Autoblog

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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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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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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Pics Aplenty: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport shown from all angles

John Neff — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM

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

Since Chevrolet announced the return of the Corvette Grand Sport for 2010, we've been given detailed information on what the trim level will include as well as its starting price - $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. What we haven't been given is a truly good look at the Grand Sport, having to make due with a single profile shot.

Chevy has just released six new images of the GS in both coupe and convertible form that finally show off the exterior changes. Most obvious are the new gills that sit behind the front wheels and vent air from the larger brakes. The Grand Sport also gets that air inlet on the leading edge of its hood from the Z06, as well as the air scoop behind each door and front splitter. Those front and rear fenders are also both wider than what you get on a base Corvette, all in order to accommodate wider tires fitted to Grand Sport-specific wheels. Though the engine remains the same, GS Vettes do get an upgraded suspension and your choice of a manually tranny or six-speed auto.

Replacing the Z51 package, the new Grand Sport really does seem like the perfect compromise between a garden variety Corvette and the harder edged Z06. Check out the rest of our Grand Sport photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport

[Source: GM]

Pics Aplenty: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport shown from all angles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet announces 1.5 millionth Corvette produced, confirms Grand Sport pricing

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet

The 1.5 millionth Corvette - Click above for high-res image gallery

The very first Chevrolet Corvette built way back in 1953 was Polo White with a red interior and a black top. It was practically made by hand, cost $3,498 plus tax and shipping, and the only options were an AM radio and a heater. Fifty six years later, the 1.5 millionth Corvette is white with a red interior and black top. But this one was made in a dedicated assembly plant, would cost you more than $60,000 -- if you could buy it -- and is equipped with the option laden 3LT package.

It's good news for tumultuous times at the Bowtie. A note of trivia: it took 17 years to get from one million to 1.5 million cars, but only 15 years to get from 500,000 to one million (1977 - 1992). Viva la Eighties and the C4. And Viva Chevy... congratulations, guys.

In related news, Chevy also confirmed what we already knew, which is that the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport will start at $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. Both prices include a $950 destination charge. The official press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: Chevy builds the 1.5 millionth Corvette

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Chevrolet announces 1.5 millionth Corvette produced, confirms Grand Sport pricing

Chevrolet announces 1.5 millionth Corvette produced, confirms Grand Sport pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

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

Harley Earl's 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - Click above for a high-res gallery

Legendary sportscar marques deserve their own dedicated auctions, and lately they've been getting what they deserve. RM Auction has been running a Ferrari-only event at the Maranello factory for a few years now, while Bonhams has been doing the same with Aston Martin at Newport Pagnell for even longer. But while the Corvette may technically be a model and not a brand, it has its own rabid following and its own history. Which could help explain why Mecum is holding a dedicated Corvette auction later this month in St. Charles, Illinois. The Mecum Bloomington Gold Corvette Auction will feature an array of Vettes from Chevy history, and this is undoubtedly the highlight: Harley Earl's personal Stingray convertible.

As the grand-daddy of American car design, Earl earned his place in history. And to help commemorate his achievements, General Motors presented him with this unique 'Vette in 1963, shortly after the car made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. The car featured a unique metallic blue paintjob with white highlights and a blue leather interior, 300-horsepower fuel-injected 327, unique side exhaust and an array of special instruments in the glovebox.

Earl drove the car for two years - he even drove it at Daytona as the 500's Grand Marshall in 1965 - and then sold it to a war vet who drove it to California and back with local newspaper coverage. The car was then lost for decades before a group of amateur racers bought it at auction with the intent to drag race it before identifying it as something special. It then changed hands among Corvette collectors before receiving a full restoration. The car's status and storied history, more of which you can read about in the press release after the jump, are sure to fetch a pretty penny when this Vette crosses the auction block on June 26.

Gallery: Harley Earl's 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

[Source: Mecum]

Continue reading Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block

Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:00 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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Rumormill: Corvette Grand Sport returning to Chevrolet for 2010?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Chevrolet, Rumormill

1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

It may be hard to imagine now, but there was a time when General Motors considered spinning Chevrolet's Corvette line off into its own separate division. The flagship supercar always had a distinct identity from the rest of Bowtie's model line - heck, overseas, 'Vettes aren't even sold at Chevy dealerships, they're sold with Cadillac. But while The General is trying to trim divisions down to a manageable level, now would seem like a less-than-ideal time to separate the Corvette range from Chevrolet, despite reports that yet another 'Vette derivative may on the way.

