Autoblog

Corvette Z06 bed upgrades your childhood

Noah Joseph — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

We've reported plenty on items we'd like to place in our automotive-themed dream house, from engine-block coffee tables and Pininfarina desks to Aston Martin loveseats and Porsche sofas - but most of them are for the living room. We'd be remised, however, to forget the one part of the house where the fascination all began: our childhood bedroom.

We all had the posters up on the walls, the models on the shelves and maybe the sheets on the bed, but the luckiest kids among us had beds shaped like cars, similar - but probably not as awesome - as this latest release from toy company Step2. Released this week at the New York Toy Fair, it isn't just a bed: it's a whole bedroom set, all modeled on the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

The set includes a $299 bed capable of holding a toddler's mattress but expandable to accommodate a twin (extending its usability from ages 2 to 10) with optional working headlights for an extra $30, a $110 dresser that looks like dad's tool box, a $65 storage chest and a $40 wheeled storage box to make clean-up time quick. It's all made of molded plastic from one of the biggest in the business, and is sure to make for some very sweet dreams indeed.

If NASCAR is more to your kid's speed, Step2 has got a stock-car bedroom available too, but it's the Vette set that has us (a) wishing we were little again, and (b) second-guessing the grown-up's bed we just ordered for ourselves.

Corvette Z06 bed upgrades your childhood originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette Z06 tops Motor Trend list of shortest-stopping vehicles

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Ferrari

Any modern performance car worth buying puts just as much emphasis on stopping as it does on going. After all, what's the point in being able to hit ludicrous speed if you can't manage to get it back down without heading fascia-first into an unmovable object?

So, what's a good stopping distance? According to the crew at Motor Trend, 100 feet from 60 miles per hour is a pretty good starting point. And the best of the best do the deed in significantly less. How's about 93 feet, recorded by both the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition and the 2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

There's a smattering more Corvettes and Ferraris in the under-100-feet club, plus a couple Audis, Porsches and Vipers, along with a lone Lamborghini and the 2011 Nissan GT-R. If you're willing to allow non-DOT-approved tires, a prototype Lexus LFA managed to halt from 60 in 94 feet.

Speaking of tires, it seems that the best stopping treads are the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups, which are joined on the list by the Pirelli Pzero Corsas and a couple sets of Bridegstone Potenzas.

We've got to hand it to the Corvette Z06 for topping the list, especially since it's one of the least expensive vehicles in the under-100 club.

Corvette Z06 tops Motor Trend list of shortest-stopping vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spada unveils Codatronca Monza roadster in all its glory [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance

Spada Codatronca Monza - Click above for high-res image gallery

The father-son design team of Ercole and Paolo Spada made a real splash a few years back when they unveiled the Codatronca. Inspired by the Kamm-tailed Alfas Ercole designed back in the day for Zagato, the Codatronca looked something like a cross between a Chevrolet Corvette, a Lamborghini and Darth Vader's helmet.

Radical as the design was, however, it wasn't quite extreme enough for Aznom. So the Italian coachbuilder and aftermarket firm commissioned Spada to build the car you see here: the Codatronca Monza.

Initially unveiled at the Top Marques Monaco a couple of months ago, Spada has only now revealed the details in full. The roadster packs the same 710-horspower twin-supercharged 7.0-liter V8 (presumably based on the Z06's LS7), but in an open-roof bodystyle named after the legendary Italian racing circuit. Weighing in at only 2,600 lbs, the show car features a stripped-out cockpit with Sabelt buckets and full data acquisition system centered around the F1-style steering wheel. It rides on a fully adjustable suspension with OZ Ultraleggera wheels, Pirelli PZero Corsa tires and Brembo brakes with the same ABS system employed in the FIA GT3 series. The Spada boys say these factors add up to a 0-62 mph time of three seconds flat and a face-shredding 208 mph top end.

