Chevrolet has confirmed that the seventh-generation Corvette will debut the evening of Sunday, January 13, 2013 in Detroit. To kick off the reveal countdown, Chevrolet debuted the new Crossed Flags logo for the new 2014 Corvette.
The Crossed Flags logo has been a hallmark of the Corvette since its 1953 introduction. It has always incorporated a pair of flags, one a racing checkered flag and other featuring the Chevrolet “bowtie” emblem and a French fleur-de-lis. The design has evolved over the years, but has been featured on more than 1.5 million Corvettes built between 1953 and today.
“The all-new, seventh-generation Corvette deserved an all-new emblem,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “The new Crossed Flags design reflects the character of the next Corvette. The flags are much more modern, more technical, and more detailed than before – underscoring the comprehensive redesign of the entire car.”
The C7.R is a truly all-new Corvette with only two carryover parts, the cabin air filter and the rear latch for the removable roof panel, from the C6.R.
“We set out to build a world-challenging sports car with design, refinement, efficiency and driver engagement that is second to none,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer.
Along with delivering this exciting news at Road Atlanta, Corvette celebrated a sweep of the 2012 production-based American Le Mans Series GT championships. Chevrolet secured the manufacturer’s championship, Corvette Racing secured the team championship, and Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner captured the drivers’ championship, with four wins in the nine races preceding Petit Le Mans, the 2012 ALMS season finale.
These championships make Corvette Racing the most successful team in ALMS history, with a total of 77 class wins, eight drivers’ championships, and nine manufacturer and team championships since 2001. The C7.R is expected to make its racing debut in 2014.
Chevrolet will offer a limited number of tickets to the C7 debut for Corvette enthusiasts, with proceeds benefiting the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Interested parties can contact Roc Linkov (roc@corvettemuseum.com) for more details.
An important note for those interested in purchasing a Corvette in the near future – there will be a six-month production gap between the current Corvette and the next generation. Customers have until the end of October to place a guaranteed order for the sixth-generation and production will end in February 2013. Orders will continue to be accepted until the end of December if there is capacity.