2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray Comes With 30 MPG Asterisk

With 450 horsepower, an aluminum chassis, and 7-speed manual transmission, the new 2014 Corvette Stingray is a pure performance machine, and surprisingly frugal on fuel as well. GM claims that in “Eco” mode, that 2014 Corvette will get up to 30 mpg*.

Notice that asterisk up there? That’s because, in order to avoid the gas guzzler tax, GM has employed an old trick known as the transmission lockout, preventing drivers from shifting from first gear into second or third. Instead, it directs you to fourth gear, though GM has wisely made this feature available only in “Eco” mode. In “Tour” mode the transmission lockout disengages.

While in Eco mode, GM rates the 2014 Corvette Stingray at 30 mpg, while in Tour mode it gets 28 mpg, which is still impressive for a 450 horsepower sports car. The city rating in either mode is 17 mpg, giving the Corvette an overall fuel economy rating of 17/29/21. GM goes on to favorably compare the Corvette to other sports cars, like the 400 horsepower Porsche 911 Carrera S (27 mpg highway) or the 495 horsepower Jaguar F-Type (23 mpg highway).

The 2014 Corvette Stingray can make some bold claims, but whoever thought fuel economy would be a bragging point for a sports car?

Source: GM