Like its ancestors, and despite endless rumors of a mid-engine successor, the new 2014 Corvette continues to use a front-engine, rear-wheel drive architecture. But in contrast to its predecessors, the all-new model has abandoned much of its heavy steel construction in favor of a lightweight aluminum frame. Thanks to innovative build techniques, including plenty of structural adhesive bonding, the new chassis is 99 pounds lighter than last year's model and 57 percent stiffer. Continuing that trend, there are new featherweight body panels, including a standard carbon-fiber hood and carbon-nano composite underbody panels, which assist in keeping weight to a minimum. The new bodywork is sleek (Cd of just .29), stylish, distinctive and light, boasting a curb weight of just 3,298 pounds. The Corvette's eight-cylinder tradition continues, but with an all-new, and thoroughly modern, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8. The all-aluminum LT1 small block features direct injection and continuously variable valve timing to generate 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. As such, it is strong enough to be called the most powerful standard engine Chevrolet has ever offered on a Corvette.