General Motors Company ( GM - Analyst Report ) recently showcased the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette at the annual auto show in Detroit. The company unveiled the latest version of the iconic sports car after nine years, which is set for a commercial launch later this year.

The 2014 Corvette has certain elements of the 1963 Sting Ray and newer Corvettes. However, the automaker remodeled the 2014 Corvette in such a way that it is totally different from the available versions.

The 2014 model is equipped with 6.2-Liter small-block V-8 engine, which provides 450 horsepower. The engine has high torque or rotational power at low and high revolutions. The fuel efficiency of the vehicle is maintained by the computer-controlled intake, exhaust valves and direct fuel injection. With this, the automaker guarantees that the car will perform better with more fuel efficiency compared to the current model.

The current Corvette, priced at $49,600, offers 16 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 26 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg on combined driving. The 2014 model, which comes in seven-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions options, is expected to provide better mileage compared with the current model.

General Motors posted a 9.7% decline in earnings (excluding special items) to 93 cents per share in the third quarter of 2012 from $1.03 in the corresponding quarter a year ago. However, earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents.

Profits ebbed 5.9% to $1.6 billion from $1.7 billion a year ago due to lower profits from North America and higher losses in Europe. Revenues grew 2.5% year over year to $37.6 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $36.3 billion. The improvement was driven by an increase in worldwide sales volume to 2.3 million units.

Detroit, Michigan-based General Motors is the largest automobile manufacturer in the world and is one of the ‘Big Three’ U.S. automakers. The company's significant exposure to troubled Europe has adversely affected its operations in the continent.

The automaker, which competes with Ford Motor Co. ( F - Analyst Report ) , currently, retains a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).