The Monza was commissioned by Aznom as a demonstration vehicle, but Spada says it would built more to order, and will develop and additional Barchetta derivative that will presumably offer a little more in the way of creature comforts at the expense of the Monza's extremity. In the meantime you can check out the full high-res image mega gallery along with the press release and video after the jump for a closer look.

Continue reading Spada unveils Codatronca Monza roadster in all its glory [w/video]

Spada unveils Codatronca Monza roadster in all its glory [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Supercharged Corvette Z06 lines up against Koenigsegg CCXR

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Chevrolet, Koenigsegg

America vs Sweden in a one-mile drag race - Click above to watch video after the jump

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to today's main event at the mile-long drag races. In one corner, we have American Muscle from Detroit Rock City, a blown Chevrolet Corvette Z06 producing 700 horsepower. In the other corner sits one Savage Swede Supercar; a 1,024-horsepower Koenigsegg CCXR. This is bout is scheduled for one round, with the winner being the first one to cross the line.

Who will that winner going be? Inch up to the tree, click past the jump and watch the video to find out.

Continue reading Supercharged Corvette Z06 lines up against Koenigsegg CCXR

Supercharged Corvette Z06 lines up against Koenigsegg CCXR originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevrolet Corvette model year changes leak out?

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

General Motors may have been planned on keeping the changes to its 2012 Chevrolet Corvette close to the vest. In this Internet age, however, things often get out to the masses earlier than intended. There's nothing groundbreaking in store, but a few items are certainly noteworthy.

We've already heard about the upcoming Centennial Edition Corvette, but every bit as significant is word that GM is also going to offer high performance packages for the ZR1 and Z06. According to Corvette Blogger, the ZR1 High Performance Package features 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, Michelin Cup tires and a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. The Ultimate High Performance Package for the Z06 goes a bit further with the upgrades. The 505-horsepower coupe gets Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Michelin Cup rubber, lightweight black wheels and selective magnetic ride control. This group of options was offered on the 2011 Corvette Z06, but for 2012 it's joined by Performance Traction Management, a feature previously available only on the king-of-the-hill ZR1.

Other changes for 2012 include some exterior color swaps, wheel and tire packages and an upgraded Bose audio system. Head over to CorvetteBlogger.com for the full run-down. Thanks for the tip, Keith!

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

2012 Chevrolet Corvette model year changes leak out? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video Update: Twin-turbo Corvette's incredible crash at 230 mph

Chris Shunk — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Safety, Videos, Chevrolet

Texas Mile Corvette crash - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Over the weekend, we told you about the Hinson Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette Z06 that flipped at a mind-bending 230 miles per hour. Amazingly, the driver wasn't seriously hurt, and we were happy to see that at least one enterprising camera man took photos of the wreck.

But seriously, folks, if cars are going 230 miles per hour, someone should be getting video, right? At least one person was, and although the video is a bit rough (read: very rough), you can clearly see a speeding bullet dressed up as a Vette rolling near top speed. Amazingly, the jazzed-up Z06 appears to roll but one time before landing back on its wheels and spinning to safety. Is that a Corvette or a cat? Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. Thanks to all for the tips.

Gallery: Hinson Motorsports Corvette Z06 Texas Mile crash

[Source: The Daily Hoon]

Continue reading Video Update: Twin-turbo Corvette's incredible crash at 230 mph

Video Update: Twin-turbo Corvette's incredible crash at 230 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twin-Turbo Corvette flips while going 230 MPH at Texas Mile

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 19:55:00 EST

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

Hinson Motorsports Corvette Z06 crash - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hinson Motorsports was on its way to breaking another speed record this weekend at the Texas Mile when its twin-turbo Corvette Z06 took an off-track excursion. The combination of speed and grass didn't go over well, and the 'Vette turned over once before landing back on its wheels.

Thankfully, the driver walked away from the wreck, a testament to the Texas Mile's strict safety standards, and the strength of Hinson's Corvette. With the driver OK, Hinson Motorsports is focusing on coming back stronger than ever with a new car.

UPDATE: Video of the crash from a bystander has been released.

