Compared to the previous generation, which used continuous hydroformed main frame rails with
a constant 2mm wall thickness, the new Corvette’s frame features main rails composed of five
customized aluminum segments, including aluminum extrusions at each end, a center main rail
section and hollow-cast nodes at the suspension interface points. Each segment’s gauge varies
in thickness from 2mm to 11mm, tailored – along with the shape – by the simulation software to
optimize the strength requirements for each frame section with minimal weight.
The aluminum frame is manufactured using innovative manufacturing processes at GM’s
Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant. The state-of-the-art facility employs several advanced
joining technologies to ensure dimensional accuracy within 0.75 mm. Each frame features:
354 spot-welds using a
GM-patented process
that uses a unique electrode designed
specifically for aluminum
188 Flowdrill-machined fasteners, which are installed by a high-speed drill that extrudes
the frame material to create a strong, integral collar that is tapped for bolt-on fasteners
113 feet of structural adhesives, used in conjunction with welding and fasteners to
increase overall frame stiffness
37 feet of laser welds, which join frame sections via a precise beam of high energy that
minimizes heat beyond the weld area for improved structural accuracy.
The frame’s greater strength and lower weight are complemented by chassis elements also
designed for low-mass strength, including hollow-cast aluminum front and rear cradles that are
approximately 25-percent lighter and 20-percent stiffer than the solid cradles used on the
previous structure.
The innovative use of materials includes a standard carbon fiber hood on all Corvette Stingray
models, and carbon fiber roof panel on all coupes. In addition, underbody panels are created
with carbon-nano composite technology, an advanced blend of traditional composite material
and carbon fiber for reduced weight and improved strength. Fenders, doors, rear quarter panels
and the rear hatch panel are made with lighter-density Sheet Molded Compound than the
previous generation.
More power with greater efficiency
The lightweight elements of the Stingray contribute to the ideal 50/50 weight balance. Combined
with its SAE-certified 455 horsepower (339 kW), the new Corvette delivers a better power-to-
weight ratio than the Porsche 911 Carrera or Audi R8.
Those 455 horses are generated by an all-new LT1 6.2L Small Block V-8 engine, which also
produces 460 lb.-ft. of torque (624 Nm). More importantly, it generates 50 lb.-ft. more low-rpm
torque than the previous 6.2L engine, matching the 7.0L LS7 engine from the 2013 Corvette
Z06 from 1,000 to 4,000 rpm.
The engine’s performance comes from combining advanced technologies such as direct
injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing with an advanced
combustion system. More than 10 million hours of computational analysis went into the new
Small Block’s design, including more than 6 million hours alone on the combustion system.
