Autoblog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: YouTube via Autocar]

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

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

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VIDEO: 0-60 mag gets first crack at Corvette ZR1

Dan Roth — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

click above image to view video

Our reaction to the official press shot of the Corvette ZR1 was a little guarded. The bright blue car that accompanied the lifting of the embargo left us thinking a bit more about Hot Import Nights than we were comfortable with. 0-60 Magazine recently had a photo shoot with another ZR1, and this one dressed nice. All the tungsten instruments around 0-60's ZR1 really play up the surface detailing of the C6 Corvette, and the handsome metallic gray hue made this particular ZR1 a stealth bomber. There's the minor detail of that polycarbonate skylight in the hood, and the humongous brake package peeking from behind equally huge rims is far more striking in person than pictures will ever convey, too. So, even in a subdued color, the ZR1 still manages to announce to the world that it's packing something special. There's nothing of any consequence in the video, it's a few walkarounds of one of the hottest cars extant. It's a nice holiday treat, so stop feasting on goodies for a couple minutes and hit the jump for some eye candy instead.

[Source: 0-60]

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Continue reading VIDEO: 0-60 mag gets first crack at Corvette ZR1

VIDEO: 0-60 mag gets first crack at Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #83

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:22:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Performance, Supercars, BMW, Chevrolet, GM, Hyundai, Nissan, Celebrities

Autoblog Podcast #83 was judiciously held back until after the embargo cleared, but we can now talk freely. The biggest news this week is the official unveiling of the Corvette ZR-1/Blue Devil. Powered by the new LS9 supercharged small-block, the car's performance is sure to be astounding. After laying eyes on the un-camoflaged car, hood porthole and all, we have to ask: is it overwrought? From ridiculous speed to ludicrous wordsmithing, we talk about the Nissan FORUM concept mainly for the chance to bash the hilariously composed press release. Maybe it was written in Japanese and they just passed it through translation software before releasing the announcement.

While we're being scornful, we turn our gaze to the new Knight Rider. We've been keepig an eye on all the news, and let's just say we expect the show to fail. The new Mustang-based KITT, even in Attack guise, is no Super Pursuit Mode original KITT. We wrap up with some discussion of Hyundai's move toward a turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-inject engine (GEMA?) and take that off into a discussion about the expanded selection of good, inexpensive, and powerful coupes. The finale is some speculation about the rendering of a new McLaren supercar, as well as analyzing the absurdly high price of the BMW 1-series. 43 minutes will do it, see you next week!

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Autoblog Podcast #83 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:23:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Auctions, Supercars, Chevrolet

If you want to be among the first in the world to get your hands on the highly anticipated Corvette ZR-1 supercar, you'd better start planning a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, around mid January next year as the first car is tipped to be auctioned off there. Though everything remains unofficial, the guys at CorvetteZR1Forum.com are betting the car will be sold through Barret-Jackson auctions just days after its debut at the Detroit Auto Show.

As for the specs, most are surmising the car will in fact be labeled the ZR1 and should develop around the 650hp mark thanks to a supercharged version of the new LS9 6.2L V8. Recent spy shots of the car revealed new details such as 20-inch wheels, a hood intake and cooling vents on its flanks.

Considering the substantial performance leap the new ZR1 will have over the 'regular' 505hp Z06, we suspect there'll be an equally substantial price hike. You can bet the car being auctioned at Barret-Jackson, meanwhile, will go easily for more than a hundred large.

Thanks for the tip, Scott!

[Corvette ZR-1 Forum]

First 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Corvette SS

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

It's another slew of Corvette Blue Devil/SS/Stingray/Who-Really-Knows spy shots, this time in yellow with some modifications. Speculation continues that it will have a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with a carbon fiber roof and hood, which probably does not include the transparent Plexiglas panel that was all the buzz a few months back. There's a new decklid lip, conjecture about a second vent higher up the front fenders, and a different shape for the lower rear fascia.

It also is possible that the uber-Corvette will ditch its Goodyears in the closet and slip into some Michelins for the big dance, a first for the Vette it seems. The rubber shoes in the photo contain markings and designs particular to each wheel. The rear rims -- the same staggered, double dual 5-spoke design seen before -- measure a whopping 20-inches, and slight mud flaps do little to hide their girth.