In addition to the base Corvette coupe, the convertible, track-focused Z06 and supercar-beating ZR1 (along with various limited-edition models), reports now suggest that a new Grand Sport model is on its way. Little is known in the way of details, but speculation suggests that it'd be a standard 'Vette with a wider body like the Z06 or ZR1 and some extra package additions. The trim level are reportedly set to be available in both coupe and convertible body-styles, but perhaps the real question is whether the asymettrical fender hash marks will return...

[Source: Corvette Action Center]

Rumormill: Corvette Grand Sport returning to Chevrolet for 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy prices Corvette Competition Sport package

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Motorsports, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet, Specialty

Click above for a high-res image of the Chevrolet Corvette Compeition Sport

Last week GM announced a special package of racetrack upgrades for the 'Vette and Z06 dubbed the Corvette Competition Sport (CS) package and now, the General has released pricing. The cost of a base Corvette coupe with the package is $55,655, a bump of $3,350 over a 1LT coupe with the Z51 option pack and NPP exhaust. The price of a CS equipped Z06 is $77,500 w/ DFC, a jump of $2,725 over a 1LZ Corvette Z06.

As outlined before, the kit includes the Z51 Performance Package, the NPP performance exhaust system, a differential cooler and a set of racing pedals. Power peaks at 436 hp on the base Coupe and 505 hp on the Z06. Besides the steak, there's a bit of sizzle. Visual mods for both versions include Competition Gray stripes, wheels and headlamps, a special engine cover, and the "Jake" and CSR logos inside and out. A set of racing numbers will also be delivered to the buyer based on the particular car's build sequence.

Chevy prices Corvette Competition Sport package originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2009 C3R Retro Corvette Stingray

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Chevrolet, Rendered Speculation

Click above for high-res image gallery of the C3R concept

Might it be possible that the General would consider going retro for its next Corvette? It's worked wonders for the current crop of remade pony cars, with Chevy's own Camaro being a prime example. Some might argue, though, that the modern 'Vette has never really strayed from its core ethos of offering big performance for a relatively low price, so perhaps it's not in dire need of visiting the past for inspiration. On the other hand, its current styling is an evolution of the C4 design and doesn't bear much resemblance to past classic generations.

One enthusiast by the name of Christian Cyrulewski has taken matters into his own hands by using the third-generation Corvette as inspiration for a rebodied C6, the current version of America's sports car. This is the second version of the C3R, as it's designer calls it, and it's received some tweaks since last time we showed it to you, with more to come we're told. Design elements like the Mako Shark-inspired front fender peaks and steeply flowing rear buttresses from the early C3 series are present, as are hideaway head lights, which were a Corvette staple until the latest C6.

While there are no firm plans to produce a car based on these renderings, past indications are that Cyrulewski would like to see the first C3R running down Woodward Avenue for next year's Dream Cruise. We'll be there, of course, and will definitely keep our eyes peeled for the C3R.

Gallery: 2009 C3R V2.0

[Source: Serious Wheels]

Pics Aplenty: 2009 C3R Retro Corvette Stingray originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heaven Forbid: A Corvette from Toyota?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM, Toyota, Rendered Speculation

It's usually fun to speculate on what the future might hold, but this is one case where we're not so enthused. First of all, nobody in their right mind really wants to see GM fold (at least they shouldn't), regardless of the fact that it has been mismanaged for a good portion of its 100-year run. There have been some seriously cool machines that have rolled out of GM's various divisions, not the least of which is the iconic American sportscar, the Corvette. The 'Vette has succeeded where others have failed in providing a relatively inexpensive way for Americans to enjoy world class performance, and things have recently taken a turn for the better with the Z06 and ZR1 models. But, what would happen to the American classic if the General were to go bankrupt and couldn't recover? Would the Corvette cease to exist?

This exact question is currently being contemplated by forum members at GM Inside News. One inexplicable suggestion is that Toyota would be the best automaker to take the reigns of the Corvette brand -- a theory that's been met with a fair amount of skepticism. After taking just one look at the latest 'Vette wearing a Toyota badge, we nearly shed a tear. The comments are open -- let the debate rage.

