New Corvette Details Released

Chevy Corvette jumps in price (plus $8K for leather interior)

Paul Eisenstein / via The Detroit Bureau

The Chevy Stingray may be a looker, but it's significantly pricier than its year-older model.

Anyone who put off buying a Corvette to wait for the new model is going to have to dig a little deeper in their pockets to get behind the wheel of the new model. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray starts at $51,995, including $995 for delivery -- $1,400 more than the current version. The Stingray convertible starts at $56,995.

Then again, there had been some concern that Chevy might go significantly higher when the all-new 2-seater hits market late this summer to reflect the major upgrades. Among other things, the base version of the 2014 Stingray will match the power and performance of the mid-range 2013 Corvette Z06.

"The (2014) 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," said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing.

C7 owners will also get a little more for their money, however, especially when it comes to horsepower. The new model, which derives its power from a 6.2-liter LT1 V-8 engine, produces 450 horsepower. Buyers can also choose between a seven-speed manual transmission with rev-matching or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

To ensure drivers are getting the most bang for their horsepower buck, Chevy pared nearly 100 pounds off the new model through the use of a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel for the coupe as well as an all-aluminum frame, which also improved the car's stiffness by 57 percent.

The new model is not without creature comforts, standard features including the Chevy MyLink eight-inch touch-screen infotainment system complete with a Bose nine-speaker stereo system, Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

While the base model is very affordable considering the performance one gets, if you're looking to make it a little more comfortable, the price goes up. Options such as $8,005 leather interior package, $2,495 sport seats, $1,995 carbon-fiber roof panel and $595 for brake calipers that are painted red can push the price of the C7 to more than $70,000.

In fact, a C7 optioned like the one it had on display at the Stingray's world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January would sell for $73,360, according to Chevy officials. That loaded model included navigation, color heads-up display, and heated and cooled Napa leather seats.

The debut model featured the Z51 performance package, which includes a transmission cooling system, magnetic ride control active handling system with 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels: for $2,800. The new model will begin production this summer at the Bowling Green, Ky., facility and reach dealers in September.

[There's a picture at the link, but it looks pretty much like some previously "leaked."]

Being not particularly a muscle car addict, I'll decline to drool, although I suppose a slobber or two might be okay if I happen to have an especially good mug in good company with appropriate interests.

John