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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Automoblox introduces new batch of Minis before Father's Day

John Neff — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Toys/Games

New Automoblox Minis - Click above for high-res gallery

Father's Day is right around the corner, and since you probably never became a lawyer or doctor like your dad really wanted, there's likely not a lot of coin in your bank account for a big gift. Fortunately for you, Automoblox has just introduced three new Mini vehicles that cost just $10-12 apiece. They're the seemingly Corvette-inspired White C9-R, Silver S9-R and Gold C9-S. This trio of tiny heirloom-quality toy cars feature painted wheels that match their individual color schemes and a heavy dose of pearl in their plastic parts for a sweet candy effect. If you manage to Craigslist your recliner before Father's Day, the standard C9-R, S9-R and C9-S are also available in a three-pack for $30. Like the rest of the wooden car family, the new Minis can only be purchased online from the Automoblox Store.

If you're new to Autoblog, know that we're big fans of these cars and many of us have our own growing collections of Automobox cars. The fathers among us are hoping that their collections grow a little more this Sunday.

Gallery: New Automoblox Minis

[Source: Automoblox]

Automoblox introduces new batch of Minis before Father's Day originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevrolet announces 1.5 millionth Corvette produced, confirms Grand Sport pricing

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet

The 1.5 millionth Corvette - Click above for high-res image gallery

The very first Chevrolet Corvette built way back in 1953 was Polo White with a red interior and a black top. It was practically made by hand, cost $3,498 plus tax and shipping, and the only options were an AM radio and a heater. Fifty six years later, the 1.5 millionth Corvette is white with a red interior and black top. But this one was made in a dedicated assembly plant, would cost you more than $60,000 -- if you could buy it -- and is equipped with the option laden 3LT package.

It's good news for tumultuous times at the Bowtie. A note of trivia: it took 17 years to get from one million to 1.5 million cars, but only 15 years to get from 500,000 to one million (1977 - 1992). Viva la Eighties and the C4. And Viva Chevy... congratulations, guys.

In related news, Chevy also confirmed what we already knew, which is that the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport will start at $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. Both prices include a $950 destination charge. The official press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: Chevy builds the 1.5 millionth Corvette

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Chevrolet announces 1.5 millionth Corvette produced, confirms Grand Sport pricing

Chevrolet announces 1.5 millionth Corvette produced, confirms Grand Sport pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport to start at $55,720?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST

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

If the introduction of the ZR1 into the Corvette lineup has made the base model look a bit dull, the Grand Sport package more than fills the aesthetic gap between the models. The Grand Sport package includes Stingray-like gills aft of the front wheels, unique rims and Z06 brakes. Unique suspension tuning reportedly nets a 0-60 time that goes from 4.2 seconds on the base coupe to 4.0 seconds in its updated configuration.

Corvette Blogger is reporting what it says is official Grand Sport package pricing, and the bottom line isn't as tough to swallow as some may have envisioned. The Bowtie fanboy site lists Grand Sport pricing at $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. That's a not-inconsequential $6,205 bump for the coupe and $5,360 for the droptop. The Grand Sport package essentially obviates the need for the $1,695 Z51 package, however, so you're basically looking at $3,500-$4,500 for the retuned suspension, widebody stance, Z06 brakes, improved 0-60 mph times, and aeshetic and exclusivity benefits, which doesn't strike us as a bad deal.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

REPORT: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport to start at $55,720? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

What Might Have Been: Corvette LMP1 challenger

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials

Click above for high-res gallery of the Pratt & Miller LMP1 Corvette that never was

Autoblog friend and sports car racing junkie, Mike Laney, recently got the chance to tour Pratt & Miller (a.k.a. Corvette Racing HQ), and besides building the Speed GT Cadillac CTS-V, Pontiac GTO.R & GXP.R, C5-R and C6.R ALMS GT1 Corvettes, the company also makes the ZR1-rivaling C6RS road car. During his tour of the facilities, Mike spotted a wind tunnel model of an unfamiliar race car. As it turns out, the model was the car that P&M had envisioned for Corvette's attack on Le Mans, or rather, a scale model version of that car. As Mike puts it:

