Autoblog

Chevy Corvette C7 prototype spied testing!

John Neff — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

The Corvette is the very definition of a halo car, and the fact that 2013 marks its sixtieth year in production is nothing short of a miracle. The seventh-generation Corvette is still a model year away, during which time Chevy plans to send off the C6 with a special edition 60th Anniversary 427 Convertible.

Development of the C7, however, continues at full speed, and we have the very first shots of a prototype being tested in cold weather to prove it. The car in question is wrapped in vinyl covering, underneath which hides the familiar black-and-white swirl paint job we see so often on prototypes. Even still, we can identify some aspects of the evolution that will take place between the C6 and C7.

For one, comparing profile shots of this prototype with the C6, it's apparent that the front wheels have moved farther forward, increasing the dash-to-axle ratio and likely the wheelbase. The rear end also appears to be larger, with a higher deck lid and slightly longer overhang. We also noticed that this prototype's side mirrors are a different shape than the C6's, and its dual tailpipes are positioned closer together to form a perfectly spaced line of four pipes.

There's no evidence of a split rear window and a mid-engine layout is clearly not in the cards. These photos should put those wild rumors to rest, but what's under the hood and how the interior has been improved are still unknowns.

Chevy Corvette C7 prototype spied testing! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turkey Day was terrible for these two Corvette owners

Chris Shunk — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos, Chevrolet

If you saw a C5 Corvette pulled up next to a C6 Corvette at a stop light, would you assume that a drag race would follow? And which vehicle would win? We'd have our money on the C6 Vette, but then again, the C5 owner may have a bit extra under the hood.

While on his way home from picking up the family's Thanksgiving turkey last week, one astute driver noticed just such a scenario play out in front of his eyes, and he was smart enough to press the record button on his camera phone. Unfortunately, the Vette owners weren't smart enough to know that public drag racing is always a bad idea, even on the day before Thanksgiving.

As it turns out, the C5 did have the juice to keep up with the C6, but it didn't have very good traction. Follow the jump to watch a Bowtie battle for the ages turn into one very expensive insurance claim. With joggers, bikers and kids within a stone's throw of the road, this was a really stupid move, and the drivers are lucky only their cars - and egos - were damaged.

NOTE: There is some swearing in the video, so you may want to turn down the volume.

Continue reading Turkey Day was terrible for these two Corvette owners

Turkey Day was terrible for these two Corvette owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Corvette redefines curb rash during autocross

Zach Bowman — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:46:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet

Autocross critics are quick to tell you that the pastime is a good way to learn bad habits behind the wheel. We say that, while it may be true, caning a vehicle around a parking lot while dodging a few cones is a good way to have a lot of fun behind the wheel in a fairly low-risk environment. Most autocross courses are designed to keep the speed down and the technicality up, which keeps both drivers and their vehicles safe from any real damage. Or at least, that's how its supposed to work.

A driver behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette recently found out just what can go wrong when there isn't enough runoff around a cone slalom at a Speed Ventures autocross. According to YouTube, the driver had just returned from a break, meaning that both the track and the vehicle's tires were cold as he came into the esses. The vehicle's rear breaks lose in a slow, drawn out slide that culminates with the entire passenger side of the vehicle getting cozy with a nearby curb. It's gut-wrenching at best. Hit the jump to check out the carnage for yourself.

Continue reading Chevrolet Corvette redefines curb rash during autocross

Chevrolet Corvette redefines curb rash during autocross originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Friends videotape man "trapped" inside C6 Corvette with dead battery

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 14 May 2011 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Humor

How NOT to get out of a C6 Corvette - Click above to watch video after the jump

Are sixth-generation Chevrolet Corvette coupes attempting to take out their owners? After one man recently became "trapped" inside his ZR1, another driver, captured above, also believed he was stuck inside his 'Vette. The real issue here, however, isn't folks being outsmarted by their cars; it's that vehicle owners don't even bother learning how their cars work.

When the battery dies on a C6 Corvette, the door-release buttons stop working. General Motors isn't in the business of creating sports cars that turn into traps, so it installs (very obviously marked) levers on the floor that, when pulled, manually open the doors. Not rocket science, guys. No need to panic. But hey, when you do freak out, and your friends are kind enough to find it hilarious and videotape it, well, we're happy to share.

Click past the jump to watch. Just be advised: the language is not safe for work.

