Autoblog

Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

Our completed LS9 V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When you think of brands like Aston Martin, Ferrari and AMG, the idea of their engines being built by the hands of skilled craftsmen is no great surprise. However, most people would be very surprised to learn that General Motors has its own special facility dedicated to building its highest performaning engine by hand.

The GM Performance Build Center is located in a nondescript industrial park in in Wixom, MI, not far from the company's Milford Proving Ground. The PBC is a 100,000-square foot factory that opened in 2005 and has since produced both the supercharged Northstar V8 that was used in the Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V, as well as the dry-sump small-block V8 used in the Corvette Z06 and ZR1. The most recent addition to the lineup is the dry-sump LS3 used in the new manual transmission Grand Sport. We were invited by GM to tour the facility and even build one a monster LS9 that would eventually wind up in someone's ZR1.

Gallery: Building an LS9 V8 at the GM Performance Build Center

Continue reading Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1

Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica

Drew Phillips — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Chevrolet

Superformance 1963 Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite its relatively short list of on-track achievements, the original 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is arguably Chevrolet's most iconic racecar. Built to compete with the likewise-iconic Cobra, the Grand Sport dominated the Shelby when the two went head-to-head, but the program was axed by General Motors before it would make a significant impact on motorsports. Still, the five chassis have become coveted collector cars and command prices into the multi-millions of dollars.

While the privilege of owning an original Corvette Grand Sport is limited to just a fortunate few, Superformance is now offering the next best thing. The SoCal-based company is perhaps best known for their Cobra and GT40 replicas, but a new licensing agreement with GM has opened doors to produce a Corvette Grand Sport model that will be available as either a coupe or convertible. Customers will also have the option of a street or race version (pictured).

As with their GT40, Superformance have gone to great lengths to insure that the Grand Sport is as identical to the original as possible. They even acquired the original blueprints and molds to one of the original race cars to produce accurate components. Powertrain options will be nearly endless, as the engine bay has been designed to accept most of the GM Performance Parts crate engines. Hit the jump for the official press release from Superformance, or check out the high-res gallery of the Superformance Grand Sport race car below.

Gallery: Superformance Corvette Grand Sport

[Source: Superformance]

Continue reading From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica

From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 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: 1962 Corvette C1-RS is a worthy Goodguys Street Machine of the Year

Drew Phillips — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:37:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet

1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1-RS - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It takes a lot to win the the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year award, but this custom 1962 Corvette convertible you see here easily deserves the honor. The car not only looks incredible, but it posted the fastest time at the Goodguys autocross track as well! Every single one of the body panels on the car has been modified, and the majority of the components are constructed either of aluminum or carbon fiber.

Powering the C1-RS is an LS7 V8 putting out more than 600 horsepower, but we were most impressed with the eight carbon fiber intake trumpets on either side of the engine that bring air into the intake manifold. The interior was beautifully crafted as well, with a custom fabricated aluminum dash and console and Alcantara and leather seats. Check out the high-res gallery below to see all the details yourself, or follow the jump to read more about the car.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1-RS

Continue reading SEMA 2009: 1962 Corvette C1-RS is a worthy Goodguys Street Machine of the Year

SEMA 2009: 1962 Corvette C1-RS is a worthy Goodguys Street Machine of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet releases 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. Again.

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Chevrolet 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept - Click above for a new high-res image gallery

It's perfectly common for an automaker to release details and photos of a concept car in the months or weeks ramping up to its official debut at a major auto show. Not so much several months later, though. So you can imagine our confusion as to why Chevrolet has revealed the 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept once again.

Also referred to as the Corvette Centennial, the show car debuted at the Chicago Auto Show this past February, and had a cameo as Sideswipe in the latest Transformers sequel, Revenge of the Fallen. Now several months later, General Motors has hit us again with a fresh batch of photos and a brief press release (posted after the jump) conspicuously short on details, only hinting that something's changed by stating that "a version of the model" previously debuted in Chicago, but saying little else. Do we care? Not really. Because rationale aside, the Stingray is pretty badass, as you can see from the photos in the gallery below. So let's throw reason out the window and enjoy.

Gallery: Chevrolet 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept revealed again

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Chevrolet releases 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. Again.

Chevrolet releases 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Specter Werkes reveals new and improved C6 GTR

Drew Phillips — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:38:00 EST

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

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

Specter Werkes, the Corvette tuners from Troy, MI unveiled the C6 GTR last summer, but are set to reveal a new and improved version at SEMA next week. Featuring the LS7 V8 with a twin-turbo setup courtesy of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, this hyper-Vette produces an incredible 800 horsepower. The looks back up the performance, with BASF Pearl Blue paint, HRE CF40 carbon fiber wheels, and Specter's unique body package for the C6. Other performance upgrades include StopTech brakes front and rear and a Corsa exhaust system. The car will be prominently displayed outside the Las Vegas convention center in just a few days, so expect plenty of live high-res photos. Until then, hit the jump for the company's press release and browse the gallery below for an eye-full.

