Autoblog

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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Russian designer works with Zagato on ZR1-based Iso Rivolta Marella concept

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Russia, Design/Style

Iso Rivolta Marella design study - Click above for high-res image gallery

Front-engine rear-drive aluminum chassis, 640-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, high bang:buck ratio... Chevrolet's Corvette ZR1 has got it all. No wonder it's proving to be such a compelling choice for coachbuilders. Reviving the time-honored tradition in re-cloaking Vettes with Italian sheetmetal, the resurgent Stile Bertone used the ZR1 as the basis for the Mantide. And now, a Russian design student has teamed up with rival design house Zagato for another coachbuilt supercar concept based on the ZR1.

The Marella design study revives the Iso Rivolta nameplate, as imagined by one Fedor Stetskevich of the Moscow State University of Industrial and Applied Arts. Commonly known as the Stroganov (yes, you sophisticate, like the beef dish) the university was founded in 1825 and stands as one of Russia's oldest design schools. As you can see, Steskevich collaborated directly with Zagato on the project - which currently exists only as a model - and you can see a lot of resemblance to the Perana Z-One. Beyond that, we'll let the work speak for itself, so have a look in the extensive high-resolution image gallery below and you can leave your thoughts in the Comments below that.

Gallery: Iso Rivolta Marella design study by Fedor Stetskevich & Zagato

[Source: CarDesign.ru via CarScoop]

Russian designer works with Zagato on ZR1-based Iso Rivolta Marella concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something.

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Toys/Games

Gran Turismo for PSP - click above image to watch the video

In terms of tracks, we'd guess that while the Nürburgring gets the most press, Laguna Seca is number two. And with good reason, as Mazda's Raceway is fast, technical, beautiful and challenging. Plus, because the famed track's in Caramel, California, you get gorgeous, picture postcard weather for ten months of the year. If not more. Then, of course, there's the famous Corkscrew, and all of the hijinks that it ensures.

So large is Laguna's legend that Sony is now using to the track to sell its newly PSP ported version of Gran Turismo, the ever popular racing game. And as far as commercials go, this is one of the few we wish were a few minutes longer. The 'vert takes place on track at Laguna Seca where a Corvette ZR1 is chasing down a Ford GT and Nissan GT-R. And is that Tanner Foust? We think it is. Also, bonus points for whoever can identify the car the Blue Devil passes at the very beginning. Okay, we've stalled long enough. Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something.

VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Corvette ZR1 matches Nissan GT-R around Nürburgring in Sport Auto test

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Europe, Chevrolet, Nissan

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - click above image for hi-res gallery

Ah... what's it been, three weeks since we mentioned a Nürburgring "record?" Well, rest easy friends, as this post has nothing to do with a "record." Instead, it's all about the time laid down at the 'Ring by Horst von Saurma, editor of Germany's Auto Sport. Herr von Saurma lends an air of credibility to these tests, as not only did he briefly race professionally, but his 'Ring results are generally taken seriously. For instance, his 7:32 in a Porsche Carrera GT was considered the production record until recently when Nissan and General Motors started bringing in factory hot shoes.

Anyhow, here's what Horst found: The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes around the Nurburgring in 7:38 - the exact same amount of time it took him to hoof the Nissan GT-R around the circuit. Odd, you think? For the Nissan weighs almost 500 pounds more and gives up at least 100 horsepower to the Chevy. Not to mention around 165 lb-ft of torque. Yes, well, the 'Ring ain't a drag strip. And while big power helps, it's not the be-all and end-all. Both cars handle extremely well, but we're going to chock up the GT-R's impressive tie to an X factor. Namely, the twin-turbo Nissan is easier to flog at or around the limit than the supercharged Corvette - all-wheel drive helps in the dry, too, see?

And what about the issue that both manufacturers laid down 'Ring times in the 7:25 range? Well, it's within the margin of error you'd expect for a track as long as the Nürburgring, especially when the cars are driven on different days by different drivers. One more thing: Horst von Saurma laid down the Nissan's time in a 2009 model, and not in the new 2010 which features more power, better suspension and better brakes. Nor, for that matter, is it the Spec-V model. Just sayin'. Thanks to Wags for the tip!

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

[Source: GTRblog]

REPORT: Corvette ZR1 matches Nissan GT-R around Nürburgring in Sport Auto test originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has dealer installed accessory prices that would make Porsche blush

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

We just spent four, maybe five, minutes Googling around these here internets looking for the most expensive safety triangle we could find. You know, those orange reflective thingermabobs you can erect in the face of oncoming traffic to warn them of your breakdown/tire change? Most are $12. Though the most expensive one we could locate costs $21.49, although upon closer inspection, that's for a three-pack.