Gallery: Hinson Motorsports Corvette Z06 Texas Mile crash

[Source: TheDailyHoon | Images: TheDailyHoon]

Twin-Turbo Corvette flips while going 230 MPH at Texas Mile originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: MT five-figure supercar comparo pits Corvette Z06 vs. Shelby GT500 vs. GT-R

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Nissan

Motor Trend tests three sub-$100,000 supercars - Click above to watch video after the jump

Motor Trend is on a quest to determine the best budget supercar. Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan stepped up to the challenge with the 2011 Shelby GT500, 2011 Corvette Z06 and 2012 GT-R. Total cost of the vehicles used in this 1,585-horsepower shootout? $244,290... or $37,040 less than the 570-horsepower $281,330 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera we tested in 2010. Perspective, folks.

This comparision is not about high-dollar exotics, however, because M/T is looking for the best sub-$100,000 performer. The 2012 Nissan GT-R develops 530 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. The American muscle machines perfer V8 power with the supercharged 5.4-liter GT500 producing 550 horses and the 7.0-liter Z06 pumping out 505.

The Shelby GT500 certainly represents the best bang-for-your-buck due to its $55,330 as-tested price tag. Yet both the Z06 ($98,010 as-tested) and GT-R ($90,950) offer equally appealing performance at a relative bargain.

Motor Trend took all three super coupes to the drag strip and the Streets of Willow road course. The winning car is not much of a surprise (hint: it's not American) but the resulting videos are still fun to watch. Click past the jump for clips of the drag race and the road course testing, then head over to Motor Trend to read about the test.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Video: MT five-figure supercar comparo pits Corvette Z06 vs. Shelby GT500 vs. GT-R

Video: MT five-figure supercar comparo pits Corvette Z06 vs. Shelby GT500 vs. GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno throws his Corvette Z06 on the Real Car Simulator

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:58:00 EST

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

Jay Leno takes his Corvette Z06 out for a virtual spin - Click above to watch video after the jump

A few years back, we wrote about the Drag Tag simulator setup in Australia. It allows you to use your own car in a virtual environment that simulates hundreds of locations. Time of day and weather conditions can change and the whole experience sounds like a fun way to waste a few hours. Jay Leno was recently paid a visit by the Tag simulator crew and they brought an example of their setup into Leno's garage.

With his yellow Chevrolet Corvette Z06 strapped into the dyno, Jay takes a tour of the simulators various tracks and driving conditions. The rolling road allows Leno to push the car as hard as he pleases with no legal or safety repercussions.

A machine makes sure air is blowing into the front of the car while an extractor pulls gases from the rear. It's a slick setup that would look great bolted into the floor of the Autoblog garage. Click past the jump to watch Jay take his Vette for a virtual spin, and join us in dreaming of owning such a setup.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno throws his Corvette Z06 on the Real Car Simulator

Video: Jay Leno throws his Corvette Z06 on the Real Car Simulator originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Barrett-Jackson: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Le Mans Racing Z06 *UPDATE: W/Video

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:15:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet, GM, Racing

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Le Mans Racing Z06 at Barrett-Jackson 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chevrolet certainly has created a few limited-edition vehicles in its time, and you can add this 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Le Mans Racing Z06 to that list. How limited is it exactly? The VIN plate reads #001... of one.

Built to celebrate 50 years of Corvettes racing at Le Mans, this special Z06 wears special door numbers, a 50th Anniversary seal on the B-pillar, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and massive 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Under the hood sits a 7.0-liter LS7 engine producing 550 horsepower, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Inside, the car bears the signatures of both Dick Thompson and Dick Guldstrand.

All proceeds from the sale of this one-off Vette will go to the National Corvette Museum. Check out the official auction page at Barrett-Jackson and watch Speed's live online coverage here.