Gallery: Specter Werkes C6 GTR

[Source: Specter Werkes]

Continue reading Specter Werkes reveals new and improved C6 GTR

Specter Werkes reveals new and improved C6 GTR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevy previews its Camaro-heavy 2009 SEMA line up

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Chevrolet

Chevrolet vehicles SEMA preview -- Click above to watch video

The Chevy Camaro was SEMA's poster boy last year, but there were precious few of them on the ground once the doors opened. This year it looks like that won't be the case. The Bowtie will be presenting its own take on some of its cars, and in a little preview of the action it looks like there'll be at least a Corvette Grand Sport and few Camaros with lots of shiny bits -- including one with a glossy lime paint job and pinstripes. Gotta love SEMA... Follow the jump to see the preview.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevy previews its Camaro-heavy 2009 SEMA line up

VIDEO: Chevy previews its Camaro-heavy 2009 SEMA line up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donna Mae Mims, first female SCCA winner and Cannonball Run vet, dead at 82 [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Celebrities

Donna Mae Mims - click above to watch the video after the jump

The automotive world lost its iconic "Pink Lady" on October 6 as Donna Mae Mims died of complications from a stroke at the age of 82. To car enthusiasts of a certain age, Mims was best known for her early racing career and for her penchant for pink helmets, pink jumpsuits, and pink cars usually emblazoned with the phrase "Think Pink." That predilection earned her the nickname, "Pink Lady" from her admirers.

After buying a Fuelie Corvette with her husband in the late Fifties, Mims got the racing bug. She had been a secretary at Yenko Chevrolet, the legendary Pennsylvania dealer that churned out specially souped-up super Chevies back in the Sixties and Seventies, and along with a few coworkers she decided to go racing. She also moved into the Yenko sports car division to help develop their cars.

It wasn't long before she racked up her first win driving her Corvette in B Production at the Cumberland Nationals in 1960. By 1963, she was driving a pink 1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite that had incidentally once been owned by Polio vaccine developer, Dr. Jonas Salk. That car carried her to the championship in 1963, the first national championship recorded by the SCCA for a female driver. Besides the championship-winning Bugeye Sprite, Mims at one time or another also owned a pink Corvette, Corvair, Triumph TR3 and an MGB.

Besides her fondness for the color pink, Mims was also known for her blonde hair, good looks and aggressive driving, always charging and never letting the boys push her around during her 14-year racing career. The legend of the Pink Lady was cemented when Mims took part in the inaugural Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, better known as the Cannonball Run, back in 1972. Her all-female team included teammates Judy Stropus and Peggy Niemcek, who raced in a 1968 Cadillac limousine wearing tight-fitting shirts and pants, and no bras. It was a ploy to hopefully get them out of any legal entanglements along the way. Adrienne Barbeau (admirably) portrayed Mims in the 1981 classic, "The Cannonball Run."

After retiring as a racer, Mims could still be found at numerous SCCA events, volunteering to work the starting grids at races like the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and Championship Runoffs. Fun-loving till the end, Mims' dying wish was that following her passing, her body would be displayed seated behind the wheel of a pink 1979 Chevrolet Corvette during the visitation at her funeral. A group of about 40 Corvettes participated in the procession from the funeral home in McMurray, Pa. Godspeed, "Donna Amazing," our beloved Pink Lady. Be sure to click past the jump for a video celebrating Mims' extraordinary motorsports life.

[Sources: The Associated Press; WAPT | Image: Steel Town Corvettes]

Continue reading Donna Mae Mims, first female SCCA winner and Cannonball Run vet, dead at 82 [w/VIDEO]

Donna Mae Mims, first female SCCA winner and Cannonball Run vet, dead at 82 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WaterCar Python rocks our Corvette-loving, Ram-driving souls [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Truck, Etc., Videos, Crossover, Chevrolet, Specialty, Off-Road

WaterCar Python - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought that the amphibious Fiat we told you about last month would be a hoot, but you longed for more power than that car's 850 cc four-banger could provide, then maybe this is the vehicle for you. Billed as "THE WORLD'S FASTEST, HIGHEST PERFORMING AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE EVER DESIGNED AND BUILT," this is the WaterCar Python. Whether on water or on land, it is one quick ride. Weighing 3,800 pounds, the modified Corvette powerplant can propel it from a standstill to 60 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds on its way through the quarter in the mid-12s. Not bad for a boat that has all of the aerodynamic goodness of a Dodge Ram. Appropriately, the car's motive force is honored in the styling of the rear fascia. Seeing the Corvette tail on this beast reminds us of the Ferrari-powered regatta racer in One Crazy Summer, except this one is still roadworthy.

