Details on Chevy's Lighter, Sleeker Corvette Emerge Ahead of Jan. 13 Debut

HAVERHILL, MASS. (01/08/2013)(readMedia)-- While driving enthusiasts will have to wait until the all-new 2014 Chevy Corvette debuts on Jan. 13 in Detroit to learn the official details, it appears that the latest iteration of the iconic sports car has received some big changes. Confirming its facts with the Corvette's chief designer, Car and Driver magazine recently revealed that the seventh generation of the vehicle will feature advanced lightweight materials, an all-new engine design and an upgraded interior.

Chevrolet had already announced that the sculpted styling of its new Corvette was designed partially in the wind tunnel, and the car looks that way, with sleeker design lines shaping the roofline and greenhouse. That dynamic new body meets an impressive 3,000-pound weight goal with the help of carbon-fiber parts and hydroformed-aluminum main members, the latter of which were previously reserved only for the higher-performance Z06 and ZR1 models.

"The new Corvette nods to the looks of the six generations before it, but the car is stunningly modern, and there are significant changes for improved performance and efficiency in its frame," said Bill DeLuca IV, vice president of Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC, a Massachusetts Chevy dealership. "Another great example of how the 2014 Corvette moves forward without tarnishing tradition is the engine, which remains a V8 but now includes a bevvy of efficient technologies."

The next generation of the Corvette's 6.2-liter V8 incorporates direct injection, cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing for the first time. Though those technologies should help the engine reach 450 horsepower or more, the major gains are expected to come in the way of boosted torque and much-improved fuel economy. Buyers will be able to pair the powerplant to either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a seven-speed manual gearbox, up from the six-speed automatic and manual options in the sixth generation.

Inside, drivers of the 2014 Corvette will find a more refined and tech-friendly cabin, including a sweeping instrument panel featuring a large touchscreen, sewn leather materials and a suede-wrapped steering wheel. Meanwhile, Chevy's engineers have adjusted the frame rails to make room for new sport seats that provide added support for longer jaunts on winding roads.

Even with a new model waiting in the wings, the sixth-generation Corvette remains a popular item at dealerships, with its sales rising 24 percent in December 2012 compared to the same month in 2011. The sports car sold more than 14,000 units in 2012, an increase of 7 percent year-over-year.

"The beauty of the Corvette's classic design is that it never really goes out of style, which means that the outgoing generation is just as likely to become a collector's item as its predecessors," added DeLuca. "That's why we try to never get too attached to a model when it arrives in our showroom, because we know it won't be there for long."

About Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC:

Located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC has served automotive customers in the Merrimack Valley for more than 50 years. Their sales staff has garnered a reputation for honesty, quality and integrity, and they offer a large inventory of Buick, GMC and Chevrolet vehicles to customers in the region. Browse their inventory of new and used vehicles at www.billdelucachevroletbuickgmc.com, visit them in person at 112 - 116 Bank Road in Haverhill, or call 978-912-5247 to speak to a friendly member of their sales staff. Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BillDeLucaChevyBuickGMC.