Chevrolet Corvette C7.R ready to blitz race circuits in North America

The Corvette Z06 and C7.R race car represent the closest link in modern times between the Corvette siblings - as they share an unprecedented level of engineering and components - including chassis architecture, engine technologies and aerodynamic strategies.

"Corvette Racing sets the gold standard for technology transfer between the track and street. We are continually taking what we learn in competition, and applying it to improve production Corvettes - which then make better race cars. As a result, the new Corvette Z06 is the most track-capable production Corvette ever while the new C7.R is poised to be even more competitive on the race circuit," explained Tadge Juechter, Chief Engineer of the Corvette.

The Z06 and C7.R take aerodynamic foundation to the next level, sharing aggressive strategies for increased cooling and aerodynamic downforce - including similar front splitters and brake cooling ducts, among others.

Although, one major difference is the shift away from NACA ducts on the C7.R. The C6.R used two NACA ducts for cooling, while the C7.R uses openings on each of the rear quarter panels, above the brake ducts to draw required air.

Also the power units utilised by the cars are different. Where the Z06 boasts a supercharged 6.2-litre engine, the powertrain for the C7.R is lifted from its predecessor - as the GT rules limit the maximum displacement to 5.5-litre - and prohibit forced induction. Likewise the suspension on the C7.R is modified to accommodate wider racing tyres and larger brakes.

Corvette Racing will field two C7.R race cars this year starting with the 52^nd Rolex 24 at Daytona on the end of January. The race kicks off the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship - a new series debuting in 2014 after the merger of the American Le Mans Series and GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and will compete in the GT Le Mans class in 11 races around North America.