporate look” that runs across the Chevrolet line. I suppose it’s like how the Chevy Volt’s front end almost looks like a Malibu.

Be sure to read the entire Jalopnik story here, http://jalopnik.com/5858683/exclusive-this-is-the-2014-chevy-corvette

Since the Jalopnik renderings were published, there have been a rash of C7 sightings wearing those totally UGLY camo suits that could make a Playboy centerfold girl look like a dawg!. About the only thing that clear is that the car will (might) have quad exhaust pipes and LED taillights. But most obvious is the overall shape. Sorry guys, but it sure does look like a C6. And it’s BIG too. Continue reading “C7 Report – Styling Analysis of the Jalopnik C7 ZR1 Renderings” →

Jalopnik Says This is the C7 2014 Corvette

Published on by Scott

 

Dateline: 11.14.11
Love it or hate it? Cast your vote at the bottom of this post!

With less than two years to go, Jalopnik.com says this is the C7 Corvette. Believe it… or NOT!

To see the front, rear, and side-view renderings, just click the above image.

Oh course, we won’t know for sure until Chevrolet wants us to know for sure. But Jalopnik.com is claiming that THIS is the the new C7 Corvette, as photographed by someone that isn’t supposed to be photographing things inside the design center. If this isn’t a carefully contrived leak created to stoke the Corvette loyal and faithful, then someone will either NEVER be allowed inside again or someone will be fired!

At the earliest, we’re looking at a “possible” Spring release of the ‘14 C7 Corvette, which puts that 18 months or so out ahead of us now. Will Chevrolet just show us the C7 in Spring ‘13 as the ‘14 C7 Corvette, or will they be taking orders for the ‘14 C7 Corvette? We don’t know. Will the C7 be shown at the Summer press preview so that as the magazines can splash the C7 Corvette at the news stands in early September, along with the rest of the new ‘14 cars? We don’t know.

(Love it or hate it? Cast your vote at the bottom of this post!)

What is certain is this. Because of the Internet and the blogosphere, if the C7 is released in the Spring or shown to the press as part of the Summer “14 preview, as soon as the car is “officially” shown, it will be all over the net in a matter of nanoseconds!  Continue reading “Jalopnik Says This is the C7 2014 Corvette” →

The Stalled Out C7 Corvette Rumor Mill

Published on by Scott

Starving for some C7 Corvette RED MEAT?

C7 Corvette concept art by Tamas Jakus

One of the fun parts about running a modern blog is that you can see the page view statistics for every post. In the 46 years that I’ve been following Corvettes, I have NEVER seen so much attention and excitement over an upcoming Corvette generation. My take on this is that it is mainly being driven by the proliferation of internet blogs and the speed we are able to post new information. Every time we post something about the C7, the hits take off.

Not that there’s anything inherently wrong or bad with the C6 Corvette. Quite to the contrary. The C6 Corvette has been developed into a top notch GT (Grand Touring) machine with more horsepower every dreamed of back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, an adjustable-from-the-driver’s-seat electronic suspension for track-level performance or highway cruising, launch-control, active braking, lush creature comfort, plenty of factory options to personalize your Vette, and enough honest storage space weekend trips for two!

Could you ask for more? SURE! And I’ll bet that’s exactly what Chevrolet has in store for us.

In an interview with Corvette chief designer Tom Peters in April 2011, he specifically said, “The Corvette Stingray Concept car is NOT the C7.”

The last scrap of red meat Chevrolet tossed to hungry Corvette fans was last May when it was announced that the C7 Corvette would likely be a 2014 model, with a possible release in Spring of ‘13. WOW! That’s less than a year away! What that tells me is that Continue reading “The Stalled Out C7 Corvette Rumor Mill” →

NEW Corvette Stingray Concept Car Art Print

Published on by Scott

While it’s NOT the C7 Corvette, the Stingray Concept is one of the most exciting Corvette concept cars ever made.

In the August 2011 issue of VETTE Magazine my Illustrated Corvette Series No. 170 column covers the beautiful and popular Corvette Stingray Concept Car. After pulling a few strings and several phone calls, I had the good fortune of having a delightful phone conversation of Corvette Chief of Styling, Tom Peters.

Before I go any farther, I must say that Peters is on record stating, “The Corvette Stingray Concept is NOT the C7.” Several years ago, Tom and his team of designers wanted to explore some traditional and new styling themes, just for fun. The Corvette Stingray Concept was the finished effort and judging from the response from crowds at the car shows, I’d say the car is a home run hit. So KUDOS to Tom Peters and his team of super talented designers. Continue reading “NEW Corvette Stingray Concept Car Art Print” →

C7 Corvette Set To Be a 2014 Model!

Published on by Scott

Concept art by Tamas Jakus.

GM North America President, Mark Reuss Makes a MAJOR Corvette Announcement.

Here’s some serious C7 red meat for ya! GM North America President, Mark Reuss made a major announcement at the Bowling Green Corvette assembly plant that GM will be investing $131 million dollars in the plant that will create 250 jobs, AND that the C7 Corvette will likely be introduced in the Spring of 2013 as a 2014 model.

I think that about nails it, Corvette fans. With GM making a major investment like that, it’s a done deal. The only thing I can imagine that would push the model back would be if it takes longer for the Corvette engineers to get the new C7 as perfect as a mass production car can be. Corvette quality control took a big step forward with the C5 model, thanks to then Corvette chief engineer Dave Hill’s background with Cadillac cars. Expectations for the next Vette are VERY high and I’m certain that the Corvette team is well aware of how high the bar will be. “No pressure” folks! Continue reading “C7 Corvette Set To Be a 2014 Model!” →

Dana Forrester’s New “Motorama Treasures” C7 Corvette Art Print

Published on by Scott

Master Corvette Artist, Dana Forrester, Dishes Up Another Corvette Art Beauty!

Over the last few months there’s been a real absence of official news from GM about the next generation C7 Corvette. While GM’s fortunes have turned around recently with their successful IPO stock offering and very good sales of the core line cars, Corvette sales continue to slip. It’s not for a lack of selection, as the ‘11 Corvette line offers buyers a true Corvette boutique of choices. Could it be that buyers are content with their existing Corvettes and are simply waiting for the C7? Or, is it just “the economy, stupid”?

Of course it’s anyone’s guess, but it provides excellent fodder for endless speculation. Back in November 2011 I posted a collection of C7 Corvette concept renderings that clearly shows that a lot of talented designers are putting pen to paper and working their computer graphics magic. With so many interesting designs out in cyberspace, it’s worth remembering that the Transformers / Centennial Corvette concept show car is the ONLY official visual from GM. And lately, they’ve been VERY quiet.

However, I did find the following interesting comment at DigitalCorvettes.com that addresses the Transformers design, Continue reading “Dana Forrester’s New “Motorama Treasures” C7 Corvette Art Print” →