The new LT1 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel.

The estimate reflects an average of fuel economy in both the default “Tour” mode, which delivers 28 mpg highway, and driver-selectable “Eco” mode, which delivers 30 mpg highway. For Stingrays equipped with the seven-speed manual transmission, Eco mode enables 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% increase in fuel economy over the previous Corvette, while the all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 delivers 455 hp (339 kW), a 6% increase over the previous Corvette. The LT1 delivers 460 hp (343 kW) with the available dual-mode exhaust.

As one comparison, the Porsche 911 Carrera S delivers 400 hp, and an EPA-estimated 27 mpg highway from its 3.8L, horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine plus 7-speed transmission.

Combustion-engined sports cars with more than 455 horsepower typically offer significantly lower highway fuel economy estimates than the Corvette Stingray, GM noted. For example, the Jaguar F-Type V8 S offers 495 hp and 23 mpg highway from the 5.0 liter V8 supercharged engine with 8-speed transmission, while the Audi R8 V10 (5.2L) with 7-speed offers offers 525 hp and 22 mpg highway.

Too, sports cars that deliver more than 29 mpg highway based on EPA estimates typically deliver significantly less engine output. For example, the Porsche Cayman (2.7L H-6) offers 30 mpg and 275 hp, while the BMW Z4 sDrive28i delivers 241 hp and 34 mpg highway from its 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine.

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