*Update: Video of the Corvette crossing the block is available after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Le Mans Racing Z06 at Barrett-Jackson 2011

Continue reading 2011 Barrett-Jackson: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Le Mans Racing Z06 *UPDATE: W/Video

2011 Barrett-Jackson: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Le Mans Racing Z06 *UPDATE: W/Video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2010: Chevrolet gets aggressive with two special Corvettes

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Concept Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chevrolet is upping the ante at SEMA 2010 with the reveal of two new Corvette concepts - one focused on style and another ready to take to the track.

The 2011 Jake Edition Concept (pictured right) takes the Corvette Racing team's mascot, and plasters the skull logo inside and out. The Jake Edition remains a concept as some accessories aren't available yet, but are likely to hit the market sometime next year.

On the other end of the spectrum lies the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06X Track Car Concept, which takes a standard Z06 and stuffs it with an SCCA-approved roll cage, racing seat and harness and fire suppression system. Besides the required racing bits, the car has been extensively lightened thanks to carbon fiber body panels, a polycarbonate rear window and the removal of the radio, carpets and sound-deadening material. Again, just a concept, but if there was ever a 'Vette to put up against the Dodge Viper ACR-X, this is it.

Check out the specs for each car in the press releases, after the jump.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Corvettes

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading SEMA 2010: Chevrolet gets aggressive with two special Corvettes

SEMA 2010: Chevrolet gets aggressive with two special Corvettes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Romeo Ferraris leaves Italy, comes back with a 667-hp carbon fiber Corvette

Noah Joseph — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Europe, Chevrolet

Supercharged Corvette Z06 by Romeo Ferraris - Click above for high-res image gallery

Think of the words Romeo and Ferraris and you're bound to think of Italian cars, right? Maybe so, but the two together form the name of an Italian tuning house. And while many of their subjects have been Italian themselves, Romeo Ferraris has been scoping out foreign territory as well.

The latest is the Corvette Z06. And why shouldn't it be? The 'Vette has a long history of customization at Italian hands. But those have mostly been cosmetic coachbuilding jobs. This is another story altogether.

RF has taken the Z06 and fitted a supercharger to the 7.0-liter LS7 V8. The result? 667 horsepower and 607 lb-ft of twist. The centrifugal compressor, aluminum intercooler, high-flow injectors and custom exhaust help it get to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds and up to 211 mph - assuming you can get all that power down - while 380mm/6-pot brakes up front and 345/4-pot brakes out back help it come back to a stop.

A series of exterior and interior cosmetic modifications have also been carried out, including what appears to be a bare carbon fiber reskin, putting Romeo Ferraris' Z06 toe to toe with Chevy's own factory ZR1 in more ways than one.

Gallery: Supercharged Corvette Z06 by Romeo Ferraris

[Source: autoblog.it via World Car Fans]

Romeo Ferraris leaves Italy, comes back with a 667-hp carbon fiber Corvette originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet to let Corvette owners build their own engines - for a price [w/video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Bentley, Chevrolet

Allowing customers to customize colors and materials has become a popular and profitable option for many automakers in the last several years. Most offer customers the opportunity to pick up their new ride at the factory and even watch it being built. For the 2011 model year, Chevrolet is going one step further by giving buyers of the Z06 and ZR1 the option to build the powerplant for their new Corvette.

The LS7 and LS9 V8s used in those two models are both assembled at the Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, MI which we visited last fall. The nature of the PBC production process, where a single technician starts with a bare block, then takes it through the entire assembly process and finally applies a name plaque before delivery, makes it well suited to this new program. The Engine Build Experience is not for those hoping to save a few bucks by taking on some of the labor involved in building their 'Vette. In fact, it will cost an additional $5,800 plus travel to Detroit. Those not familiar with the engine building process will likely come away very impressed with the care and technology that goes into creating these high-performance engines. Check out our chronicle of an LS9 build to see what you'll get for your money. You can see a time-lapse video of the build process after the jump.

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

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevrolet to let Corvette owners build their own engines - for a price [w/video]

Chevrolet to let Corvette owners build their own engines - for a price [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM prepping for 50th anniversary of Corvette at LeMans with one-off Z06

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 20 May 2010 19:00:00 EST

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

Corvette celebrates 50 years at Le Mans - Click above for high-res image gallery

At next month's 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Chevrolet Corvette will celebrate its gold anniversary, having run the French race for the first time fifty years ago.

