Autoblog

Chevrolet releases 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. Again.

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

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

It's perfectly common for an automaker to release details and photos of a concept car in the months or weeks ramping up to its official debut at a major auto show. Not so much several months later, though. So you can imagine our confusion as to why Chevrolet has revealed the 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept once again.

Also referred to as the Corvette Centennial, the show car debuted at the Chicago Auto Show this past February, and had a cameo as Sideswipe in the latest Transformers sequel, Revenge of the Fallen. Now several months later, General Motors has hit us again with a fresh batch of photos and a brief press release (posted after the jump) conspicuously short on details, only hinting that something's changed by stating that "a version of the model" previously debuted in Chicago, but saying little else. Do we care? Not really. Because rationale aside, the Stingray is pretty badass, as you can see from the photos in the gallery below. So let's throw reason out the window and enjoy.

Gallery: Chevrolet 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept revealed again

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Chevrolet releases 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. Again.

Chevrolet releases 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

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

Harley Earl's 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - Click above for a high-res gallery

Legendary sportscar marques deserve their own dedicated auctions, and lately they've been getting what they deserve. RM Auction has been running a Ferrari-only event at the Maranello factory for a few years now, while Bonhams has been doing the same with Aston Martin at Newport Pagnell for even longer. But while the Corvette may technically be a model and not a brand, it has its own rabid following and its own history. Which could help explain why Mecum is holding a dedicated Corvette auction later this month in St. Charles, Illinois. The Mecum Bloomington Gold Corvette Auction will feature an array of Vettes from Chevy history, and this is undoubtedly the highlight: Harley Earl's personal Stingray convertible.

As the grand-daddy of American car design, Earl earned his place in history. And to help commemorate his achievements, General Motors presented him with this unique 'Vette in 1963, shortly after the car made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. The car featured a unique metallic blue paintjob with white highlights and a blue leather interior, 300-horsepower fuel-injected 327, unique side exhaust and an array of special instruments in the glovebox.

Earl drove the car for two years - he even drove it at Daytona as the 500's Grand Marshall in 1965 - and then sold it to a war vet who drove it to California and back with local newspaper coverage. The car was then lost for decades before a group of amateur racers bought it at auction with the intent to drag race it before identifying it as something special. It then changed hands among Corvette collectors before receiving a full restoration. The car's status and storied history, more of which you can read about in the press release after the jump, are sure to fetch a pretty penny when this Vette crosses the auction block on June 26.

Gallery: Harley Earl's 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

[Source: Mecum]

Continue reading Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block

Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Corvette Stingray C7.R

Drew Phillips — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Rendered Speculation

Click above for a high-res photo of BadBoyVettes.com's Corvette Stingray C7.R rendering

While the Corvette Stingray Concept (a.k.a. Autobot Sideswipe) introduced at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this month sports heritage-inspired cues, its futuristic styling could also hint at the design of the next-generation model. GM made no comment on whether any of the concept would find make its way into the C7 Corvette, but there will doubtless be plenty of people willing to speculate. The gang at BadBoyVettes.com have taken it one step further and have come up with what the C7.R would look like if the Stingray went to production as-is. Using one of our live shots from the show, they've added the Corvette Racing livery, complete with the "Jake" skull mascot featured prominently on the hood. We think they did a good job, which is to be expected, since BBV helped put together the design schemes for the actual C6.R racers. In full race livery, the Stingray looks like it'd be equally adept at chasing down Gulf-liveried Aston Martins or battling giant evil robots. After all, Jake plays no favorites; he's an equal-opportunity intimidator.

[Source: BadBoyVettes.com]

Rendered Speculation: Corvette Stingray C7.R originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: GM finally rolls out Corvette Stingray Concept [w/VIDEO]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Performance, Etc., Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the Corvette Stingray Concept

General Motors used the Chicago Auto Show to introduce the world to its latest concept vehicle, the Corvette Stingray, which will be featured in the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie on June 26th. According to GM, the vehicle is nothing more than a styling buck that was influenced by the original 1959 Stingray racer when it was spotted by director Michael Bay while he was touring GM's operations looking for inspiration for the first Transformers movie. Don't expect this concept to spawn any sort of production vehicle, which, needless to say, is a shame.

