Autoblog

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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Corvette C6.R GT2 livery looks... sharp

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Chevrolet, Racing

Corvettes look sharp. Racing 'Vettes, even sharper. A competition-spec ZR1? Now we're talking.

After dominating the GT1 class seemingly for longer than we can remember, the Corvette Racing team is dropping down to the GT2 category for the 2010 American Le Mans Series. There they hope to find the competition, dominated by Ferraris and Porsches, even fiercer, and indeed they did for the latter part of the 2009 season. This, however, is our first look at the finished new car.

The shot above was snapped at the garages of Pratt & Miller, the racing outfit contracted by GM to develop and run the racing 'Vettes. Although the color scheme is the same yellow and black that's instilled fear into the hearts of most every other team on the grid, the 2010 C6.R, as you can see, gets a decidedly sharper paint job.

The bodywork is otherwise styled after the roadgoing Corvette ZR1, built atop an aluminum frame (instead of the GT1's steel), with steel brakes (in place of carbon-ceramic) and a downsized 5.5-liter V8 (replacing the 6.0- and 7.0-liter units employed in previous iterations). The season can't begin soon enough...

[Source: BadBoyVettes.com]

Corvette C6.R GT2 livery looks... sharp originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST

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

Corvette C6 w/Nitrous Oxide - Click image to watch the video

Or at least a Z06. Now, we're all for drag racing - it's one of the purest forms of sport around - much like World's Strongest Man minus all the steroids. Or is that plus nine billion times the steroids? Either way, little is more adrenaline pumping than watching a nitrous-venting 1976 Chevrolet Camaro run the quarter in 8.5 seconds. Especially when you stop and think about how totally terrible Camaros were when Jimmy Carter took office. *Shudder.*

Anyhow, the reason you can get dirty old Camaros to run so quick are the mods. In fact, a constant, never-ending stream of modifications always makes that next hundredth of a second seem just within reach. Drag racing is the sport of the tinkerer - just ask Don Garlits. You can always shed weight, but then you reach a point where structural integrity becomes an issue.

More power is typically (if not always) the answer. To get there, you got your lumpy cams, bundle o' snakes headers, intake pipes the size of telephone poles, hot lifters, blowers, turbos and, of course, nitrous oxide (N2O). We say "of course" N2O because most drag races are over before you can count to ten. Besides, motors are cheap but Friday night glory at New Jersey's Island Dragway lasts forever, right? In this case, however, the ol' nitrous bottle might be more at home hooked up to another car - might we suggest a '76 Camaro? Find out why after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Tampa Bay Examiner]

Continue reading VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1

VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Hennessey HPE700 Camaro

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Hennessey HPE700 Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

We like subtle and we like power. But at SEMA the two are usually mutually exclusive. Usually. After laying eyes and hands all over the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro HPE700 LS9 and talking at length with John Hennessey, we think we've found our favorite Chevy of the show.

We've been covering its development from the beginning, so just a quick recap: After moving a few vacuum lines, fabricating a custom header and spending three months working out the wiring, Hennessey and his crew shoehorned the Corvette ZR1's supercharged LS9 into the engine bay, fitted a new intercooler and pulleys and tuned the Camaro to 725 hp (at 6,400 RPM) and 741 lb-ft of torque (at 3,200 RPM).

According to the man behind the machine, the HEP700 is putting out 651 hp and around 650 lb-ft of torque to the wheels on a Dynojet, good for a 0-60 MPH time of 3.5 seconds and a quarter mile sprint of 11.3 seconds at 126 MPH. And the mods didn't end with the engine. A set of KW V3s are fitted at all four corners and coupled with the 20-inch wheels with 275/35 (front) and 305/35 (rear) rubber, contributes to a claimed skid pad of 1.01g. Six-pot Brembos clamp onto 15.1-inch discs in front, while 14.1-inch rear rotors are squeezed by four-piston calipers, helping the HPE700 stop from 60 in 104 feet.

