2014 Corvette Stingray: aggressive performance from a gas-miser [VIDEO]

DETROIT—A new “eco” driving mode and seven-speed manual transmission combine in the 2014 Corvette Stingray to deliver fuel efficiency that Chevrolet says will set the benchmark for performance cars.

Indeed, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the Stingray will achieve 13.8 l/100km in the city (17 mpg) and 8.1 l/100km on the highway (29 mpg). Chevrolet says no other car offers more than 455 horsepower and greater than 29 mpg highway.

Stingrays equipped with the seven-speed manual transmission can engage Eco mode’s Active Fuel Management, which disables four of the cylinders for improved fuel economy during light engine loads.

For Corvette Stingrays equipped with the six-speed automatic, Active Fuel Management is active in all drive modes until the driver engages the manual-shift mode using the steering-wheel paddles. Fuel economy estimates for Corvette Stingrays equipped with the six-speed automatic will be finalized soon.

The highway rating represents an 11-per cent increase in fuel economy over the previous Corvette, while the all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 delivers 455 horsepower, a 6-per cent increase over the previous Corvette. The LT1 delivers 460 horsepower with the available dual-mode exhaust.

By comparison, the Porsche 911 Carrera S delivers 400 horsepower, and an EPA-estimated 27 mpg highway.

Sports cars with more than 455 horsepower typically offer significantly lower highway fuel economy. For example, the Jaguar F-Type S offers 495 hp and 23 mpg highway while the Audi R8 V10 offers 510 hp and 19 mpg highway.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale this fall, with a convertible following by the end of the year.