Autoblog

Camaro ZL1 is the new hot model in Chicago

Chris Paukert — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

The Camaro ZL1 has been unveiled! (Click for coverage)

We've been hearing some conjecture about what Camaro-based model would debut at the Chicago Auto Show today, and Tran from Camaro5 would appear to have the answer: The ZL1. The Chevrolet press conference isn't scheduled for another hour or so, but wandering the floor seems to have revealed that the expected hi-po pony car will eschew the Z28 designation in favor of ZL1. Either way, it'll pack a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with a six-speed manual as part of a beefed-up driveline.

Other major features are said to include Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Brembo brakes, competition-spec cooling system, along with unique bodywork including a "Transformers 3 style" front bumper, unique hood and model-specific wheels. Camaro5 indicates that the interior has also been upgraded with a new steering wheel and silver trim. We'll have live pics of the Camaro from the reveal shortly, so stay tuned. Top tips, Jesse and Amber!

[Source: Camaro5]

Camaro ZL1 is the new hot model in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #213: With Dave Sullivan of AutoPacific

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, UAW/Unions

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #213 of the Autoblog Podcast is our first show in a while with a guest. Dave Sullivan, auto analyst for AutoPacific, joins us as we discuss the supposedly impending arrival of the Toyobaru coupe at the Geneva Motor Show, the apparent officialness of a Camaro Z28 for 2012, whispers of a new Ford GT, and UAW attempts to convince automakers in the southern U.S. to organize. Your feedback and questions fuel some more discussion until we wrap up at an hour and thirty eight minutes. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #213: With Dave Sullivan of AutoPacific

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Hyundai Elantra
2011 Buick Lacrosse
2011 Kia Optima EX

News Topics:

Autoblog's complete coverage of the 2011 North American International Auto Show

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 01:37:39

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Feedback:
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Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

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Autoblog Podcast #213: With Dave Sullivan of AutoPacific originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #213

Dan Roth — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Chevrolet, Ford, Subaru, Toyota, UAW/Unions, Rumormill

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

We're recording Episode #213 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we've put some topics below. Drop us your own feedback and questions or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #213

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #213 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 production beginning 1/1/2012

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Camaro5.com, Chevrolet has told its dealer body that the long-anticipated Camaro Z28 will begin production on 1/1/2012. This high-output version of the Camaro will be sold as a 2012 model and will come from the factory with a 6.2-liter supercharged engine (we'd guess something in line with the excellent LSA mill fitted to the 556-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V).

Naturally, some massive rubber will be required to put all those ponies to the pavement, and we're told to expect 285s up front and steamrolling 330s out back. Exterior styling will reportedly include some hood slats in addition to the expected power bulge to clear the force-fed engine, and the interior is expected to see minor updates as well.

Now that the Detroit Auto Show has officially come and gone with nary a Camaro Z28 in sight, our attention turns to Chicago in February and then New York in April. Stay tuned, we sense an unveiling in the near future.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 at the Nurburgring

[Source: Camaro5.com]

Rumormill: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 production beginning 1/1/2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Watch the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 flogged on the 'Ring

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 - Click above to view the video after the jump

We've seen the Camaro Z28 from nearly every angle, but we haven't seen it driven in anger. That's rectified today with the release of a new spy video showing Chevrolet's 500+ horsepower pony car being flogged at the Nürburgring in preparation for its debut within the next few months. More impressive than the supercharger whine emanating from the 6.2-liter LSA V8, is the surprising lack of squat, dive and body roll as the Z28 launches out of the starting gate, tackles a few high speed turns and comes flying out of the Carousel. See for yourself in the video after the jump.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 at the Nurburgring

Continue reading Video: Watch the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 flogged on the 'Ring

Video: Watch the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 flogged on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 running the 'Ring

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:29:00 EST

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

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The highly anticipated Chevrolet Camaro Z28, which we caught an early glimpse of this summer, has been shipped off to Germany to be put through its paces on the Nürburgring. Much of the early prototypes' heavy front cladding has been stripped away and replaced with General Motors' usual checkerboard camouflage, but we can still see the Z28 upgrades clear as day under all that tape.

As if the massive power bulge in the hood doesn't give it away, the Z28 will be powered by the same supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 that's found in the Cadillac CTS-V. In that application, 556 horsepower is pumped to the rear wheels, but there's no telling what sort of power numbers will be on tap in the Z28.

