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Just how fast is the new Corvette Stingray?

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Chevrolet released official performance numbers for the 2014 Corvette Stingray and they're nothing short of impressive. When equipped with the Z51 Performance Package, Chevrolet estimates that it will be able to get from 0 - 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and cover the 1/4 mile in 12.0 seconds at 119 mph. With braking performance of 60-0 mph in 107 ft and the ability to sustain 1.03 g in cornering, handling is just as impressive.

In the hands of Jim Mero, Corvette vehicle dynamics engineer, the Stingray is capable of lapping Virginia International Raceway's (VIR) 4.2 mile Grand Course in 2:51.78. The lap was done in a Stingray equipped with the Z51 Performance Package and Magnetic Ride Control. The only modifications made to the car were the addition safety features, such as a racing seat and harness along with a fire extinguisher system.




Luckily, VIR is the track that Car and Driver uses for their annual Lightning Lap event so a large database of lap times is available for comparison. Jim Mero is a much more experienced driver with racing experience, though, so the same lap time cannot be expected in the hands of the Car and Driver's staff. To put that into perspective, Jim Mero lapped the track in 2:45.63 when behind the wheel of a Corvette ZR1 with the standard Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. Car and Driver staff did the same deed in 2:51.8 for a difference of about 6 seconds. The faster and more powerful a car is, though, the bigger the lap time difference (advantage) becomes in the hands of a more experienced driver - i.e. assuming the same 6 second gap for the Stingray is very conservative because wringing out the last few seconds in the 638 hp, supercharged Corvette ZR1 would be a lot more difficult than doing the same in the Corvette Stingray. Nonetheless, assuming the conservative 6 second gap would mean it's at least quicker than cars like the Porsche 911 Carrera S (2:58.9), the Corvette's long time performance rival, and the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG (2:58.0) - an elite group of cars.




A Corvette Stingray equipped with Magnetic Ride Control and the Z51 package costs $56,590, including $995 destination fee. The Z51 package gets you an electronic limited slip differential, dry sump oiling system, upgraded brakes and unique chassis tuning, differential and transmission cooling, and a unique aero package that further improves high speed stability. For more information on pricing or equipment and options, head to 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pricing. The Corvette Stingray goes on sale in the third quarter of this year, 2013.

Source: Chevrolet


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