According to its website, Chevrolet, on the other hand, will be more than happy to sell you (or rather let a dealer sell you) an orange safety triangle with your Corvette ZR1 for $2,929. Ooh, we bet it's extra safe! Or, as tipster Jonathan says of the triangle, "This seem a tad high. Maybe I am wrong and the triangle is made out of solid (and very shiny) gold."

They will also let you purchase a $5,233 fire extinguisher, a $4,187 first aid kit and our favorite, a $12,870 roadside assistance package that includes, "a convenient tire pressure gauge, fuse kit, multi-bit screwdriver, flashlight, pliers, rain poncho and more." Obviously, the pliers are by Klein, the poncho is from Versace and the fuses are made of diamonds. Could be, though we're thinking the fact that Chevy offers both a $44 and $5,233 fire extinguisher means the whole page is one big series of typos. Still, ha ha ha funny. And again, thanks to Jonathan for the tip.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

[Source: Chevrolet.com]

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has dealer installed accessory prices that would make Porsche blush originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Test: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 launch control

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, First Drive

Aside from the addition of the Grand Sport model, the biggest upgrade to the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette lineup is arguably the addition of launch control. The Corvette is by no means the first sports car to get launch control, but judging from our first impression of it this week, it may well be the best system out there.

Unlike a certain Japanese competitor, General Motors' Corvette chief Tadge Juechter made it eminently clear this week that use of the car's launch control will in no way kill your warranty. In fact, he explained that while a highly skilled driver could potentially beat the launch control system by a bit, the vast majority of drivers will find themselves getting of the line much more quickly and with markedly better consistency. Let's take a look at how the system works after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Continue reading First Test: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 launch control

First Test: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 launch control originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2009: Bertone shows off ZR1-based Mantide

Drew Phillips — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Design/Style

Bertone Mantide - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's become a recent tradition for a coachbuilt car to be shown at the Gooding auction tent on Friday evening (previous years we got a look at the Pininfarina P4/5 and the Pininfarina Hyperion), and this year we were treated to the ZR1-based Bertone Mantide. The car's owner, Dan Watkins, actually drove the car from New York to Monterey for the unveiling and was on hand along with designer Jason Castriota to introduce the one-off car.

Our sources tells us that Jay Leno is next in line to purchase a Mantide, possibly followed by JK Jamiroquai, both of whom showed particular interest in the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. In addition to the new live photos from the unveiling last night, we've also included a new video featuring Watkins at Goodwood talking about the Mantide after the jump.

Gallery: Monterey 2009: Bertone Mantide

Continue reading Monterey 2009: Bertone shows off ZR1-based Mantide

Monterey 2009: Bertone shows off ZR1-based Mantide originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The Corvette ZR1 was chasing a Lambo LP670-4 SV around Millbrook

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, UK

Corvette ZR1 chasing a Lamborghini Muricelago LP670-4 SV - Click above to watch video after the jump

On Monday we shared a very nifty video of the lads at Autocar and a fire-breathing Blue Devil corvette chasing something around the hill route at Millbrook. Obviously, speculation was rampant about what sort of car had the camera strapped to it. Some folks went ahead and checked out Autocar since it was their video, others simply guessed. Results: Some of you were right! Others, very wrong. But, like the good parents that we are, Autoblog loves all of you equally. Moving on.

I'm going to go a little inside baseball for a moment, so ~~bare~~ bear with me. Yes, Autocar revealed that the chase car was indeed a Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce about two weeks ago. Trouble was, the clip wasn't on YouTube, meaning that we couldn't share it with you here on Autoblog. A questionable decision, but a decision, nonethelss. Anyhow, look - a Chevy Corvette ZR1 chasing a Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV around a track!!!

This really is an unbelievable video. First of all, you got two of the hottest cars in the world. Second, the Lambo should be a bit quicker than the ZR1, right? It has around 30 more horsepower, weighs about 60 pounds less and has AWD, allowing it to exit corners more quickly. Plus, the Lamborghini has a factory driver at the helm while the Corvette is being piloted by (gulp) an auto journalist. Only thing is, well... watch for yourself, after the jump. One more thing - not counting the "joke's on you, rich people!" Reventon, the LP670-4 SV is Lambo's most expensive vehicle and the ZR1 is (obviously) Chevy's. Can you image a race between the two brands' cheapest vehicles? Aveo vs. Gallardo LP560-4 strikes us as very funny.