The first party to mark the milestone will be this weekend at the will be marked by having the current Corvette racing team joined by 'Vettes and 'Vette drivers from the last fifty years at the six-hour ALMS race at Laguna Seca Raceway. Follow the jump for the full release on Corvette's activities for this weekend, and have a look at a dressed up one-off Z06 built to commemorate the pedigree.

Gallery: The Corvette celebrates 50 years at Le Mans

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading GM prepping for 50th anniversary of Corvette at LeMans with one-off Z06

GM prepping for 50th anniversary of Corvette at LeMans with one-off Z06 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA reportedly investigating C5 Corvette over leaky fuel tanks

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM

We don't need to tell you why a leaky fuel tank can be a big hazard. Something about flammable liquid seeping out from underneath a car raises a huge red flag, and now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating 33,000 2004 model year Chevrolet Corvettes over this very issue. According to The Detroit News, NHTSA has received 30 complaints from owners claiming that either liquid fuel or fuel vapor has been leaking from a tank.

Alan Adler, a spokesperson for GM, says that the automaker isn't aware of any injuries or accidents resulting from this problem. Furthermore, GM plans to fully cooperate with NHTSA on this investigation in order to promptly resolve the problem. In 12 of the 30 complaints filed with NHTSA, a fuel tank was replaced or identified as the source of the leak, and we assume that a quick recall will be in order to prevent further instances.

[Source: The Detroit News]

NHTSA reportedly investigating C5 Corvette over leaky fuel tanks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First 2011 Corvette honors 50th anniversary of marque's first Le Mans win

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

It's been 50 years since Chevrolet first took a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 1960 Briggs Cunningham Corvette. General Motors has decided to mark the occasion by swaddling the very first 2011 Chevrolet Corvette in the same livery worn by the champion. The car wears blue stripes and other decals as homage to the company's racing history, but it also packs a few performance tricks from the Chevrolet playbook at the same time. The special-edition 2011 Corvette boasts both the Z06 and CFZ packages, which means there's 505 horsepower on tap courtesy of a 7.0-liter aluminum V8.

That CFZ package also throws in tricks like those fancy wheels and unique side-view mirrors, along with a healthy dose of carbon fiber bodywork. If you want it, GM has a smoking deal for you. The company is offering the car for a $300,000 tax-deductible charity donation plus what it cost the company to produce the vehicle. How much is that? According to the good folk over at Corvette Blogger, the price tag should be around $85,000.

Sure enough, the car is sexy as can be, but we can buy a lot of metal for nearly $400,000 - deductible or not. For that kind of cash, we easily could snap up a whole garage full of ZR1s and enough tires to keep them all fat and happy.

Corvette Blogger has a killer spread of photos of the car, though, and we don't mind spending some time drooling. Hop on over to the site to see a few good shots of the 1960 beating up on the competition at Le Mans, too.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

First 2011 Corvette honors 50th anniversary of marque's first Le Mans win originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: TVR rebirth hinges on hybrid tech and Chevrolet Corvette power

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, UK, Luxury

At long last, the question of exactly which American V8 the newly-resurrected TVR will use has been answered. As you might have guessed, the Russian-owned, English-bred racer will get a beating heart from none other than the mighty Chevrolet Corvette. The news hounds over at Autocar managed to snag a quick interview with the brand's owner, Nikolai Smolenski, who said that the GM eight-pot presented the most efficient and powerful solution to the company's engine concerns.

Unfortunately, Smolenski didn't say exactly which GM V8 would find its way behind the new TVR's headlights. We'd love to think that the 638 horsepower supercharged LS9 would do a proper job of paying homage to the ridiculously powerful TVR models of days gone by, but it's possible that the company could opt for the more civil (and less expensive) 505 horsepower LS7 found in the current Corvette Z06.

