Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM
Hertz adding Corvette ZHZ to Fun Collection
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Whenever we rent a car from Hertz, we always peruse the Fun Collection then settle on a cheap economy car that won't break the bank. Today Hertz announced that it's adding a new model to the Fun Collection that may change our renting habits this summer. Just like it did with Ford when the rental company offered the Mustang GT-H, Hertz has teamed with General Motors to offer the Corvette ZHZ, a specially customized model of the famous sports car for rental customers to abuse this summer. The car is finished in Hertz' trademark yellow color with a black stripe that starts around the Corvette emblem on the hood and travels back over the roof. It's basically a run-of-the-mill Corvette Coupe with the optional optional dual-mode exhaust system the gives the standard 430-hp 6.2L LS3 V8 a bump to 436 hp. The only other modification are a set of 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels that are chromed and feature seven spokes apiece, and some special "Hertz" and "ZHZ" badging. Only 500 examples are being added to the Hertz fleet and they will be available in 24 major cities. The first locations to get them will be Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. There's no word on what the rental price will be, but we already know that being part of the Fun Collection comes with a price.
[Source: Hertz]
PRESS RELEASE
Hertz Does It Again; Company Rolls Out Corvette ZHZ, an Exclusive, Limited-Edition, Performance Car for Customers Seeking to Add More Fun and Excitement to Their Trips
PARK RIDGE, NJ--Jun 9, 2008 -- Get ready to start your engines! The Hertz Corporation (NYSE:HTZ - News) has teamed up with General Motors to launch the Corvette ZHZ, a special limited-edition, high-performance super-car now available for rental exclusively through Hertz. Equipped with a 436-horsepower, V-8 engine, the Corvette ZHZ is the newest showcase car in the Hertz Fun Collection, which features a series of sporty vehicles designed to make the drive a key part of the journey.
Source: Hertz Corporation
Recognizing the special appeal of Corvettes to owners and would-be owners, Hertz is adding 500 Corvette ZHZ models to its airport locations in 24 major metropolitan cities across 14 states and Washington, D.C. through June 16, 2008, so this summer you can take to the road in style, wherever your trip takes you. The first Corvette ZHZs debut this month at Hertz airport locations in major cities including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.
"We are thrilled to be able to offer the limited-edition Corvette ZHZ as part of our Fun Collection fleet," said Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Hertz. "With the launch of this exclusive program, customers can experience the thrill of renting a high-performance car that provides the utmost in driving experiences while adding a splash of fun with its distinctive look."
Finished in Hertz' iconic yellow with an exclusive center exterior black stripe, the Corvette ZHZ features a paddle-shift automatic transmission and 6.2-liter engine with plenty of reserve power for passing. The Corvette ZHZ also features a dual-mode exhaust system, magnetic selective ride control with "tour" and "sport" settings for a customized ride, and specific 18-inch front and 19-inch rear chrome seven-spoke performance wheels. The Corvette ZHZ's performance exhaust system ensures the aggressive sound performance loved by auto enthusiasts.
The Corvette ZHZ also features a distinctive look, with dramatic fender forms and exposed headlamps combined with the grille and center-exit exhaust, round tail lamps, tapered rear deck, a rear spoiler and body color door handles to create a dramatic visual identity. In addition, the car comes equipped with a screen mesh package that provides side covers, exhaust plate screen and a grille mesh; under-hood blanket with the Corvette emblem and lamp kit; specific console armrest with ZHZ embroidery and a Hertz fender emblem and floor mat embroidery designed by GM.
The Corvette ZHZ will be available as part of the Fun Collection fleet at the following Hertz airport locations: Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, CA; Denver, CO; Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach and Tampa, FL; Savannah, GA; Maui and Oahu, HI; Boston, MA; Newark, NJ ; Charlotte, NC; Portland, OR; Charleston, SC; Nashville, TN; Dallas and Houston, TX; Seattle, WA; and Washington, DC (Dulles Airport).
Hertz Fun Collection
Highlighting its position as a leader at U.S. airports in the leisure car rental market, Hertz's Fun Collection features vehicles tailor-made for travelers seeking exciting driving experiences. The Fun Collection, with cars that can be reserved by specific make and model, adds even more entertainment to the driving experience as each car comes equipped with SIRIUS (NasdaqGS:SIRI - News) Satellite Radio.