[Source: YouTube via Autocar]

Continue reading VIDEO: The Corvette ZR1 was chasing a Lambo LP670-4 SV around Millbrook

VIDEO: The Corvette ZR1 was chasing a Lambo LP670-4 SV around Millbrook originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Monday afternoon Corvette ZR1 chase

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, UK

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 in hot pursuit - click above image to watch the video

The blokes at Autocar got themselves a real live Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. What to do with it? Why not strap a camera to the back of a pretty fast car, and let the 638 hp supercharged LS9-engined beast chase you all over a test circuit like a great white hunting a seal? Or is that like a cheetah chasing down a gazelle? An eagle after a snake? A dogo argentino pursuing a wild boar? You get the idea -- the Zed Argh One is a killer and just toying with whatever's in front of its gaping maw. The lead vehicle will soon be killed and consumed, metaphorically speaking of course. And you're going to simply love what happens at 1:54. Have a watch, after the jump. Thanks to Jonathan for the tip.

Continue reading VIDEO: Monday afternoon Corvette ZR1 chase

VIDEO: Monday afternoon Corvette ZR1 chase originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bertone Mantide owner eyeing Corvette ZR1 Nürburgring record run?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Supercars, Specialty

Bertone Mantide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some coachbuilt custom supercars are all show. But the owner of a Bertone Mantide is eager to prove that his has got the go to back up his show. Dan Watkins, the British gentleman-racer who bought the first Mantide, is so eager, in fact, that he's pondering personally financing a run at the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's Nürburgring lap record. And there's every reason to believe his car could reach that goal.

At 7 minutes, 26.4 seconds, the 2009 ZR1 holds the current lap record for a stock, street-legal, series production automobiles (excluding such track-focused machinery as the Viper ACR and Radical SR8). Nissan has its eyes on the ZR1 and is closing in fast, but as delicate and fragile as it may look, the Mantide arguably stands the best chance of besting the supercharged Vette's time - mostly because it's based on the ZR1. Only it's 80kg (176 pounds) lighter and 30% more aerodynamic, thanks to the improvements made to the body by Jason Castriota and his team at Stile Bertone.

To test the theory, Watkins is mulling renting out the 'Ring for three days, hiring an expert Nordschleife driver, and of course, donating the use of his $2 million supercar. All in pursuit of the ultimate bragging rights. If it happens, well, be watching.

Gallery: Bertone Mantide

[Source: PistonHeads]

Bertone Mantide owner eyeing Corvette ZR1 Nürburgring record run? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners

John Neff — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Supercars, Chevrolet

2010 Hennessey Z700 - Click above for high-res images

Hennessey Performance Engineering makes the point that track-oriented Porsche owners can opt up from a normal 911 to a GT3 RS and Viper owners can choose the ACR edition, so what's out there for ZR1 owners who want a more hardcore machine? To answer that question, HPE has introduced the Z700 for 2010.

The exclusive new model features a number of enhancements that go beyond the requisite power increase, which in this case jumps from 638 to 705 dyno-tuned hp. HPE has also put the ZR1 on a diet, shedding pounds by adding lightweight carbon fiber seats and carbon fiber wheels wrapped in a Michilin Pilot Cup Sport tires. The wheels alone scrub off 60 lbs. of rotating weight. Aero enhancements include Hennessey's Z-Aero carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler, all of which add 300 lbs. of downforce. Finally, an alcantara steering wheel and shift knob should feel better in the hand when barnstorming the track.

Hennessey plans to prove that the Z700 is a big improvement over the ZR1 by taking direct aim at the standard car's Nürburgring lap time of 7:26. They'll be flying to Germany with a Z700 later this year to take their best shot, but considering that HPE is perhaps the only only tuning company with its very own on-site track, Lonestar Motorsports Park, we expect good results.

Only 24 examples will be produced, and customers who order a Z700 also get a one-day performance driving instruction course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. Total cost for a base Z700 will start at $207,150, which also includes the cost of a donor ZR1. That's nearly a six-figure increase over the base price of a ZR1, so we'll have to wait until it sets some lap times to see if it's worth it.

Gallery: Hennessey Z700

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]

Continue reading 2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners

2010 Hennessey Z700 unveiled for track-happy ZR1 owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2010 Corvette ZR1 gets upgrades, price bump

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Supercars, Chevrolet

Corvette ZR1 - Click above for high-res gallery

General Motors can clearly use all the money it can get, and for the 2010 model year, you'll have to fork over more of it to get behind the wheel of a ZR1. The 2010 638 hp supercar will cost you $109,530; an increase of $2,910 over last year's model. A larger MSRP isn't a good thing, but according to Corvette Blogger, many dealers were already charging $10,000 over sticker for an '09 model, so this could be the General's way of getting a little bigger piece of the action.