Thanks for the tip, Marco!

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Spy Shots: Corvette SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blue Devil Corvette: Fact vs. fiction courtesy of P.M.

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

With all the rumors surrounding the hyped-up Corvette, Jim Dunne over at Popular Mechanics wanted to get some answers, so he went to the source - well, a source, at least.

According to the "largest Corvette dealer in Michigan" the Blue Devil/SS 'Vette will get a singular supercharger, will cost upwards of $100k and could possibly push out the current Z06 to be the dominant Corvette in the General's lineup. Only 3,000 abnormally-aspirated, Corvette supercars will be built over two years, with 1,500 units being allocated for sale each year.

The shocker? According to the unnamed dealer, none of GM's manual transmissions are up to the task of handling all the ponies produced by the blown powerplant. The solution: it's getting an automatic.

The one question that wasn't answered (or possibly even asked) is "when?" We're putting our money on Detroit or Chicago, but considering all the misinformation out there; we'd suggesting talking to a dealer.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Blue Devil Corvette: Fact vs. fiction courtesy of P.M. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #68

Dan Roth — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Chevrolet, Chrysler, GM, Hyundai, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn

Getting back in the groove, we bring you Autoblog Podcast #68. Starting us off is the battle of the inside sources, where we debate which GM mole is correct about the CTS-V. One rumor has the hottest little Caddy getting the Blue Devil's 600-horsepower 6.0L V8. The competing theory is that there'll be a 6.2L V8 with mid-500 horsepower, not the Blue Devil's mill. Either way, it will add up to M5 punch in an M3-sized wrapper. GM has more RWD goodies for us, as word of its Alpha platform replacing Epsilon cars like the G6, and Cadillac BLS replacement, which may come here, has us all atwitter. Our last bit of GM fodder is the passing of the Cobalt SS Supercharged. It was an entertaining car; but even though the supercharged Cobalt goes away, the un-muscled SS remains. We hope that GM's pledge to reinvigorate the SS badge so that it actually means something will get in gear soon.

We move on from GM to Chrysler and the Cerberus sale. Wolfgang Berhnardt is said to be an integral consultant to the deal, and he's looking for a homestead in the Detroit area as well as poking around the offices and design studio. Seems like Bernhardt is waiting for his noncompete with VW to expire while quietly orchestrating a turn of the Pentastar vessel. We detour into how fitting a Star Wars-themed Chrysler press conference would be (c'mon, you wouldn't really be surprised, would you?) before wrapping up with Hyundai's confidence-inspiring extension of its 10-year/100,000 mile warranty to Certified Pre Owned Vehicles up to five years old. They must feel pretty certain that their cars will hold up, as the warranty means they could possibly cover some powertrains for 15 years. That's it - 37 minutes of heaven!

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Autoblog Podcast #68 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Cadillac CTS-V will have 600HP Corvette Blue Devil engine!

John Neff — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Cadillac, GM

click above image to enlarge

The new issue of Motor Trend arrived in the mail and our eyes were instantly attracted to this story that just went live on motortrend.com. The MT crew has learned that the supercharged V8 slated for use in the next-gen Cadillac CTS-V will be none other than a "detuned" version of the 7.0L LS7 powerplant debuting in the Corvette Blue Devil, or rather, Corvette Z07. The MT editors expect the version used in the CTS-V to produce about 600 horsepower, or around 100 horses short of what the Z07 will produce.

Pick any possible competitor for the next CTS-V and it's obvious that all will come up short to Caddy's new mega muscle sedan. The BMW M3 and Audi RS4 both produce only 420 horsepower, while the horsepower happy AMG team stuffed only 503 in the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Even the BMW M5, which is larger than the CTS, will come up short with an upcoming horsepower bump into the low-500 horsepower range. In short, the CTS-V will offer the same amount of horsepower as the 2008 Dodge Viper, which is pure insanity. GM's got stones, folks, and Cadillac is clearly the prime beneficiary of its newfound fortitude.