"Pratt & Miller had been working on an LMP1 Corvette, due to race in the American Le Mans Series and at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. The ACO's proposed LMP1 EVO regulations (then due to go into effect in 2010 or 2011) looked very appealing to GM as it'd give them a way to fight for overall victories and do it with a car that looked decidedly like a Corvette... Due to the economy, regulation changes, and the struggles at GM, this car will unfortunately probably never be anything more than a wind tunnel model."

It's really a stunning model, with just enough Corvette DNA in the styling to make it recognizable as America's preeminent sports car. To think that this might have mounted an assault on Le Mans makes us long for a time not so long ago when the global economic condition was a lot more favorable to racing and the auto industry in general. Heck, we hope General Motors keeps the model around when plans for the C7 get into high gear. Thanks for the inside scoop, Mike!

Gallery: Pratt & Miller LMP1 Corvette

[Source: Mike Laney]

What Might Have Been: Corvette LMP1 challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Stop the Presses! GM suspending publication of Corvette Quarterly magazine?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:20:00 EST

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

Corvette Quarterly, General Motors' official publication all about Chevrolet's iconic sportscar, is apparently going through some major changes. According to a posting at the top of the magazine's web site, the publisher will not be printing spring or summer editions. The official quote:

Because we value the readers of Corvette Quarterly, we are taking some time to make Corvette Quarterly the best source of Corvette news available. As part of this process, we will not publish our spring and summer issues for 2009. But please check the website often to find the latest news on Corvette and information on the magazine.

Thank you! Your Corvette Quarterly Team

Further, news from Corvette Blogger is that current subscribers have been issued refunds through the mail. Sounds like a bit more than just the normal update, no? Might the magazine switch to a digital-only format? Might GM be struggling to justify funding this venture at all? We certainly wouldn't be surprised. Thanks for the tip, Keith!

[Source: Corvette Quarterly via Corvette Blogger]

Stop the Presses! GM suspending publication of Corvette Quarterly magazine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York: Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition gets called to the carpet

Chris Paukert — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition - Click above for a high-res gallery

Back in February, General Motors circulated a few studio shots of a new Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition package, but the New York Auto Show is the first time we're coming face-to-face with just such an animal.

Built up from a standard 4LT coupe or convertible, the GT1 CE is essentially a trim-and-tape tribute package designed to celebrate the C6.R's racing successes. As such, it features a graphics package influenced by the racecar's livery, including the skull "Jake" logo, driver flags, a windshield banner, and so on. There's also a ZR1 "style" rear spoiler and chrome wheels to complete the package, although unfortunately no drivetrain bits from the King Corvette will make the scene.

Inside, as you can see in our photographs below, the ebony interior has been done up in yellow stitching, and there's special GT1 embroidery adorning the instrument panel, center console armrest, and seats.

As Chevrolet has plans to build just 600 of these limited-edition models, this could well be the closest any of us ever get to driving one.

Gallery: New York: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition

Gallery: 2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition

New York: Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition gets called to the carpet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ugur Sahin partners with Mallett for 999-hp twin-turbo Corvette Z03

John Neff — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Supercars, Chevrolet

UgurSahinDesign Corvette Z03 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're big fans of Ugur Sahin, who in the past has penned a modern interpretation of the Ferrari Dino that made our knees weak. Last year he unveiled renderings for a reinterpretation of the C6 Corvette called the Z03. Being used to seeing his designs remain on-paper fantasies, we were pleasantly surprised this morning to learn that his firm, UgurSahinDesign, has partnered with well known tuner Mallett Cars to bring the Z03 to life.

