Chevy unveils 2014 Corvette at Detroit Auto Show

GM wouldn't give sales targets for the new car. Last year it sold only 14,000 of the aging Corvettes, down from over 30,000 the first few years after the current version was rolled out. Porsche sold about 8,500 911s last year.

The prospect of a new 'Vette has fans waiting anxiously, browsing the Internet for unauthorized photos or drawings. Thousands of aficionados live in the U.S., and even Europe and the Middle East.

John Browning, 70, president of the Renegade Corvette Club of Hollywood, Florida, one of 600 such clubs in the U.S, said some Corvette lovers can't contain themselves.

"I've got one member, he just sold his '13 in anticipation, to wait for the '14."

To many owners, the new Corvette symbolizes the rebirth of America's auto industry after its near death in 2009, showing the world that it again can lead in technology, styling and performance — at a lower cost that European competitors.

"I think the Corvette is the icon," said Browning. "As far as I'm concerned you can't get a better deal."