For all that dough, you still get the most powerful production Vette of all-time - and a few new items as well. The 2010 model now comes with standard side curtain airbags, launch control and Performance Traction Management System. PTMS, by the way, gives the driver more control over traction settings when in competition mode.

Also new for 2010 is the ability to choose from a far greater array of colors including Torch Red paint, Competition Gray alloys, and a Cashmere toned interior. Hit the jump to pour over the press release.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Continue reading REPORT: 2010 Corvette ZR1 gets upgrades, price bump

REPORT: 2010 Corvette ZR1 gets upgrades, price bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes to Hell and back

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet, Reviews

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Torque is good. More torque is better. And when you have more than 600 lb-ft of the stuff at your disposal with just a tip of your right toe, life is fantastic. Now, if it would just stop raining, things would be perfect. Such is life with the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

As the old saying goes, "Timing is everything", and as General Motors approached its 100th birthday last September, it introduced the two most powerful production cars it had ever created, the Cadillac CTS-V and the ZR1. Unfortunately, just as GM reached the pinnacle of high performance cars, the world economy imploded. The global financial bubble got pierced from multiple sides and sales of cars at every price and performance level vaporized. Fortunately for us, GM is still hanging in there and Chevrolet let us have a few days of quality time with a ZR1 while the opportunity still exists. We went to Hell and back in the ZR1 and lived to tell the tale after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Continue reading Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes to Hell and back

Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes to Hell and back originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM CEO says future of Corvette secure

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

According to Fritz Henderson, the recently-appointed CEO of General Motors, the future holds exciting things for Chevrolet's iconic sportscar. This news comes despite the admission late last year that development of the next-gen C7 Corvette platform was put on "indefinite hold, with no official or set timetable."

In a bit of good news for Corvette fans, Henderson asserts that the "Corvette pays its rent," meaning that it's a money-making operation for The General. Obviously, the longer the automaker can rely on the current C6 architecture, the more profitable it will likely be.

There's still no indication of when we'll see a new architecture underpinning the Corvette, but Henderson is quick to point out that the current C6 chassis is still an excellent unit to build off and one that's fully competitive with the best sportscars from around the world. Disagree? You've obviously never gotten behind the wheel of the latest ZR1.

[Source: Autoweek]

GM CEO says future of Corvette secure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive by Design: Bertone Mantide priced at $2M, only 10 will be made

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Chevrolet, Specialty

Bertone Mantide - Click above for high-res image gallery

Perspective is a curious thing. Some look at the Corvette ZR1 and think it's a bargain compared to the exotic European machinery that it's capable of trouncing. Others look at the six-figure price tag and wonder how a Chevy could possibly cost that much. Then comes along Stile Bertone, the restructured coachbuilder now under the creative direction of former Pininfarina designer Jason Castriota, who has re-skinned the ZR1 as the Mantide. As if its radical styling wasn't divisive enough, news of its price tag and production run have now surfaced. One's big, the other small. Guess which one's which. Take your time, we'll wait.

Give up? The Bertone Mantide will sell for $2 million, but with that kind of sticker price it won't sell many: Castriota says they've already received between three and five (let's call it four) firm orders for the exclusive supercar, and they'll produce a maximum of ten examples. Think the Mantide and its exclusivity is worth a nearly 2,000% mark-up over the $103k "stock" ZR1? Express yourself in the comments below, and check out the updated gallery of high-resolution images below if you need help making up your mind.

Gallery: Bertone Mantide

[Source: NYTimes Wheels]

Exclusive by Design: Bertone Mantide priced at $2M, only 10 will be made originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Damaged ZR1 on the cheap

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars, Chevrolet

Mildly mutilated Corvette ZR1 on eBay - Click above for an image gallery

We figured it was just a matter of time before a cracked-up Corvette ZR1 found its way onto eBay, and thanks to (we're assuming) a ham-fisted driver hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, a slightly marred example of Chevy's hottest Corvette can be yours for the Buy-It-Now price of $97,500.

