Autoblog

Corvette engine-building program gets first taker

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:31:00 EST

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

Todd Schnitt with his Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

In what may be the ultimate experience for the ultimate Chevrolet Corvette fan, General Motors is allowing buyers of the ultimate versions of its sportscars the opportunity to build their own engines. It's... ultimate, and it's called the Corvette Engine Build Experience. The first person to take The General up on its offer is Tampa, Florida-based radio talk show host Todd Schnitt.

Total cost for the experience rings in at $5,800 (plus travel to Detroit), but Schnitt doesn't seem to mind shelling out a few extra greenbacks: "To build my own engine is over the top," said Schnitt. "When my dealer told me about the option, it was like 'Of course, I'll do it, sign me up!'. I can't wait to get there and build my own LS9. It will be the ultimate personalization for my car. I'm anticipating it being one of the coolest things I've done in my life."

Reading between the lines a little bit, it's obvious that Schnitt is something of a GM super fan. This is the third ZR1 he's purchased in as many years, and he bought a Z06 in '07. He's also attended GM's high performance driving school and traveled to the National Corvette Museum to pick up a previous 'Vette. Oh, and his daily driver is a 2010 Cadillac CTS-V.

Feel free to click on past the break for all the details and a video of the process, and be sure to check out our high-res image gallery below to see what it takes to screw together a supercharged LS9 engine from GM.

Gallery: Corvette Engine Build Experience

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Corvette engine-building program gets first taker

Corvette engine-building program gets first taker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redline HTR-GS640/SC asks: Why bother with a ZR1?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Redline HTR-GS640/SC - Click above for image gallery

There is an old axiom of hot rodding that still stands true today. You can only go so fast as your pockets are deep. We see quite a few outlandishly-tuned exotics come across our inboxes from one day to the next, each boasting supercar-besting power figures and price tags to match. It's much more rare to see a shop create a car with serious power, a warranty, and a price tag that seems like a performance value.

But that's exactly what Howard Tanner of Redline Motorsports and Dan Carlton of DeNooyer Performance have come up with in the Redline HTR-GS640/SC. Take your run-of-the-mill Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport with all of its factory handling, stopping and light-weight goodies, then throw a gamut of aftermarket go-fast parts at the engine. Tanner and Carlton bolt on an Edelbrock E-Force supercharger with long intake runners for big-time low-end torque. Throw in a new cam with more lift and duration, robust valve springs with titanium retainers and chromoly push rods. Ice that cake with a Borla exhaust and MGW short-throw shifter and you've got an $82,000 Corvette capable of popping the formerly almighty ZR1 in the eye.

DeNooyer Performance will even warranty the car for three years or 36,000 miles. Plus, you can remove the roof in the Redline HTR-GS640/SC. Not so much in the Blue Devil. Now if they could only come up with a sexier name for this blown Grand Sport... If you like what you see, Tanner and Carlton will be happy to put a set of keys in your hand. From what we hear, they even take trades and will work up financing. Check their site for more information.

Gallery: Redline HTR-GS640/SC

[Source: DeNooyer Performance Division via Hemmings]

Redline HTR-GS640/SC asks: Why bother with a ZR1? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Corvette headed back to UK?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, UK, Luxury

Chevrolet is air-dropping the Corvette and Camaro back into the UK retail market next year. Corvette supplies dried up in 2009 when the importer closed its doors, and it's been 34 years since the mothership last sold the Camaro in Britain. Autocar reports that Chevy UK is seeking approval for the entire Corvette lineup, while Camaro buyers will be limited to the SS model in coupe or convertible body styles.

Pricing hasn't been finalized, but in 2008 (when Corvettes were last offered in the UK) a standard C6 cost £39,999 ($62,117 U.S.) and the Z06 was £54,995 ($85,405 U.S.). The new pricing is expected to be in the same ballpark, with additional cars like the Grand Sport and ZR1 factored into the mix. Shoppers should see the American sports cars in UK showrooms next May, but in the meantime, Chevy UK would like to interest you in an Orlando MPV, which goes on sale in early 2011.

[Source: Autocar]

Chevrolet Corvette headed back to UK? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Corvette Racing Series Episode 8: Cascade engineering

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, Racing

Click above to view the video after the jump

Episode eight of the Corvette Racing series is up and this installment delves into what the team calls "cascade engineering." It covers some of the same ground we discussed back in March when we toured the Pratt & Miller race shop where the C6.Rs are built and prepared.