[Source GM Inside News]

Heaven Forbid: A Corvette from Toyota? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:01:00 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: Corvette ZR1 does epic burnouts, we have proof

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:16:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for high-res gallery of the ZR1 doing burnouts

The Corvette ZR1 has some sick, nasty, evil power. Hitting the pedal will propel you to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and in the hands of a skilled professional, this blue-collar supercar can lap the 'Ring in 7:26:4. There is no question that 638 horsepower and a 3,300-lb curb weight is good for getting you somewhere in a big fat hurry, but in the right hands it can also get you nowhere fast. One particular Development Engineer is the General's number one burnout artist, and we captured video of him creating two 300-foot works of art. We love the rubber-ripping smoke storm and sound of the LS9 at full tilt, but we're not so sure this unsuspecting set of Michelin Pilot Sport 2s shares our excitement.

Follow the jump to view video of both burnouts, and click on the gallery below to see the high resolution stills.

Gallery: Covette ZR1 burnouts

Continue reading VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 does epic burnouts, we have proof

VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 does epic burnouts, we have proof originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Europe reveals Corvette Competition to kick off racing season

John Neff — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:42:00 EST

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

Click above for high-res gallery of the Corvette Competition

The Chevy Corvette trails only the Ford Mustang in number of special editions offered from the factory and by third-party tuners. Aside from the Z06 and ZR1, GM has also offered Vette-o-philes the Victory Edition (Euro only), 427 Limited Edition Z06, the Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06, and many Indy 500 Pace Car special editions over the years. And that's just from the factory. Check out Callaway and Lingenfelter for an even longer list of special Vettes.

GM of Europe has announced one more special Corvette to add to the list. Along with the aforementioned Victory Edition, GM will also be offering Europeans the Corvette Competition, which supposedly celebrates the new racing season that kicked off in mid-March with the 12 Hours of Sebring. Despite that race being held on American soil as part of the American Le Mans Series, the Corvette Competition is for Euro consumption only.

The Corvette Competition bears little resemblance to the C6.R race car from Corvette Racing, other than the fact they're both Corvettes. While the race car is a precision tool of speed and endurance, the production Corvette Competition is a gussied up base C6 coupe. Exterior mods include a honey comb grille in the lower front air intake and between its pair of dual tailpipes, a Z06 rear spoiler perched out back, and unique 5-spoke alloy wheels in Competition Grey. The rest of the car is dipped in black paint for maximum stealth effect. Other than that, the Corvette Competition's hardware is identical to that of a garden variety C6 Coupe, though GM claims it's limited the available options on to keep weight down. Since it is a special edition model, production will be limited and the price has only been referred to as "competitive".

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM Europe reveals Corvette Competition to kick off racing season

GM Europe reveals Corvette Competition to kick off racing season originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Corvettes set to pace Indy, including E85 Z06

Alex Nunez — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:02:00 EST

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

click image for hi-res gallery

GM announced today that not one, but two Corvettes will pace next year's Indy 500. A one-off E85-powered Z06 will be joined by a Corvette Convertible. The latter's color scheme pays homage to the first Corvette Indy Pace Car that led racers around the Brickyard back in 1978. Former Indy champion Emerson Fittipaldi will take the wheel of the flex-fuel Z06, which is mechanically stock save for its fuel system and PCM, both of which are modified to allow for the use of E85. The Z06 sports a garish green/gold color-shifting paint scheme that's augmented by a checkered-flag motif and a ridiculously large E85 ETHANOL decal across the front bumper.

The second pace car will spawn a limited run of 500 replicas, each signed and numbered by Emmo. Available in coupe and convertible bodystyles, the black-and-silver pace car clones really aren't much to look at (the inherent attractiveness of the C6 goes right out the window once you start decaling it up), but they're bound to be collectible. You can have a gander at both pace vehicles in the high-res gallery.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Corvette Indy 500 Pace Cars

Continue reading Two Corvettes set to pace Indy, including E85 Z06

Two Corvettes set to pace Indy, including E85 Z06 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: Corn-fed Corvette C6RS drops at GM party

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:08:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Hybrid, Performance, Chevrolet

Click image for our updated gallery with live and media pics

Jay Leno showed up at GM's party at The Wynn to show off his unique corn-fed Corvette C6RS, stuffed full of Katech's naturally aspirated 8.2L 600 HP V8. We discussed this car a bit recently and can only add that the devil is truly in the details here. The carbon fiber is apparent everywhere you look, the body kit takes this special C6 one step beyond anything you'd find at a Chevy dealership, and the fender slats remind us of a certain competitor from a recently liberated Big Three member. The press release is repeated after the jump and live shots from the party have been added to the gallery.

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Jay Leno's E85-powered C6RS Corvette

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Corn-fed Corvette C6RS drops at GM party

SEMA 2007: Corn-fed Corvette C6RS drops at GM party originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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