Autoblog

See what the Chevy C7 ZR1 may be benchmarked against

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Luxury

One of the greatest things every Corvette has had going for it, and also one of the most re-used arguments against it, is its price-to-performance equation - long before the Nissan GT-R became the de facto Porsche 911 comparator the Corvette spent decades as Exhibit A. Depending on which side of the argument you stressed, supporters crowed about how much performance you got for how (comparatively) little, detractors carped on how little you got everywhere else in the bargain.

It appears Chevrolet is working as hard as ever to render the argument meaningless. Spy shooters at KGP captured a convocation of European birds of prey leaving the General Motors test center, and aimed at benchmarking the C7 Corvette ZR1. The road train comprised of two C7 Corvette Stingrays, a 2013 Corvette ZR1, McLaren MP4-12C, Ferrari 458 Italia, Audi R8 V10 Spyder and Porsche 911 Carrera S and it was last seen heading down the same kinked-up back roads used to hone the Corvette Stingray.

The C7-series ZR1 and its possible 700 horsepower are still a ways off. If it really is being positioned to compete with the celestial exotica in the testing group, could it be the first Corvette to regularly be the first answer to the question "Cost no object, which would would you rather have?"

See what the Chevy C7 ZR1 may be benchmarked against originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Helicopter crashes on Top Gear Korea set while chasing Corvette ZR1

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, South Korea, TV/Movies

The formula of Top Gear Korea is seemingly about the same as it is everywhere else in the world, including the flagship British original: involve interesting cars in fantastical situations with charismatic hosts. That prescription has proved to be pretty reliable over the years, and has lead to some truly memorable and exciting pieces of television.

Something like that was undoubtedly what the Korean producers were after when they lined up this segment - a drag race between a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and an AH1 Cobra military helicopter. The planners almost certainly did not expect the filming of the segment to go quite as wrong as it actually did, with the helicopter actually crashing into the dirt after the "drag race" had been completed. Thankfully, we're told that no one was seriously injured in the crash, but the footage, in the video below, is pretty damn chilling to watch, nevertheless.

Continue reading Helicopter crashes on Top Gear Korea set while chasing Corvette ZR1

Helicopter crashes on Top Gear Korea set while chasing Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sets lap record at Laguna Seca, beats new SRT Viper

Zach Bowman — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, SRT

As you may have heard, Motor Trend recently threw the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the 2013 SRT Viper at each other. And while it was somewhat shocking to hear that the aging ZR1 actually managed to narrowly walk away as the winner of this particular scrap, something else interesting happened during the dust up. Motor Trend called on pro driver Randy Pobst to thrash the two bruisers around Laguna Seca, and thrash he did. Pobst managed to bolt out a time of 1:33.70 in the ZR1, besting the old record of 1:33.99 set by Chris Winkler some three years ago. Winkler managed the task in a 2010 Dodge Viper ACR.

Pobst managed to pull down a 1:35.77 in the SRT Viper, making it the sixth-fastest car M/T has ever put through its paces at Laguna Seca. Don't shed a tear for the terror from SRT, though - the 2013 Viper is still quicker than hardware like the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lexus LFA and Nissan GT-R.

Unsurprisingly, the record-breaking story has triggered defensive posturing from the SRT camp, with none other than brand boss Ralph Gilles leaving comments on his Twitter feed like "There is a lot more left in the car, Randy has always struggled with the Viper" and "We've tested both cars at several tracks and never seen a gap like that. Many drivers needlessly fear the Viper.

The ZR1 may have drawn first blood on its way out the door, but one thing is for sure - this is only the first skirmish in what looks to be a long and highly entertaining battle.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sets lap record at Laguna Seca, beats new SRT Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guy Fieri to drive Corvette ZR1 pace car in Indy 500

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Celebrities

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives persona Guy Fieri is making more news with garages these days than kitchens. The Food Network host, who recently had his Lamborghini Gallardo stolen and then recovered in a teen's storage container, has been selected to drive the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 pace car at the Indy 500 this year.

Guy's an admitted car fan, and he should feel at home in the ZR1; he owns seven Chevrolet models that span the decades from 1968 to 2011, and a Cadillac Escalade ESV. He'll be pacing the field in the 638-horsepower special edition Arctic White coupe on Sunday, May 27 at noon EST.

Guy Fieri to drive Corvette ZR1 pace car in Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZR1 versus C6.R racer in Corvette straight-line race

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST

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

Road & Track lined up the Corvette ZR1 next to the Corvette C6.R ALMS racing car to see how they'd compete in a straight line. Notice we didn't say "drag" or "drag race," since this isn't at the track and we can't tell the distance of the contest.

The C6.R is based on the ZR1, but comes in with about 500 horsepower to push its 2,745-pound weight and uses a sequential transmission and slicks. The ZR1 works with 638 horses but has 3,345 pounds to get going through a six-speed manual transmission and street tires.

The race starts at 0:15 seconds and ends at 0:23. You'll find the winner in the video after the jump.

