Autoblog ended up getting a much closer look at the new instrument panel in the 2014 Corvette at NAIAS 2013, and it’s about as stunning as you’d expect. You’re essentially looking at an 8-inch “high-resolution” display that’s fully reconfigurable, and it has three modes that you can scroll through.

Sport Mode features one large, central tachometer, and you can configure it to show different types of information, like G-forces, tire pressure, oil pressure, etc. Race Mode gives you a bar graph tachometer that’s meant for it to be easily read out of the corner of your eye to make sure that drivers keep their eyes on the racetrack. Touring Mode allows drivers to push the tachometer off to the side a bit and make room for infotainment information or navigation information.

Off to the sides of the 8-inch display are regular instrument clusters. Off to the left is the speedometer, which maxes out at 200mph, and then off the right side, is what appears to be the fuel gauge and the oil pressure gauge, both of which are slightly blocked by the steering wheel, so we’re not 100% sure, but this photo from Car and Driver gives an unobstructed view of the instrument panel.

[via Autoblog]

Vice president of sales for Tesla, George Blankenship, confirmed plans for 25 new retail locations opening throughout 2013, with half of them opening up outside the US. One of those stores will include the company’s first location in China, which is due to open sometime in the spring, so just a few months from now.

The company also stated that they’re still committed to blanketing the US with Supercharger charging stations for Tesla vehicles. Only eight of them are fully operational now, and most of them are on the west coast, but Tesla plans to also cover the east cost in the coming years. They also plan to eventually open up charging stations in the middle of the US, as well, which will allow Tesla owners to drive across the US without using a drop of gas or spending any money, since using the chargers will be free for Tesla vehicle owners.

Tesla announced back in November that they expect its Supercharger network to cover the entire United States by the end of 2013. We’re not sure exactly how many charging stations they plan to have opened in order to consider it the “entire United States”, but we’re guessing it means you’ll be able to drive anywhere without running out of juice.

[via Engadget]

The 2015 NSX Concept maintains its low and wide stance that we saw last year, and the car is highlighted by clean, modern, smooth, and simple surfacing, with edgy details that communicate a supercar feel and attitude. The overall shape reminds us of Audi’s own R8 supercar, with the slanted rear that goes all the way back to the tail.

Acura NSX production ended in 2005, and it’s seen a long history that goes back to 1990, when the first-year NSX was released. The 2015 model will feature a mid-mounted V6 engine with a seven-speed manual transmission. The car will also feature three electric motors that will work together to help drive all four wheels, and to assist with acceleration and braking.

This “Sports Hybrid AWD system” is expected to deliver V8 performance with “better-than-four-cylinder” fuel economy. Indeed, a three-motor, mid-engine supercar sounds like the ideal machine for a brand attempting to distinguish itself as a luxury and performance company without waste or excess. As far as price goes, there’s no set cost yet, but Acura says it will cost more than the Nissan GT-R, which already starts shy of $100,000.

Chevrolet and Polyphony Digital Inc. have collaborated to bring the new car to Gran Turismo 5, and after nearly 500,000 people have already driven the previous camouflaged Corvette prototype since it was introduced in the game back in November, the success of this new model will no doubt be rejoiced by gamers. The new C7 car will be available tomorrow for GT5 players.

During the creation of the virtual Corvette C7, both Chevrolet and Polyphony paid careful attention to the tiniest details of the new design, both inside and out, and they even attempted to perfect the driving characteristics of the new car, right down to the shift schedule for the 7-speed manual transmission.

The 2014 Corvette will produce 450 horsepower and 450 ft. lbs. of torque, and is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in less than four seconds. The new car will also be able to achieve more than 1G of force in cornering grip, and it will be the most fuel efficient Corvette ever, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26mpg of the current C6 model.

Aesthetically speaking, Chevrolet made the biggest change to the Corvette since the last major leap the company took with the C5 back in 1997. Of course, it still looks like a classic Corvette, but Chevrolet made some big changes to this new model. The headlights and grille are completely new, and the taillights ditch the circular approach and go for more of a Camaro-like look.

There’s also a lot of vents, and not in the interior. There’s vents on the tail, vents on the side, and vents on the hood. There’s definitely no shortage of vents, and it gives the A/C unit on the inside a run for its money. The interior will be familiar to anyone who’s seen the inside of a Corvette, but it has the new digital instrument panel that we saw in the past.

Also, as we already knew, the 2014 Corvette features a new 450 horsepower 6.2-liter Gen V LT1 V8 motor, which features direct fuel injection, as well as cylinder deactivation to improve gas mileage to something a little more acceptable — we’re talking around 26 mpg or so on the highway, and it’ll go from 0-60mph in under four seconds. There’s also a seven-speed transmission connected to the motor, with the option of a six-speed automatic for those who want the car to do the work.

Corvette did not disclose pricing for the new 2014 C7, but we’re expecting a price tag of at least $50,000 here. Dealerships should be expecting the new car to arrive sometime in the third quarter of this year.

Make sure to check out the entire NAIAS 2008 image gallery.

Click for images from the event (adding more later).

Click over to watch Kid Rock and the introduction of the Chevy 2009 Corvette Supercharge ZR1!

Click for images from the event (adding more later).

Ok, I’ve arrived safe and sound. A premium spot is reserved. The only thing left is for the show to start. Check back soon for full coverage.

If you’ve never heard of the GM Style event, it is basically a blend between high fashion, music and cars. Other performers and celebrity appearance this year include DJ Samantha Ronson, Maroon 5 and Mary J. Blige.

General Motors announced yesterday that Kid Rock can be described as the “contemporary embodiment of rock and roll,” and will be sharing the runway with GM’s 500-horsepower E85 Hot Rod and Chevrolet Camaro convertible concepts.

Make sure to check the GM Style event tag for coverage throughout the night.

Update: 5:05 PM, arrived at “the tent”. The security is extremely tight. We were informed that if we lose the wristband – we are SOL.

Update: 5:45 PM, my sources could be wrong about the Victoria Secrets thingy – tonight.  Stay tune.