C2 (1963–1967)
The second generation, or mid-year, was designed by Larry Shinoda with major inspiration from a previous unproduced design called the "Q Corvette" by Peter Brock and Chuck Pohlmann, and under the styling direction of Bill Mitchell. Production started in 1963 and ended in 1967. Introducing a new name, Corvette Sting Ray, the 1963 model year Corvette was the first year for a coupe with its distinctive split rear window and non-functional hood vents as well as an independent rear suspension. Duntov never liked the split rear window because it blocked rear vision. Bill Mitchell however found the split to be a key part of the entire design. Duntov got his way on the 1964 model and the now unique 63 model gained the name "Split Window Coupe". The decorative hood vents were also eliminated for 64. Maximum power for 1963 was 360 hp (268 kW) and was raised to 375 hp (280 kW) in 1964.
Four-wheel disc brakes were introduced in 1965, as was a "big block" engine option (the 396 CID (6.5 L) V8). Side exhaust pipes became optional on the 1965 Sting Ray and persisted through 1967, then again for 1969. Chevrolet would up the ante in 1966 with the introduction of an even larger 427 CID (7 L) version, creating what would be one of the most collectible Corvettes ever. In 1967 an L-88 version of the 427 was introduced, which was rated at 430 hp (321 kW), but unofficial estimates place the actual output at 560 hp (418 kW) or more.[15]
