(CNN) -- General Motors stole the spotlight at the Detroit Auto Show when it rolled out the first redesign for the brand new Corvette. The redesign is the first major change for the model in nine years.
The new Corvette is badged with an iconic nameplate -- the Sting Ray.
"This car speaks for itself, stands for itself. It is an icon, emotionally, for this company," said Mark Reuss, the president of GM North America .
The company picked Detroit's gritty Russell industrial complex for the unveiling. Reuss says Corvette's makeover and debut marks a major milestone for the company and represents GM's comeback.
"The whole political arena has changed radically here over the last few years, since we went through bankruptcy. I think a lot of people needed something to really believe in here, and this car is one of those things in the company that we all believe in, " Reuss said. "And it was really fun, because no matter what people said, we kept working on this car, and what you see here today is spiritual and emotional for the whole company. When we did this for our employees later today, there was a standing ovation, not once but twice."
The Corvette will be able to go from zero to 60 in less than four seconds.
"It will be the fastest, most capable, most powerful standard Corvette we've ever done," Reuss said.
Auto analyst Jim Hall says the Corvette will do well, but he has a couple of issues.
"I like the car, I just wish the tail lights were a little more round," Hall said. "It's just me. It's still a Corvette, and it's still pretty hot."