According to the listing, the Cyber Gray ZR1 sustained damage to the driver's side rear, and while the bumper cover is torn and the left-side lower control arms are bent, we're more concerned with the cracks in the rear tub (see the arrows in this pic). Assuming the structural damage is repairable and the carnage is limited to the replaceable suspension and body bits, the ZR3 Premium Package-equipped ZR1 - with a clear title (?) and only 1,200 miles on the clock - could be Humpty-Dumptied back together for a reasonable sum. But for us, those cracks in the tub mean only one thing: track toy. Strip out the interior, mount a pair of lightweight buckets, a Stack display and a cage, then proceed to the nearest track -- but not before you try to crash (no pun intended) GM's two-day ZR1 driving school first.

Gallery: eBay Find: Damaged Corvette ZR1

[Source: eBay via CorvetteBlogger]

eBay Find of the Day: Damaged ZR1 on the cheap originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey unveils 705 HP Corvette ZR700 upgrade

Drew Phillips — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for a high-res photo of the Hennessey Corvette ZR700

Not satisfied with the 638 horsepower on tap in your Chevrolet Corvette ZR1? Hennessey Performance has the solution. They've come up with a tuning package that includes a smaller supercharger pulley that increases boost from 11 to 14 psi, an upgraded intercooler, K&N intake, stainless steel headers, high-flow catalytic converters, and a reprogrammed engine management system that pushes output past the 700-horsepower mark. If that still doesn't meet your needs, Hennessey can keep the upgrades coming with high-flow cylinder heads and a more aggressive camshaft that puts the ZR1 at 755 hp. Hennessey's website says that 1000 hp is attainable, and we're guessing it involves a pair of turbochargers. Follow the jump to watch a video of the Hennessey ZR700 knock out an 11.03 second quarter-mile with relative ease.

[Source: Hennessey Performance]

Continue reading Hennessey unveils 705 HP Corvette ZR700 upgrade

Hennessey unveils 705 HP Corvette ZR700 upgrade originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette ZR1 to cost �109,000 in UK

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Chevrolet, UK

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Corvette ZR1

The car that Top Gear liked to drive, if not exactly to look at, has a price they definitely won't want to pay. At an on-the-road price of £109,000, the ZR1 costs nearly £48,000 pounds more than a Z06 in the UK. As if that weren't problematic enough, that price puts the left-hand-drive-only ZR1 £8,000 past the 911 Turbo and a colossal £55,000 beyond the GT-R Premium Edition. True, that's still the base GT-R, but Nissan has a whole lot of room to play with when it prices the V-Spec.

True as well, the price of the ZR1 also includes a driver training course and a 3-year / 60,000-mile warranty, which should count for something. Perhaps not £55,000, though. Luckily for Chevrolet UK, it will only have to sell two of them this year, and single digits in the years to come. You can read the full press release after the jump, and then decide if you'd rather have one lump of incredible American metal or a GT-R and a Swiss bank account.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Corvette ZR1 to cost �109,000 in UK

Corvette ZR1 to cost �109,000 in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Camaro SS and Corvette ZR1 sparring on track

Merritt Johnson — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Click above to watch video after the jump

Video clips of the Corvette ZR1 strutting its stuff on track can be found virtually anywhere on the internet. But that doesn't mean we're tired of seeing the beast in action, particularly if the video happens to feature another new staple of GM's sporty lineup. The latest internet discovery is a grainy, sometimes barely audible, clip of the Chevrolet Camaro SS tackling the twisties with a guest appearance by a jet black ZR1. The video begins with the new muscle making a go on the course all alone. Then later, it appears trailing behind the infamous supercharged 'Vette.

From what we can see, the Camaro's chassis seems to be nicely tuned. The body roll is not substantial and the pony car takes a seat quickly when entering a turn with no floaty oscillations. Hopefully the short but sweet video tease is a direct indication of the production setup. Follow the jump to view things for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Xeyad!

[Source: Autofiends]

Continue reading VIDEO: Camaro SS and Corvette ZR1 sparring on track

VIDEO: Camaro SS and Corvette ZR1 sparring on track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Birthing an LS9

Dan Roth — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Automobile Magazine was invited into General Motors Performance Build Center to watch and lightly assist in the buildup of a ZR-1's internal combustion heart. It takes four-and-a-half hours of real time to go from a bare block to a fire-breathing, supercharged LS9, but through the magic of sped-up video, it only takes seven minutes of your life. You won't come away with anything productive for that time, unlike the people in the video, who get the pleasure of creating a small-block V8, but it's a neat picture of how it all comes together. We just hope that some other poor sucker gets the motor that the magazine intern fiddled with. Video posted after the jump.

[Source: Automobile]

Continue reading VIDEO: Birthing an LS9

VIDEO: Birthing an LS9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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