2014 Corvette Stingray to Cost $2,395 More Than Its Predecessor

According to Mashable.com, the 2014 Corvette Stingray debuted in January, but among all the impressive stats and glossy pictures was one crucial missing piece of information: its price. On Friday, Chevrolet solved that riddle, saying that the revamped sports coupe will sell for a base price of $51,995 when it's available this fall.

Until now, Chevrolet would only say the price of the 2014 Corvette would be affordable for anyone who's able to buy the current model. But given the impressive upgrades for the upcoming 2014 Corvette Stingray, few aficionados believed that its higher-quality interior, aluminum structure, extra 20 horsepower (comparing 430 hp of the base 2013 Corvette vs. 450 hp for the 2014 model), and other upgrades would result in a vehicle for the same price as its predecessor.

Chevrolet quoted pricing for the Corvette Stingray convertible as well, giving it a base price of $56,995.

That $51,995 price for the base model 2014 Stingray coupe is $2,395 more than the 2013 Corvette coupe, which retails for $49,600. And the $56,995 price for the Stingray convertible is also $2,395 more than the 2013 Corvette convertible's retail price of $54,600. See Chevy's pricing of the current models here.

As you probably already realize, that base price doesn't tell the whole story.

SEE ALSO: Chevy Unveils 2014 Corvette at Detroit Auto Show

Beyond those two prices, Chevrolet didn't quote prices of the various options packages that adorn typical Corvettes. For that, we can only look at current packages, and take a guess how their prices might be applicable toward the new Corvette.

For instance, Chevrolet's 2LT options package for its 2013 Corvette adds a navigation system, Bluetooth for smartphones, a head-up display and a nine-speaker Bose audio system at an additional package cost of $4,145.

The 2013 Corvette is available in two higher-priced trim levels, as well as more-powerful engines and racing packages that could boost the total price to well over $100,000 for the Corvette ZR1. For any of them, you'll pay more if you want Chevy's 6-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission rather than the standard 7-speed manual transmission.

Chevy hasn't yet commented about which packages and engine combinations will be available in the new model, but there are rumors and speculation of an eventual ZR1 that could crank out more than 700 hp. That won't be available for more than a year after the initial release of the 2014 Corvette, according to Motor Trend.

If Chevrolet keeps its current pricing for its popular 2LT options package, a new Corvette Coupe will end up costing in the neighborhood of $56,000. Of course, smart car buyers will be able to haggle with dealers for a lower price, but probably not for a long time after the car's initial release.

Culled from Mashable.com