Continue reading Friends videotape man "trapped" inside C6 Corvette with dead battery

Friends videotape man "trapped" inside C6 Corvette with dead battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 May 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy recalls 2005-2007 Corvettes over possible roof panel separation

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet

Do you own a Chevrolet Corvette? If so, is it a 2005 to 2007 model? If you answered "yes," does your 'Vette have a removable top? If (again) yes, have you noticed a snapping noise while driving over speed bumps? What about extra wind noise? Does your roof panel move when you slam the door or rear hatch? Have you noticed water beading down on your head during wet weather even though the removable roof is in place? If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, Chevrolet has a recall for you.

Seems as if the glue that holds the outer portion of the panel to the Corvette's roof frame has been failing. Full, worst case scenario consequence would be the outer part of the panel separating completely and flying away where it "could strike a following vehicle and cause injury and/or property damage." Seems as if we've heard something about this adhesive problem before... way back in April of 2006.

According to General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration, all 22,090 2005-2007 removable roof Corvette owners would be well advised to go down to their local dealer and get a new roof, gratis. Also: special bonus props to whomever can name the special edition Corvette pictured above. There are a couple of clues if you look hard enough.

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Chevy recalls 2005-2007 Corvettes over possible roof panel separation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Loma Performance unveils Corvette C6.BlackforceOne

Alex Nunez — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows

Loma Performance Corvette "BlackforceOne" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Loma Performance seems to think that its new BlackforceOne Corvette is somehow evocative of POTUS' personal airplane. "Clearly reminiscent," they go so far as to say in their press release. (We think the moniker sounds as if could have been the title of a 1970s action film starring Fred Williamson.) Anyway, labored connections to the Prez's 747 aside, with the BlackforceOne, Loma appears to have come up with something pretty tasty.

It starts off as a base-engined C6 Vette, which is subsequently twin-turbocharged to make 783 horsepower (794 PS). Of that, a devilish 666 hp (675 PS) or so actually make it to the rear wheels. Accordingly, the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes a scant 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is 205 mph (330 km/h). The stock brakes are replaced with carbon-ceramic discs all around, and the suspension, wheels, tires, exhaust and other drivetrain components are also upgraded accordingly.

The package is then wrapped in a widebody kit drenched in one of three matte paint finishes. Production will be limited to 25 examples, according to Loma, which will formally unveil the BlackforceOne at the Essen Motor Show.

Gallery: Loma Performance Corvette BlackforceOne

[Source: Loma Performance]

Continue reading Loma Performance unveils Corvette C6.BlackforceOne

Loma Performance unveils Corvette C6.BlackforceOne originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Humor

Corvette C6 w/Nitrous Oxide - Click image to watch the video

Or at least a Z06. Now, we're all for drag racing - it's one of the purest forms of sport around - much like World's Strongest Man minus all the steroids. Or is that plus nine billion times the steroids? Either way, little is more adrenaline pumping than watching a nitrous-venting 1976 Chevrolet Camaro run the quarter in 8.5 seconds. Especially when you stop and think about how totally terrible Camaros were when Jimmy Carter took office. *Shudder.*

Anyhow, the reason you can get dirty old Camaros to run so quick are the mods. In fact, a constant, never-ending stream of modifications always makes that next hundredth of a second seem just within reach. Drag racing is the sport of the tinkerer - just ask Don Garlits. You can always shed weight, but then you reach a point where structural integrity becomes an issue.

More power is typically (if not always) the answer. To get there, you got your lumpy cams, bundle o' snakes headers, intake pipes the size of telephone poles, hot lifters, blowers, turbos and, of course, nitrous oxide (N2O). We say "of course" N2O because most drag races are over before you can count to ten. Besides, motors are cheap but Friday night glory at New Jersey's Island Dragway lasts forever, right? In this case, however, the ol' nitrous bottle might be more at home hooked up to another car - might we suggest a '76 Camaro? Find out why after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Tampa Bay Examiner]

Continue reading VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1

VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: New-and-improved Specter Werkes C6 GTR

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Specter Werkes C6 GTR - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We told you about the Specter Werkes C6 GTR last month, but now we've seen the latest super 'Vette in person and we like what we see. The Corvette tuners from Troy, MI unveiled their original C6 GTR last summer, but here at SEMA, they showed the new-and-improved version. This newest GTR has had its LS3-based engine yanked and is now propelled by an LS7 V8. Not just any LS7 either, mind you, this particular engine is force-fed via a Lingenfelter Performance Engineering twin-turbo setup. The result is a ZR1-shaming 800 hp.