In robot mode, the Corvette Stingray Concept will take the form of Sideswipe, who will reportedly be a skater with wheels for feet. The General doesn't have anything in the way of new product to show off here in Chicago, so it's using the blockbuster movie to drum up interest instead. It's working... sorta.

Hit the jump for a video of Ed Welburn discussing the design of the Corvette Centennial Concept, along with GM's press release.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Corvette Stingray Concept LIVE

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

Continue reading Chicago 2009: GM finally rolls out Corvette Stingray Concept [w/VIDEO]

Chicago 2009: GM finally rolls out Corvette Stingray Concept [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AZ-Wagon: Mazdaspeak for "Suzuki Wagon R"

Alex Nunez — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Mazda AZ-Wagon

Late Sunday night, Mazda issued a press release from the mothership in Japan touting the arrival of the new home-market AZ-Wagon kei car. Those of you who paid attention to Autoblog last week may be experiencing twinges of deja vu as you look at the enclosed photos. Yes, you have seen this car before: the new Mazda AZ-Wagon is simply a rebadged version of the new Suzuki Wagon R, just like it was before. The regular AZ-Wagon is the standard Wagon R, while the AZ-Wagon Custom Style (above) is the Wagon R Stingray. We'd happily sign up for one, but alas, Mazda's Stateside rebadge-o-rama is limited to the Tribute and B-Series.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda AZ-Wagon

[Source: Mazda]

AZ-Wagon: Mazdaspeak for "Suzuki Wagon R" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki Wagon R, Stingray Limited editions intro'd in Japan

Alex Nunez — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Suzuki

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Suzuki Wagon R and Stingray Limited

In Japan, Suzuki expects the Wagon R to eclipse the 3,000,000 units sold milestone this month. To commemorate, it has launched Limited versions of both the Wagon R and its Stingray variant (whose front-end styling looks very similar to the old Toyota bB). The new limited edition variants give Japanese drivers slightly flashier boxes in which to transport themselves. Among the features included in the cars' special packages are new grilles and foglamps, Alcantara-covered seats, leather-wrapped steering wheels with silver contrast stitching, and rearview mirrors with LED turn indicators. The 660cc kei-spec engine is untouched, and the cars can be ordered beginning today. Prices range from ¥1,115,000 for the 2WD Wagon R to ¥1,314,600 for the 4WD Stingray. Needless to say, we want both.

Gallery: 2008 Suzuki Wagon R Limited & Stingray Limited

[Source: Suzuki]

Suzuki Wagon R, Stingray Limited editions intro'd in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Better than a moose head on the wall: Classic Car shelves

Dan Roth — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Classics, Etc., Toys/Games

Now you don't have to leave the lovely visage of your favorite ponycar languishing in the dark of the garage anymore. California Car Cover Company is offering shelves that pay homage to Shoebox Chevies, '59 Caddies, C3 Corvettes and '65 Mustangs, so you now have a boomeriffic place to stash various and sundry little bits that would otherwise clutter a more pedestrian shelf. Prices range from $19.99 to $79.99, far less than even a set of sparkplugs for the old clunker that's spent the last decade and a half leaking on your driveway, and we bet that it'll take less time to mount one of these to the wall than it will to get that old Quadrabog rebuilt and tuned.

[Source: CalCarCover]

Better than a moose head on the wall: Classic Car shelves originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Introducing the new Stingray (Relax, it's a Suzuki)

Alex Nunez — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Suzuki

Click for photo gallery

Last week, Suzuki started offering a new WagonR variant, the Stingray, for sale at its Japanese dealerships. The WagonR Stingray is, for the most part, just a WagonR with a new front end similar in appearance to the old Toyota bB (Scion xB).

In addition to the standard HID lights, mirror-mounted turn signals, new grille and front bumper, the Stingray receives an all-black interior treatment and model-specific 14" wheels. A color-shifting black/bronze paint is available, and keyless entry and start are included on all Stigray trim levels. Three kei car engine options are available: a 54-horsepower normally-aspirated 658cc 3-cylinder with VVT, a turbocharged version putting out 60 horsepower, and a direct injection turbo good for 64 horses.