If you're aching to get your hands on one of the 24 ZR1-powered Camaros, you'd better drop a dime post haste -- there are only five remaining, each carrying a price tag of $119,500.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Hennessey HPE700 Camaro

SEMA 2009: Hennessey HPE700 Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian designer works with Zagato on ZR1-based Iso Rivolta Marella concept

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Russia, Design/Style

Iso Rivolta Marella design study - Click above for high-res image gallery

Front-engine rear-drive aluminum chassis, 640-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, high bang:buck ratio... Chevrolet's Corvette ZR1 has got it all. No wonder it's proving to be such a compelling choice for coachbuilders. Reviving the time-honored tradition in re-cloaking Vettes with Italian sheetmetal, the resurgent Stile Bertone used the ZR1 as the basis for the Mantide. And now, a Russian design student has teamed up with rival design house Zagato for another coachbuilt supercar concept based on the ZR1.

The Marella design study revives the Iso Rivolta nameplate, as imagined by one Fedor Stetskevich of the Moscow State University of Industrial and Applied Arts. Commonly known as the Stroganov (yes, you sophisticate, like the beef dish) the university was founded in 1825 and stands as one of Russia's oldest design schools. As you can see, Steskevich collaborated directly with Zagato on the project - which currently exists only as a model - and you can see a lot of resemblance to the Perana Z-One. Beyond that, we'll let the work speak for itself, so have a look in the extensive high-resolution image gallery below and you can leave your thoughts in the Comments below that.

Gallery: Iso Rivolta Marella design study by Fedor Stetskevich & Zagato

[Source: CarDesign.ru via CarScoop]

Russian designer works with Zagato on ZR1-based Iso Rivolta Marella concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something.

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Toys/Games

Gran Turismo for PSP - click above image to watch the video

In terms of tracks, we'd guess that while the Nürburgring gets the most press, Laguna Seca is number two. And with good reason, as Mazda's Raceway is fast, technical, beautiful and challenging. Plus, because the famed track's in Caramel, California, you get gorgeous, picture postcard weather for ten months of the year. If not more. Then, of course, there's the famous Corkscrew, and all of the hijinks that it ensures.

So large is Laguna's legend that Sony is now using to the track to sell its newly PSP ported version of Gran Turismo, the ever popular racing game. And as far as commercials go, this is one of the few we wish were a few minutes longer. The 'vert takes place on track at Laguna Seca where a Corvette ZR1 is chasing down a Ford GT and Nissan GT-R. And is that Tanner Foust? We think it is. Also, bonus points for whoever can identify the car the Blue Devil passes at the very beginning. Okay, we've stalled long enough. Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something.

VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Corvette ZR1 matches Nissan GT-R around Nürburgring in Sport Auto test

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Europe, Chevrolet, Nissan

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - click above image for hi-res gallery

Ah... what's it been, three weeks since we mentioned a Nürburgring "record?" Well, rest easy friends, as this post has nothing to do with a "record." Instead, it's all about the time laid down at the 'Ring by Horst von Saurma, editor of Germany's Auto Sport. Herr von Saurma lends an air of credibility to these tests, as not only did he briefly race professionally, but his 'Ring results are generally taken seriously. For instance, his 7:32 in a Porsche Carrera GT was considered the production record until recently when Nissan and General Motors started bringing in factory hot shoes.

Anyhow, here's what Horst found: The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes around the Nurburgring in 7:38 - the exact same amount of time it took him to hoof the Nissan GT-R around the circuit. Odd, you think? For the Nissan weighs almost 500 pounds more and gives up at least 100 horsepower to the Chevy. Not to mention around 165 lb-ft of torque. Yes, well, the 'Ring ain't a drag strip. And while big power helps, it's not the be-all and end-all. Both cars handle extremely well, but we're going to chock up the GT-R's impressive tie to an X factor. Namely, the twin-turbo Nissan is easier to flog at or around the limit than the supercharged Corvette - all-wheel drive helps in the dry, too, see?

And what about the issue that both manufacturers laid down 'Ring times in the 7:25 range? Well, it's within the margin of error you'd expect for a track as long as the Nürburgring, especially when the cars are driven on different days by different drivers. One more thing: Horst von Saurma laid down the Nissan's time in a 2009 model, and not in the new 2010 which features more power, better suspension and better brakes. Nor, for that matter, is it the Spec-V model. Just sayin'. Thanks to Wags for the tip!