Much thanks to Motor Trend editor-in-chief Angus Mackenzie for allowing Autoblog to republish the rendering above. The July issue (you can subscribe here) is thicker than a Thesaurus and our fave in a string of recent good issues from the MT team.

[Source: Motor Trend - pic used with permission, do not reproduce]

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V - spy shots

2009 Cadillac CTS-V will have 600HP Corvette Blue Devil engine! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #66

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 May 2007 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Chrysler, Daimler, GM, Saab, Toyota

The last couple of days, we've all been inundated with news of Chrysler's sale to Cerberus, and that's what we lead Podcast #66 with. As much as it makes analysts and pundits foam at the mouth, news about the sale is a pretty dry affair. We'll be keeping an eye on how things go with the newly independent Chrysler, though.

On a more amusing note, we marvel at the confidence GM has in its new Malibu. The suggested sales tactic is to put the new Malibu beside a Camry in Chevy showrooms and guide the customer through how the Malibu is better. Of course, it's mainly a sales stunt - as the only way to tell anything about a car is by driving it. We wonder if Malibus will start popping up in Toyota stores - it'd improve the scenery compared to all the Joe Camel-looking cars, that's for sure. Perhaps the most momentous item we cover this week is Autoblog's first purchased spy shots, capturing the new Honda Accord in the wild. On the spy shot tip, our discussion moves on to the Saab 9-3 and we eventually end up talking about cellphone shots of the Blue Devil. Betwixt the Saab and hot 'Vette, we briefly ponder why German companies are filling their trophy cases with engine awards. German Engineering, ja. We finish up with a simple request - that Motor Trend, Automobile and their sibling buff books be well treated by their new stewards, which devolves into a confessional about who bought a back issue on eBay that featured one of their favorite cars. It's a 36 minute affair this week, enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #66 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #64

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

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

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

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

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Spy Shots: More Corvette Z07 pics

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 02 May 2007 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

Another batch of pics have surfaced of the new Corvette Z07/SS/Blue Devil/Sting Ray/Grand Sport, this time from Popular Mechanics ace Jim Dunne. The car is virtually unmasked, save a cover on the front fender vents and over the hood. The only real differences we see on the outside are the ten-spoke wheels, a black roof and the covered-but-visible hood bulge. Oh yeah, and it's wearing a Devil Red paint job.

The roof is rumored to be carbon fiber to save weight and add strength, a trick commonly employed on a few BMWs. The hood might also be made of the carbon weave, and with or without scoop, PM confirms it's covering a supercharger. Even the wheels might be carbon fiber to save on unsprung weight. Whatever their made of, they look good and appear to be wrapped in even wider tires, especially at the rear. Other changes out back include integrated mudflaps and a revised spoiler lip with a restyled cyclops brake light.

The first Vette to possibly crack the $100,000 mark should be a real supercar, with between 600 and more likely 700 hp coming from its blown 7.0L V8. Click the Read link for several full-car shots from PM.

Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Spy Shots: More Corvette Z07 pics originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Corvette SS "Blue Devil" - will it debut in New York?

John Neff — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Supercars, Chevrolet

That's right, we're still calling the upcoming Corvette SS the "Blue Devil", and it appears from these spy shots that Rick Wagoner feels the same way. Taken by veteran spy photog Jim Dunne for Popular Mechanics, the spyshots include one of the car's rear where a sticker on the bumper is visible. PM asks whether it could be the "Blue Devil" logo of Duke University, Wagoner's alma mater. It's impossible to tell what the sticker shows on the shots provided, but we assume PM and Dunne had larger shots to inspect, and will therefore take their word for it.