It will be sold alongside the other existing WagonR models.

[Source: Suzuki]

Gallery: Suzuki WagonR Stingray (JDM)

Introducing the new Stingray (Relax, it's a Suzuki) originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Russo & Steele, Scottsdale: 1967 Gus Grissom Corvette goes for $275,000

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Chevrolet

Click on the image for a high-res gallery of photos of these cars

1967 Chevrolet Grissom Corvette 427 - #6645

This little red Corvette has quite a pedigree. Although it was originally Lynndale blue, the Rally Red paint was applied 25 years ago. It has just 31,499 documented original miles, a 427/435hp tri-power engine and a 4-speed M-21. It also features the HD suspension, off road exhaust, transistor ignition, leather seats, Strato-Ease headrests, tinted windshield, AM/FM radio, speed warning indicator, telescopic steering wheel, and redline tires. It's had a professional body-off restoration that is documented with the included photos. Another multiple award-winner including NCRS & Corvette Bowling Green. Pretty impressive 'Vette, but obviously it's the fact that NASA astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom was the original owner that helped net this car a $232,500 price at auction. Read the whole fascinating back story from the Russo and Steele catalog after the jump.

[Source: Russo and Steele, Corvetteblogger.com]

Related Items:

Astronaut Gus Grissom's 427 'Vette for sale on eBay

Gallery: 2007 Russo & Steele, Scottsdale: 1967 Chevrolet Grissom Corvette 427

Continue reading 2007 Russo & Steele, Scottsdale: 1967 Gus Grissom Corvette goes for $275,000

2007 Russo & Steele, Scottsdale: 1967 Gus Grissom Corvette goes for $275,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Viper guarantees Blue Devil's arrival

John Neff — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Supercars, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM

When word of a 600-hp Dodge Viper first crossed our desks, we immediately figured that the on-again, off-again super Corvette "Blue Devil" project would immediately get a green light for production. The current Z06 produces a stout 505 hp, about 5 hp shy of the current Viper's 8.3-liter V10. We knew, however, that General Motors would never let a 95-hp deficit stand. Thus, it's not much of a surprise that the Detroit Free Press is reporting none other than Bob Lutz has indicated that Blue Devil/SS/Stingray/whatever is definitely a go. Lutz's exact words were, "the Corvette vehicle line executive will not take that lying down." His comments were made at a meeting yesterday with analysts, at which he also stated, "It is very important for Corvette to be the most powerful, most capable, best handling sports car in the United States." Them sounds like fightin' words to us. Rumors about the Blue Devil peg its power at well above the 600-hp mark, which means not long after the 2008 Viper's steam-rolling rear tires hit the street, a new top-dog will arrive sometime in 2009.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Related posts:
Corvette Blue Devil back on!
Dave Hill - no Blue Devil Corvette on the way
VetteGate: Spy photographers respond to fake Blue Devil pics
"Blue Devil" Corvette spotted at Nurburgring

New Viper guarantees Blue Devil's arrival originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Blue Devil prototype faked by Winding Road

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 22:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Etc., Chevrolet

Last month we posted on a recent sighting of the infamous "Blue Devil" supercharged uber-vette that had been shot numerous times while undergoing testing.

We wrote at the time, "This latest shot comes courtesy of The Car Connection via a student near Milford, Mich. by the name of Yonni G. Mr. G. happened to have his Dad's camera in tow when this newest prototype blew by him at speed and judging by the quality of the shots, we hope he got a sizeable check from the folks at TCC."

Well, last night we got word that those stellar shots were part of an elaborate prank of sorts, put on by the folks over at Winding Road to see if the images would make their way onto the pages of their competition and other automotive resources. They succeeded, getting the faux-pics ran in Autoweek, Motor Trend and a variety of internet sites and blogs, including this one.

Follow the jump for more on the story of Winding Road's imitation super Vette...

Continue reading REPORT: Blue Devil prototype faked by Winding Road

REPORT: Blue Devil prototype faked by Winding Road originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: More of the Corvette Z06R

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 08:39:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

There, we've gone and done it. From this day forward at Autoblog, and until we get confirmation from GM otherwise, the $100k, 600HP, 7-liter, supercharged V8 Corvette will now be known as the Z06 R. Why? 'Cause we're lazy and it's much easier to just add a letter than it is to spell out all the rumored monikers we've heard thus far.

