CAR WARRIORS: THE 2014 CHEVY CORVETTE STINGRAY

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

THE 2014 CHEVY CORVETTE STINGRAY

The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors (GM) that has been produced in seven generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car.

Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after the type of small, maneuverable warship called a corvette. Originally built in Flint, Michigan and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette is currently manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky and is the official sports car of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A Corvette has been used as the Indianapolis 500 pace car 12 times.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is a stunning argument against the ordinary. A lighter, more rigid aluminum space frame replaces its predecessor’s steel frame. The use of carbon-fiber and carbonnano-composite structures further reduces weight to achieve optimal handling, balance and acceleration.

Every line matters Executed with beauty and proportion, every millimeter of Stingray serves its purpose. Geometric shapes transition smoothly from soft curve to crisp edge. Air flows effortlessly to reduce drag and optimize performance. Increased downforce keeps the vehicle planted, while functional exterior vents create a totally new breathing experience to reduce lift and minimize drag. The advanced ventilation systems help air flow from front to back, cooling critical components to improve vehicle handling. Stunning design, meet racing strategy.

This Corvette marks the seventh generation of an iconic sports car backed by 60 years of tradition. And the Stingray is designed to challenge every expectation.

It isn’t just a word. For the designers of the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray, it was a mantra. Throwing off the constraints of tradition, our engineers started from scratch to build a revolutionary sports car with the performance prowess, aesthetic impact and fine craftsmanship worthy of the Stingray emblem.

Influenced by Corvette Racing technology, the 2014 Corvette Stingray was designed to be an instrument of precision — and light, stiff materials make all the difference. Aluminum and carbon fiber contribute to a 50/50 weight distribution and a world-class power-to-weight ratio for optimal handling and acceleration. The all-aluminum space frame structure is 57% stiffer and 100 lbs. lighter than the steel-frame sixth-generation Corvette.

The Stingray also makes judicious use of carbon fiber to further reduce weight and improve handling. A carbon-fiber removable roof panel, a carbon-fiber hood, as well as carbon-nano-composite body structures optimize weight balance and center of gravity.

On its journey to reinventing a legend, Stingray underwent stringent performance trials. On the track at Road Atlanta, engine temperatures were pushed to the max during repeated hot laps. On the roads of the real world, camouflaged test prototypes blurred past onlookers to ensure the same performance outcomes. And in the lab, tiltdyno testing simulated extreme driving conditions to test engine durability and resilience.

An all-new 7-speed manual transmission complements the LT1 V8 powerhouse that propels Stingray. The rear transaxle location enables a 50/50 vehicle weight balance which optimizes handling. Intelligent sensors anticipate gear selections and Match engine speed for smooth transitions during both upshifts and downshifts. Active Rev Matching enhances the driving experience by offering heel-toe shifting perfection at the touch of a switch. A 6-speed paddleshift transmission is also available and offers improved shift times in manual mode.

Employing actual Corvette Racing technology, an available Z51 Performance Package lets you achieve full track capability. Electronic Limited-Slip Differential and available Magnetic Ride Control™ promote improved stability, confidence and responsiveness. Performance Traction Management, included with available Magnetic Ride Control, features five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention to allow for more confident driving on the road or track. Stingray exclusive Michelin® Pilot® Super Sport ZP summer-only tires1 feature racetrack-born tread compounds and provide superior grip on the road. The Z51 Performance Package also includes larger front and rear wheels, larger front brake rotors, a dry-sump oil system that helps allow for cornering of more than 1 g, optional black spoiler and mirrors, plus premium shocks, springs and stabilizer bars.

“The 2014 Corvette Stingray integrates more high-performance aerodynamic features than ever before, many taken directly from Corvette Racing,” says Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter. “The front grille and radiator flow paths reduce lift, improving vehicle stability at high speeds by keeping the car pressed to the pavement. In addition, functional vents increase track capability by channeling air to the brakes, as well as heat exchangers for the transmission and differential.”