We won't be shocked if the Z28 makes its official debut at the Los Angeles or Detroit auto shows with the first sales starting sometime in 2011.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 at the Nurburgring

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 running the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camaro Z28 with LSA power caught testing

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

Camaro5 is an internet forum that focuses on one specific offering from General Motors, namely the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. Their hearts (and ours) are a-flutter with images they just got hold of. Sitting under the hood of a not-very-well camouflaged 2012 Camaro Z28 lies the LSA engine in all its supercharged glory. We know it will come packing a 6.2-liter under the hood, now we know which one.

For those not familiar with it, the LSA was originally shoehorned under the hood of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. It's currently rated at 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque in that application. We have no clue what it will produce under the hood of the Z28, but it will most certainly be a hearty jump over the 425 hp produced in the Camaro SS.

Head over to the Camaro5.com forums to see more detail and gander at some high-res photos. A twirl o' the bow-tie to Jason!

[Source: Camaro5]

Camaro Z28 with LSA power caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 556-hp Supercharged 2012 Camaro Z28

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

It's been rumored for far too long, and now it's finally coming into focus. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 has been caught by the long lens of Priddy & Co., complete with ultra-wide tires, a revised exhaust, intimidating hood bulge and a sizable front splitter. But how do we know what's under the hood?

The shooters caught the high-po Camaro with its passenger door open, and stuck on the plastic dash is a piece of paper that reads "2012 Chevrolet Camaro, 6.2L SC V8, 6AT." Break that down and it means the Z/28 is packing the same 6.2-liter supercharged V8 LSA fitted to the 556-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V, mated to a six-speed automatic. Naturally, a proper manual will be available as well when the Z/28 goes on sale sometime next year.

[Source: Camaro5]

Spy Shots: 556-hp Supercharged 2012 Camaro Z28 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Darth Vader's Z28 proves there's still good in him

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet, UK, Celebrities

1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.0 H.O. - Click above for image gallery

There's a disturbance in The Force. Darth Vader owned a blue Z28. Tell us the truth...you thought all of Vader's vehicles were black, right? Well, this particular vehicle of his shows that he has, or had, a bit of a sunnier, more playful side as well. This teal 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.0 H.O. proves that the Dark Lord of the Sith must have had at least a smidgen of good left in him. How can you be pure evil and still drive an aqua Chevrolet Camaro? Can't be done.

Up for sale right now on eBay Motors UK with no reserve and a low £650 starting bid (about $1,000), this British offering would make a fun project for someone who has progressed beyond building X-Wing LEGO kits and 1/250 scale Millennium Falcons. The rare car (well, rare for Blighty, anyway) is said to have been owned by British actor David Prowse, the man inside Darth Vader's getup in the original trilogy, and it has 250,000 miles on its tired 5.0-liter H.O. V8 and will need to be towed. There's a bit of rust, but the body looks relatively straight and although it needs a tractor beam to move right now, it has a newer differential and should need just a carburetor to get back to running condition. Check out the listing on eBay Motors and the gallery of pics below. Thanks for the tip, Leo!

Gallery: Darth Vader's 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.0 H.O.

[Source: eBay Motors UK]

eBay Find of the Day: Darth Vader's Z28 proves there's still good in him originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Behold the FireBreather: Camaro-based movie car is more than meets the eye

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Chevrolet

FireBreather Hero Car - Click above for image gallery

When pictures of a camo-clad coupe surfaced earlier this week, the rumormill went into overdrive, with speculation that the Camaro-based prototype was the second coming of the Z/28 or one of the rebodied Firebird replicas we've seen making the auto show rounds in the last year. The truth, as always, is far more interesting.

Exodus Pictures, a Michigan-based production company currently working on a new feature film, created the custom body kit for the 2010 Camaro for its lead role in an upcoming movie Jinn. The FireBreather was designed by the film's director, Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad - an Art Center College of Design graduate - and created by Classic Design Concepts, which helped create the Mustang-based Knight Rider GT500 for the recently canned TV show.

Although the photos we published earlier this week were taken without the vehicle producer's knowledge, Faisal Ahmad's decision to cloak the Camaro in camouflage was part of a marketing campaign that was set to begin next week. That plan is out the window now, and the FireBreather will be unveiled at the Detroit Autorama next weekend.

Although a single bespoke movie car isn't that compelling, Ahmad disclosed to us that Exodus plans to create 50 limited edition models of the rebodied Camaro. Originally, there were discussions with a few aftermarket companies to create the body kit, but the size, scope and capacity of the endeavor was apparently too much for the small outfits to handle.