This latest shot comes courtesy of The Car Connection via a student near Milford, Mich. by the name of Yonni G. Mr. G. happened to have his Dad's camera in tow when this newest prototype blew by him at speed and judging by the quality of the shots, we hope he got a sizeable check from the folks at TCC.

What else can be said about this newest pic? Not much, aside from some snide comments like, "Is that a hoodscoop under your camo, or are you just happy to see me?"

[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: More of the Corvette Z06R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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V6 Corvette rumors are rumored to be true!

John Neff — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:54:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM

Rumors of a V6-powered Corvette model have been floating around for years but weren't taken very seriously until Motor Trend decided to spend some ink on it a few issues ago and predict the six-cylinder model would revive the "Sting Ray" name. The model would basically be a Chevy-branded version of the Kappa roadster that GM has liberally passed out to such brands as Pontiac (Solstice), Saturn (Sky) and Opel (GT). Chevy's version would be different in that power would come from a V6 rather than an inline-four cylinder, and rumor has it that it would be badged a Corvette. Kind of sounds like a long shot, but Rick "Corvette" Conti, the #1 Corvette dealer in Ohio (w00t!), cites sources somewhere in the universe that tell him the rumors are true and coming sooner than we think. He says the "Sting Ray" name, however, will not be used on this chuckable roadster that should come with a 6-speed automatic and a price tag right below $30,000. He also hints Chevy may drop a bomb in the form of this V6 Kappa at the Detroit auto show in January.

Personally, while a V6-powered Chevy Kappa car will be driving through my dreams tonight, it will most certainly not be wearing a Corvette badge. It's bad enough that Corvette faithful have to share platforms and parts with Cadillac (economies of scale, blah, blah, blah), but the dilution of this iconic car has to stop there. Nothing good will come of calling a V6-powered Pontiac Solstice clone a Corvette. Trust us. Call it the Equinabu, Impaleo or whatever, but don't call it a Vette. And what's with pimping out the Kappa roadster concept to every brand that's still breathing. Two in the U.S. is enough, how about a Kappa coupe for Chevy instead?

[Source: Corvette Conti via Jalopnik]

V6 Corvette rumors are rumored to be true! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Corvette SS / Z06 R / Z07 / Stingray caught!

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:47:00 EST

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

One Mr. Chris Doane, under the employ of the illustrious Brenda Priddy, was able to capture some shots of what will be known as the Corvette Z06 R or the Z07 or the SS or the Stingray or [enter speculative name here]. Although the only discernable difference between the Z06 and this mule is the large and awkward pre-production scoop, there's a lot more beneath the all-carbon fiber body panels to get excited about.

According to the report given to Winding Road by Mr. Doane, the soundtrack to the new 'Vette confirms that something in the way of a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 resides under the hood, which is expected to easily produce power figures cresting the 650 HP mark. With that amount of power on tap, plus the extensive use of carbon fiber and polycarbonate panels that may reduce the overall weight to below 3,000 pounds, it's safe to assume that the "Blue Devil" will reach 60 in about three and a half seconds.

Winding Road asserts that the Z07 will be made available in late 2007 as a 2008 model, with a price expected to be in the $100,000 ballpark.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Corvette SS / Z06 R / Z07 / Stingray caught! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yet more on the Corvette Blue Devil... or should we say Sting Ray?

Erin Mays — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Chevrolet

As AutoWeek reports, it's no wonder General Motors PR and product guys smile wryly when they responded in the negative to questions about the automaker's plans for the Corvette Blue Devil. They weren't lying, really, because the oft-rumored supercar has now supposedly earned itself the Sting Ray moniker instead. The vehicle, likely slated for production starting in 2007, will sport goodies even an owner of a Z06 (pictured) would drool over, like a supercharged 7.0-liter 600-hp V8 with a carbon fiber hood. At a price of $100,000, somebody had better be drooling (and signing up for special driving classes to handle all those ponies).

Yet more on the Corvette Blue Devil... or should we say Sting Ray? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jun 2006 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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