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[drspeedy]

Not seeing a lot of talk around here of the new C7 2014 Corvette, which is set to be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show this Sunday at 7EST, but thought it was worthy of a thread. So for those who don't give a damn follow auto news, some background:

Set the alarm on your mobile phone or mark your calendar for 7 p.m. Eastern, on Sunday, Jan. 13. That's when the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Corvette will be unveiled for the world. And you can watch it here.

We've embedded the live video stream below. Just know that it won't go live until 6:45 p.m. Eastern on Sunday.

And we'll have all the details on the seventh-generation Corvette at that time, including a photo gallery. It promises to be a high-powered start to the 2013 Detroit auto show.

Live streaming link
http://www.youtube.com/user/Chevrolet?v=zsQGcD0TJvw



NEWS:

Rumored 8-Speed automatic transmission could be available:

When the 2014 C7 Corvette becomes available next year, it’s widely believed that buyers of the all-new sports car will have their choice of a 7-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. The new 8-speed automatic transmission will be built at GM’s Toledo, Ohio transmissions plant and is expected to be shared by Corvette, select Cadillacs and other models across the GM lineup. However, in a report yesterday at Motor Trend, sources said the new transmissions won’t be ready for another year, so GM has partnered with the Japanese company Aisin to provide the automatics for C7 Corvette’s first year of production.

Motor Trend says the reason for the delay is that GM wants to ensure that their own 8-speeds will be ready for prime time due to the volume of transmissions involved.

And in a unique marketing move, a camouflaged C7 is playable in GT5:

Clay Dean, global director of advanced design at GM, recently explained the background behind Chevrolet’s decision to work with a game designer and allow the use of a camouflaged C7 in a game before the real car is even available to drive.

Dean explained that the decision comes after several years of market research to find out what drivers between 15 and 30 are excited about driving. The result of that study was seven concept cars, including two that were shown at the LA Auto Show recently.

“To learn what a younger audience 15 to 30 thinks has been fascinating,” Dean said, “and what we found not surprisingly is that one of the first places they get exposed to an automobile are in games like we see right behind us. They spend a lot of time online, they spend a tremendous amount of time on computers. It’s a very natural place for them to be, and certain games resonate very highly.”

To kick things off, here's a few concept shots that aren't half bad... and a little history of the best American Muscle Car

Spoiler

Yes, I'm biased as hell. Restored a C3 myself a few years back

SPY SHOTS AND MOCK UPS

"LEAKS"

HISTORY
All text comes from corvetteforum.com (awesome board, check 'em out)

1953 - 1962 Chevrolet Corvette
The C1 Corvette was released in 1953 to compete with British and Italian sportscars of the day. Initially sluggish, with its 6 cyl "Blue Flame" truck engine and 2 speed powerglide automatic transmission, the C1 would eventually receive a 265 ci V8 engine and 3 speed manual transmission. A GM-Rochester fuel injection was also fitted as an option to large fan fare and horse power.


1963 - 1967 Chevrolet Corvette
The C2 Corvette, released in 1963, came with a split rear window and independent rear suspension. The C2's hp numbers grew over the years until the Corvette was available with a "big block" 396 ci option in 1965, which grew to 427 ci when the last C2 rolled down the St Louis production line in 1967.

1968 - 1982 Chevrolet Corvette
The "Mako Shark II" is the third and longest-running generation of Chevrolet Corvettes. Built between 1968 and 1982, it is the first Corvette to receive the 350 ci 5.7l "small block" (1969), also available with a 427 7.0l "big block" V8 in 1968/69. The offering was enlarged to 454 ci (7.4l) in 1970 and then dropped in 1974. The C3 Corvette had the least powered V8 ever fitted to a Corvette (1980, 180hp 305ci, California only) as well as what has been speculated to be the most powerful V8 ever fitted to a Vette, the all-aluminum race engine 427 ci ZL1. The ZL1 reportedly produced up to 680hp, despite being advertised with just 430hp.