Continue reading ZR1 versus C6.R racer in Corvette straight-line race

ZR1 versus C6.R racer in Corvette straight-line race originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sibling Rivalry: Chevrolet takes Corvette ZR1 and Camaro ZL1 to VIR, sets a lap record

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST

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

While the Dodge Viper is in the midst of a much-too-long (and thankfully soon-to-be-rectified) hiatus, there's really no question as to who holds the title of Baddest American Sports Car: The Chevrolet Corvette. And the top-of-the-line in Corvette Land is, of course, the 638-horsepower supercharged ZR1.

Not that the 'Vette is the only way domestic car lovers can fan their inner flames of performance. Nipping at the Corvette's super wide and sticky heels are such classic nameplates as the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger... not to mention, from within its own stomping grounds no less, the Chevrolet Camaro.

Perhaps in a bid to cement its internal pecking order, the boys from Chevy took one Corvette ZR1 and one Camaro ZL1 to Virginia International Raceway for some sordid fun and hot laps. Wondering just how close the Camaro is to the top-rung Corvette, which the automaker says set the fastest published lap for a stock car in VIR's history? Satiate your curiosity by watching the two videos after the jump.

Continue reading Sibling Rivalry: Chevrolet takes Corvette ZR1 and Camaro ZL1 to VIR, sets a lap record

Sibling Rivalry: Chevrolet takes Corvette ZR1 and Camaro ZL1 to VIR, sets a lap record originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 [w/video]

Michael Harley — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, New Car Reviews

Successful In Its Mission, But Not As The World's Greatest Sports Car

Adhered to the Hamilton Hall dorm wall at Wright State University is a glossy poster of a jet-black sports car. It hangs low over an unmade bed, its corner blemished with a slight tear from an errantly placed thumbtack during orientation week.

A young engineering undergraduate, sitting at a desk just a few feet away, is staring directly at the poster. Instead of reviewing for an upcoming exam, his eyes remain fixated on the vehicle's sleek bodywork, ominous quad exhaust pipes and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. Locked in a trance, the student daydreams about what it would be like to drive the sinister-looking monster.

Unbeknown to that 19-year-old scholar, and thousands of miles from Wright State University, Autoblog holds the key to the vehicle pictured on that very poster. It is the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. With a 638-horsepower supercharged V8 mated to a six-speed manual transmission and a top speed of 205 miles per hour, it is the most powerful production car in General Motors' history.

The ZR1 has been upgraded and enhanced for 2012, so what is it like to drive America's premier sports car on public roads? Can the beast be reasonably tamed? Be pleased to learn that this evil brute is nearly everything expected, a little less and then a whole lot more.

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 [w/video]

2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette ZR1-powered Chevrolet Silverado has us feeling sleepy

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Truck, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet

Here we have the kind of sleeper that'll wake you up no time: a short-bed, four-wheel-drive Chevrolet Silverado with an LS9 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. With dyno numbers of 510 horsepower and 504 pound-feet of torque, there's a jump of at least 205 hp and 169 lb-ft over the most powerful factory engine you can get in that truck.

The result? Sound and fury, both of which you can get a taste of in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Corvette ZR1-powered Chevrolet Silverado has us feeling sleepy

Corvette ZR1-powered Chevrolet Silverado has us feeling sleepy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You now live in a world with a ZR1-powered pickup truck

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Chevrolet, GM

Stuffing engine A into automobile B has been part an enthusiast rite of passage for decades. Fast-forward to 2011, and someone has finally jumped to engine Z. Rather, they've taken the engine from a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, and slung it betwixt the front fenders of a Silverado pickup truck.

Ford Lightning owners, Dodge Ram SRT owners and Toyota Tundra TRD owners... bow to your new master.

For those of you not familiar with this particular engine (how?), allow us to enlighten you. What you're looking at above is the LS9 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. The power output is rated at 638 horses and 604 pound-feet of torque, and all that forward go is now propelling the rear wheels of a Silverado pickup.

Someone get sandbags, high-octane fuel and a video camera, because we want to see this rig run down the drag strip. Our hats off to the mad minds at Houston-based Fastlane for their unholy creation.

You now live in a world with a ZR1-powered pickup truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Corvette ZR1 shaves six seconds off its 'Ring time

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 runs 'round the 'Ring - Click above to watch video after the jump

Chevrolet has a few upgrades in store for the mighty 2012 Corvette ZR1. One of which is a set of optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure Tires. Coupled with the the Performance Traction Management (PTM) system, the 2012 ZR1 is going to be one fast grippy guppy.

Chevrolet wanted to find out how the new car handles one of the worlds most exciting roads, so a trip to Germany and a ticket to the Nürburgring were in order. In 2008, a Corvette ZR1 ran around the infamous track in 7:26.4. The 2012 car blew that time away with a 7:19.63 blast around the 'Ring - that's a six-second improvement, for those who don't feel like doing the math. Want to ride shotgun on the 12.9-mile journey? Put on your helmet, click past the jump and check out the clip.

