Big news coming out of Detroit a day ahead of the auto show with a couple real head turners making early appearances to get the juices flowing.
The biggest is the return of the Corvette Stingray as Chevrolet releases the 2014 Corvette to the world, paying homage to a true classic.
In other news, the new Lincoln Motor Company has released images and information on a new entry luxury crossover concept dubbed MKC.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The new car will feature the most powerful standard Corvette engine yet at some 450hp and 450 lb. ft. of torque. Chevy says the new ‘Ray will blast 0-60 in under four seconds and hang on in corners for better than 1g. And as if it really mattered, fuel economy on the highway should run around 26 mpg.
“Like the ’63 Sting Ray, the best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “The all-new Corvette goes farther than ever, thanks to today’s advancements in design, technology and engineering.”
The all-new Corvette Stingray shares only two parts with the previous generation Corvette. It incorporates an all-new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs.
Highlights of 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray include:
• An interior that includes real carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials, two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support – and dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens.
• Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time.
• An all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel.
• Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio.
• A sculptured exterior features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability.
• Track-capable Z51 Performance Package including: 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.
“We believe the Corvette represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “The result is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers the fastest acceleration, the most cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking performance and what we expect to be the best fuel economy ever for a standard Corvette.”
The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe is slated to go on sale the third quarter of this year.
Lincoln MKC Concept
Signaling Lincoln’s entry into the compact luxury crossover segment is the MKC Concept that is derived from the Ford Escape architecture and is the Brand’s first small vehicle.
“We are reinventing Lincoln by focusing on the largest and fastest-growing segments of the luxury market, while offering clients something different,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The just-introduced MKZ re-establishes Lincoln in the largest luxury segment, and the MKC Concept highlights a key opportunity in the fastest-growing part of the luxury market.”
As the brand redefines itself in 2013, it is seeking to appeal to a new breed of customers with what it is calling “Lincoln Experiences” in its new models that will include a variety of distinctive features, such as push-button transmission engagement, programmable ride control, unique and diverse powertrains, personalized lighting, and a suite of customizable functions that are unique for each client as the vehicle instantly recognizes the operator and creates a personalized welcoming sequence.
Exterior design of the MKC Concept features Lincoln’s new DNA language. “The Lincoln design team has done an outstanding job with the MKC Concept in communicating Lincoln’s design vision for reaching a new and discerning clientele.”
The continuity also is apparent in the execution of the frameless windows, which amplify the richness of the design, as does the signature split-wing grille. The exterior is augmented by warm, cream-based white metallic tri-coat paint, 20-inch premium wheels with polished chrome rims, and a large fixed panoramic roof that runs the length of the vehicle.
No word on when or if the MKC will make it to dealer showrooms but given the growth of the segment and the renewed attention to the brand we can probably expect something very close to this not too far down the road.
Oh man, the Corvette looks amazing! Maybe it is time for my mid-life crisis. 😉
I have to agree; I got major car lust for the Stingray. How to choose between that, the Camaro, and being a responsible adult? Help!
The new Corvette is a lot more interesting from a style perspective than the vehicle it replaces. Absolutely gorgeous!