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

[Source: GTRblog]

REPORT: Corvette ZR1 matches Nissan GT-R around Nürburgring in Sport Auto test originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has dealer installed accessory prices that would make Porsche blush

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

We just spent four, maybe five, minutes Googling around these here internets looking for the most expensive safety triangle we could find. You know, those orange reflective thingermabobs you can erect in the face of oncoming traffic to warn them of your breakdown/tire change? Most are $12. Though the most expensive one we could locate costs $21.49, although upon closer inspection, that's for a three-pack.

According to its website, Chevrolet, on the other hand, will be more than happy to sell you (or rather let a dealer sell you) an orange safety triangle with your Corvette ZR1 for $2,929. Ooh, we bet it's extra safe! Or, as tipster Jonathan says of the triangle, "This seem a tad high. Maybe I am wrong and the triangle is made out of solid (and very shiny) gold."

They will also let you purchase a $5,233 fire extinguisher, a $4,187 first aid kit and our favorite, a $12,870 roadside assistance package that includes, "a convenient tire pressure gauge, fuse kit, multi-bit screwdriver, flashlight, pliers, rain poncho and more." Obviously, the pliers are by Klein, the poncho is from Versace and the fuses are made of diamonds. Could be, though we're thinking the fact that Chevy offers both a $44 and $5,233 fire extinguisher means the whole page is one big series of typos. Still, ha ha ha funny. And again, thanks to Jonathan for the tip.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

[Source: Chevrolet.com]

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has dealer installed accessory prices that would make Porsche blush originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geiger GTS: Crazy Germans modify Corvette ZR1

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Europe, Chevrolet

2009 Geiger GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Geiger is back, and this time it's the vaunted Corvette ZR1 that gets the tuner touch. Dubbed the "Geiger GTS," this über ZR1 doesn't offer ridiculous power gains over its stock bruder, just some careful tweaks that net an additional 63 hp. Still, that brings the already prodigious power up to 710, with a similar bump in torque from 607 to 677 ft-lbs. That's good enough to register 3.6 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, and a V-Max of 212.5 mph.

Geiger said they'd have the car in Frankfurt, but we somehow missed it. While the press release makes no mention of suspension tweaks, Ultraleggera O.Z. Racing wheels replace the GM originals, with the 10 x 19 fronts and 12 x 20 inch rears shod in 285/30ZR19 Michelins at the bow and 345/25ZR20s astern.

One thing that definitely has changed is the exterior. After all, this wouldn't be a Geiger special without some new body panels, and the GTS doesn't disappoint. The stock Corvette ZR1 nose and tail have been swapped out for some Geiger custom parts, and aggressive side sill extensions have been added. The whole thing is finished off in a trademark Geiger custom paintjob, this time three layers of color shifting mother of pearl white with black accents. It had us thinking of the Mansory Ferrari 599 Stallone although it's rather subdued compared to the louvered, lime-green Corvette Z06 biturbo that Geiger also offers. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the images in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Corvette ZR1 "Geiger GTS"

[Source: Geiger]

Continue reading Geiger GTS: Crazy Germans modify Corvette ZR1

Geiger GTS: Crazy Germans modify Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Over the years, our favorite magazines have had some spectacular comparison tests, with scores of test data and page after page of subjective text. Motor Trend has practically made a living with comparisons, and its newest feature pits 10 hot rides against one another to see which is the best driver's car. MT used tons of data, added subjective feedback from staff members and included track time at Laguna Seca with pro driver Randy Pobst.

If you receive Motor Trend at home or you check in over at its website, you've probably read the extensive article, but the magazine also produced a 14 minute video hosted by Editor at Large Arthur St. Antoine. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. It's chock full of beautiful footage, 638 horsepower supercars drifting around and tire-ripping burnouts. How much more can you ask for?

[Source: YouTube via Motor Trend]

Continue reading VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises

VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend gets all techy, picks their top 10 favorite driver's cars

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Etc.

In a truly heroic effort that's not only daunting in scope but utterly jealousy-inducing in execution, the hot shoes at Motor Trend have once again teamed up with pro-racer and 24 Hours of Daytona winner Randy Pobst to put ten of the hottest performance cars currently on sale up against each other at Laguna Seca to determine which is best. Last year, the winner was given the title of "Best Handling Car," though this year they are switching the name to "Best Driver's Car." That works.