There are a slew of styling changes to go along with the extra oomph, including a body kit that's aggressive without being cartoonish or over-the-top. It has a deep chin spoiler and an elongated tail bracketing more sculpted fenders and sills. Slathered in a flattering Pearl Blue paint and fitted with HRE CF40 carbon fiber wheels, the Specter C6 looks the business. It should stop as good as it goes too, with StopTech brakes front and rear. Hit the jump for the full press release and browse the gallery below for a healthy dose of post-Halloween eye-candy.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Specter Werkes C6 GTR

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Specter Werkes]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: New-and-improved Specter Werkes C6 GTR

SEMA 2009: New-and-improved Specter Werkes C6 GTR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Might Have Been: Corvette LMP1 challenger

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials

Click above for high-res gallery of the Pratt & Miller LMP1 Corvette that never was

Autoblog friend and sports car racing junkie, Mike Laney, recently got the chance to tour Pratt & Miller (a.k.a. Corvette Racing HQ), and besides building the Speed GT Cadillac CTS-V, Pontiac GTO.R & GXP.R, C5-R and C6.R ALMS GT1 Corvettes, the company also makes the ZR1-rivaling C6RS road car. During his tour of the facilities, Mike spotted a wind tunnel model of an unfamiliar race car. As it turns out, the model was the car that P&M had envisioned for Corvette's attack on Le Mans, or rather, a scale model version of that car. As Mike puts it:

"Pratt & Miller had been working on an LMP1 Corvette, due to race in the American Le Mans Series and at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. The ACO's proposed LMP1 EVO regulations (then due to go into effect in 2010 or 2011) looked very appealing to GM as it'd give them a way to fight for overall victories and do it with a car that looked decidedly like a Corvette... Due to the economy, regulation changes, and the struggles at GM, this car will unfortunately probably never be anything more than a wind tunnel model."

It's really a stunning model, with just enough Corvette DNA in the styling to make it recognizable as America's preeminent sports car. To think that this might have mounted an assault on Le Mans makes us long for a time not so long ago when the global economic condition was a lot more favorable to racing and the auto industry in general. Heck, we hope General Motors keeps the model around when plans for the C7 get into high gear. Thanks for the inside scoop, Mike!

Gallery: Pratt & Miller LMP1 Corvette

[Source: Mike Laney]

What Might Have Been: Corvette LMP1 challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Karvajal Designs ZX-1 gives details on its Chevrolet Corvette widebody

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 21 May 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Karvajal Designs ZX-1 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Karvajal Designs has been displaying its Chevrolet Corvette-altering wares for some time, and it's finally giving up the details on its line of C6 exterior and engine modifications. The ZX-1 Stage One package includes a completely redesigned body kit that widens the 'Vette's haunches to 80-inches (with all the requisite ducting and panels), along with front and rear LEDs, custom exhaust, rear diffuser and 18-inch HRE aluminum wheels.

In addition to the other ZX-1 bling (aluminum sill plates, floor mats, flat-bottom steering wheel, alcantra swathed race seats, etc.), a performance package is available that includes Baer brakes, a Pfaft coil-over suspension, anti-roll bars, full under-body aero package and - most importantly - a Magnuson supercharger tuned to produce over 600 horsepower. If that isn't enough, all of the exterior bits can be had in carbon fiber and coated in a hue of your choosing. For all the details, head over to Karvajal's website or the eBay listing for the very first of ZX-1.

Gallery: Karvajal Designs ZX-1

Karvajal Designs ZX-1 gives details on its Chevrolet Corvette widebody originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charting the changes for Chevrolet's 2010 Corvette, including Grand Sport [w/VIDEOS]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

During the annual C5/C6 Bash at the Corvette's Bowling Green Assembly Plant, numerous changes were outlined for the 2010 'Vette line. In addition to the Grand Sport and its scorching performance, the notable changes include, among other things, launch control as standard on all manual transmission models, Performance Traction Management on the ZR1, being able to order any Corvette in any color, and a cashmere interior package available on the Z06 and ZR1.

The event also featured presentations on the Grand Sport's technical aspects and the launch control, both of which you can view videos of after the jump. The launch control is practically brainless: put your Vette in competitive mode, depress the clutch, put the throttle pedal to the floor and it will hold a predetermined RPM depending on your particular engine. Then when you pop the clutch, it will monitor torque at 100 times per second to provide the best traction. All without voiding your warranty. Follow the jump to see the videos.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Continue reading Charting the changes for Chevrolet's 2010 Corvette, including Grand Sport [w/VIDEOS]

Charting the changes for Chevrolet's 2010 Corvette, including Grand Sport [w/VIDEOS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition gets called to the carpet

Chris Paukert — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition - Click above for a high-res gallery

Back in February, General Motors circulated a few studio shots of a new Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition package, but the New York Auto Show is the first time we're coming face-to-face with just such an animal.

