Chevrolet is finally kicking off the first deliveries of the 2014 Corvette Stingray, as the first batch of production models leave factory on their way to the dealership across America. These are all Coupe models. For the Convertible, you’re going to have to wait a bit longer.

The first convoy consists of approximately 1,000 Corvette Stingrays, produced at the Bowling Green Assembly plant, which underwent a $131-million upgrade to support production of the new model, including approximately $52 million for a new body shop to manufacture the car’s all-new aluminum frame in-house for the first time.

That’s the thing about the new Stingray. It features lots of new features which require new production methods. The seventh generation Corvette sees the most drastic changes since the car was first introduced.

Chevy should get its money back soon enough though, as the interest in the 2014 Corvette Stingray is very high. The car features a new LT1 V8 engine developing 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 460 lb-ft of torque (624 Nm) – and 460 horsepower (343 kW) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) with the available performance exhaust system.

It goes from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds, run the quarter-mile in 12 seconds at 119 mph, achieve 1.03g in cornering grip and stop from 60 mph in 107 feet, while averaging 17 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. It is an exceptionally capable motor.

And all this magnificence can be yours for a fair price. 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe starts at $51,995 including destination. The Convertible, which is due in early 2014, is priced at $56,995.