Kicking off the 60th anniversary celebrations of America's most famous sports car, Chevrolet have revealed the all-new Corvette Stingray on the eve of the North American International Auto Show. Although still clearly a Corvette, the new machine uses cutting edge technology throughout. The chassis is a hydroformed aluminium frame while composites are used for the body, which includes a removable, carbon-fibre roof panel. Powering the Stingray is an all-aluminium, direct injection V8 engine, which is good for an estimated 450 bhp. It is mated to the first ever seven-speed manual gearbox fitted on a Corvette, while a six-speed automatic is available as an option. As can be seen in our 24-shot gallery, the styling is much more angular than on the previous two incarnations and is more reminiscent of the second and third generation models with which it shares the Stingray name. The new Corvette will be available in the third quarter of 2013 as a 2014 model.
To mark the occasion of the new Corvette launch and the type's 60th anniversary, we have also taken a closer look at one of the most extreme versions ever; the L88. Built specifically for privateer racing teams, this homologation special is a thinly disguised racer. Although officially rated at 430 bhp to make sure it did not stand out, the L88 big block engine actually produced 540 - 560 bhp. Available from 1967 through to 1969, just 216 examples were constructed and they remain among the most sought after of all Corvettes. Next weekend both a Coupe and Roadster at the Scottsdale sales of respectively RM Auctions and Gooding. The latter's Roadster is highly original and has a pre-sale estimate of $625,000 - $700,000.

Enjoy the links:

2013 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Images, Specifications and Information

1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL1 - Images, Specifications and Information

1968 - 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information

1968 - 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Roadster - Images, Specifications and Information