The race team works very closely with the production engineering team, using most of the same computer aided engineering tools, and the lessons learned from the 10 years of the race program have been fed back into street car program. Proof? The face of the C6 with its flush headlamps and wider grille opening for better breathing were all inspired by the race car. Similarly, the track-bound coupes now use a 5.5-liter version of the LS7 V8 from the production Z06. Because of the limited in-season testing available to American Le Mans Series teams, the Corvette Racing crew relies on tools like computational fluid dynamics to improve the car from race to race, which you learn more about in the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing Series Episode 8: Cascade engineering

Video: Corvette Racing Series Episode 8: Cascade engineering originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chevrolet considering twin-turbo V6 for next Corvette

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill

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

Fans of classic Americana, here's yet another anniversary to keep in the back of your mind: 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette. And, while we don't have to tell true Corvette aficionados this, here's another interesting little nugget of knowledge: the original version of Chevy's iconic sportscar came equipped with a six cylinder engine.

Where are we going with all of this? According to Autoweek, there is a distinct possibility that a downsized six cylinder engine will be offered in the next generation (C7, for those keeping track) of the Chevrolet Corvette, and there's an apparent push to try and get the car out the door in time to celebrate the car's 60th anniversary.

Yes, we know a downsized engine for the Corvette isn't exactly the newest rumor 'round the block - we've been hearing whisperings about the C7 'Vette since before the C6 model went public - but with the recent revelation that Saab had been working on a transmission for a twin-turbo V6-powered Corvette, it's worth sharing once again.

Gallery: Chevrolet 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept revealed again

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: Chevrolet considering twin-turbo V6 for next Corvette originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mid-engined Corvette development confirmed... by Saab engineers?!

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Chevrolet, Rumormill

1990 General Motors CERV III concept

Before things went all tipsy in the auto market, the engineers at General Motors were apparently hard at work on some pretty interesting projects. How interesting? How about an actual mid-engine Corvette? Autocar says that an unnamed Saab engineer confirmed that the Swedish automaker had actually been charged with developing a transmission for such a beast when the company was still under The General's wing. Evidently, the cog box used a wet clutch setup and was built to handle up to 590 lb-ft of torque. If you're keeping score at home, you'll likely note that those twist figures are just south of what the ZR1 puts to the pavement right now.

How about them apples.

As Autocar points out, that project was canned when credit went tighter than a fat man's socks, but there may be a ray of light in this whole tale. The UK publication claims that GM has fired up the burners under the C7 project one more time, and that a mid-engine chassis will indeed be part of the recipe. If you're buying what Autocar is selling - and we're not necessarily in that group - a turbo V6 will supply the car's grunt, too.

[Source: Autocar]

Mid-engined Corvette development confirmed... by Saab engineers?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 - 2010 Le Mans recap

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST

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

Episode six of the Corvette Racing Track to Street series went up this week and as expected, it's a recap of what went down at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last month. 2010 marked the 50th anniversary or the American sports car's first appearance at the French endurance race and a parade of 50 'Vettes took to the track prior to the race.

The first French appearance of the works Corvettes in the GT2 class started off well, with the cars starting first and second in class after the Risi Ferrari F430 time was disallowed. The Corvettes ran strong for the first 16 hours before both eventually succumbed to engine failures. Team manager Doug Fehan promises the C6.Rs will be back for blood in 2011. Check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: Le Mans 2010: The Race

Gallery: Le Mans 2010: Qualifying and practice

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 - 2010 Le Mans recap

Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 - 2010 Le Mans recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Spec Perana Z-One to debut at 2010 Concorso Italiano

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Luxury

Perana Z-One - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Zagato Perana Z-One debuted in Geneva in March of 2009, a custom-built, limited-production, Corvette-powered coupe with Italian styling by Zagato and slated to be built by South African manufacturing firm Hi-Tech. Up until now we weren't sure the rolling masterpiece would ever be sold in the States, but we've finally received word that Superformance has been named the exclusive U.S. distributor and that the American version will debut at the Concorso Italiano event this August. Apparently there was strong enough demand from American buyers to allocate 99 units per year to sales in the Colonies.