Since we last saw it, the Z03 has undergone further styling revisions, and we say for the better. They tell us all the tweaks were made to increase engine cooling and improve downforce, while the new headlights were redesigned to better accompany the car's Z06-like see-through hood. That new powerdome provides some extra clearance for what Ugur Sahin and Mallett have planned for the Z03 powerplants. The base engine will be a supercharged version of GM's LS7 V8 producing 700 hp. For those interested in the ultimate of bespoke Vette conversions, however, there's an optional engine upgrade featuring twin turbos and an expected output of 999 hp.

Just to convert your C6 into the Ugur Sahin design with carbon fiber bodywork will set you back $69,000, not including the price of the donor car. The engine upgrades will run $32,700 for the 700-hp, supercharged version and $35,795 for the 999-hp, twin-turbo version. At only a couple thou more than the supercharged engine, the 999-hp option seems like a steal. That is, until you tally the total cost and realize you've just spent six figures creating a super Corvette that still has the same interior.

Be sure to inspect every inch of Ugur Sahin's new Z03 design in our high-res image gallery below and peruse more detailed tech specs after the jump.

Gallery: UgurSahinDesign Corvette Z03

[Source: UgurSahinDesign]

Continue reading Ugur Sahin partners with Mallett for 999-hp twin-turbo Corvette Z03

Ugur Sahin partners with Mallett for 999-hp twin-turbo Corvette Z03 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Google StreetView uncovers split-window Corvette "barn find"

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet

This is no way to treat a 1963 Corvette split-window coupe. Found in Washington by one of Google StreetView's drones, there's actually no barn to this barn find, just a car left sitting in the gray mist that folks in the Pacific Northwest call "weather."

This Corvette had a 12-year shelf life, and then according to the owner, it's "been veggin' on the spot since '75." If you are interested, it's one of the fuel injected models and comes with an extra engine and other parts. Of course, if it's been sitting there for 34 years, it could fall to pieces when you try to move it... and you'll probably find more than a few dead (or perturbed) animals lurking thereabouts. But that wouldn't stop you, would it? Check out the gallery below of this forlorn '63 Vette.

Gallery: Abandoned 1963 Corvette

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Google StreetView uncovers split-window Corvette "barn find" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Corvette Chief Tom Wallace retiring

Michael Harley — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chevrolet

Tom Wallace, Corvette Chief at GM, will be retiring from the company at the end of the month. The news was delivered during an event at the Peterson Museum honoring Corvette history. While no reasons were given for the November 1st departure, there is speculation that it could be related to the timing of the seventh-generation Corvette. Wallace may be unwilling to commit to the vehicle's extended launch schedule -- the car was originally set for a 2012 model-year release, but it has reportedly been pushed back to 2014. Wallace was known for his keen grasp of performance-car culture and a passion for the marque, and his departure has come as a shock to many.

[Source: Corvette Action Center]

Corvette Chief Tom Wallace retiring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

C&D performs first instrumented testing of Corvette ZR1

Michael Harley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for our high-res ZR1 burnout gallery!

Car and Driver recently strapped its test gear to the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and, as expected, recorded some impressive numbers. All eyes have been on the supercar Vette as it enters the boxing ring to duke it out with the heavy-hitting Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, Nissan GT-R and Porsche GT2 (among others), and it looks like the latest Corvette will more than hold its own. According to C&D's trusty electronic gear, the supercharged 638-hp beast knocked off a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds as it continued towards a blistering 7.6 second 0-100 mph run. The quarter mile was cracked in 11.5 seconds @ 128 mph (Chevrolet claims 11.3 seconds, but the guys at C&D didn't believe in "...that sort of drivetrain abuse" to get lower numbers). The top speed also remains unverified as the team "ran out of room" before they could hit the claimed 205 mph. Under braking, the ZR1 set a new C&D record as it hauled itself down from 70 mph in just 142 feet. Of course, we must mention the obligatory claimed Nürburgring lap time of 7:26 (at the hands of Chevrolet). So you don't have to Google the competition's best-claimed Ring times yourself, here they are: Porsche GT2 - 7:32, Nissan GT-R - 7:29, and the Dodge Viper ACR - 7:22. Of course, we'd like to see all four on the track under identical conditions, and with some digital timing gear!

