LAS VEGAS — Chevrolet provided the first look at nine high-performance concept cars today at the SEMA Show. The horsepower-infused range includes stylized versions the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray, SS sports sedan and a variety of restyled 2014 Camaros – including the all-new Z/28.
“From the all-new Corvette Stingray to the new Camaro Z/28 and SS performance sedan, Chevrolet is America’s choice for performance cars. Our new lineup of racing-influenced models gives customers more choices for exciting driving experiences,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “It’s our most diverse range of performance-car choices in nearly 20 years.”
Through the end of September, Camaro’s total sales lead over Mustang was more than 5,000 for the year, putting it on track to be the industry’s best-selling sports car under $50,000 for the fourth consecutive year. The Camaro enters 2014 with revised styling and the new Z/28 model – the most track-capable Camaro in the car’s history.
The all-new SS returns Chevrolet to its rear-wheel-drive performance sedan roots, established with the small-block V-8 in the 1950s and enhanced with the Impala SS in the early 1960s.
And Chevrolet dealers can hardly keep the all-new Corvette Stingray in stock, with sold orders rolling to new owners off transporters.
“Racing is the common thread among Chevrolet’s performance cars and that comes from decades of transferring race technology to our production models,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Corvette, Camaro and SS deliver well-balanced, exhilarating driving experiences forged on the racetrack and refined for the street.”
Many of the concepts unveiled at the SEMA Show have roots at the racetrack. Others show racing-influenced styling for the street. Most incorporate Chevrolet Accessories available from Chevrolet dealers, allowing customers to personalize their new performance car with factory-engineered and validated components that match the performance and quality of original equipment.
Also on display was a 2014 COPO Camaro – Chevrolet’s factory-built race car, designed for NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock drag racing classes. As with the previous two model years, only 69 COPO models will be built. Racers interested in purchasing one must sign up for the COPO mailing list at chevrolet.com.
With input from the No. 24 driver himself, Chevrolet designers restyled the all-new SS to reflect Jeff Gordon’s style and the performance credentials of the brand’s all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. A satin exterior finish lends an all-business appearance to the car, complemented with No. 24 graphics, custom-finished 20-inch wheels, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and a custom front grille.
The car casts a more aggressive stance with a lowered suspension. The Gordon SS concept features high-performance brakes and a Borla performance exhaust system. The interior is re-trimmed with perforated suede seat inserts and embroidered headrests and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel and Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit.
Under the hood beats the small-block heart of all SS production models: The LS3 6.2L V-8 rated at 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with TAPShift.
A special-edition Corvette Stingray concept is revving to go in the new Sony PlayStation 3 game Gran Turismo 6 commemorating the game’s 15th anniversary – and Chevrolet has built a real version of the virtual racing winner.
Like all 2014 Corvette Stingray models, the Gran Turismo concept is powered by the new LT1 6.2L V-8, which uses direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to produce 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque (with the available performance exhaust) – enabling EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway. The concept vehicle is also equipped with the standard seven-speed manual transmission
