The new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7, the first of the breed worthy of the sports car title, will make its UK debut this weekend at NEC Classic Car Show. The Stingy will go on sale in Britain early next year, starting from £61,495 for the hardtop version.

The Corvette has never been a big hit in the UK. Come to think of it, it’s an issue all American cars share in the Blighty. It is especially bad for the ‘Vette because it pitches itself as a sports car. The Brits know sports cars. They have been driving Porsches and Ferraris and Astons for decades. That’s why they scoff at the Corvette, calling it names like half-arsed, or w*nker.

They are going to be staggered though, when they see and try the new Corvette. The C7 Stingray is an all-new car from the bottom of its tires to top of its roof. It packs tons of technology features, twice as much power, and it is built like a European car with the same sort of quality and attention to details. It is nothing like the old models.

2014 Corvette Stingray is powered by a new LT1 V8 engine, developing 450 horsepower and 610 Nm of torque, which does up to 25 mpg. The car’s very sophisticated, boasting a five-way traction control, two 8-inch displays one for the infotainment system and one for the instruments, super clever suspension, and very nicely-trimmed interior.

At the NEC show the Corvette Stingray will form part of the Classic Corvette Club stand, where enthusiasts will be celebrating 60 years of the USA’s most iconic sports car. It will also lead the opening parade lap of next week’s Beaujolais Run, of which Chevrolet is a partner, in celebration of the model’s anniversary.