Gallery: Covette ZR1 burnouts

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: Car and Driver]

C&D performs first instrumented testing of Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 goes autocrossing

Chris Shunk — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above to view video after the jump

The Corvette ZR1 is the fastest, most ridiculously cool production Corvette ever produced. After taking the ZR1 for several hot laps of the Lutzring in Milford, we'd go as far as to say it's one of the fastest vehicles we've ever driven. Journalists aren't the only ones who have driven the ZR1 either, as a select few General Motors employees get to drive the 638-hp supercar as their daily driver. One GM worker by the name of Karen took the ZR1 to an autocross event in Ohio and put the supercharged LS9 Corvette through the cone gauntlet. Hit the jump to see and hear the ZR1 zip through the course. Unfortunately, the camera operator didn't zoom in on the Vette or follow it very well, but it's worth your :58 to watch if only to listen to the ZR1 come off the line. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: VetteTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 goes autocrossing

VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 goes autocrossing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Transformers Corvette concept shows some tush

Alex Nunez — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for more shots of the "Mystery Vette"

Someone slipped Jalopnik a new pair of shots of the mysterious Corvette concept that's appearing in next year's Transformers sequel. So far, we've seen good views of the car from the front and side, but rear-end shots had yet to surface. Well, that's over. The concept -- now a confirmed product of the GM Design studios (note the plate in back), has large ducts in back that mimic the openings in front and presumably also hide the car's taillamps. Four big centrally-mounted exhaust outlets poke through the bodywork as well. Frankly, the rear view is the car's least appealing, with that chunky boattail mixed in with all those sharp angles. There's also a new detail shot of the front quarter, which focuses on that very traditional Corvette fender shape. Is it just a movie character or also a concept that GM's going to drop on us somewhere along the line? Your guess is as good as ours, and the trickle of spy shots is probably far from over.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Transformers Corvette concept shows some tush originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Best shot yet of the Transformers 2 mystery Vette

Alex Nunez — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:51:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM, Celebrities

Click image for photo gallery

This much we know. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will have some sort of Corvette concept portraying one of the Autobots (well, we assume it's an Autobot). We also now know that there are at least two movie cars, as you can see in the shot above. Do we officially know that these are Corvettes of some sort? No, but the fender shapes, split rear window, and the port aft of the front wheel are familial styling cues that seal the deal. We're dying to know if this is just a movie creation or a concept that's in the pipeline to be revealed publicly at some future time. And if this forecasts what we should expect in terms of a C7, well, we're okay with that, too.

Also snagged in this photo set: the Chevy Beat and Trax, a military-style dune buggy, a pair of Can-Am Spyders, Optimus Prime, and Ratchet. Thanks, Andrew!

Gallery: Transformers 2 Corvette on-set

[Source: Seibertron]

Best shot yet of the Transformers 2 mystery Vette originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevy limiting ZR1 sales to select dealerships

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for high-res gallery of the Corvette ZR1

If you were planning on heading down to your local Chevy dealership and placing an order for a new Corvette ZR1, think again. The new super-Vette is the fastest ever made, yet despite its $105k price tag, there'll be a lot of eager customers lining up. But General Motors will only allow certain Chevrolet dealerships to sell the supercar.

