2014 Corvette Stingray Price Hinted, Sales Forecasted

Chevrolet has high hopes for the seventh-generation Corvette it unveiled in Detroit last week, forecasting global sales growth for the sports car.

John Fitzpatrick, General Motors’ performance cars marketing manager, anticipates a boost in exports to Europe, Asia and the Middle East. While he didn’t reveal the specific numbers GM expects, he told Ward’s Auto that the brand has higher expectations for this model than the previous car.

Even without specific numbers, that sentiment speaks to how confident GM is that the Stingray will strike true with consumers. When the 2014 Vette goes on sale, it will mark more than a new generation for the car. It will also mean higher-performing versions of the previous car will disappear from production.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Limited to ‘High-Volume’ Dealers

While that could position the upcoming car to sell more, it could also hurt them. “We expect to have a good year, but only time will tell,” Fitzpatrick said.

Last year’s Corvette sales were dim compared to pre-recession figures. Chevrolet managed to move more than 14,000 last year, but that’s a far cry from the roughly 30,000 it sold annually before the recession hit in 2008.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but Fitzpatrick hinted that the new car will stay close to the current car, saying “if you can afford the 2013 Corvette, you can afford the 2014.” The 2013 model starts at just over $50,000.

GALLERY: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Watch our first look video of the 2014 Corvette below:

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