When you decide that you want to take to the waves, a Dominator Jet provides the propulsion and allows a top speed of 60 mph! That is damn fast for a boat, especially one that is highway-capable as well. Heck, you can even open the doors while out on the water. The interior features two captain's chairs up front and a wraparound bench in back so you can share all of the amphibious fun with a half dozen of your closest friends. For a base price of $200,000, WaterCar will build you a Python to your exact specs, with your choice of aluminum Corvette LS motors, exterior and interior colors, and even a custom-tailored pedal and shifter placement. Bikinis are optional.

Check out the huge high-res gallery below and follow the jump for a video of the Python in action.

Gallery: WaterCar Python amphibious vehicle

[Source: WaterCar]

Continue reading WaterCar Python rocks our Corvette-loving, Ram-driving souls [w/VIDEO]

WaterCar Python rocks our Corvette-loving, Ram-driving souls [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: #1 of 5 1993 Lister Corvette is nothing if not ambitious

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet, Specialty

1993 Lister Corvette - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in the early Nineties, Lister North America looked to recapture some of the awesomeness that is the 1959 Lister Corvette, a British car built to compete with the likes of the Jaguar and Aston Martin on the British racing scene. Opinions on whether or not the reborn company was successful are split, and the endeavor resulted in just five 1992 and 1993 Lister-bodied Chevrolet C4 Corvettes being produced.

This being the case, finding one of these rare automobiles for sale isn't a particularly common occurrence. Hence today's eBay Find of the Day - a 1993 Lister Corvette dolled up in bright yellow with a black interior. Regardless of what you think of the bespoke bodywork, the guts of the 'Vette are sound. There's certainly nothing wrong with a worked-over Chevrolet LT1 V8 engine stroked to 383 cubic inches and topped with a Vortech supercharger, right?

This particular Lister Corvette has traveled just 7,048 miles and has apparently been the subject of a magazine article or two. Bidding is currently at $16,600 (reserve not met) and there's less than a day left on the auction. Check out our gallery of images below and the listing in the link below.

Gallery: 1993 Lister Corvette

[Source: eBay Motors | Images: Viva Las Vegas Autos - Reproduced with permission]

eBay Find of the Day: #1 of 5 1993 Lister Corvette is nothing if not ambitious originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next Chevrolet Corvette to resurrect iconic split-window

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST

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

It worked for the Chevrolet Camaro, so why not the Corvette? General Motors' head of global design, Ed Welburn, has reportedly told Inside Line that the C7 'Vette is going to lift the most notorious design cue from the entire line: the split rear window from the 1963 coupe. It will not, however, be the car from Transformers 2, and it will not be mid-engined.

Unlike the Camaro, the C7 doesn't need to make a splash or a styling statement beyond being the new Corvette. On one hand, we can understand that GM wants to make a statement - but why go back to the Sixties to get it? Although we dig it in the 1963 car, the split-window was a gimmick then and it would be a gimmick now, which makes it a bit of an odd move for us. America's sports car already has its adherents, and the C5 and C6 have done well for themselves with original (if evolutionary) designs. On the other hand, if Chevy can make the car hot enough - and a rear-camera helps alleviate visibility concerns) - probably we won't care what kind of glass it has. If a funky rear window treatment can work for Lamborghini's Reventón, there's no reason it can't work for the C7... right?

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

[Source: Inside Line | Image: mashleymorgan via CC 2.0]

REPORT: Next Chevrolet Corvette to resurrect iconic split-window originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:28:00 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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REPORT: GM willing to investigate hybrid tech, low-rolling resistance tires if Corvette's survival depends on it

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Chevrolet, Rumormill, Electric

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept - Is a hybrid powertrain in the Corvette's future?

Is GM really considering a hybrid Corvette? Tom Stephens, GM's vice chairman of global product development, says it's a possibility. However, Stephens' comments are based on the new CAFE standards -- 35.5 mpg by 2016 -- and would only happen if the Corvette's livelihood depends on fitting a hybrid drivetrain.

With Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and others showing electrics and other alternatively powered sports cars, and some companies doing nothing but hybrids or electrics (see: Fisker and Tesla), it isn't hard to imagine an electrically boosted fiberglass flyer. The question is whether or not Corvette buyers would even consider a hybrid.