We're hoping to have live shots of the FireBreather from its unveiling next weekend, and look for another update on this newest hero car in the coming days.

UPDATE: According to our man on the inside, the FireBreather will be packing a supercharged V8 churning out around 630 horsepower.

UPDATE 2: Full release on the movie and the car after the jump.

Gallery: Reader Spy: FireBreather Camaro

Continue reading Behold the FireBreather: Camaro-based movie car is more than meets the eye

Behold the FireBreather: Camaro-based movie car is more than meets the eye originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Chevrolet Camaro Z28, is that you?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

How 2009 is this? Not only are you looking at what we're 99.99% sure is the brand spankin' new Chevrolet Camaro Z28, but we got sent the picture via Facebook. Pretty viral (or whatever), right? Also, that Z28 is sitting on the floor at SEMA, and there's an entire posse of us Autoblog types heading out to Sin City so we will be up close and way too personal with this bad-mutha Chevy shortly.

While no one actually has details yet, we're 99.99% sure again that if this is the Z28, then there's an LSA under yonder hood. To refresh your memory, an LSA is the same engine that powers the very, very mighty Cadillac CTS-V. How mighty? 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torquage. Not quite as brute as the ZR1's LS9 (638 hp, 604 lb-ft of torque), but then what is? Will the Chevy get every one of the Caddy's ponies? Most likely not quite. The Z28 will probably be slightly detuned so as to preserve some sort of outdated, century-old General Motors pecking order that no one outside of Detroit boardrooms has cared about in fifty years. We keep hearing "just" 550 hp. But again, maybe not.

Gallery: Camaro Z28 Renderings

[Source: Facebook]

SEMA Preview: Chevrolet Camaro Z28, is that you? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Supercharged Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 cometh? Again? For real?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Rumormill

Not the real Camaro Z/28 - Click above for high-res image gallery

To build or not to build... that is the question. The subject is the Camaro, in this case in the long-rumored Z/28 guise. We've heard over the last few months that the automaker would pass on the opportunity to drop a supercharger atop the Camaro's optional V8 powerplant due to fuel economy, emissions and price concerns. However, Inside Line is reporting that GM Veep Ed Welburn says the Z/28 program is back in full effect and is headed for production.

Underneath a new bulge in the hood will sit a version of the excellent 6.2-liter LS-A from the Cadillac CTS-V that should be good for about 550 horsepower and mated up to either an automatic or manual transmission with six forward ratios. If these newest rumblings are to be believed, the Z/28 will hit the market in about a year. All that's left, says Welburn, is to finalize the tuning of the powertrain and suspension bits. Sounds good to us - we'll take ours in classic Hugger Orange with white stripes, please.

Gallery: Camaro Z28 Renderings

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Supercharged Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 cometh? Again? For real? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevy dealer training film from the Eighties makes you wonder how GM sold any cars back then

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Videos, Chevrolet, Humor

1989 Chevrolet Celebrity Dealer Training Video - click above to watch the video

Yesterday we got to look (and LAUGH) at the Robocop-inspired goofiness of some late-Eighties Ford dealer training videos. Ha ha ha! But, you just know that given the chance, General Motors will up the both the corn and cheese factors by several hundred percent. Case in point, the 1989 dealer training film for the Chevrolet Celebrity. Here's the premise: A very successful CEO (the one in the killer pants) takes his young, just out of MBA school new hire golfing in his Chevy Celebrity. Which gives you some key insight into how mentally deranged General Motors could be two decades ago. Like, why not put a successful CEO-type in a Cadillac or an Oldsmobile -- even a Buick?

Anywho, the junior exec asks the CEO, "Don't you think it's, well, too conservative?" To which Mr. Silly Pants scolds, "Too conservative? My boy, in the financial business it's hard to get too conservative." But he then calls the Celebrity "as modern as they come" before bragging about its performance.

Once on the links, they meet up with a total stranger that happens to be a hardcore Ford Taurus hating Chevrolet Celebrity fan. Then big boss man and the perfect Chevy stranger take turns dissing on the young guy's 1976 Plymouth Fury. And then there's the twist at the end, featuring a Eurosport Celebrity. Its Eurosportiest feature? A heavy duty battery. And we haven't even mentioned the amazing, six-and-a-half minute guitar solo laden 1987 Camaro training video. You are going to want to watch both, after the jump. A hearty tip of the tam o'shanter to Daniel and Michael.