The Perana will be priced "under $100,000" and can be ordered with either the 436-horsepower E-rod LS3 or the 505-horsepower LS7 from the Z06. Either will be backed by a six-speed manual transmission and a ZF limited slip differential. There will be an available brake upgrade and color choices inside and out, but other than that, the options list will be short. Not that the car will be lacking in amenities. The cockpit is swathed in leather and Alcantara, and a navigation-equipped infotainment system will be standard. Besides the anticipated performance capabilities of this 2,800-pound GT, owners get exclusivity and a body designed by the same crew that brought us the Maserati GS, Ferrari 575 GTZ, Spyker C12, Diatto Ottovu and Bentley GTZ. We'll be sure to get as many pics as possible during our annual Monterey coverage next month. For now, check out the live and studio shots below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Zagato Perana Z-One

Gallery: Zagato Perana Z-One

U.S. Spec Perana Z-One to debut at 2010 Concorso Italiano originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Chevy Corvette production to leave Bowling Green for... Lansing?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, Rumormill

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

Even though it was just named the Official State Sports Car of Kentucky not even a month ago, a story from WLNS speculates that Chevrolet Corvette production could move from Bowling Green, Kentucky to Lansing, Michigan. The UAW president and economist who brought it up apparently didn't suggest that it would happen, they were really just throwing out possibilities to the WLNS reporter.

General Motors' Corvette rep David Caldwell, though, has doused any idea of this happening. When Autoblog asked him about the story, Caldwell told us that there had been a roundtable about what the Lansing Grand River plant might produce, and various cars were mentioned, including the Corvette. However, as Caldwell notes, "Corvettes are born in Bowling Green," and "nothing going on in the foreseeable future changes that long-time fact."

In other words, all of you in the Bluegrass State can relax now.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: WLNS]

Rumormill: Chevy Corvette production to leave Bowling Green for... Lansing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 gets its own TV commercial

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 television ad - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Of all the models in Chevrolet's lineup, the one that needs absolutely no introduction is the Corvette. And while most of General Motors' marketing dollars have gone into bettering the ad campaigns for volume models like the Malibu, Equinox and Traverse, it's about time that the Corvette had its own dedicated television spot, if only to remind people that there's still a whole lot of awesomeness happening within GM's walls.

This ad, which apparently debuted during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game earlier this week, shows off the top-rung Corvette ZR1 - the supercharged 'Vette with 638 horsepower under the hood. This car is all the proof we need to show the world that America does, in fact, still build rockets. See for yourself in the video, after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: General Motors via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 gets its own TV commercial

Video: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 gets its own TV commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next Chevrolet Corvette to get 440-hp 5.5-liter small-block V8

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill

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

According to Motor Trend, which is citing unnamed sources within General Motors, the next-generation Corvette will come with a brand-new engine. Despite rumors to the contrary, it seems that Chevrolet's halo vehicle will continue using its trademark V8 engine and not a V6. Still, the C7's powerplant will be downsized from its current 6.2 or 7.0 liters.

It's likely that this new engine will be the first application of GM's next-gen small block family, and we'd expect it to sport direct injection, E85 capability and a new combustion system design. One thing not to expect, though: overhead cams. You can bank on the fact that The General will stick to its tried-and-true overhead valve design, which serves to lower manufacturing costs and allows for comparatively small overall engine dimensions.

All of these technologies should make the venerable V8 more fuel efficient and cleaner, but also sufficiently powerful to uphold its sportscar heritage. In fact, Motor Trend reports that the C7's V8 will displace 5.5 liters while hammering out 440 horsepower. Though that significantly smaller in displacement, the power figure would actually be up from the current 430 ponies. We can hardly wait... but we'll have to anyway. We don't expect the next Corvette to bow before 2012 at the earliest.

Gallery: Chevrolet 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept revealed again

[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: Next Chevrolet Corvette to get 440-hp 5.5-liter small-block V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barrett-Jackson OC '10: Batvette by Greenwood

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet

1979 Chevrolet Corvette Custom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever see an IMSA race from the late '70s or early '80s? If so, you probably saw one of the Greenwood widebody C3 Corvettes thundering through the field. Those massively-flared fenders barely contained the fury of the twelve-inch wide rear slicks as they clawed for traction. For fans of those racing cars, there was good news from the Greenwood garages, too. At the time, John Greenwood offered those body kits, as well as suspension and engine upgrades for the street, much like Callaway or Pratt & Miller do today for the C6 Chevrolet Corvette. At this weekend's Barrett-Jackson auction in Orange County, a particularly nice example of Greenwood's handiwork crossed the block.

We half-expected Bruce Wayne to be the high bidder, as this car was done up in a Dark Knight-worthy ebony that accentuated the flares and spoilers in bat-tastic fashion. The info card even referred to the ride as the "Batvette," which struck us as an ideal moniker. Powered by an original and stock L-82, with glass tops and aluminum wheels, this matching-numbers, 18,200-original-mile Corvette sold for just under a dollar per odometer mile: $18,000. Check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Barrett-Jackson OC '10: Greenwood Corvette

Barrett-Jackson OC '10: Batvette by Greenwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette regains Chevy branding in Europe

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Chevrolet

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

If you take a close look at any Corvette built in recent years, what you won't find anywhere on it is the word "Chevrolet." The traditional bowtie does appear on the twin-flag badge, but that's all. Regardless of what badge it may or may not wear, the Corvette has always been sold as a Chevrolet in North America. Not so in Europe, where the Chevrolet brand is the budget label selling re-badged Daewoos. Corvettes have been sold without any additional branding through Cadillac stores.

