When the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette made it's blockbuster debut on the eve of the 2013 Detroit Motor Show, it was pretty phenomenal. The car looked great and it was rumored to perform even better. Of course there were some naysayers but it's clear they can be put to bed now.
That's because Chevrolet has given us the details behind the Corvette Z51 Package's performance statistics. They're impressive.
Zero to 60 comes in 3.8 seconds and runs the 1/4 in 12 seconds at 119 mph. A full stop from 60 to 0 happens in 107 feet. It can pull just over one "G" in cornering.
General Motors offers up the VIR lap time but, frankly, that benchmark is useless to me. Tell me the 'Ring time and maybe I'll look twice.
All-in-all, for a car that starts just under $52,000 and was equipped at about $56.5K when Chevrolet did this test, it's easily a helluva bang for the buck.
But that's par for the course when it comes to the 'Vette: a high-performance car that offers some serious value for dollar.
Chevrolet's press release follows:
Chevrolet released official performance estimates today for the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the most capable standard Corvette ever. Equipped with the available Z51 Performance Package, the new Stingray is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, braking from 60 to 0 in 107 feet, and sustaining 1.03 g in cornering. Cumulatively, the acceleration, cornering and braking capability of the Corvette Stingray enabled it to lap the Virginia International Raceway’s (VIR) 4.2-mile “Grand Course” in 2:51.78.
“For the new Stingray, we set out to elevate every aspect of the Corvette’s performance,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “Considered alone, the acceleration, braking and cornering performance of the Corvette Stingray is truly impressive. More significant is how well they work together, resulting in a lap time at VIR that places the new Stingray in the upper echelon of all sports cars.”
2014 Corvette Stingray Z51 |
| Acceleration from 0-60 MPH | 3.8 seconds |
¼ mile acceleration | 12 seconds @ 119 mph |
Braking distance from 60 to 0 MPH | 107 feet |
Maximum lateral acceleration | 1.03 G |
VIR ‘Grand Course’ Lap | 2:51.78 |
The lap around VIR was conducted in Stingray equipped with the available Z51 Performance Package and Magnetic Ride Control. The vehicle that conducted the lap was modified only with safety features like a racing seat and harness, and fire extinguisher system.
“The new Stingray constantly communicates feedback to the driver, which makes you feel incredibly confident behind the wheel,” said Jim Mero, Corvette vehicle dynamics engineer. “That confidence encourages you to attack each corner because the Stingray drives so well: the tire grip is incredible; the steering response is some of the best I’ve ever experienced; the Magnetic Ride dampers allow little body roll through the corner, while still soaking up the rumble strips when you clip the apex,” he said. “It’s just addictive on the track.”
The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013 for a suggested starting retail price of $51,995, excluding tax, title, and license fees. The $2,800 Z51 Performance Package includes an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system; integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability. Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management is a $1,795 option. A Corvette Stingray equipped like the test car used at VIR would cost $56,590.