NAIAS 2014: Chevrolet Corvette C7-R debuts in Detroit

Chevrolet unveiled the Corvette C7.R race car which shares its technology with one of the new Corvette model - the Z06. Both the Corvette C7.R and the Z06 represents Corvettes modern designs that are built for racing and the road.

As said, the Corvette C7.R race car and the Z06 will be having the same aluminum frame. The C7.R, same as the Z06, will also be equipped with a direct-injection engine which, Chevrolet says, offers drivers more precise throttle control and it can improve fuel economy by about 3 percent. The C7.R, as well as, the Z06 are designed to produce aerodynamic downforce which pushes the tires to the ground at a high speed for improved grip and stability. Corvette’s C7.R has a larger radiator inlet that generates smoother airflow over the rear wing and making it more efficient to the handling and stability of the race car at high speed.

Corvette Racing will field two C7.R starting later this month at the 52^nd Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 25 to 26 it also marks the kick off of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship - a new series premiering this year after the merger of the American Le Mans Series and GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. The C7.R will compete in the GT Le Mans class in 11 races around North America. The Corvette Racing team is also expected to compete in June at the 24 Hours of Le Mans - a race in the GTE Pro class where Chevrolet and Corvette racing team won seven times. Last year, Corvette Racing won five races and swept the manufacturer, team, and driver championships in the GT class for the second consecutive season.