Either way, the car should be an absolute rocket whenever it hits the streets. Given the fact that an all-American lump is going to be pushing power to the rear wheels, there's even some talk of the cars being sold here in the States. Our fingers? Yeah. They're crossed.

Autocar also makes mention of the fact that Smolenski is considering a hybrid model that would allow the use of an automatic transmission. Blasphemy or not, we're about to see a whole new take on the TVR name we know and love.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: TVR rebirth hinges on hybrid tech and Chevrolet Corvette power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 FIA GT1 World Championship to include four Maserati MC12s

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:36:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Maserati, Racing

Maserati MC12 GT1 - Click above to enlarge

While GT1 cars have faded away from the American Le Mans Series, they're still running strong in other parts of the world. The 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship kicks off a 10-race series this weekend in Abu Dhabi with two dozen cars signed up, including a quartet of Maserati MC12s. The Maseratis are the defending GT1 champions and this year's new series will see them challenged by Ford GTs, Nissan GT-Rs, Lamborghini Murcielagos, Aston Martin DB9s and ex-works Chevy Corvettes.

The format for this year's events has been changed from a single two-hour race to a pair of one-hour sprints. Four events will be held outside Europe, including this weekend's races and December's season finale in Argentina.

[Source: Maserati, FIA]

Continue reading 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship to include four Maserati MC12s

2010 FIA GT1 World Championship to include four Maserati MC12s originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon slots in right below ZR1

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the truly hard-core Corvette fanatic who likes to spend weekends thrashing his or her car at the track, there is only one Corvette worthy of consideration: the Z06. However, thanks to the ZR1, the lightweight, normally aspirated 7.0-liter coupe is no longer the absolute quickest Vette, but it is felt to have the most responsive handling. What it doesn't have is the uber-cool carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber body panels and magnetic ride active damping system of its supercharged sibling. That can now be changed to past tense with the birth of the Z06 Carbon edition announced today by General Motors.

The Z06 Carbon was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of the Corvette at the 24 Hours of Le Mans when John Fitch and Briggs Cunningham won their class and finished eighth overall. The Carbon edition is essentially a Z06 with a ZR1 chassis and some of the carbon skin. When production starts this fall, only 500 examples will be made and they will only come in two colors, Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue. All examples get black-painted wheels and a black interior upholstered in leather and suede. Follow the jump and we'll tell you more.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon slots in right below ZR1

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon slots in right below ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Special Edition Z06 Corvette to be auctioned at Barret-Jackson, proceeds earmarked for Haiti relief

Chris Shunk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Chevrolet, GM

2008 Corvette Z06 Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

The horrible tragedy in Haiti has hit the world like a sledge hammer, and relief efforts and charitable donations have been flooding into the grief-stricken island. Car companies have been quick to donate money in the wake of the earthquake, and now special edition vehicles are hitting the auction block to provide still more assistance. Chrysler announced that it was donating a 300C with 300 signatures from A-list celebs like Tom Hanks and Merryl Streep (full story coming soon), and now General Motors is following up on its $100,000 cash donation with a special edition Corvette.

The Vette in question is one of 427 Special Edition 2008 Corvette Z06 models with former Corvette Plant Manager Will Cooksey's signature and vehicle number on the center console. The Special Edition Z06 is also the only 2008 model that sports Crystal Red Metallic Tint Coat paint, a Stinger-style stripe on the front hood and fascia and a painted Z06 spoiler. This Vette becomes more prestigious due to the fact that it is the 427th and last copy of the limited series. The Z06 will be auctioned off at the 39th annual Barret-Jackson event on January 23. Hit the jump to read over The General's press release.

Gallery: 2008 Corvette 427 Special Edition Z06

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Special Edition Z06 Corvette to be auctioned at Barret-Jackson, proceeds earmarked for Haiti relief

Special Edition Z06 Corvette to be auctioned at Barret-Jackson, proceeds earmarked for Haiti relief originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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