Cauley Chevrolet, for example, sells 150 Corvettes a year, and claims it has 60-70 eager customers waiting for the ZR1, but GM will only be allocating four vehicles for the West Bloomfield, Michigan, dealership to sell. Fitchner Chevrolet in Laurel, Montana, sells 35-40 Corvettes a year, but won't be allocated any of the new ZR1s. Out of nearly 4,000 Chevy dealerships in the United States, only 338 will have the chance to sell the ZR1. GM has not released final production numbers for the uber-Vette, but if you want to get your hands on one, you might have to do some hunting.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Chevy limiting ZR1 sales to select dealerships originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Corvette C7 in holding pattern due to CAFE regs

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:29:00 EST

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

The Impala isn't the only RWD car stuck in limbo while GM waits for the fog of new CAFE standards to lift: Motor Trend reports that now the C7 Corvette program has been put on hold, as well. We reported yesterday that the next generation C7 Corvette will bow out of the horsepower brinkmanship game and instead shed weight, engine displacement and ponies. The interim issue is that GM doesn't know what its EPA gas mileage targets are during the run-up to the 35 mpg fleet average in 2020, and those won't be sorted out until 2009. Until they are, GM is content to wait to sort out the next 'Vette, including whether or not it will retain its traditional layout, switch to a mid-engine layout or be offered as both. As a Vette owner and fan, this blogger is not against high-horse performance, but the idea of a light(er) C7 that focuses on power-to-weight and is "more fuel efficient [and] even nimbler than it was before" is an exceedingly tasty proposition.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Corvette C7 in holding pattern due to CAFE regs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2008: The King is back atop the hill - 2009 Corvette ZR1

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:19:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click the ZR1 for a high-res photo gallery of the new King of the Hill

The King of the Hill has returned! The new Corvette that has been variously known as the "Blue Devil" and SS for at least the past five years has now been officially designated as the ZR1. The new monster from Bowling Green has revived the ZR1 designation for the first time since the C4-based original faded away in 1995. Stories and spy photos of this mythical machine have been circulating the web and print media since well before the current C6 generation Corvette debuted in 2005.

The program has reportedly been killed and revived several times, but it is now very much alive and we have all the details of the fastest, most expensive production 'Vette of all time. Given the recent developments with fuel economy regulations (35 mpg fleet average by 2020) this new King may well turn out to be last and greatest member of this blood-line. The Corvette will no doubt live on with a C7 set to debut in the next few years. But like the descendants of the Porsche 917/30 Can-Am car of the early 70s, nothing may reach the heights of this ZR1. Of course, the same has been said many times before and look at where we are today. For now just follow the jump to find out what $100,000 will soon be able to buy you.

Related: Detroit 2008: The Heart of the King, the LS9 is born!

[Source: General Motors]

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Continue reading Detroit 2008: The King is back atop the hill - 2009 Corvette ZR1

Detroit 2008: The King is back atop the hill - 2009 Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aw Snap! Corvette Z07 spied with polycarbonate hood window

John Neff — Wed, 09 May 2007 01:08:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

The Corvette Z07/SS/Blue Devil is fast becoming one of the worst kept secrets in Detroit. It's not for GM's lack of trying to keep the lid on it, but rather on account of the zealous nature of the Corvette Nation. They're an impatient bunch and are having a hard time waiting for next year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where many suspect the super Corvette will bow.

Here we have a set of new pics taken god knows where that show one of the Corvette Z07's most closely hidden secrets. We all assumed that camo on the hoods of development mules was hiding an air intake. Guess what. It wasn't. If these blurry camera phone shots are the real deal, then the ultimate Vette ever will be sporting a clear polycarbonate window in its hood to show off the goods underneath. Say whu? Yeah, a plexiglass window, not unlike the totally transparent hood on the car in which John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John liberated themselves from terra firma at the end of the 1978 film musical Grease. Anyway...

The shaky shots also show some serious braking hardware and what appears to be more extreme air extractor vents behind the front wheels. Aside from that, it appears the Z07 may look much like the Z06. Again, we have to qualify all this with the disclaimer that the car in these pics is most likely not a final production model and may be nothing like what we eventually see on stage in January. Still, a polycarbonate window? We admit, didn't see that one coming.

[Source: Digital Corvettes via GMInsideNews]

Gallery: Corvette Z07 spy shots

Aw Snap! Corvette Z07 spied with polycarbonate hood window originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2007 01:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments