Introducing Six Grades Across Two Models at Once

Both models, for which General Motors Japan (GMJ) has announced official introduction to Japan, will go on sale from April 2014 (some in May).


Prior to the announcement, GMJ President and Representative Director Sumihito Ishii stated, "Our product lineup in Japan, across both brands, has expanded from four models in 2010 (Chevrolet 'Corvette',Camaroand Cadillac 'CTS',SRX) to the current eight models, double the number. We have also developed our dealer network and renovated stores with CI based on GM's global concept, improving user services." He emphasized that the brands are gradually growing their presence in the Japanese market.

In Japan, both brands were historically imported and sold by independent dealers for a long time. Since GMJ newly acquired the import rights and began distribution, sales had experienced a slump at times due to the Lehman shock and GM's bankruptcy in the US, as you know. President Ishii's speech also served to highlight the recovery from those lows.


Incidentally, the combined sales of Chevrolet and Cadillac have recovered from just over 400 units annually in 2009 to approximately 1,200 units in 2012, nearly tripling. The Chevrolet compact car 'Sonic' and SUV 'Captiva' have contributed to this growth.Captivahave contributed.


While this year's sales figures have not been disclosed, we hear that sales of Cadillac's new compact sedan 'ATS', which has been on the market for most of the year, are progressing well, suggesting that performance has been further enhanced.ATSare progressing well, suggesting that performance has been further enhanced.

Chevrolet Corvette

The new Corvette will be available in two coupe models: the base 'Corvette Coupe' and the sportier 'Corvette Coupe Z51', each offered with a 7-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The open-top 'Corvette Convertible' and 'Corvette Convertible Z51' will both come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.


The world premiere was at the NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show) in January, where it was unveiled as a highly anticipated new model worldwide, featuring a new generation design inspired by the Stingray, cutting-edge technology, and the highest performance in its history. Incidentally, in its home market of America, the car's name has been changed to 'Corvette Stingray' from this model onwards.Corvette Stingrayhas been changed.

When you think of the Corvette, the V8 engine comes to mind first. The traditional small-block engine is the 'LT1', developed based on a racing machine unit, incorporating the latest direct injection system, active fuel management, and continuously variable valve timing. It is a 6.2-liter V8 OHV engine, mounted in a front-midship configuration.


The Corvette Coupe and Corvette Convertible achieve a maximum output of 339kW (460ps) and a maximum torque of 624Nm (63.6kgm). The sportier Corvette Coupe Z51 and Corvette Convertible Z51 achieve a class-leading maximum output of 343kW (466ps) and a maximum torque of 630Nm (64.2kgm), while simultaneously employing cylinder deactivation technology to achieve the best fuel efficiency in Corvette's history. It is reported to achieve 12.3 km/liter in the US EPA highway mode.

Feedback from the 24 Hours of Le Mans

The body is an evolved version of previous models that anyone can recognize as a new Chevrolet Corvette, pursuing aerodynamic resistance and downforce through the latest aerodynamics. This incorporates aerodynamic know-how fed back from the 'C6.R' that competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.


Lightweight materials such as a carbon fiber engine hood, removable carbon fiber roof panel, composite fenders, doors, and rear quarter panels, as well as carbon nano-composite underbody panels, are used, keeping the body weight down to 1,580kg for the coupe model.

The cockpit, inspired by jet fighters, uses carefully selected genuine materials and pursues exquisite craftsmanship. New seats with lightweight magnesium frames, for example, enhance the sense of unity with the machine.


It is equipped with a driver mode selector that optimizes 12 vehicle characteristics, and a customizable screen and head-up display for the driver. The center stack features an infotainment system called 'Chevrolet MyLink' with an 8-inch touchscreen display. It allows control of hands-free calls, FM/AM radio, and Bluetooth audio, while a premium 10-speaker audio system with a bass box and two subwoofers provides excellent sound.

Deliveries Begin in April

The chassis is an all-new, fully aluminum design. It incorporates state-of-the-art devices to enhance driving performance, such as 'Active Handling' for sporty driving and competitive settings during circuit driving, 'Electronic Limited Slip Differential (Z51)', 'Magnetic Ride Control (Z51)', 'Launch Control', 'Traction Control', and 'Performance Traction Management' which controls torque and braking in five stages during circuit driving.

As the launch is scheduled for after April 2014, prices will be set including an 8% consumption tax.


Deliveries for four models – the Corvette Coupe (7MT: ¥9,182,000, 6AT: ¥9,290,000) and the Corvette Coupe Z51 (7MT: ¥10,882,000, 6AT: ¥10,990,000) – will begin on April 12. Deliveries for the Corvette Convertible and Corvette Convertible Z51 will commence on May 24, priced at ¥9,890,000 and ¥11,590,000 respectively.