2014 Corvette Stingray to Pace Grand Prix of Indianapolis
DETROIT – A 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible will serve as the pace car for the inaugural Verizon IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Indianapolis this weekend.
“Chevrolet and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have such a long history together, so it is exciting to be able to produce another ‘first’ at the famed Brickyard,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.
Although this weekend’s event will be the first Grand Prix of Indianapolis, it won’t be the first time a Corvette has led the field at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: A Corvette has been a pace car for the Indianapolis 500 a record 12 times, starting in 1978. A 2014 Corvette Stingray paced the Indianapolis 500 field last year.
“Chevrolet…especially with a V8…leading a field of race cars at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There is nothing better. Nothing,” said Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard Corvette model ever, with an SAE-certified 455 hp and 460 lb.-ft. torque. The Corvette Stingray backs its performance capability with the greatest efficiency of any sports car on the market, delivering an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city driving and 29 mpg on the highway with the all-new seven-speed manual transmissions. No other car offers more than 455 hp and greater than 29 mpg on the highway.
The all-new, aluminum frame of the Corvette Stingray was designed from the outset as a convertible, so there are no structural differences compared to the coupe. In fact, the coupe and convertible have nearly identical curb weights, suspension tuning, and driving experience. Other key features for the Corvette Stingray convertible include:
An all-new, fully electronic top on the convertible that can be lowered remotely using the key fob and operates at up to 30 mph
Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
An all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel
Lightweight materials, including an aluminum frame; carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel on coupes; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
A sculpted exterior features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability
Track-capable Z51 Performance Package, including an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system; integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; as well as specific wheels, tires, brakes and a unique aero package that improves high-speed stability.