It’s already the quickest, most capable standard Corvette ever made. But Stingray has also evolved to keep you connected and entertained. Using steering wheel-mounted controls, hand gesture recognition and natural voice recognition capabilities, the Chevrolet MyLink2 system allows you to make ands-free calls, stream HD Radio® and third-party music services like Pandora® Internet Radio,3 plus access a broad range of functions including OnStar®4 and OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Other features include a premium 9-speaker Bose® sound system on 1LT, or a 10-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® surround sound

BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN The intuitive instrument cluster bears two ultra-bright 8-inch diagonal highresolution LED screens — screens so bright they can even be read with the convertible top down in direct sunlight. The motorized drop-down faceplate beneath the tablet-inspired center stack touch-screen display reveals a concealed storage area with USB port.1 And an ingenious color Head-Up Display on 2LT and 3LT complements the dual display, projecting critical data into the driver’s line of vision on the windshield. system on 2LT and 3LT, available 3-D navigation maps, SD card slot, Bluetooth® audio streaming5 and SiriusXM Satellite Radio6 with All Access Package.

CUSTO MIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Corvette is more than a car, it’s an experience. You can make your mark with an available personalized interior plaque. Or be a part of history by taking delivery of your Stingray on the floor of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.7 You’ll receive a VIP tour and get a quality orientation. Plus, you can even start up your new car for the first time.

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KNOWING ABOUT YOUR POWER-TRAIN WARRANITY

A powertrain warranty is a form of assurance offered by the manufacturer of an automobile. When a consumer purchases a vehicle, at the time of sale, he or she will be given a powertrain warranty, which will cover all or part of the powertrain of the underlying automobile. When a mechanical problem occurs to the powertrain the costs associated with repair or replacement are covered in the powertrain warranty—the manufacturer or dealer whole sold the automobile will pay to have the car fixed. That being said, what parts are covered and the extent of the repayment associated with fixing the car will vary greatly based on the powertrain warranty offered.

Depending on the manufacturer, a powertrain warranty will provide different forms of coverage based on interpretative differences; for example, one manufacturer’s definition of an engine can be referred to as a ‘long block’, meaning the engine, as well as everything attached to it cannot be removed. Another definition of an engine can be a “short block” meaning only part of the engine—typically the piece below cylinder head—cannot be removed. As a result, the coverage abilities will vary between these two warranties if the engine proved to be faulty.

In addition to the engine, the type of automobile will necessitate different variables within the powertrain warranty. For example, if you purchased a manual transmission vehicle, the warranty may exclude repairs or replacements for important pieces, such as the clutch—an extended warranty for a manual transmission will typically only provide coverage for the driveshaft and the axles.

A powertrain warranty will last for a certain number of years or for a maximum number of miles. In most instances, the powertrain warranty will last longer than a typical car warranty; the basic powertrain warranty is offered as a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, or whichever comes first.

Other Warranites Usually available to car buyers:

Basic: Also known as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage, this is the general coverage that would pay to repair defects in factory-installed parts. Tires are not typically included because they're usually covered under a separate tire manufacturer warranty.

Corrosion: Covers rust that causes holes in sheet metal in parts such as the doors or side panels.

Roadside assistance: Provides help with towing and tire-changing if the car breaks down while traveling.

It's best to check with dealers for specifics, but here is a list of seven top auto companies that offer among the best car warranties, despite the fact that many are rated safe cars by independent research firms.

Car Insurance Tips

Find out what’s covered and what isn’t. Get your quote in writing and confirm the accuracy of each vehicle and driver you are insuring, as well as the coverages you requested. Ask about free, value-added features, such as emergency roadside assistance. Check to see if repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car, and find out what kind of payment options are available.

To see if you’re getting credit where credit is due, it's a good idea to find out all the discounts available to you. Some simple ways to save money on your auto insurance include maintaining a clean driving record, being a good student and the inclusion of certain safety features when buying a new car can save you money on your policy.

