Chevy promoted the following 2014 model year vehicles during a promotional event for dealers and media Friday at Pocono Raceway:
Corvette Stingray
In this 60th anniversary year of the Corvette, the Stingray returns for the first time since 1976. Both the coupe and convertible models are built on an all-new, lightweight aluminum frame. The LT1 V8 puts out an estimated 450 horsepower and an all-new seven-speed manual transmission offers Active Rev Match technology to help drivers downshift like pros. The horsepower rating makes the 2014 Corvette Stingray the most powerful standard Corvette model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds, and yet it gets 26 mpg highway fuel mileage.
It's the seventh generation of Corvette, and "we think we're about to embark on the best generation yet," John B. Fitzpatrick, marketing manger for performance cars, told the Pocono group.
SS
Chevy's first rear-drive performance sedan since 1996, the SS will debut this fall at nearly $45,000. It will include an LS3 6.2-liter V8 estimated at 415 horsepower, with paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds - making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.
Chevy also promotes the SS as its first model with automatic parking assist, but don't be fooled - amenities aren't at the top of the priority scale with this car.
"We wanted a car raced here in NASCAR to sell in the showroom," said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports.
Chevy Silverado 1500
Here's what Chevy had to say about the brand new 2014 model of its full-size truck.
"Among the hundreds of improvements ⦠are a trio of all-new EcoTec3 engines, a V6 and two V8s; a stronger, quieter and more comfortable cab; a refined new interior with features and connectivity tailored to the needs of truck customers; revised steering, suspension and brakes for improved ride and handling, and ingenious solutions for managing cargo in the bed."
Of note is that base prices for all three configurations of the 2014 model - regular cab, double cab and crew cab - carry over from 2013.
Overheard during the off-road and towing demonstration of the Silverado in Friday's soggy conditions: "It looks good in blue," said one man. "It looks good in mud," replied another.
Cruze diesel
The 2.0-liter "clean turbo-diesel" debuts in 2014 for Chevy. It has an industry-best EPA-estimated 46 mpg highway.
Chevrolet's best-selling passenger car around the world, the Cruze in diesel mode can travel 717 miles on a single tank. While diesel-powered vehicles have been popular for decades in Europe, dealers at Pocono discussed the Cruze diesel's higher price tag - and the higher price of diesel fuel - in its ability to sell here. It will be available in certain markets in early summer and nationwide in late summer.
- Andy Heintzelman
Bob Leffler Sr., right, from B&L Chevy-Buick in Coal Township, discusses the new Corvette Stingray with John B. Fitzpatrick, Chevy's marketing manager for performance cars, Friday at Pocono Raceway. The Stingray's V8 seen in the foreground puts out 455 horsepower.