Motor Trend reports Chevrolet to release 'low cost' <400 HP C7 Corvette Coupe in 2015

[DucMan]

As reported by Mike Connor of Motor Trend



The lower-cost Corvette will not wear a Stingray badge and, instead of the 6.2-liter V-8 with an estimated 450 hp, expect a version of the all-aluminum direct-injection 5.3-liter V-8 making fewer than 400 horsepower. Called the Corvette Coupe, the car’s 5.3-liter V-8 is similar to the one debuting in the new GM trucks.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/not-a-stin...#ixzz2M8QBR2Hz

We’ve heard plenty of enticing details on the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, from its new estimated 450-hp LT1 V-8 engine to the aerodynamic details that may make the C7 the most streamlined Corvette ever. All these details sound great, but enthusiasts actually considering a 2014 Corvette Stingray may only hear dollar signs. That won’t be the case for long, as Motor Trend has learned that Chevrolet is preparing a “low-cost” Corvette for 2015.

The lower-cost Corvette will not wear a Stingray badge and, instead of the 6.2-liter V-8 with an estimated 450 hp, expect a version of the all-aluminum direct-injection 5.3-liter V-8 making fewer than 400 horsepower. Called the Corvette Coupe, the car’s 5.3-liter V-8 is similar to the one debuting in the new GM trucks. As we mentioned in our 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe First Look, Chevrolet considered a twin-turbo V-6 because, while it had enough power, it didn’t improve fuel economy.

The Corvette Coupe will still have plenty of curb appeal, but compared to the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, the car will include changes to the front fascia, front fender, and rear diffuser. Interestingly enough, we hear the Corvette Coupe project started life as Project Stingray.

With the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette carrying an MSRP of $50,595 for a base, manual-transmission model, a Chevrolet Corvette Coupe model could help bring the car’s base price below $50,000 again, before factoring in incentives. Whatever the price, we’re looking forward to driving it.

[guiLT]

I saw this too. I'm sure a lot of people who originally couldn't afford the Corvette, are now glad.

[volsfan0911]

:nono: I don't like this UNLESS Government Motors is going to break out "Corvette" as a separate brand. IMHO, it cheapens it significantly. If you want a "cheap" corvette? Go buy a Camaro - at least that's GM marketing at this point in time..............

[oyealiz]

"Lower cost" is relative.

Seems odd that they'd bring out the more expensive/bigger gun first.

[Z-07 freak]

Didn't we hear the same thing back in `98?

Something about a special low cost fixed roof coupe?

"Buba"?

[DucMan]

Originally Posted by oyealiz

"Lower cost" is relative.

Seems odd that they'd bring out the more expensive/bigger gun first.

I agree...Makes no sense.
I don't think it does much for you to take a car you are making out to be a revolution of sorts to compete in a world class environment and then water it down. If you want to make the Corvette 'more' affordable discontinue it and sell Camaros. Heck the ZL1 on paper at least looks like a Corvette killer now. Then you will release a Corvette that may get handled by a Chevy SS (to be released soon with 415 hp). This has got to be a joke someone has played on Motor Trend or GM is delusional. If all this turns out to be true, is GM/Chevy not shooting themselves in the foot after having a wave of optimism after the initial release of the Stingray?

[BWF07]

Yes we did hear the same thing in '98 and it was cheaper then the base coupe a whole $400 cheaper. But seeing this was released in the April edition of Motor Trend, I take it wit a grain of salt. They are the ones that also stated that Gm is planning a 600 hp Z06 and a 700hp ZR1 for the C7. Seem a little ambitious to have this many projects in the fire already when they have not even gone into production and are still testing the new C7 with the mules cars.

Until GM or even Bowling Green release and info on all three projects I will wit and see and not start getting all upset or excited.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by volsfan0911

:nono: I don't like this UNLESS Government Motors is going to break out "Corvette" as a separate brand. IMHO, it cheapens it significantly. If you want a "cheap" corvette? Go buy a Camaro - at least that's GM marketing at this point in time..............

You're really throwing around the Government Motors BS here?

[2cnd chance]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

You're really throwing around the Government Motors BS here?

My thought as well. It's not relative in any way.

[mikeyg36]

I don't understand this. The Camaro is the lower cost car...

I've been reading reactions to this online and it seems most people think this is bunk being reported. They don't even cite a source other than "we have learned." I could have learned this same info from my grandma if she just wanted to make something up.

It just doesn't make sense... to call the C7 a "Stingray" and then to introduce a model that's purposely not called the "Stingray"

[AZCamaroFan]

yes, exactly
especially because the Stingray had to do with the styling of the car. it was not a performance model. i found it fairly silly when i saw the engineers talking about how the wouldn't use that name unless it measured up. come on. there were Sting Ray's in the 60s with 250 Gross HP, much the same in the mid 70s.

[pgviper]

This seems like a stupid idea. If you can't afford a corvette, wait a couple of years and buy it used.

[Fiveg56]

Still too much $$ for me. Bummer.