Autoblog

Report: Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition to start at $90,960

Chris Shunk — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:31:00 EST

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

General Motors unveiled the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition at the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in March, and the special edition Z06 immediately piqued our interest. In addition to The General's free-breathing 7.0-liter V8, the Z06 Carbon gets our mouths watering with the addition of carbon fiber body panels, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Those ZR1-style dark-painted wheels are pure hotness, as well.

Now, the enthusiast site Corvette Blogger is reporting that GM's Corvette product marketing manager, Harlan Charles, spilled the beans on pricing and availability, saying that the Z06 Carbon will reportedly carry an MSRP of $90,960 when it goes on sale in the first quarter of 2011. Fully optioned, this special Corvette will run all the way up to $99,925. That's a lot of money, but it's still several thousand dollars less than the ZR1, and while the latter may be faster out on the road, the Z06 Carbon is indeed all the more exclusive.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Report: Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition to start at $90,960 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Europe, Chevrolet

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Supercharged Corvette Z06 by Romeo Ferraris

[Source: autoblog.it via World Car Fans]

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

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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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GM quells Corvette rumors: No mid-engine, maybe a hybrid [w/poll]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST

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

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept - Click above for a new high-res image gallery

Karl Stracke, General Motors VP of global engineering, has unequivocally denied the recent rumors about a mid-engine version of the next-generation Corvette with a wet-dual-clutch transmission. Stracke spoke with editors at Automotive News and Autoweek and addressed the latest batch of rumors. For decades, speculation about what will be done with a next-generation Corvette invariably pops up almost immediately after a new model is introduced.

For example, a mid-engined Corvette has reportedly been on the cards since at least the mid-60s, thanks in part to a string of concept and experimental models of that configuration. The last Corvette-badged mid-engine concept was the 1990 CERV-III, but that hasn't stopped the speculation - especially in recent years as the Corvette has gained increased respect among the ranks of high-end sports cars. According to Stracke, "There is no mid-engine in the plans."

The same goes for a the story revealed by a Saab engineer about development of a wet DCT. Automakers are increasingly moving away from wet-clutch gearboxes to dry-clutch units because they are less expensive and more efficient. While Stracke shoots down the wet DCT, no mention is made of a dry-clutch unit... if Chevrolet follows Ferrari and Porsche down the dual-clutch path, that is almost certainly the type we will see.

Stracke also put the kibosh on a V6 Corvette. GM has already announced a direct injected small-block V8 is coming soon for its full-size pickup trucks and the Corvette will no doubt follow. Stracke did acknowledge that a hybrid is a possibility for the sports car and since competitors are going that way it wouldn't be out of place.

That said, we want to know what you think - What should power the next Corvette? Click past the break to vote in our informal poll.

Gallery: Chevrolet 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept revealed again

[Source: AutoWeek]

Continue reading GM quells Corvette rumors: No mid-engine, maybe a hybrid [w/poll]

GM quells Corvette rumors: No mid-engine, maybe a hybrid [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:58:00 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: 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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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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First 2011 Corvette honors 50th anniversary of marque's first Le Mans win

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

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

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

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

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

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

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

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

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Report: GM scouring the globe for next Corvette design, first time looking beyond U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style

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

The Chevrolet Corvette is a uniquely American invention. It's the quintessential sportscar from the land that brought us baseball and apple pie. Interesting, then, that General Motors would choose to seek out design studies from its various styling studios from all around the globe, particularly those in Europe.

According to AutoWeek, though, that's just what GM's vice president of global design, Ed Welburn, did late last year when the time came for The General to start drafting proposals for the next-gen Corvette. Why would GM consider looking at European design flavors for its oh-so-American, V8-powered, rear-wheel drive sportscar? Demographics. According to Welburn, "We have challenges in the States with the Corvette. The average age of the customer is really rising."

That average age, for those keeping track, is 54 years-old (so says the Power Information Network). And it seems that the import-favoring younger generation in America isn't all that interested in the current 'Vette, a fact that has undoubtedly played a part in the Corvette's 48-percent sales decline in 2009 over the previous year.

One thing's for certain - its certainly not the Vette's all-conquering performance that's holding it back. Perception seems to be a bigger problem. "We have to develop a design that feels trimmer, meaner, to go along with the incredible performance that the car has," said Welburn, referring to the notion that many believe the current Corvette looks too big despite being roughly the same size as the benchmark Porsche 911. We might also suggest that GM needs to gag the beancounters who will undoubtedly threaten to nickel-and-dime the quality out of the next Vette's interior.

Whatever the case, Welburn knows the car can't stray too far from its heritage. "It can't mutate into something that gets so far away from Corvette that it is no longer a Corvette," he said. It seems the future may hold very interesting things for the iconic Corvette within the next two or three years. We anxiously look forward to seeing what Chevrolet manages to cook up.

Gallery: Chevrolet 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept revealed again

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: GM scouring the globe for next Corvette design, first time looking beyond U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Cadillac and Corvette to go back on sale in Europe

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Wagon, Europe, Crossover, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Luxury

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been nearly a year since a large number of Europeans have been able to drive home in a brand new Cadillac or Corvette. Up until March of 2009, Dutch-based firm Kroymans Import Europe was employed by General Motors as a third-party to distribute Caddys and Corvettes in nearly half of the 25 European markets (not including the U.K. or Russia). After that company went bankrupt, GM was forced to pull its wares out of these important markets.