Built up from a standard 4LT coupe or convertible, the GT1 CE is essentially a trim-and-tape tribute package designed to celebrate the C6.R's racing successes. As such, it features a graphics package influenced by the racecar's livery, including the skull "Jake" logo, driver flags, a windshield banner, and so on. There's also a ZR1 "style" rear spoiler and chrome wheels to complete the package, although unfortunately no drivetrain bits from the King Corvette will make the scene.

Inside, as you can see in our photographs below, the ebony interior has been done up in yellow stitching, and there's special GT1 embroidery adorning the instrument panel, center console armrest, and seats.

As Chevrolet has plans to build just 600 of these limited-edition models, this could well be the closest any of us ever get to driving one.

Gallery: New York: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition

Gallery: 2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition

New York: Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition gets called to the carpet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Czech it: Innotech does Chevrolet Corvette

Drew Phillips — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Innotech Chevrolet Corvette

The last time we heard the name Innotech was back in 2000 when the independent Czech manufacturer introduced the Mysterro, a quirky supercar with a carbon fiber and kevlar body and a Corvette V8 amidships. While the company planned a production run of 25, only one was ever built and we hadn't heard from them since. Until now.

Innotech has announced a new styling package for the C6 Corvette with additional upgrade options for the interior, brakes, wheels, suspension and engine. The design has a heavy influence from both classic and modern Italian automobiles, particularly with the front end and the flying buttresses similar to that of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (itself borrowing heavily from vintage Prancing Horses). A speedster will follow shortly, as will Z06 and ZR1 versions. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Innotech Chevrolet Corvette

[Source: Innotech]

Continue reading Czech it: Innotech does Chevrolet Corvette

Czech it: Innotech does Chevrolet Corvette originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MAM debuts ZR1 wheels for earlier Corvettes

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

Mid-America has put C4, C5, and C6 Corvette owners twenty spokes closer to owning a ZR1. Anyone with a '97-'09 Vette can order the wheels in paired sizes in Chrome, Hyper Silver, Painted Black, and Black Chrome. They're $500 per pair and will ship in the New Year. Could be worth the wait for the Vette owner who (thinks he or she) has everything. You can read all about them in the press release after the jump and start your order with "Dear Santa..."

[Source: Mid America Motorworks]

Continue reading MAM debuts ZR1 wheels for earlier Corvettes

MAM debuts ZR1 wheels for earlier Corvettes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Bonjour, Michel": Citro�n C6 Office -- like KITT for French businessmen

Alex Nunez — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Citroën

Click above for a gallery of the Citroen C6 Office

Citroën and Intersection magazine have integrated KITT-like visual style with a number of in-car distractions to create the C6 Office, a rolling style project aimed at European business overlords. It'll make its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, a favorite the yacht-and-helo set it's meant to appeal to. From there, it'll head to Paris Fashion Week for another go-round before the bourgeoisie, ultimately trickling down to the rabble at the Paris Motor Show in October.

The variety of partners involved in the creation include Blackberry and Kenwood on the technical side, while Krug champagne and swanky food store Fauchon ensure that backseat wheeler-dealers stay drunk and well-fed. Alcantara appears to adorn everything above the beltline inside and a "Black Shadow" finish covers the exterior surfaces, from the grillework down to the Parotech wheels. We'll bring you live shots of the C6 Office in October when we see it along with the rest of the filthy peasants in Paris.

Gallery: Citroen C6 Office

[Source: Citroën via Zercustoms]

"Bonjour, Michel": Citro�n C6 Office -- like KITT for French businessmen originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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France set to invade Germany

Dan Roth — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, PSA, Renault

Renault and Citroen are winding up to launch a frontal assault on the German car market. Germany is Europe's largest automotive market, filled with über-drivers that demand cars that set the performance and luxury standard for the rest of Europe, and arguably the world. The French automakers want a larger piece of the German market, as well as further global expansion, too. Renault is bringing the fight to Germany with their new Laguna. The Laguna was designed specifically to appeal to the tastes of German buyers, with Renault's German marketing department making sure the car met the needs and desires of the Deutschland buyer. Hopes are high that the Laguna will bolster profits for Renault. It's an attempt to crack into the $35,000 price range, where profits are fatter, yet buyers are more demanding.

Citroën is also trying to push into the luxury market. Long known for small and medium-sized cars, the brand's C6 is attempting to mix it up on Mercedes, Audi, and BMW's turf. Citroën has a plan to bolster its credibility as a maker of luxurious cars, such as drawing the line from the DS to the C6, while also improving the dealer and support experience to keep customers smiling. Both brands don't yet have the volume in the German market that they desire, but have pledged that Germany is crucial to their survival plans.