PM also claims the Corvette SS may be one of the seven world premiers General Motors is planning for the New York Auto Show in April. There are still at least two debuts that we can't account for, so it's possible the production Blue Devil could debut at the last auto show of the season. It would certainly leave a big impression on the buying public going into the summer sales doldrums. There's nothing like news of a 650-hp Vette costing in the six-figure range to perk up some ears.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Spy Shots: Corvette SS "Blue Devil" - will it debut in New York? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Was he or wasn't he? TheGMSource reporting shipping company employee NOT jailed (Probably)

Chris Tutor — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:31:00 EST

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

First off, we know for a fact that's a Corvette in those pictures allegedly taken by an ~~EMO TRANS employee~~. That we know. But Josh Oliver at TheGMSource now says the anonymous employee might or might not have been fired from his EMO job. Maybe. And Oliver says it now looks like the alleged photographer most likely was not taken to jail for snapping those pictures. In all likelihood. Though if he did take those sensational photos that have us all excited with Blue Devil anticipation, then General Motors is most definitely not very happy with him. And we can more than likely assume GM and its myriad lawyers have already used up several ink cartridges printing lengthy legal documents with this guy's name on them. At least that's what we would do were we an international automaker with trade secrets to protect. We think.

You get the impression nobody is totally sure what's going on with this case? Then you're right. Probably. Hopefully as the day passes in scenic Romulus, Michigan on Friday, we can take a few allegedlys and a probably or two out of the story. Maybe. Either way, we're (allegedly) on the edges of our seats waiting for the next twist.

[Source: TheGMSource]

UPDATE: After speaking with a representative from General Motors personally, we can say unequivocally that the automaker claims not to have taken any action legal action against anyone in this matter. That's from the horse's mouth, people. Whether or not other companies, entities, or suppliers have done anything is not known, but GM appears to be staying out of it completely.

UPDATE 2: Turns out we didn't know for a fact that the man in the middle of all this is an employee of EMO Trans. The shipping company also contacted us to inform us that the man in question is not an employee of theirs and they do not know him. Furthermore, EMO Trans also claims he is an employee of a company called Central State, which is a handling agency for the German airline Lufthansa.

Was he or wasn't he? TheGMSource reporting shipping company employee NOT jailed (Probably) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dude, that takes STONES: Pics of the Corvette SS / Blue Devil / Whatever...

Dan Roth — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 23:23:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

UPDATE: Images removed

HOLY SCHNIKES!

Here are millions of dollars of development and thousands of hours of work laid bare for us to ogle. This Corvette caught by Fast-Autos.net forum member, Chikara83, definitely has some trick bits on it and apparently it's the real deal. There's a liquid/liquid intercooler perched atop the V8, and where the alternator used to be sits a supercharger. We can't tell what type of huffer it is, though -- positive displacement Roots-type or centrifugal.

The hood and front quarters are wearing camouflage to cover changes in those panels. The low-pressure area behind the front wheels makes the perfect location for extractors, which are likely fed by the high pressure area at the base of the windshield. Together they provide a good path through the engine bay for extra cooling air. That's a nice, tidy explanation for why the camo is where it is, too, so we're going with it. There's also a vent in the leading edge of the rear quarter panel, which we presume is for rear brake cooling. The burning question that everyone wants to know has finally been answered: the interior (of the mule, at least) is still kinda cheap. We are gonna be so embarassed if this is Winding Road messing with us again.

Many thanks to tipster Chris.

[Source: Fast-Autos.net]

Dude, that takes STONES: Pics of the Corvette SS / Blue Devil / Whatever... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 23:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz confirms 600-HP Super-Vette in the works

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Chevrolet

Click on the photo for a gallery of high-res images of the Ron Fellows Edition Z06

During an interview with a group of bloggers including yours truly at the Detroit Auto Show, Bob Lutz answered my question about a Viper-Vette horsepower war in the affirmative. He said that GM and the U.S. market were both schizophrenic and that they would continue competing with Chrysler at the upper end of the performance spectrum. Last week during the Chicago Auto Show, General Motors confirmed that a 600-HP Corvette would be coming in the summer of 2009. General Motors hasn't mentioned pricing yet, as the car is still two years away, although insiders are guessing at $100,000 easy. Considering how long spy photos of the "Blue Devil" Vette have been floating around, the 2009 timing seems a little long, but maybe GM is planning this as a special end of run model before the C7 Corvette shows it's face.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Gallery: 2007 Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06

Lutz confirms 600-HP Super-Vette in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Viper guarantees Blue Devil's arrival

John Neff — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Supercars, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM

When word of a 600-hp Dodge Viper first crossed our desks, we immediately figured that the on-again, off-again super Corvette "Blue Devil" project would immediately get a green light for production. The current Z06 produces a stout 505 hp, about 5 hp shy of the current Viper's 8.3-liter V10. We knew, however, that General Motors would never let a 95-hp deficit stand. Thus, it's not much of a surprise that the Detroit Free Press is reporting none other than Bob Lutz has indicated that Blue Devil/SS/Stingray/whatever is definitely a go. Lutz's exact words were, "the Corvette vehicle line executive will not take that lying down." His comments were made at a meeting yesterday with analysts, at which he also stated, "It is very important for Corvette to be the most powerful, most capable, best handling sports car in the United States." Them sounds like fightin' words to us. Rumors about the Blue Devil peg its power at well above the 600-hp mark, which means not long after the 2008 Viper's steam-rolling rear tires hit the street, a new top-dog will arrive sometime in 2009.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Related posts:
Corvette Blue Devil back on!
Dave Hill - no Blue Devil Corvette on the way
VetteGate: Spy photographers respond to fake Blue Devil pics
"Blue Devil" Corvette spotted at Nurburgring

New Viper guarantees Blue Devil's arrival originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VetteGate: Spy photographers respond to fake Blue Devil pics

John Neff — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Chevrolet

No doubt by now you've heard about VetteGate, our name for the prank pulled by online buff book Winding Road in its January 2007 issue. To recap, WR took a Corvette Z06 and masked it up with tape, fake fender flares and a hood scoop made from cardboard. The result was a car that looked convincingly like a prototype for the "Blue Devil" super Vette currently being developed by General Motors. The fake "Blue Devil" was then driven around Metro Detroit, which led to the public taking pics of the car and unknowingly submitting them to other media outlets as genuine shots of the "Blue Devil". The shots were then published online by The Car Connection, AutoWeek, MotorTrend and other sites like this one.

We were curious how professional spy photographers reacted to finding out that someone had driven around a faux prototype, perhaps one they themselves could've shot and sold for money to their clients. We asked both Brenda Priddy and Chris Doane, two names you should know if you follow spy shots that we've covered on Autoblog, to give us their take on the prank Winding Road pulled.

You can read a statement prepared by Chris Doane and a short interview with Brenda Priddy after the jump.

Continue reading VetteGate: Spy photographers respond to fake Blue Devil pics

VetteGate: Spy photographers respond to fake Blue Devil pics originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Blue Devil prototype faked by Winding Road

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 22:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Etc., Chevrolet

Last month we posted on a recent sighting of the infamous "Blue Devil" supercharged uber-vette that had been shot numerous times while undergoing testing.

We wrote at the time, "This latest shot comes courtesy of The Car Connection via a student near Milford, Mich. by the name of Yonni G. Mr. G. happened to have his Dad's camera in tow when this newest prototype blew by him at speed and judging by the quality of the shots, we hope he got a sizeable check from the folks at TCC."

Well, last night we got word that those stellar shots were part of an elaborate prank of sorts, put on by the folks over at Winding Road to see if the images would make their way onto the pages of their competition and other automotive resources. They succeeded, getting the faux-pics ran in Autoweek, Motor Trend and a variety of internet sites and blogs, including this one.

Follow the jump for more on the story of Winding Road's imitation super Vette...

Continue reading REPORT: Blue Devil prototype faked by Winding Road

REPORT: Blue Devil prototype faked by Winding Road originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: More of the Corvette Z06R

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 08:39:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

There, we've gone and done it. From this day forward at Autoblog, and until we get confirmation from GM otherwise, the $100k, 600HP, 7-liter, supercharged V8 Corvette will now be known as the Z06 R. Why? 'Cause we're lazy and it's much easier to just add a letter than it is to spell out all the rumored monikers we've heard thus far.

This latest shot comes courtesy of The Car Connection via a student near Milford, Mich. by the name of Yonni G. Mr. G. happened to have his Dad's camera in tow when this newest prototype blew by him at speed and judging by the quality of the shots, we hope he got a sizeable check from the folks at TCC.

What else can be said about this newest pic? Not much, aside from some snide comments like, "Is that a hoodscoop under your camo, or are you just happy to see me?"

[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: More of the Corvette Z06R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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