With the addition of the Corvette ZHZ, Hertz offers 9 Fun Collection cars that can be specifically reserved. More than 12,000 Fun Collection vehicles are available at approximately 24 major airport locations in the United States.
The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:HTZ - News), is the world's largest general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,100 locations in 147 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 69 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company has licensee locations in cities and airports in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz #1 Club Gold, Hertz NeverLost® customized, onboard navigation systems, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the company's Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. Hertz also operates one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation (www.hertzequip.com), offering a diverse line of equipment, including tools and supplies, as well as new and used equipment for sale, to customers ranging from major industrial companies to local contractors and consumers through more than 360 branches in the United States, Canada, France and Spain.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Vintage 4:06PM (6/09/2008)
I hate that stuff like this is only avail in big cities. I flew out to Tucson last year and could not get ANYTHING remotely interesting. At all. I got stuck with a Hyundai Sonata. It was okay, but boring.
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Dan 9:59AM (6/10/2008)
I was in Orlando last week for a conference. We rented from Hertz (off-site at the airport) and they had at least one of these there.
Mopar Kid 4:08PM (6/09/2008)
O eyahhhhh what ive been waiting for ..... the greatest sports car ever ............
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steve-o 4:27PM (6/09/2008)
the GT-R is available??!!
Ultima GT-R 5:37PM (6/09/2008)
@ steve-o
which GT-R?
why not the LS2LS7? 6:31PM (6/09/2008)
The GT-R is a sports car?
Doesn't the huge size and back seat make it a GT?
hydrogenvodka 4:16AM (6/10/2008)
@ the last three posts..
You fanboys. LOL.
Bill Coates 10:27AM (6/10/2008)
Hey "Mopar Kid"
Doesn't your user name contradict the fact that you refer to a "Corvette" as the 'greatest sports car ever'?
I think you're very confused? (no offense)
Mopar Kid 12:48PM (6/10/2008)
Yeah Bill i am a Mopar kid .... but am all American at heart .... My all time favortie and the best machine outta USA is the vette //// thanks for caring though ....
Adam Marcello 4:08PM (6/09/2008)
I rented a convertible vette from hertz just last year. It was actually well equipped and not stripped out. I cant see paying extra for a lame paint job, rims and an exhaust. Plus it appears your giving up the vert. Paying mre for less car is lame.
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g 10:03AM (6/10/2008)
you can't take it to the track without a top?
sunnycyclist 4:09PM (6/09/2008)
For half a second I rejoiced at them making a hybrid... now that could be some real fun. And it wouldn't have to be look-at-me-yellow. Only in my dreams, I guess.
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ugg.tryptophan 5:26PM (6/09/2008)
hybrids equal fun?
evaristo.jo 4:20PM (6/09/2008)
I saw one on my drive down from Raleigh to Ft. Lauderdale near Orlando.
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Chris 4:22PM (6/09/2008)
It should be interesting to see their value upon the end of lease and after ten or twenty years as collector items.
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tom 4:23PM (6/09/2008)
Hertz website listed it at $950 a week.
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benzaholic 5:58PM (6/09/2008)
$680.49 a week for early July out of Houston Intercontinental. $599.49 for a Shelby GTH, or $695.49 for a Volvo S80.
Hmm. A Vette or an S80?
SPG 4:24PM (6/09/2008)
I'd love to rent a Vette, just not one with that color scheme or wheels. Yuck.
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Phred 4:27PM (6/09/2008)
Well that's funny - I saw one of these yesterday!
At the time, I figured it was just a custom paint job, but it was just like this one.
I'm in the San Diego area, so maybe it was an early rental or a Hertz manager out joyriding.
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RocketRex 6:35PM (6/09/2008)
Yeah, I saw one Friday night around 8:00 pm at the Hotel Solomar in the Gaslamp district in San Diego. I overheard the renter say he was from Solvokia and was in town on business for a few days.
I assumed it was from a specialty rental place, but the hood stripe on the car pretty much confirms it was a Hertz car.
RocketRex