That's all changing now, however, as the Cruze is far more upmarket than its predecessors and GM will soon start selling the Camaro overseas as well. With these changes, the Vette will again be branded as a Chevrolet - even if it doesn't actually wear the word on its bodywork.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible

[Source: Motobullet]

Corvette regains Chevy branding in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jun 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kentucky finally christens Corvette as Official State Sports Car

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM

Three years later, it's official: the Chevrolet Corvette is the official sports car of Kentucky. A bill to laud the 'Vette with that title was introduced in 2007, still trying to find its way to freedom a year later, and sent to committee (read: slow death) in March this year in what some thought was a snub at General Motors over the bailout.

By April 26, however, all appeared forgiven and the resurrected bill was signed by Kentucky Governor Steve Brashear. Now Brashear has ceremonially signed the bill at the Bowling Green assembly plant that is the cause for all of this, handing Kentucky another official state item to add to the thoroughbred horse, Bluegrass silverwear pattern and Appalachian dulcimer. Hooray!

In case you're wondering about those other bills introduced around the same time as the Corvette bill - those to make burgoo the official state food, KFC the state picnic food and cornholing the state game - burgoo got the nod via a declaration of the governor earlier this year, KFC was derailed by a PETA boycott and cornholing is still looking for love. You can read the Corvette press release after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Kentucky finally christens Corvette as Official State Sports Car

Kentucky finally christens Corvette as Official State Sports Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM nixing summer shutdown, hiring thousands of temps to meet demand

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM

The Detroit auto industry's annual summer shutdown is a tradition that goes back many decades, but this year, General Motors is taking a pass. It comes from a time when the new model year started in September for every car and they all debuted simultaneously, usually in dealer showrooms. The shutdown was the two week period in the summer during which all the plants installed updated tooling for the new models.

In more recent times, the practice has persisted as a time to do maintenance and other work that might interfere with production - even if it hasn't coincided with the launch of a new model. This year, however, GM's inventories on many models are running so low that nine of the automaker's 11 assembly plants will keep producing vehicles during the designated shutdown period. Among the plants that will stay open are the Detroit-Hamtramck plant that builds the Cadillac DTS, the Delta Township plant builds the Lambda crossovers and the Chevrolet Corvette plant in Bowling Green, KY. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM nixing summer shutdown, hiring thousands of temps to meet demand

GM nixing summer shutdown, hiring thousands of temps to meet demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Le Mans 2010: Peugeot grabs first four grid spots, Corvette on GT2 pole

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Audi, Chevrolet, Honda, Jaguar, Ferrari, Peugeot, Diesel, Racing

Peugeot 908 HDi qualifying for Le Mans 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans is getting quite predictable, with the big question being which of the Peugeot 908s will come out on top. After three timed sessions over two days, the No. 3 Peugeot of Pedro Lamy, Sebastien Bourdais and Simon Pagenaud came was quickest as the four French diesels filled the first two rows on the grid. Right behind them are the three factory Audi R15+ TDIs and then the two Aston Martin-Lolas.

Down the field in the LMP2 ranks, the Honda powered ARX-01c campaigned by UK-based Strakka racing lapped the eight-mile circuit 1.46 seconds faster than a similar car being run by defending American Le Mans Series champs Highcroft Racing. 2010 is the final year of eligibility for the GT1 class at Le Mans and Aston Martin hopes to go out in style. The DBR9 driven by Tomas Enge, Christoph Nygaard and Peter Kox edged out a pair of Ford GTs and the ex-factory GT1 Corvettes.

In GT2, ALMS regulars ruled the roost. The No.82 Risi Ferrari ran fastest but its time was disallowed because of an unknown technical infraction. As a result, the two Corvette C6.Rs will lead the GT2 field to the green flag with Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta and Emmanuel Collard on the pole. Unfortunately for the JaguarRSR team, the cool green-and-black leaping cat livery has not translated into much speed with the XKR finishing dead last in qualifying, nearly 13 seconds slower per lap than the lead Vette. The green flag falls at 3PM CET on Saturday, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Le Mans 2010: Qualifying and practice

[Sources: Le Mans, Corvette Racing, Audi, Peugeot]

Continue reading Le Mans 2010: Peugeot grabs first four grid spots, Corvette on GT2 pole

Le Mans 2010: Peugeot grabs first four grid spots, Corvette on GT2 pole originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM prices 2011 Chevrolet Corvette range

Chris Shunk — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:32:00 EST

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

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

The C6 Chevrolet Corvette has been around since the 2005 model year, but General Motors has made a point to keep its everyman sports coupe fresh with regular updates. For 2011, the big change is an upgraded Z06, with new Z07 and Carbon Fiber packages. One thing that isn't budging much for 2011 is price, as most versions of the Bowtie sports car have reportedly gone up in price but $20 compared to the 2010 model year.