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevy dealer training film from the Eighties makes you wonder how GM sold any cars back then

VIDEO: Chevy dealer training film from the Eighties makes you wonder how GM sold any cars back then originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camaro Z/28 to return?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Chevrolet

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Historically speaking, the Camaro SS should be the top rung of performance in Chevy's pony car line, but there are literally millions of people in the United States who recognize the Z/28 moniker as the ultimate expression of the Camaro. Since there's so much cachet with the model, you may wonder if the General has plans to release a new Z to market now that the first production-ready Camaros are just about to roll off the assembly line.

Perhaps not. Even if GM had the money to launch another Camaro variant, which it probably doesn't, some inside the company reportedly wonder if a 550-horsepower, supercharged, 6.2-liter fire-breather is exactly what the ailing company needs now that so many eyes are intently watching its every move - especially those belonging to the federal government.

As far as we're concerned, a 0-60-in-under-4-second shot in the arm would go a long way towards fixing just about any problem. Unfortunately, market realities, politicians and CAFE regulations may strongly disagree with our knuckle-dragging gearhead mentality. Thanks for the tip, jared!

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS

[Source: Motor Trend]

Camaro Z/28 to return? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Chevy Camaro Z28

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Rendered Speculation

Click above high-res gallery of a Camaro Z28 renderings

There are already a ton of Ford Mustang variants on the market, and Dodge has seen fit to offer three separate Challenger models, the SE, R/T and SRT8. Could Chevy do the same with the new fifth-gen Camaro? It's possible, though there's been no official word from General Motors as of yet. A Z28 model to join the base and SS trims would seem like the next logical step if the line were to be enlarged.

A talented designer who goes by Jinx on Camaro forums has created some renderings of what a Camaro Z28 could look like. He envisions a supercharged 6.2L LSA engine underhood with 550 horsepower. That hood would need a power bulge to cover the supercharged mill, and the rendering features a clear opening like the latest ZR1, along with a carbon fiber splitter up front. An enlarged lower air intake would feed the intercooler and is also flanked by functional brake cooling ducts. Quad exhaust tips give those spent gases plenty of room to exit. If a Z28 were to come from the General, they could certainly do worse than to use this guy's design. Check out more of his renderings in the gallery below.

Gallery: Camaro Z28 Renderings

[Source: 5thgen.org]

Rendered Speculation: Chevy Camaro Z28 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alas, Z/28, we hardly knew ye

Chris Shunk — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Coupe, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet

The all-new Camaro we've been waiting on for two years is just a few days from showing its production face, and we've already got some bad news. The General has dumped plans for the Z28. The highly anticipated Camaro variant was rumored to feature the same supercharged 6.2L engine that powers the brawny Cadillac CTS-V with well over 500 ponies. Without the Z28 in the picture, the still powerful SS edition will be the range-topper for now, and we're expecting power to be just under that of the base Corvette's 436 hp.

While this is certainly bad news for Camaro enthusiasts, it does make sense in the face of $4.25 per gallon gas to cancel a supercharged monster that's likely to be eligible for a hefty gas guzzler tax. What doesn't make sense is canceling the Z28 moniker when it means much more to Camaro fans than SS ever will. There goes the aftermarket for louvers and mullet wigs. Thanks for the tip, Doug!

Gallery: 2010 Camaro Spy Pics Black and White

[Source: Left Lane News, Photo: CamarosAndClassics.com]

Alas, Z/28, we hardly knew ye originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers: Corvette concept, Bumblebee Z28 in the buff

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Celebrities

So a couple of weeks ago we asked you to help us identify a mystery car on the set of Transformers 2. Quite a few of you guessed it was some sort of Corvette concept, or the C7 Corvette due in 2010. For those of you who guessed Corvette concept, you were right. The picture above is that concept, and according to speculation it is getting some paint work done in the house of Chip Foose. We don't know if these pics were taken before or after the car's closeup, but we hope it was afterward and that GM is getting ready to actually show us the car. Jalopnik's also got pics of Bumblebee getting paint work done in the same shop. It's a much yellower Bumblebee than the orange one seen on the TF2 set, and word is it could be a Z/28... or it could be a package you'd order from... Saleen? Click the link for the photos and gossip.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Transformers: Corvette concept, Bumblebee Z28 in the buff originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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