GM Will Halt Corvette Production for Six Months

General Motors Co. will suspend output of Chevrolet Corvettes in February so it can retool its plant in Bowling Green, Ky., for the next-generation C7 version of the iconic American sports car.

The factory overhaul will take about six months. GM plans to publicly debut the C7 on Jan. 13 ahead of the Detroit auto show and begin production in August.

The completely redesigned new Vette is expected to be smaller, lighter, more efficient and more elegantly appointed inside than the outgoing model. GM plans to reveal details about the car's new small-block V-8 engine next week.