Without getting too much into the metrics they used (it's an eighteen page article), MT went with a combination of outright speed, braking performance, lateral acceleration data and subjective seat of the pants driving impressions (plus Pobst's excellent feedback) to rank all ten cars in order. Without giving away the winner, we will say that we enthusiastically agree with their findings.

Cases in point: Chevy Camaro SS is dead last. The BMW 135i is second to dead last. The world-beating Corvette ZR1 ends up one place behind the truly superlative Shelby GT500 and the uber 'Stang isn't even the top American car. Meanwhile, the plucky little Mazda MX-5 Miata finishes higher up than all the cars we just mentioned -- including the mystery Yank tank. In fact, the only gripe we have is that last year's third place car -- the Mazda RX-8 R3 - wasn't brought back for a second go round. No one's perfect. That said, you should consider this article a must read. We have, twice.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Motor Trend gets all techy, picks their top 10 favorite driver's cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2009: Bertone shows off ZR1-based Mantide

Drew Phillips — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST

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

Bertone Mantide - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's become a recent tradition for a coachbuilt car to be shown at the Gooding auction tent on Friday evening (previous years we got a look at the Pininfarina P4/5 and the Pininfarina Hyperion), and this year we were treated to the ZR1-based Bertone Mantide. The car's owner, Dan Watkins, actually drove the car from New York to Monterey for the unveiling and was on hand along with designer Jason Castriota to introduce the one-off car.

Our sources tells us that Jay Leno is next in line to purchase a Mantide, possibly followed by JK Jamiroquai, both of whom showed particular interest in the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. In addition to the new live photos from the unveiling last night, we've also included a new video featuring Watkins at Goodwood talking about the Mantide after the jump.

Gallery: Monterey 2009: Bertone Mantide

Continue reading Monterey 2009: Bertone shows off ZR1-based Mantide

Monterey 2009: Bertone shows off ZR1-based Mantide originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: YouTube via Autocar]

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

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

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VIDEO: Monday afternoon Corvette ZR1 chase

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST

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

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 in hot pursuit - click above image to watch the video

The blokes at Autocar got themselves a real live Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. What to do with it? Why not strap a camera to the back of a pretty fast car, and let the 638 hp supercharged LS9-engined beast chase you all over a test circuit like a great white hunting a seal? Or is that like a cheetah chasing down a gazelle? An eagle after a snake? A dogo argentino pursuing a wild boar? You get the idea -- the Zed Argh One is a killer and just toying with whatever's in front of its gaping maw. The lead vehicle will soon be killed and consumed, metaphorically speaking of course. And you're going to simply love what happens at 1:54. Have a watch, after the jump. Thanks to Jonathan for the tip.

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VIDEO: Monday afternoon Corvette ZR1 chase originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette ZR1 gets the cover of Gran Turismo PSP

Dan Roth — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, Toys/Games

Corvette ZR1 Gran Turismo Screenshot - Click above for hi-res image gallery

Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi picks the image that goes on the cover of each breathlessly-awaited edition of the franchise. For the latest version of the game for the PSP, the Corvette ZR1 graces the box. Though he hails from Japan where there's many flavors of off-the-hook cars from the island's indigenous automakers, Yamauchi's got a love affair with American iron. "If you're looking for the optimum specs, layout, and styling in an FR car, it would be the ZR1," Yamauchi told Motor Trend. New screenshots of the ZR1 as it appears in Gran Turismo PSP have hit the web as well, fomenting worldwide desire.

The second American car to decorate a Gran Turismo box (the first being a Ford GT), the single Corvette image won out over a mock-up that included a Viper and a Mustang. It seems that while Gran Turismo gives gamers access to cars they may never see in the flesh, it does afford its maker the ability to poke around real examples of such awe-inspiring vehicles. For most GT fans, both new versions of the game and the cars that inhabit its digital simulations are the things of feverish dreams. The difference is that when the game finally drops, it will be obtainable.

Gallery: Corvette ZR1 in Gran Turismo PSP

[Source Motor Trend via GTPlanet]

Corvette ZR1 gets the cover of Gran Turismo PSP originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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