Continue reading 2012 Corvette ZR1 shaves six seconds off its 'Ring time

2012 Corvette ZR1 shaves six seconds off its 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevrolet Corvette model year changes leak out?

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

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

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

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

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

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

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

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Video: Watch split-screen action of 2011 Nissan GTR vs. Corvette ZR1

Chris Shunk — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet, Nissan

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Last week we told you about the fresh, faster Nürburgring track times of the Nissan GTR, with video that proves that Godzilla 2012 managed to shave 2.48 seconds off its best lap. We were under the impression that the GTR's new top time wasn't enough to best the Corvette ZR1, but a side-by-side (or rather a top-to-bottom) comparison video of both runs gives us the definitive answer.

Beyond the jump is a video pitting the in-car camera view of the ZR1 (top screen) versus the 2012 GTR (bottom screen). Pay close attention from the five minute mark to about 6:20 into the clip, as the vehicle with the lead loses it for good at this point in the race. Very entertaining little competition, but you'll have to hit the jump and watch to see the winner for yourself.

[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading Video: Watch split-screen action of 2011 Nissan GTR vs. Corvette ZR1

Video: Watch split-screen action of 2011 Nissan GTR vs. Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chevrolet takes it easy on the competition with Corvette ZR1 ad

Chris Shunk — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, BMW, Chevrolet, Porsche, Ferrari

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

We've seen plenty of luxury sports cars that are later tuned for the 12 Hours of Sebring. Porsche, Ferrari and BMW all do it, and so does General Motors with its Corvette Racing team. So why do the advertising types at GM feel it necessary to talk up their car at the expense of the aforementioned makes by way of this 30-second commercial? GM has earned bragging rights because, unlike the other cars, the stock ZR1 actually had to be de-tuned by 168 horsepower in order to qualify.

Unfortunately for Chevrolet and its racing team, the race cars could have used a few of those ponies, as BMW took first and second, while The General had to settle for third place. Still, the spot serves as a reminder of just how ridiculous it is that the ZR1 comes fresh from the factory with 638 horsepower and a whole world of whoop-ass. Hit the jump to watch the commercial for yourself.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Continue reading Video: Chevrolet takes it easy on the competition with Corvette ZR1 ad

Video: Chevrolet takes it easy on the competition with Corvette ZR1 ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder trying catch up to 99 units with ZR1 power?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Spyker, Rumormill

2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a while since we've heard anything from Spyker that didn't have to do with its acquisition of Saab. The Dutch automaker has apparently had its hands full taking the reins in Trollhattan from General Motors - so busy in fact that it has apparently missed production targets. Like with the new C8 Aileron Spyder.

The convertible version of the stretched and updated C8 debuted about a year and a half ago in Pebble Beach, and was supposed to enter production in the first half of 2010. Well, 2010 has come and gone and apparently production still hasn't started. But we do have some news.

According to reports from the company's native Netherlands, Spyker is planning on keeping the C8 Aileron Spyder very exclusive, with a production run of just 99 units. That's a mighty limited edition, but there's more: according to the same report quoting CEO Victor Muller, Spyker will be ditching the Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 for the 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Considering that, at 638 hp, the LS9 produces over 50% more power than the 400-horse Audi mill, the commensurate drop in the previously estimated 4.5-second sprint to 60 should be well worth the work involved in turning the blown eight around and mounting it in the middle of the Spyker. Either that, or this could all amount to nothing - but the notion that the door between GM and Spyker could be swinging both ways is certainly intriguing.

Gallery: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

[Source: GTSpirit.com]

Report: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder trying catch up to 99 units with ZR1 power? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:28:00 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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Report: Chevrolet slaps first incentives on ZR1 amidst swelling inventory

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While overall auto sales have recovered somewhat from the depths of early 2009, things are still pretty slow compared to their peaks. General Motors has done a decent job of avoiding too many customer rebates since it emerged from bankruptcy a year ago by controlling inventories. However, that's a lot harder to do with low volume cars like the Corvette and especially the ZR1. Balancing adequate dealer stock and too many cars is tough when the numbers are so modest to begin with.

With the 2010 model year winding down, GM reportedly still has about 500 ZR1s in stock and is now offering $3,000 cash back or zero percent financing on 2010 models. If you look hard, you may even find one of a dozen or so 2009 models left over which will get you $5,000 off the sticker price. Unfortunately the 2009s aren't equipped the very effective and easy-to-use launch control system that became standard on the '10s, but it's still a deal if you can get one.

Update: General Motors spokesman David Caldwell let us know that the incentives are not just for the ZR1. GM simply removed the previous exclusion of the ZR1 so that existing Corvette rebates now apply to the supercharged model.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 test model

[Source: CorvetteBlogger]

Report: Chevrolet slaps first incentives on ZR1 amidst swelling inventory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:31:00 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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Chevrolet to let Corvette owners build their own engines - for a price [w/video]

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: General Motors]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: Autocar]

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

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2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon slots in right below ZR1

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

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

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

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

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

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon

[Source: Chevrolet]

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

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

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