The base Vette starts out at a reasonable $48,950, and if you lose the fixed roof, the price jumps to $53,600. Move up to the Grand Sport and you'll be staring at a $54,790 Monroney, while the GS ragtop is exactly $5,000 more than the base convertible. Move out of the GS and into the Z06 and the price rockets to $74,305. The Carbon Fiber package is $3,995 stand-alone package, while the Z06 Ultimate Performance Package (A.K.A. the Z07 package) is a healthy $9,495. The Corvette Blogger says the limited Carbon edition Z06 should come in at around $95,000.

The ZR1 gets by far the largest price increase of the bunch, as the starting price jumps $2,920 to $109,820. That's a $6,320 price bump from the 2009 model. Add the ZR1 premium equipment group and you're looking at $119,820, which is still a pretty handsome deal for the performance it offers. Head over to Corvette Blogger for more Vette pricing info. There are 19 different package options, 38 stand-alone options and nine tire choices.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Report: GM prices 2011 Chevrolet Corvette range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blown call leads to free Corvette for near perfect Tigers pitcher

Chris Shunk — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Chevrolet, GM

Armando Galarraga with Corvette Convertible Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

On Wednesday evening, Detroit Tigers baseball fans came within one out of watching Armando Galarraga throw the 21st perfect game in Major League Baseball history. Plenty of pitchers have come within an out or two from greatness, but only Galarraga lost his bid at retiring all 27 batters he faced because of a bad call by the first base umpire. General Motors decided to give the hard-luck pitcher a significant consolation prize Thursday in the size and shape of a brand new, cherry red Corvette Grand Sport Convertible.

GM President Mark Reuss says in the post-jump press release that The General gave Galarraga the 436-horsepower droptop as a reward for an excellent performance and because of the way Galarraga handled himself in a tough situation. GM has been a big sponsor for the Detroit Tigers for years, which makes sense considering the fact that the company's Renaissance Center headquarters is clearly visible beyond the center field fence. The General has also paid to advertise on the Tiger's center field fountain. GM couldn't afford to sponsor the fountain in 2009 due to bankruptcy proceedings, so team owner Mike Ilitch placed all three Detroit automakers on the fountain in a show of support for the Detroit automakers.

We're sure the Corvette isn't quite as nice as having a perfect game on the resume, but it's not a bad consolation prize, either. GM gets something from this situation as well, as the Corvette giveaway will probably make its way to many local news outlets, along with some time on ESPN. That kind of advertising probably costs a bit more than $58,580. Hit the jump to read over the GM press release.

Gallery: Armando Galarraga Free Corvette Convertible

[Source: Detroit News]

Continue reading Blown call leads to free Corvette for near perfect Tigers pitcher

Blown call leads to free Corvette for near perfect Tigers pitcher originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Corvette and the Green X Challenge, making the C6.R faster and greener

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:26:00 EST

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

Click above to view the video after the jump

Episode four of the Corvette Racing video series is out, with a focus on the Michelin Green X Challenge and how it's helping to make the C6.R both faster and more efficient. We already knew that the Corvette C6.R has been running on cellulosic E85 for the past two years, but that's just the beginning of the improvements to these race cars.

The engineers and technicians that create and maintain the racers have been working for a decade to make them better. When the original GT1 class C5.R started racing ten years ago, it would get about 10 laps per tankful at Le Mans. Today the cars get 15 laps per tank, meaning they spend a lot less time sitting idle in the pits and more time out running for position.

Reducing friction and parasitic losses throughout the car has helped tremendously. The team has worked with its air conditioning supplier to reduce the compressor power draw from five horsepower to just 1.8 hp. Similarly, going from traditional steel wheel bearings to ceramic bearings has added three mph of straightaway speed and improved durability. The next big change that could eventually make its way to road cars is zero viscosity engine oil to cut internal engine friction. Check out the video after the jump.

Continue reading Video: Corvette and the Green X Challenge, making the C6.R faster and greener

Video: Corvette and the Green X Challenge, making the C6.R faster and greener originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 07:26:00 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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