How desperate are folks for 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette info? Well, a service manual entry showing the “front brake cooling deflector kit installation” process for the seventh-generation Vette has leaked out and exploded all over the internet. Okay, so most Corvette-hungry readers out there probably are more interested for the leaked service schematic for its portrayal of the new Corvette’s front end—which is clearly shown in a line drawing in the lower-right-hand corner of the image above. But the innocuous-sounding front brake cooling deflector itself actually is pretty cool, too. Allow us to explain.
Brake cooling is serious business, especially for cars with track intentions (like the Corvette), and the C7 Vette’s air deflector is seriously clever. The L-shaped piece (we’ve highlighted it in yellow above), is curved and mounts directly to the front lower control arm. As the instructions show, installation of the deflector requires the piece be guided between the control arm and the tie rod. We assume there must be a duct in the front grille or embedded in the underside of the front bumper that directs air to this deflector, which then guides the air onto the brake rotor and wheel hub. The deflector is relatively unique; most cars’ brake-cooling setups involve a duct that dumps air into the wheel well and nothing more.
We’ll know more about the Corvette following its big reveal January 13 of next year. In the meantime, check out the first, second, and third Corvette teaser videos Chevrolet itself has released in the past month or so.
