Tech Spec: 2015 Corvette

Sept. 11, 2015
The 62-year reign of the Corvette lives on with the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.The 2015 Corvette Stingray has an all-new eight-speed automatic, performance data recorder and OnStar with 4G LTE. Chevrolet offers two new design packages for the Corvette Stingray, the Atlantic luxury convertible and the Pacific performance coupe.The performance data recorder means users can record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays of their driving experiences on and off the track. The Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment system with a 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen is standard. MyLink provides easy, intuitive operation of basic functions and is highly customizable and capable of linking devices

The 62-year reign of the Corvette lives on with the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

The 2015 Corvette Stingray has an all-new eight-speed automatic, performance data recorder and OnStar with 4G LTE. Chevrolet offers two new design packages for the Corvette Stingray, the Atlantic luxury convertible and the Pacific performance coupe.

The performance data recorder means users can record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays of their driving experiences on and off the track. The Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment system with a 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen is standard. MyLink provides easy, intuitive operation of basic functions and is highly customizable and capable of linking devices such as smartphones and MP3 players. The system includes Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones, as well as Pandora, TuneIn radio and Stitcher. Its standard OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot provide a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 7 and iOS 8 users enhances connectivity and convenience. It enables voice-controlled connectivity, so customers can keep phones stored and their hands on the wheel.

The Corvette Stingray comes in two new colors, Shark Gray Metallic and Daytona Sunrise Orange Metallic. It is available in 1LT, 2LT and 3LT trim levels. All 2015 Corvette Stingray models have all-new eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmissions specifically built to enhance performance and efficiency.

New and additional features for the Corvette Stingray include: new wheel finishes for models with and without the Z51 performance packages, available carbon fiber tonneau inserts for convertible models, carbon flash exterior badges, body-color or shark gray exterior vents, CFZ carbon fiber ground effects package, Z51 package that includes Z51-style wheels and spoiler without Z51 performance package, suede-wrapped upper interior trip on 3LT package and performance exhaust included with the Z51 performance package.

The slick sports car is powered by a 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine rated at a SAE-certified 455 horsepower and 460 pounds per foot of torque and 460 horsepower and 465 pounds per foot of torque with the available performance exhaust system. It enables Z51-equipped models to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 12 seconds at 119 mph. Real speed demons can also get the Corvette with an LT4 Supercharged engine.

Combining advanced technologies like direct injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing with an advanced combustion system mean the Corvette Stingray is able to offer superior performance on the road. The LT1 is backed by a choice of active, 2.75-inch-diameter exhaust systems. The standard system features a pair of butterfly valves that contribute to greater refinement at cruising speeds when the engine is operating in fuel-saving V-4 mode. The available performance variable-mode active exhaust system has two additional valves that open to a lower-restriction path through the mufflers. When open, these valves increase engine performance and produce a more powerful exhaust note, while also raising the engine’s output.

The eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission allows the driver to shift faster and is 5 percent more efficient than previous six-speed automatic transmissions.

These serious speed machines offer a driving experience like no other, and it’s partly because of the carefully designed chassis and suspension that take advantage of the lighter, stiffer structure of the vehicle. The Corvette’s chassis and suspension features contribute to 1.03g in cornering grip and stop from 60 mph in 107 feet. The components and their calibrations — from the brake size and damper rates to the steering system – are identical between coupe and convertible models.

A short/long-arm suspension design is used front and rear, with lightweight complementing components that include hollow lower control arms and aluminum rear toe links. The sports car rides on 18 x 8.5-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear wheels, while models equipped with the Z51 performance package roll on 19 x 8.5-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear forged aluminum wheels.

The starting MSRP of a 2015 Corvette Stingray is $55,000. A top of the line Coupe 3LT with a Z51 performance package, transparent roof panel, dual racing stripes, painted exterior vents, magnetic selective ride control, painted brake calipers, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear chrome aluminum wheels costs about $79,975.

Servicing the Corvette

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is equipped with an oil life monitoring system. When the “Change Engine Oil Soon” message displays, drivers should have the engine oil and filter changed within the next 600 miles (1,000 km). If driven under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate the need for vehicle service for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year, and the oil life system must be reset.

Required Services Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km):

·       Check engine oil level and oil life percentage. If needed, change engine oil and filter, and reset oil life system.

·       Check engine coolant level.

·       Check windshield washer fluid level.

·       Visually inspect windshield wiper blades for wear, cracking or contamination; replace worn or damaged wiper blades.

·       Check tire inflation pressures.

·       Inspect tire wear.

·       Visually check for fluid leaks.

·       Inspect engine air cleaner filter.

·       Inspect brake system.

·       Visually inspect steering, suspension and chassis components for damaged, loose or missing parts or signs of wear.

·       Check restraint system components.

·       Visually inspect fuel system for damage or leaks.

·       Visually inspect exhaust system and nearby heat shields for loose or damaged parts.

·       Lubricate body components.

·       Check starter switch.

·       Check automatic transmission shift lock control function.

·       Check parking brake and automatic transmission park mechanism.

·       Check accelerator pedal for damage, high effort or binding. Replace if needed.

·       Visually inspect gas strut for signs of wear, cracks or other damage; check the hold-open ability of the strut.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED SERVICES – NORMAL

Every 22,500 miles (36,000 km) or every two years:

• Replace passenger compartment air filter

Every 37,500 miles (60,000 km) or every four years:

• Replace engine air cleaner filter

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km):

• Inspect evaporative control system; check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook-up, routing and condition

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km):

• Change rear axle fluid

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or every three years:

• Replace brake/clutch fluid

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km):

• Replace spark plugs; inspect spark plug wires in LT4 Supercharged engine

Every 97,500 miles (156,000 km):

• Replace spark plugs; inspect spark plug wires in LT1 engine

Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or every five years:

• Drain and fill engine cooling system

Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or every 10 years:

• Visually inspect accessory drive belts; inspect for fraying, excessive cracking or damage; replace if needed

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED SERVICES – SEVERE

Every 22,500 miles (36,000 km) or every two years:

• Replace passenger compartment air filter

Every 37,500 miles (60,000 km) or every four years:

• Replace engine air filter

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km):

• Inspect evaporative control system; check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook-up, routing and condition

•     Change automatic transmission fluid

·       Change manual transmission fluid

·       Change rear axle fluid

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or every three years:

• Replace brake/clutch fluid

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km):

• Replace spark plugs; inspect spark plug wires in LT4 Supercharged engine

Every 97,500 miles (156,000 km):

• Replace spark plugs; inspect spark plug wires in LT1 engine

Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or every five years:

• Drain and fill engine cooling system

Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or every 10 years:

• Visually inspect accessory drive belts; inspect for fraying, excessive cracking or damage; replace if needed

Fluids and Capacities

Motor Oil: dexos1 5W-30; 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) for LT1 engine except Z51; 9.8 quarts (9.3 liters) for LT1 engine with Z51 and LT4 Supercharged engine

Coolant: 40/60 coolant/water mixture of clean, drinkable water and Dex-Cool; capacity is 11.3 quarts (10.7 liters)