Your state sets forth the minimum liability coverage you must maintain, as mentioned above. But these are just the legal minimums and might not give you the coverage you need. You'll have to decide what you want to buy beyond these minimums. Keep in mind that you are looking to find the balance between having adequate coverage and overpaying.

According to Consumer Reports, a general guideline for adequate bodily injury liability limits is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $100,000 for property damage. These amounts are what your insurer will pay to someone you are in an accident with. For uninsured motorist coverage, you should get the same amount as for bodily injury liability, as this covers your medical costs when someone who is not insured hits you.

Auto insurance tip #1
Understand why you need auto insurance
In short, you need car insurance to protect your car, yourself and your passengers. You also protect any assets, like your home and savings, as well as comply with state law.

Auto insurance tip #2
Know your current coverages-but be willing to adjust
Use your current coverages and limits as a starting point; you can refer to your declarations page for this information. Then, adjust your coverages as necessary to match your lifestyle-which might be different than it was when you first bought the policy.

For example, if your teenager starts driving next month, you might consider adding him or her to your policy now. Or, if you just bought a new car, you might choose loan/lease payoff coverage, so that if your car is stolen or declared a total loss, you'll have help paying off your loan or lease.

Auto insurance tip #3
Decide what you want to protect, then choose your coverages

Auto insurance tip #4
Use deductibles to your advantage
Your deductible is what you agree to pay out of pocket when you use your car insurance. In general, the higher you set your deductible, the less you'll pay for your policy. And conversely, if you set your deductible low, you'll pay more for your policy, but less when you have a claim.

Auto insurance tip #5
Know that certain things affect your rate
Insurance companies evaluate a variety of things when they calculate your rate, from your driving record to where you live and how many miles you drive on average. Keep this in mind when you see your rate.

More alternatives:

Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles to at least $1,000, which lowers your premiums and prevents you from filing small claims that could jeopardize a claims-free discount. Add some more money to your emergency fund so you’ll have the cash to pay the deductible if anyone in your family does have an accident.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage entirely on older cars that are worth little more than the deductible. You may be paying more in premiums than you could ever get back from the insurer, even if the car is totaled.

Tell your insurer if your child goes away to college. If your child goes to school more than 100 miles away and does not use the car, you can usually get a big break on your premiums but still have coverage when he or she comes home for vacation.

Ask about other discounts for teenage drivers. Some insurers offer discounts for driver-safety programs, cutting costs if the kids take a special class, watch a DVD, or read a driver-safety book and take a test. Ask your insurer what your kid needs to do to qualify.

Make the most of multi-policy discounts. You’ll usually get a break on your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance if you keep both policies with the same company. You may get an additional discount if you include an umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage beyond your auto-insurance limits and can be particularly valuable when you have a teenage driver.

Some insurers offer much better deals than others for teenage drivers, so it’s important to compare costs. The insurance company that offered the best rate for you and your spouse may have some of the highest rates when you add a teenage boy to the policy - and it’s almost always better to add the child to your policy rather than have him get his own policy.

You can get price quotes from several online insurance companies like Progressive or AllState or get personalized service from an independent insurance agent who works with many companies. You may not want to switch from a longtime insurer just to save a few dollars, however, because your current company may be less likely to raise your rate or drop you if your child has an accident. If you stay with the insurance company you currently have there more room for forgiveness and benefits of such various programs. Also keep in mind that if you have been getting a multi-policy discount, your homeowners-insurance rate might rise if you take your auto-insurance business elsewhere.

One thing you don’t want to do in an attempt to reduce your premiums is skimp on liability coverage. recommends liability limits of at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage or a policy with a “combined single limit” of $500,000, when available, which does not limit the coverage to $250,000 per person involved in the accident. Young drivers are more likely to have accidents, and lowering your liability limits could leave you on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in expenses if your child does hit another car or injure someone.

CAR WARRIORS

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

THE 2014 CHEVY CORVETTE STINGRAY

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