1984 - 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
The 1984-1996 C4 Corvette small blocks define upward transition out of the low performance emissions era, beginning with the L83 and ending with the Grand Sport LT4. The fourth generation Corvette debuted the reborn LT1 and teamed with Lotus to design the powerful quad overhead cam, 32 valve LT5 engine that brought the legendary ZR-1 to life. In addition to increased horsepower, the progressive Vette integrated new plastics and aluminum into its sleek T Top, coupe, and convertible chassis -- indicating the aggressive look of future models.

1997 - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
The 1997-2004 C5 Corvette launched the birth of a new third generation of "small block" Chevy engines, designated "LS". The LS1, a 345 hp/350hp 5.7l V8, was more reliable, more efficient, and featured an aluminum block. The C5 was also available as a Z06 spec (a model name not seen since the C2) with 405hp. The C5 is the last Corvette to feature pop up headlights, and encompassed the fixed roof coupe (FRC), convertible, and coupe bodies.

2005+ Chevrolet Corvette
The 2005-present C6 Chevrolet Corvette is the fastest and most expensive Corvette to date. Available in a number of models, such as the Z06 aluminum frame with 505hp 7.0 LS7 dry sumped V8, ZR-1 with the 6.2 super charged LS9 Chevy V8 and the standard 6.0l LS2 or newer 6.2l LS3 V8. The C6 is available in various body styles, convertible/cabriolet, coupe, wide body (Z06, ZR1 and Grand Sport) and a targa top (t-top) style with removable hard roof panels.

 

[strafer]

Vettes make em wet

 

[SteveMeister]

Looking forward to the reveal. Always an event when there's a new Corvette design.

 

[Dreams-Visions]

We'll see. Hoping for radical, expecting conservative update with much better interior.

 

[speculawyer]

They sold more Chevy Volts than Vettes last year.

Speaking of which, the Cadillac ELR may get more attention than this car which you might as well paint veins on the side of.

 

[drspeedy]

We'll see. Hoping for radical, expecting conservative update with much better interior.

You and me both... I'm never bored with a Corvette revision, but the C6 wasn't nearly the cosmetic design changes I wanted. Give me bold, striking, angular... just be creative, man. But having had the chance to drive a 2010 ZR1... they made up for the bland design with every one of those 628 horses. That car is a BEAST, so much torque. I punched it at 65MPH and was doing 110mph in 5 seconds flat, felt like I was blasting off into space.

Instant love.


[EDIT]
Like this, but at 65MPH. My head actually banged the driver side window and the rear tires dog tracked over the center line. It was awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ckNA9wskLFI#t=28s

 

[ascii42]

Should be interesting. The C6 is one of my favorite car designs.

They sold more Chevy Volts than Vettes last year.

Speaking of which, the Cadillac ELR may get more attention than this car which you might as well paint veins on the side of.

Not too surprising. This is the C6's 9th year of production. The ELR will be an interesting reveal as well.

 

[onadesertedisland]

No round tails? That Stingray looks oogly.

 

[Himynameischris]

My dream car...one day... : (

 

[AstroNut325]

I'm going to ditto the sentiment that the new design needs to be a more dramatic redesign.

Any ideas on engine? Still LS3?

 

[ascii42]

I'm going to ditto the sentiment that the new design needs to be a more dramatic redesign.

Any ideas on engine? Still LS3?

New engine called the LT1 (GM isn't very clever with engine names). GM says 450 hp/450 lb-ft of torque, 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds, more than 26 mpg hwy.

http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/.../news/us/en/2012/Oct/1024_GenVSmallBlock.html

I'm interested in seeing how quickly this engine spreads to other GM cars. Next Camaro will certainly get it, but it would interesting if the current one did to keep the car interested for a couple more years.

 

[megashock5]

Sweet, I'll be watching.

Don't have one myself YET, but my parents have four (62, 66, 77, 92) and my dad was dragging me to meets as soon as I could walk, so it's in my blood.

