An exhaustive review of six generations of American high performance, from the first 6-cylinder ’Vette of 1953 through today’s fire-breathing, world-beating C6, The Complete Book of Corvette offers an in-depth look at the prototypes and experimental models, the anniversary and pace cars, and the specialty packages for street and competition driving that have made the Corvette a living automotive legend for more than half a century. With extensive details, specs, and photographic coverage, this book is the ultimate resource on America’s sports car. Officially licensed with Chevrolet and including many never-before-published photographs from the carmaker’s archives.

Review:

The Complete Book of Corvette

Form truly followed function as each aesthetically pleasing crease and scoop played its part to make the 2014 Stingray the slickest, most slippery ’Vette yet. “Every square inch of the 2014 Corvette’s exterior is designed to enhance high-performance driving,” claimed exterior design manager Kirk Bennion. “The team delivered a great balance of low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability—all in a sculpted design that excites in all the ways that a Corvette has for six decades. ”

Upgrading the cockpit was a prime goal with the 2014 Stingray. Prototypes were disguised to keep prying public eyes at bay when the car was tested on the street. Every aspect of the 2014 Stingray was designed for aesthetic beauty and high-speed performance. A preproduction Stingray coupe became the 12th Corvette to pace the Indy 500 in May 2013. The finalized Stingray design was first sculpted into a full-size clay model. 300 GM designers from around the world submitted their vision of the 2014 Stingray.

What a long, strange trip it’s been. Nearly cancelled a few years after its birth, rumored near death or dilution more than one time since, Chevy’s fantastic, plastic two-seater is rolling on more confidently than ever, this after six distinct generations of development.

2014 Corvette Stingray

Model availability � hatchback coupe (with removable roof panel), convertible
Construction � composite/carbon-fiber body panels, hydroformed aluminum frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components
Wheelbase � 106.7 inches
Length � 176.9 inches
Width (without mirrors) � 73.90 inches
Height � 48.8 inches (coupe), 49.5 inches (convertible)
Track (front/rear, in inches) � 62.9/62.9
Curb weight � 3,298 pounds (coupe), 3,362 pounds (convertible)
Wheels � silver-painted aluminum five-spokes; 18x8.5 inches front; 19x10 inches rear
Wheels (Z51) � silver-painted aluminum five-split spokes; 19x8.5 inches front; 20x10 inches rear
Tires � Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat; P245/40ZR18 front, P285/35ZR19 rear
Tires (Z51) � Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat; P245/35ZR19 front, P285/30ZR20 rear
Brakes � power-assisted four-wheel discs with four-piston calipers and ABS
Brake dimensions (diameter) � 12.6 inches front (13.6 inches with Z51); 13.3 inches rear
Fuel tank � 18.5 gallons
Suspension � short- and long-arm (SLA) double wishbone cast-aluminum control arms, transverse composite leaf springs, and stabilizer bars front and rear; monotube shock absorbers, StabiliTrak electronic stability control (Magnetic Selective Ride control with ZZ51)
Steering � power-assisted, speed-sensitive, variable ratio rack and pinion
Engine (LT1) � 6.2-liter (376-ci) direct-injection V-8 with overhead valves and castaluminum cylinder block and heads, 11.5:1 compression
LT1 bore and stroke � 4.06x3.62 inches
LT1 output � 455 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm
Standard transmission � Tremece TR6070 seven-speed manual with 2.66:1 low (2.97:1 low with Z51) and Active Rev Matching
Optional transmission � Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed paddle shift automatic
Axle ratio � 3.42: 1 (2.56:1 with automatic, 2.73:1 with Z51 automatic)