[Source: Reuters]

France set to invade Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Deutschland Americana - Geiger C6 Biturbo

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Tuners, Performance, Chevrolet

Click the image above for more high-res shots of the Geiger C6 Biturbo.

Geiger Cars of Germany is known for some pretty outlandish creations, but this Corvette C6-based road rocket is rather subdued compared to some of the company's other offerings. It's performance, however, is anything but. Geiger outfitted the six-liter V8 with a duo of turbos, bumping output up to 614 HP and a tire-decimating 573 lb.-ft. or twist. That propels the C6 Biturbo to 62 MPH in 3.6 seconds, and on to a top speed of 216 MPH. 345 series wrap 19-inch wheels in the rear, ensuring that things stay sticky when the loud pedal is depressed.

You can check out a brief spec sheet, albeit in German, by clicking here, and if you've got the €129,000 price of entry, you can place your order over at Geiger's site here.

Gallery: Geiger Biturbo Corvette C6

Frankfurt 2007: Deutschland Americana - Geiger C6 Biturbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #64

Dan Roth — Thu, 03 May 2007 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet, Hyundai

We're back with #64 after being laid low by illness and schedule last week. Starting it off is some analysis of the 430HP LS3 Corvette, which we were lucky enough to see unveiled in Bowling Green, KY. 430 horses in the base car...nice. Speaking of rear-wheel-drive sports cars, there's yet another special Mustang, the Super Snake. It's upper limit of 725 horsepower has instantly rendered the GT500KR that debuted in New York totally irrelevant. Wake us up when the rollouts of special Mustangs are over. *Yawn* Of course, we still manage to talk about some hot 'Stangs for a few minutes. We wrap the whole deal up with the new Hyundai coupe based on the Genesis sedan's architecture. Whether it's the new Tiburon (finally a contender?), we don't know. Nor do we know if the rendering we've seen is anywhere near accurate, but Hyundai's continuing with their aggressive push, so we'll see where it leads. It's a tight 27 minutes this week, so enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #64 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The National Corvette Museum and C5-C6 Bash

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 03 May 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, GM

click above image for a photo your of the National Corvette Museum

April 26-28, 2007, hundreds of Corvette owners flocked to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green Kentucky. The occasion was the C5-C6 Bash, a festival celebrating the latest two versions of the American sports car that started it all. Corvette-ifosi were also there to witness the unveiling of the 2008 Corvette and register their approval or approbation. When not ogling the new car or any of the hundreds of other souped up Corvettes that made the journey, Bash-goers could wander the halls and pay homage to Zora Arkus-Duntov's remains, which are kept behind glass in a wall in the museum. And that's only the beginning.

Click through the jump to read the story and do yourself a favor by viewing the high-res gallery, which as good a guided tour as your're going to get without visiting the National Corvette Museum yourself.

Gallery: The National Corvette Museum and C5-C6 Bash

Continue reading The National Corvette Museum and C5-C6 Bash

The National Corvette Museum and C5-C6 Bash originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C7 Corvette may produce up to 700 HP

John Neff — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

Motor Authority is reporting that General Motors' VP of Global Product Develpment, Jim Queen, revealed in an interview with Motor Trend that the next-generation C7 Corvette will produce up to 700 naturally-aspirated horsepower in its top trim. We haven't been able to find the interview on Motor Trend's website or in the current March issue of the magazine, and the April issue has yet to arrive in either digital or dead tree form, so we can't corroborate the information at the moment.

The news of a 700 horsepower Corvette certainly isn't shocking at this point, considering the 2008 Dodge Viper will be packing at least 600 horspower by the time the C7 arrives, if not more, and GM product czar Bob Lutz told reporters at the Chicago Auto Show that a 600-horsepower Corvette would arrive by summer of 2009. He was most likely referring to the C6-based Corvette SS that's been making news on the internet lately. That car appears to be a supercharged version of the current Vette's motor, so it's interesting that they're going for 700 horsepower in the C7 without the use of forced induction.

Queen also confirmed that rumors about an all-wheel drive Corvette are false and that the iconic sports car, along with the Cadillac XLR, would remain on their own unique platform.

[Source: Motor Authority]

UPDATE: After conferring with Motor Trend and finding the original source, it's clear that GM's Jim McQueen did NOT say the C7 Corvette will produce up to 700 hp. The original article's author, MT's Paul Horrell, merely extrapolated on his own and made an educated guess that the C7 might produce that much power, probably considering that the C6 SS would already be producing in the neighborhood of 600 horsepower. The stuff about no all-wheel drive and maintaining a unique platform still stands, though.

C7 Corvette may produce up to 700 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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