For now GM thinks they have a good enough plan to keep the Corvette electron-free. Until a hybrid is the only option, expect future 'Vettes to be made lighter, and equipped with low rolling resistance tires, direct injection, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation to make them more fuel frugal. Even electric power steering can boost mileage by half a gallon. So although a hybrid Corvette hasn't been ruled out, Stephens does say that we shouldn't expect a six-cylinder in the 'Vette's engine bay anytime soon.

[Source: Auomotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: GM willing to investigate hybrid tech, low-rolling resistance tires if Corvette's survival depends on it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:27:00 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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First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, First Drive

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Going into the 2010 model year, the Corvette lineup is growing to four models with the revival of the Grand Sport nameplate that slots in between the base and Z06 models. This is the third iteration of the Grand Sport, the first being a run of just five race-ready cars built by original Vette chief engineer Zora Arkus Duntov. The second batch was a run of 1,000 cars built in 1996 to close out the C4 generation. This time around, the Grand Sport is a regular production model and General Motors promises to make as many examples as customers demand.

The first customer bound production examples should be arriving at dealers this week, and the Corvette crew invited Autoblog out to the Milford Proving Ground for a tasting session. Thankfully, when Corvettes and Milford mix, that usually means a visit to the Milford Road Course (MRC), better known as the "Lutz 'Ring." MRC was completed five years ago at the south end of the company's proving grounds and as you might imagine, it's a suitably wonderful place to evaluate Corvettes. We spent the better part of an hour thrashing the Grand Sport around the MRC and came away impressed with this middle child. Read all about it after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:58:00 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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SV Motors 9 Competizione gets real

Drew Phillips — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST

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

SV Motor Company 9 Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery

Italian style and American power -- it's a match made in heaven. The Iso Grifo of the '60s and '70s was birthed from this blissful union, along with more recent collaborations including the Giugiaro Mustang and Bertone Mantide. Upstart San Francisco coachbuilder SV Motor Company believes in the formula and and has officially released details of its upcoming 9 Competizione sports car. We previously reported on the car last month, but this is our first look at the Real McCoy. Based on a Chevrolet Corvette C6 and utilizing the LS3 powertrain, the 9 Competizione features Italian-designed carbon fiber bodywork that lowers the curb weight to just 3085 lbs. Performance figures are scarce, but SV claims the car can pull 1.03g and brake from 60-0 mph in 107 ft.

In typical coachbuilt style, the 9 Competizione offers a wide range of personalized options including 25 exterior color choices, multiple wheel options, and several interior colors and materials to choose from. Customers can even pick five different brake caliper finishes. SV has boldly capped production at 1,000 units, and while pricing has not been announced, the company claims the 9 C will cost no more than $100,000. More details can be found in the press release after the jump, and the very first photos of the car can be found in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: SV Motor Company 9 Competizione

[Source: SV Motor Company]

SV Motors 9 Competizione gets real originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:08:00 EST

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

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here at Autoblog we've been fortunate enough to have two separate opportunities to drive what is officially known as the Milford Road Course. Informally, the facility is better known as the Lutz-ring. Early this decade when Bob Lutz was lured out of retirement to provide guidance to the product development staff at General Motors he quickly came to the realization that despite all of the different test surfaces at the Milford Proving ground there was no proper facility for evaluating the limit handling performance of its vehicles.

Under Lutz's prodding the development staff led by Jim Mero designed a 3 mile, 17 turn course where 97 percent of every lap is spent undergoing lateral acceleration to one side or another. The facility is used for both handling evaluation and development and as part of the durability cycle for new GM vehicles. We shot some footage the other day while driving in the Corvette Grand Sport and you can follow along for a lap of the Lutz-ring after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Continue reading VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport

VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NCM raffling off unique Corvette Grand Sport for 15th anniversary

Chris Shunk — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Corvette Museum is celebrating its 15th anniversary in style by raffling off a one of a kind Corvette Grand Sport. The Artic White Vette has a unique yet tasteful black hood treatment with Corvette Racing's Jack mascot painted at the center bulge with a red stripe outline. The NCM has also placed its own seal of approval on the Grand Sport by adding its logo to the car's B-pillar. The Corvette Grand Sport being raffled off also has a six speed manual transmission, dual mode exhaust and a ZR1-sourced rear spoiler.

Participation in the raffle is no cheap feat, as tickets cost a cool $150 each. The Corvette Museum is only raffling off 2,009 tickets, though, giving anyone that ponies up for tickets a relatively good shot at winning. Second prize is $10,000 and third prize is a great consolation win at $5,000. The special edition Vette will be raffled off on September 6 during the museum's 15th Anniversary Celebration.

Gallery: Corvette Grand Sport Raffle Prize

[Source: National Corvette Museum via Corvette Blogger]

NCM raffling off unique Corvette Grand Sport for 15th anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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