Chicago Preview: Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car edition
click above image to view an additional 21 high-resolution images
Nine times. No, we're not referring to how many times Ferris Bueller's been absent this quarter, we're referring to how many times the Chevrolet Corvette has handled the official pace duties of the Indianapolis 500. Actually, the ninth time will occur on May 27th of this year for the 91st running of the most historic motorsport event in America. It also marks the fourth time in a row a Corvette has led the pack at Indy.
General Motors will be producing 500 replica Indy Pace Car editions of the car to be offered to the general public. They'll be Corvette Convertibles in Atomic Orange with Indianapolis 500 exterior graphics, Indy 500 fender badges, a rear spoiler cribbed from the Z06, new aluminum split-spoke wheels in Sterling Siver finish, seats with embroidered Indy 500 logos, interior trim pieces painted Atomic Orange to match the exterior and Atomic Orange engine covers. Of course, the 400-hp LS2 is standard and the cars come with the Z51 performance package and a standard six-speed. Each car will have a base price of $66,995, although if one goes for the only option, a paddle-shifting six-speed automatic, the price rises a bit to $68,245.
You can read the official press release after the jump and don't let the Atomic Orange paint burn your retinas when you check out all the photos in our high-resolution gallery.
[Source: GM]
PRESS RELEASE:
Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica Corvette Convertible
A 2007 Chevrolet Corvette convertible will pace the 91 st running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, 2007. As it was selected as the Official Pace Car, Chevrolet will supply several identically prepared and uniquely trimmed Corvette convertibles ñ in new Atomic Orange paint with distinctive gold ribbon graphics ñ that will serve in the official pace duties of the race, as well as supporting activities.
Five hundred production replicas of those official cars will be offered to the public ñ all of them convertibles. Theyíll be available beginning this spring.
The distinguishing features of the pace car replica convertibles include:
- Atomic Orange exterior color, including door handles
- Indianapolis 500 exterior graphics ñ including gold ribbon graphics that flow outward from the front fender vents and ì Indianapolis 500î door logos
- Special Indianapolis 500 fender badges
- Z06 rear spoiler
- New aluminum ìsplit-spokeî wheels in Sterling Silver
- Ebony seats with embroidered Indianapolis 500 logos
- Interior trim plate and pods painted Atomic Orange
- Atomic Orange engine covers
Pricing for the pace car replica convertible is $66,995 MSRP, including destination. The paddle-shift six-speed automatic is the only option, which brings the price to $68,245.
The performance-bred Corvette handles its official pace duties in nearly factory-stock trim, with little more than race track-required safety equipment and strobe lights added ñ as well as, of course, the eye-catching graphics. In years past, many Indy pace cars required extensive modification to perform their on-track tasks. The 2007 Corvetteís powertrain and suspension, including the 400-horsepower (298 kW) LS2 small-block V-8 engine, are more than adequate to maintain the speed, acceleration and handling required to lead the pack around the famed ìBrickyardî race track.
This year marks the ninth time Corvette has served as the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500. The previous years were 1978, 1986, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. It also is a record fourth consecutive turn for the Corvette, as well as a record 18 th time for a Chevrolet, to be selected as the pace car.
Production replicas were not offered every time the Corvette was selected as the pace car. In fact, 2007 marks the first time Chevrolet has offered a regular-production replica since 1998. But along with the regular-production models, several dozen copies of all the pace cars have been used for official activities in support of their respective Indianapolis 500 races, such as parades. These cars ñ known as ìfestivalî cars ñ have become prized collectibles, along with the limited-edition regular-production replicas.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Accordsforall 12:26PM (2/01/2007)
Hmmm
This probably isnt "American" of what Im about to say.. but what they heck..
Its a nice car.. with some nice touches. But.. what I got out of the great gallery.. are some very tight shots of some very wide G A P S. I mean the plastic piece between the driver and passenger.. theres at least 1-2" right there. The doors could be fitted a little tighter. And while Im sure its a blast to drive and all of that... its the interior I have the most trouble with. Alright.. its a coupla Orange plastic pieces fit over the traditional black plastic. The fit and finish desperately need attention. And.. besides the standard badging on the seats, that make it look like an IRON-on.. there isnt much about that interior that I like.. at all.
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iamhoff 12:53PM (2/01/2007)
Kudos on the Ferris Bueller reference! Great car, fugly color. Who the hell decided that all these copper/orange/aztec gold/etc. colors were the in-thing? Early 2000s (2001 perhaps) is the year that I remember it first hitting in quantity...Acura CL, Volvo C70, Aztek, and too many others that I've blocked out of my mind. Ugly may be distinctive or unique, but unique and distinctive do NOT have to be ugly. Otherwise, I'm sure it has all the C6 goodness we've all come to expect.
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Rob 12:37PM (2/01/2007)
Great! Now that the toy model is built - let's see pictures of the real thing.
Oh - and if you are looking to fit your Vette with these fine refined colored dash pieces, visit isle 4 of you local Pep Boys store.
By the way, Nice seats...I think somewhere there are two first grade boys missing their backpack badges.
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motorman 3:47PM (2/01/2007)
accordsforall,you do not under stand how composite auto panels expand with heat so the gaps between their panels must be larger than steel because of the CoE of the composite vs steel. corvette owner since 1959
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JapDot 1:02PM (2/01/2007)
Why are blog posters so negative, if you don’t have anything nice to say........ Please remember the competitors to the corvette cost much much more than this car. If you want the ultra tight fit and finish better pony up. Cars are designed for specific markets and demographics if the car doesn’t appeal to you it probably wasn’t designed for you. Find a blog that covers your tastes and say something nice.
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Accordsforall 1:40PM (2/01/2007)
Hmmm
Better fit.. BETTER FINISH?? If spending almost 70g for a "SPORTS CAR" doesnt warrant wanting to have decent fit and finish.. then spending DOUBLE that is no difference.