In order to rectify that nasty little situation, GM has reportedly been in talks with 30 different dealerships all over Europe with the goal of bringing the Cadillac and Corvette lines back to the market. All variants of the Corvette will be made available, while the Cadillac lineup will consist of the CTS (sedan, coupe and wagon), CTS-V, Escalade and SRX. No details as of yet on what the cars will cost in Europe or when they'll officially be available for purchase.

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: Autohaus (translated) via The Truth About Cars]

Report: Cadillac and Corvette to go back on sale in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Chevrolet, GM

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

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

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

Gallery: 2008 Corvette 427 Special Edition Z06

[Source: General Motors]

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

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

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Chevy recalls 2005-2007 Corvettes over possible roof panel separation

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet

Do you own a Chevrolet Corvette? If so, is it a 2005 to 2007 model? If you answered "yes," does your 'Vette have a removable top? If (again) yes, have you noticed a snapping noise while driving over speed bumps? What about extra wind noise? Does your roof panel move when you slam the door or rear hatch? Have you noticed water beading down on your head during wet weather even though the removable roof is in place? If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, Chevrolet has a recall for you.

Seems as if the glue that holds the outer portion of the panel to the Corvette's roof frame has been failing. Full, worst case scenario consequence would be the outer part of the panel separating completely and flying away where it "could strike a following vehicle and cause injury and/or property damage." Seems as if we've heard something about this adhesive problem before... way back in April of 2006.

According to General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration, all 22,090 2005-2007 removable roof Corvette owners would be well advised to go down to their local dealer and get a new roof, gratis. Also: special bonus props to whomever can name the special edition Corvette pictured above. There are a couple of clues if you look hard enough.

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Chevy recalls 2005-2007 Corvettes over possible roof panel separation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WaterCar Python rocks our Corvette-loving, Ram-driving souls [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Truck, Etc., Videos, Crossover, Chevrolet, Specialty, Off-Road

WaterCar Python - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought that the amphibious Fiat we told you about last month would be a hoot, but you longed for more power than that car's 850 cc four-banger could provide, then maybe this is the vehicle for you. Billed as "THE WORLD'S FASTEST, HIGHEST PERFORMING AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE EVER DESIGNED AND BUILT," this is the WaterCar Python. Whether on water or on land, it is one quick ride. Weighing 3,800 pounds, the modified Corvette powerplant can propel it from a standstill to 60 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds on its way through the quarter in the mid-12s. Not bad for a boat that has all of the aerodynamic goodness of a Dodge Ram. Appropriately, the car's motive force is honored in the styling of the rear fascia. Seeing the Corvette tail on this beast reminds us of the Ferrari-powered regatta racer in One Crazy Summer, except this one is still roadworthy.

When you decide that you want to take to the waves, a Dominator Jet provides the propulsion and allows a top speed of 60 mph! That is damn fast for a boat, especially one that is highway-capable as well. Heck, you can even open the doors while out on the water. The interior features two captain's chairs up front and a wraparound bench in back so you can share all of the amphibious fun with a half dozen of your closest friends. For a base price of $200,000, WaterCar will build you a Python to your exact specs, with your choice of aluminum Corvette LS motors, exterior and interior colors, and even a custom-tailored pedal and shifter placement. Bikinis are optional.

Check out the huge high-res gallery below and follow the jump for a video of the Python in action.

Gallery: WaterCar Python amphibious vehicle

[Source: WaterCar]

Continue reading WaterCar Python rocks our Corvette-loving, Ram-driving souls [w/VIDEO]

WaterCar Python rocks our Corvette-loving, Ram-driving souls [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: #1 of 5 1993 Lister Corvette is nothing if not ambitious

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

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

1993 Lister Corvette - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in the early Nineties, Lister North America looked to recapture some of the awesomeness that is the 1959 Lister Corvette, a British car built to compete with the likes of the Jaguar and Aston Martin on the British racing scene. Opinions on whether or not the reborn company was successful are split, and the endeavor resulted in just five 1992 and 1993 Lister-bodied Chevrolet C4 Corvettes being produced.

This being the case, finding one of these rare automobiles for sale isn't a particularly common occurrence. Hence today's eBay Find of the Day - a 1993 Lister Corvette dolled up in bright yellow with a black interior. Regardless of what you think of the bespoke bodywork, the guts of the 'Vette are sound. There's certainly nothing wrong with a worked-over Chevrolet LT1 V8 engine stroked to 383 cubic inches and topped with a Vortech supercharger, right?

This particular Lister Corvette has traveled just 7,048 miles and has apparently been the subject of a magazine article or two. Bidding is currently at $16,600 (reserve not met) and there's less than a day left on the auction. Check out our gallery of images below and the listing in the link below.

Gallery: 1993 Lister Corvette

[Source: eBay Motors | Images: Viva Las Vegas Autos - Reproduced with permission]

eBay Find of the Day: #1 of 5 1993 Lister Corvette is nothing if not ambitious originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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