The embargo on reporting about the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has ended, and several major outlets have had the opportunity to drive the 7th Generation of America’s super car. Debuting at the North American International Auto Show this past January, sports car enthusiasts around the world have been waiting with bated breath to see how the new car will perform.

Recently, General Motors announced that the vehicle would have 455hp and achieve 29mpg on the highway. Impressive numbers for a vehicle that starts at just over $52,000. These are all impressive numbers for a vehicle designed to be a competitor to Germany’s, and Italy’s, finest.

Corvette Stingray

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Carlos Lago over at Motor Trend has had the opportunity to drive this new vehicle on both a test track and on the street. It has been documented in this week’s edition of Ignition.

The vehicle sounds amazing, and the performance numbers even more impressive. With the optional Z51 package, the Stingray makes 460hp from the pushrod V8. But unlike any other pushrod V8 on the planet, it features advanced technology like variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation. In Eco Mode, the Corvette will cruise down the highway on only 4 cylinders.

The Z51 package adds adjustable suspension and an electronic rear differential. Without going into the technical details, there are computers on-board the Stingray that adjust the car thousands of times a second. These adjustments help the car corner faster and flatter than previous Corvettes, but also provide grand touring comfort on long trips.

Inside, the 7th generation Corvette receives a much needed interior upgrade. It also features the latest MyLink infotainment system with the nifty storage area behind the navigation display. A 7-speed manual transmission is standard, and offers race car driver rev-matching on shifts.

Now that the car has been released to some media outlets, it will not be long before the new Stingray is sitting on dealer lots ready for purchase. We hopefully will get our hands on one ourselves later in the year to share our impressions with you.