2008 Callaway Corvette introduced with 580 HP, C16 bumped to 650 HP

click above to view more high-res pics of the 2008 Callaway Corvette

Callaway, the Connecticut-based Corvette tuner par excellence, has just announced that its 2008 Callaway Corvette will come with a new supercharger package that bumps power in the C6 Corvette to 580 horsepower. Buyers need only hand over $18,500 for the additional 150 horsepower over a stock 430-hp 6.2L LS3 V8, but will also get a host of engine improvements, a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty and still be able to meet California's strict emissions standards.

Callaway has also announced a new, more powerful supercharger for its super-Vette, the C16. The new spool increases output of the hand-built LS3 engine from 616 to 650 hp. It's also fitted with new cylinder heads and valvetrain, a custom cold-air intake, special free-flowing exhaust system and remapped ECU, in addition to the carbon-ceramic brakes, suspension and wheels. Callaway offers the C16 with its custom bodywork and leather interior in coupe and convertible forms for about $150k, or double that for the stunning Speedster. The extra 34 harnessed horses should help the updated C16 break its already-impressive 3.3-second 0-60 time, 11-second ¼ mile and 210 mph top end.

[Source: Callaway]

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CALLAWAY UNVEILS NEW SUPERCHARGED C6 PACKAGE & INCREASES OUTPUT OF C16 SUPERCAR

2008 Callaway Corvette Supercharger Package Boosts C6 to 580hp for $18k
2008 C16 Coupe and Cabrio Supercars Now Rated at 650 Horsepower

OLD LYME, CONN – Callaway Cars is proud to introduce the new 2008 Callaway Corvette, a high-performance upgrade of the standard Chevrolet C6, built by Callaway and sold through select Chevrolet dealers. The professionally engineered 580-horsepower Callaway Corvette carries a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty, is emissions compliant in all 50 states and at only $18,500 over the cost of a standard C6 is an unbeatable performance value.

Packing more horsepower than a Z06 yet priced significantly lower than the new ZR-1, the Callaway Corvette offers supercar shoppers an opportunity to own a 200mph sports car that benefits from highly refined Callaway performance engineering. Starting with GM's new 6.2 liter LS3 engine, an Eaton/Magnuson Roots-style supercharger elevates the car's output to 580 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque with an estimated maximum velocity of 200mph. Other Callaway Corvette components include an air/liquid intercooler, upgraded fuel system with high flow injectors, Callaway "Honker" cold air intake and a custom computer tune. Signature Callaway Double-D exhaust system, a new Callaway hood painted to match with a Silver "power bulge" and "Supercharged" insignias and Callaway side and rear badging complete the Callaway Corvette's distinct look.

"With this new package for the C6 we have incorporated Callaway's class-leading performance, while maintaining an accessible price point for the serious enthusiast" said company founder Reeves Callaway. "The 2008 Callaway Corvette condenses our years of race-winning experience into a series of coordinated modifications, manufactured to precise specifications, and offered to the enthusiast in a package that treat the automobile as a well-tuned, systems-engineered entity."

The Callaway Corvette Supercharged option package is priced at $18,500 and engineered, built and installed by Callaway Cars in the company's California, Connecticut and Germany facilities. Customers can order new vehicles from a Callaway-authorized GM dealership, directly through the factory, or deliver their own car personally or through a shipping agent. The Callaway Corvette is available as a Coupe or Convertible, with a standard or paddle-shifted six-speed automatic. High-performance suspension, brake, wheel and tire upgrade packages are also available.

CALLAWAY C16 – 650 Horsepower

After a resoundingly successful launch of the thoroughbred C16 Coupe and Cabrio in 2007, Callaway Cars has increased the output of the 2008 models to 650 horsepower and 585 lb-ft of torque, while a new simplified ordering process increases the list of standard features of the supercharged supercar. Available in Coupe, Cabrio or limited edition Speedster body styles, the C16 is a highly refined sporting machine that incorporates superlative craftsmanship, arresting style and the same performance technology utilized by the 2007 FIA GT3 Championship winning Callaway Corvette race team.

For 2008, enthusiasts that order a C16 Coupe or Cabrio will get a completely loaded performance vehicle, including a hand crafted German leather interior, ultra high-performance chassis tuning and a staggering 650 horsepower and 585 lb/ft of torque. The only options are sport bucket seats and custom-fitted Schedoni matching leather luggage.

The C16 is powered by a hand-built version of the new Corvette LS3 engine, fortified with an intercooled supercharger, CNC ported cylinder heads, upgraded valvetrain, Callaway cold-air intake and free-flowing exhaust and a custom computer tune. Both the Coupe and the Cabrio can be ordered with a six-speed standard gearbox or a six-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission.

"Our customer gets an individually built, uniquely styled automobile that can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, runs the quarter-mile under 11 seconds, and delivers a top speed of 210 mph (with a manual transmission)," exclaims company founder Reeves Callaway. "Additionally, it can be serviced at your local Chevy dealer and comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty."

The Callaway C16 includes a litany of standard components custom developed and engineered by Callaway Cars, including the exclusive Callaway/Magnuson supercharger, C16 bodywork, six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) LeMans brake package, Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro suspension package, Dymag wheels and tires package, and Deutschleder full-German-leather interior. The Callaway supercharged 6.2-liter LS3 V8 produces an impressive 650 bhp at 6,500 rpm and develops 585 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm.

Door sill panels, steering wheel, and dash area carry signature Callaway badging; each car is serialized and identified by its build plaque. Clients can personalize their car by adding custom paint, a single-shell sport seat package, custom audio components and a five-piece set of Schedoni leather luggage, custom-fit and marked with the C16's VIN.

The Callaway C16 Coupe and C16 Cabrio are priced at $150,000 and $158,000 respectively.

Carrying a level of distinctiveness and style not associated with a production Corvette, the Callaway C16 offers performance and exclusivity beyond that offered by the 2008 Corvette.

Callaway C16 automobiles are built by Callaway facilities in California, Connecticut, and Germany. The Callaway C16 is available exclusively through Callaway Cars' authorized dealer network in North America, Callaway Competition in Leingarten, Germany, and CorvetteTotal, Bonstetten, Switzerland.

Callaway is an internationally recognized brand known for its unique ability to consistently transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. From component and system engineering through complete vehicle design and development, Callaway specializes in uncovering performance potential. For additional information on Callaway Cars, its automobiles and dealer locations, call 860-434-9002 or visit www.callawaycars.com.