 

[jon bones]

i never liked the vettes after '68 but i'll be damned if they aren't still fine cars. dat ls3.

 

[Poindexter]

I've been waiting for this day for a long time. This will be the next car that I purchase!

 

[storybook77]

I know this about the Corvette but I figured I'd ask this in here since auto enthusiasts will be in this thread.

Has it been confirmed if the 2014 Toyota Tundra will be unvieled in Chicago next month?

This will be my next truck.

 

[-COOLIO-]

out of curiosity, any cool future techy stuff? hybid? tablet interface?... self driving?

 

[ghostofsparta]

Is that ring photo Gran Turismo? I honestly can't tell.

 

[out0v0rder]

bring back the caddy XLR. or at least make it look like it.

 

[EloquentM]

My dream car...one day... : (

Me too mang. One day.

 

[drspeedy]

out of curiosity, any cool future techy stuff? hybid? tablet interface?... self driving?

Not outside of the engine and suspension probably. I'd expect very few of the cool toys that the Caddy's are getting, the Corvette teams usually put all their resources into handling, braking, acceleration and exhaust. The reports are that the C7's stock LT1 (and yea, dat boring name) will get 26MPG highway and still do 0-60 in 4.0 exactly.

There's a few clues in those leaked sketches, though:

1998 has arrived!

What looks like a touch screen screencap

And personally I don't like the headlights shown in this engine diagram (or the taillights from the pic in the OP, for that matter)

Is that ring photo Gran Turismo? I honestly can't tell.

This one?

it does have that certain GT motion blur look... but it's real. Speaks highly for the GT devs if we couldn't tell at first glance.

 

[SolidSnakex]

it does have that certain GT motion blur look... but it's real. Speaks highly for the GT devs if we couldn't tell at first glance.

No, that's 100% GT5.

 

[Stinkles]

First spy shot of the interior.

 

[AstroNut325]

Is that ring photo Gran Turismo? I honestly can't tell.

OH SNAP... didn't realize that! Wouldn't even have crossed my mind otherwise.

 

[Grover Cleveland]

Camaro tailights

/herpderp

EDIT: Yes, the picture of the prototype at the Ring is from GT5, the other two pics of the prototype are real spy pics.

 

[SolidSnakex]

I'm hoping that we see the return of Prologue's car unveiling once the real car is available in GT5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHFPVSXIcG8

So slick!

 

[ascii42]

First spy shot of the interior.

Very retro. I like it. Any word on available 4+3 transmission?

 

[sfedai0]

First spy shot of the interior.

Is that real? That looks like shit.

 

[drspeedy]

Yes, the picture of the prototype at the Ring is from GT5, the other two pics of the prototype are real spy pics.

My bad!

First spy shot of the interior.

Needs more of this:

 

[ascii42]

Is that real? That looks like shit.

Welcome to '80s interior design.

 

[tapedeck]

So the unveiled car will be in GT5 soon too right?

 

[Smokey]

hyped

texans are going to beat the devil on sunday, and then the c7 reveal afterwards

 

[Grover Cleveland]

This is on the cover of the February issue of Automobile Magazine.

I can already tell the old school Corvette guys are going to hate it.

 

[Stinkles]

This is on the cover of the February issue of Automobile Magazine.

I can already tell the old school Corvette guys are going to hate it.

I am going to love it. There's no way they didn't fix the cockpit.

 

[shira]

My bad!



Needs more of this:

Needs swarm lighting

 

[TheGrue]

But I just got a 1980 L-82! There's already a new one?

 

[AstroNut325]

This is on the cover of the February issue of Automobile Magazine.

I can already tell the old school Corvette guys are going to hate it.

HOT! Love the looks so far. And yes... the old timers are going to hate it.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

So hyped. A new Corvette is an event.