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Accordsforall 1:42PM (2/01/2007)
Hmmm
There are CHEAPER CARS, with different demographics, that sell from Korean and or Indian automakers.. with better fit and finish.. that that VETTE!
And since when do ya have to spend 140g???... to get a car without 1-2" gaps??!!!
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JapDot 1:53PM (2/01/2007)
Would you seriously choose a Korean or Indian car over a corvette? Let's be serious now. You can’t judge a car by a photo. 1"-2" gaps? It doesn’t make much sense to lust after and autobahn burner and bash the car you might actually be able to afford and would likely enjoy driving. I'll admit this version is a bit garish, but let’s be realists shall we.
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Accordsforall 2:01PM (2/01/2007)
Hmmm
Screw realists..
If I wanted garbage with wide gaps nearly 1-2" everywhere (door cuts, panel between the seats), IRON-on decals on the headrests, plastic enamel covers over the instrument cluster, I wouldnt buy this car. And I certainly would DEMAND to know.. if SEVENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS doesnt buy you a tight fitting, well designed automotive thrill ride, instead of a plasticized, front engined, yawn inducing looks. I wouldnt be buying a Vette.
That damn car has has problems and issues from DAY ONE. And when they told ya intially that a affordable sports car starts at 40 = 39,9.. then what does 70g buy ya?? I sure as HELL HOPE.. ITS FAR BETTER THAN THIS!!!
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Richard Warren 2:10PM (2/01/2007)
#3 Try 1955 on the copper color.
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JapDot 4:46PM (2/01/2007)
accordsforall "for 70g the body panel shouldnt expand and contract. Cars from India and Korea have panels that dont expand and contract." bla bla bla, we shouldn't expect a likely 15-17 year old kid to be rational.
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Steve Spears 9:28AM (2/02/2007)
Contrary to Accord DXs' bad mouthing, only 500 of these Pace cars are being offered to the public, and will be snapped up fast! It's unlikely Accord could get one even if he/she loved the Corvette! I agree, a bit garish, but none the less, still a C-6. Remember Accord, it'll still kick the shit out of ANYTHING in its price range, this includes braking, handling, stopping, acceleration, top speed and will hold a pretty healthy resale value if taken care of. Oh! 28 m.p.g. highway! Vette owner.
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Chris 12:38AM (2/02/2007)
Quit starting all your posts with "Hmmm"! I know it must be hard for you to come up with a relevant post post but you don't need give us the visual.
On to more important issues. I am not a fan of any of the pace car packages because they just look terrible. GM has too many "special editions" and most of them are stupid like an SS Equinox, or new spiced up Lacrosse thats on the way. Isn't the Z06 special enough? Sure, as long as its black and snaps your neck. Now thats special!
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P.J. 8:41PM (2/01/2007)
I guess it just wouldn't be the 'Vette if an uber-tacky "Pace Car" edition didn't slip through the cracks every few years.
Two upsides: this isn't nearly as hideous as the purple, white, and yellow Pace Carbortion Chevy released in 1998. And after 500 people pay $14,910 more than a standard 'Vette convertible for this edition's smattering of superficial tack-ons, Chevy will have pocketed a lot of profit to funnel into the C7.
These stunts don't help the 'Vette's struggle for legitimacy among sports-car snobs, though; Porsche would never make such a ridiculous harlequin of their 911. The C6 is a world-class piece, and its recognition as such is overdue.
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Jim 7:36AM (2/02/2007)
I actually like the orange/copper color. And why does it have to go out of style? I mean, when will red cars be out of style? When will automakers quit forcing us to have red cars to look at? Why should orange be any different?
Anyway, I like the car. Silly, gaudy, brash, full of itself, and all. Nicer than my Accord(forall!).
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Accordsforall 11:46AM (2/02/2007)
HMMMMMMmmmmm....
I could EASILY pick up a VETTE. But it is funny, I dont even covet a 'Vette. A 1st gen Viper GTS - R/T-10 strikes me as a bold, aggressive, eats nails for snack solid automobile. Not to mention great design and that 10g clamshell hood. Its a raw, bare bones slice of muscle.
Side exhaust, low sill plate, few creature comforts is all ya really need with a V-10 pullin ya around.
And I say.. Screw the Vette.. and its orange plastic PEP BOYS-grade parts.
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Steve Spears 12:56PM (2/02/2007)
Probably time for the "Hmmm accord" (non Vette enthusiest) to get off this site!! This individual is NOT in the spirit of the main focus of this (normally interesting) site. With all due respect,go away Accord!
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sc 2007 owner 9:30PM (2/02/2007)
I own a 2007 Atomic Orange coupe, fully loaded, and this a great machine. Have had many other cars, BMW, Volvo, MGB, Infinity, Nissan Z's, and the Vet is special. Before purchase I looked at, researched and drove many cars, could have bought any of them, 911's, mercedes, BMW M6, M5, lexus, infinity, audi, viper, and kept coming back to the vet. I get more compliments on this vet than any other car I have ever owned. True, it lacks some refinements, but there is no better car for the money. For the downers out there, cannot please everyone all the time, and there is always one with a case of sour grapes. For myself, will keep this beauty for awhile, and see what is available in the car world for the 2009 models.
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Steve Spears 10:38AM (2/03/2007)
I too, get lots of compliments on my millenium yellow convertible. The car is a 6 speed stick. The skip shift is the only thing that drives me nuts. I bought a skip shift delete from Ecklers Corvette but have yet to install it. The car is an absolute blast to drive, and will go like hell!! I can actually get more cargo into the trunk of this Vette than my Mustang GT convertible! Like sc 2007 says, "It's a great machine!"
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