For the most part I'm fine with the C7 design, but Chevy, it's completely uncalled for to foul up your flagship with those Camaro-esque lights. Leave that shit for the plebs in the lesser car.

C7.R is going to look rather hot.

 

[ZROCOOL]

Can't wait. To me the C6 is top tier design

 

[ascii42]

I'd seen a few renderings of it like the Automobile Magazine cover above, but that's the first time I actually thought I could like it.

 

[drspeedy]

Can't wait. To me the C6 is top tier design

There wasn't a lot 'new' between C5 and C6 for me (dat fat rear end), but looking at the camo'd silouhettes the C6 fans should be pretty stoked.

 

[alphaNoid]

This is on the cover of the February issue of Automobile Magazine.

I can already tell the old school Corvette guys are going to hate it.

fuuuuuuuuck. If it turns out like this, its sex on wheels! Bring the heat Chevy

 

[SolidSnakex]

So the unveiled car will be in GT5 soon too right?

Should be Tuesday since that's when PD scheduled the maintenance.

 

[TylerD]

fuuuuuuuuck. If it turns out like this, its sex on wheels! Bring the heat Chevy

Yeah, that integration of the more Camaro like tail lights looks really good if that is the final design.

I am preparing to be impressed.

 

[Death Dealer]

Is that real? That looks like shit.

That's a C4.

I've always like vettes. My first car was a red on red '76 with an L48 and turbo-hydramatic 350.

 

[gAg CruSh3r]

I think I look at the back ends of cars more then women..

I think I might have a problem

 

[gryz]

i hope you can still bend all the plastic panels on the car by lightly pushing on them with your finger

 

[jchap]

Shut up and take my 120k

 

[J-Rzez]

I am going to love it. There's no way they didn't fix the cockpit.

Hahaha. This is Chevy we're talking about. They said each of the last 3 gens that they finally gave the Vette a world beating interior. Instead, it was just recycled fishing tackle boxes and rat leather. Now, don't get me wrong, if the Vette's interior was up to snuff I'd consider one for sure. But I doubt it, since Chevy can't do a decent interior.

A little let down with the LT1 being dusted off name wise and it probably not being something to write home about. You'll have to wait for the Z06 and ZR1 again.

It's hard to beat a 60's style.

 

[Death Dealer]

It's hard to beat a 60's style.

Yeah I originally got a '76 because I couldn't afford a C2 or a steel bumper C3.

They haven't gotten any cheaper. I remember when a nice driver quality C2 was only 25k. The big blocks are worth stupid money now.

 

[Zaraki_Kenpachi]

The headlights on that mockup couldn't look more fugly if they tried. I hope it's not right.

You and me both... I'm never bored with a Corvette revision, but the C6 wasn't nearly the cosmetic design changes I wanted. Give me bold, striking, angular... just be creative, man. But having had the chance to drive a 2010 ZR1... they made up for the bland design with every one of those 628 horses. That car is a BEAST, so much torque. I punched it at 65MPH and was doing 110mph in 5 seconds flat, felt like I was blasting off into space.

Instant love.


[EDIT]
Like this, but at 65MPH. My head actually banged the driver side window and the rear tires dog tracked over the center line. It was awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ckNA9wskLFI#t=28s

Not sure what you're expecting. Corvette has a lot of history and they have to stay true to it to some extent or face backlash. I thought the C6 was very well done, make it look updated without completely killing the look of the corvette. I will admit I was bitter they finally removed the hidden headlights though. Also, I hope they update the interior but I wouldn't expect too much. Corvette has always been much bigger on the performance of the car than the frills on the inside. It's been a knock on the car for pretty much ever, I can't see them increasing the interior enough to give up performance. It will be improved but will be small steps like before most likely.

This is on the cover of the February issue of Automobile Magazine.

I can already tell the old school Corvette guys are going to hate it.

Well, looks like I'm going to be one of those guys. Corvette has always been my favorite car but the mockups look like crap. I get the feeling I'm going to absolutely hate it if these things are right.