60th Anniversary Special Edition Rag Top Chevrolet
has announced the release of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible
Collector Edition. The anniversary Corvette will be the
fastest convertible ever produced by GM. The 60th Anniversary Package
will be available on 2013 Corvette models. According to Chris Perry, VP, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet “The
2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th
Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation,”. “We
couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than
bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s
history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.” The
60th Anniversary convertible edition will make their public debut at
the Barrett Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21. The
car should be available at Chevrolet dealers early this summer. The
Corvette 427 Convertible is a Z06 and ZR1 hybrid. The new package
intent is to send the C6 model off with a bang and to create the
fastest convertible in Corvette’s history.
C7 Updates
A
recent interview with Bob Lutz former VP of Product Development for GM
revealed some insights as to what to expect from the next generation
C7. Lutz said that the C7 will be a somewhat radical
departure
from what the traditional Corvette buying public has expected.
The marketing people at GM have realized that they must cater
to
the needs of a younger generation if they excpect the Corvette to
survive. They have been focusing on what younger people
expect in
a modern sports car.
GM wants to turn around the
"retirement toy" image that the Corvette projects. GM
marketing
people have been setting up focus groups comprised of young Porsche
owners to try and get a handle on what needs to be done for an image
change.
The C7's final interior and exterior is being massaged by Ferrari
designers. When
asked about the C7 Corvette under development, Lutz says that “it’s a
much bolder and more dramatic design”. Lutz said “The new car
will surpass the fuel economy and performance of today’s car
in
all respects".
The
C7 will be available in the second quarter of 2013 as a 2014 model.
A smaller Gen 5 V8 rear wheeled engine that is more powerful
and
fuel efficient is currently slated for the C7. If all goes well base
horsepower levels will be at about 500 hp while the ZO6 edition will be
well over 600 hp.
2012 Upgrades Report
The
2012 Corvette may be the last of its kind for the C6 generation.
The C6 will be going out with a performance bang.
The
following are some of the performance upgrade codes that will be
available for what may be the last C6.
(PDE) ZR1 High Performance Package
Includes
(RUV) Black cup style lightweight 19″ front and 20″ rear wheels, (XFH)
Michelin PS Cup tires and (MH3) 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission.
(Z07) Z06 Ultimate Performance
Package
Upgraded
from its initial 2011 release and renamed the “Ultimate Performance
Package”, the Z07 package now includes Performance Traction Management
(PTM) which was previously exclusive to the ZR1.
In
addition to Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Z07 includes (XFH) Michelin
PS Cup tires (optimized for warm, dry weather performance with reduced
tread wear rating), (RUV) Black cup style lightweight aluminum wheels
and (F55) Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
(F55)
Magnetic Selective Ride Control for Z06
(F55)
Magnetic Selective Ride Control is now available with Z06 and includes
Performance Traction Management (PTM), (RUV) Black cup style
lightweight aluminum wheels and (XFG) Michelin PS2 tires.
2011 ZO6 Gets Best Rating From Consumer Reports
Consumer
Reports has never been a Corvette fan. Over the years they
have
taken every opportunity to dissuade their audience from purchasing a
Corvette. The tide has turned in a big way.
The 2011
Corvette ZO6 scored 92 out of 100 in the reports extensive
tests.
This ranked the ZO6 as one of the ten best cars to own in 2011.
Now that's a spectacular turnaround to say the least.
Learn
How to Drive Compliments of GM
In a last ditch effort to bolster sagging Corvette sales GM announced
that it will offer free tuition to a driving school with all
new
Corvette purchase made by February 28th. This is the same
driving school offer that was reserved for new ZR1 owners.
New Corvette owners will be able to choose between the Bondurant
school in Phoenix or the Ron Fellows driving school in Las Vegas. The
offer includes two days of training at either facility. Travel and
lodging are not included. ZR1 owners will get a third day of school on
GM.
New
Carbon Edition ZO6
Available
The Z06 is now offered in a limited "carbon edition" package. The
carbonized Z's will
sport a set of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, Brembo carbon-ceramic
brakes, black 20-spoke wheels (19" front, 20" rear) and a Magnetic
Selective Ride Control damping system to soften the ride.
Chevrolet
will build 500 Z06 Carbon edition cars that should be available by
late-summer of 2011.
The Carbon Z's will be
available in either Inferno Orange or Supersonic Blue. The Carbon's
exterior will features blacked out headlamp surrounds and mirrors.
Other body improvements will include a ZR1 spoiler, a high profile ZR1
carbon fiber hood without the silly "peek-a-boo" lexan window, carbon
fiber rockers and front splitter. Suspension
improvements will make the carbon Vette about 3 seconds faster on a
roundy
round race track like Laguna.
The Carbon Vettes
interior will include some needed upgrades as well. The current Vettes
interior is a disgrace, sorry if that offends you but we tell it like
we see it. Refinements will include new suede leather and lots more
carbon
fiber accents. The steering wheel, dash and seats will remain, courtesy
of Chevy Impala. GM will also offer a Z07 performance package that will
include all of the mechanical and chassis upgrades of the Carbon Vette.
The price of admission for a fully loaded Carbon Z will be in the
ninety thousand dollar range.
A Nice to Have Second Car
First and foremost Corvette
owners are car guy's that really appreciate
an out of the ordinary piece of engineering even if the car
in question was not born in Bowling Green. How about a carbon fiber
wonder that sports a dual turbo 2000 hp V8? 0 to 60mph comes in at a
tad under 1.5 seconds and has a top speed of 300 mph. 6.6 second
Quarter mile times will make you an instant contender at any sanctioned
racing event. The monster we are talking about is being produced under
the name of Dagger GT.
The price of admission is a paltry $450K.
A twin-turbo V6 for
the C7
?
A source from Auto week recently stated that
there is a
possibility that a twin-turbo six cylinder engine will be offered in
the next generation Corvette.
In a recent interview with one of Saab's top Engineers revealed Saab
had
developed a dual-clutch transmission for a
"mid-engined Corvette."
Sources from Saab said that the new tranny was designed to handle 590
ft-lbs of torque.
We
questions several well respected GM Corvette Engineering Executives at
the 2010 SEMA show about the rumor and the flatly denied any knowledge
of a joint venture with Saab. They did mention that GM may
have a
hybrid Vette in store for us in the near future.
There is an urgency at GM to try and get the C7 in production
in time to celebrate the car's 60th anniversary in 2013.
The recent news or should we say misinformation that Saab is working on
a transmission for a twin-turbo
V6-powered Corvette has caught the industry by surprise.
Exclusive Build Your Own
Engine Option to be Offered on 2011 ZO6 and ZR1 Corvettes
DETROIT
– For enthusiasts who want to be personally involved in
creating their Corvette, Chevrolet’s new Corvette Engine Build
Experience allows them to
literally build the engine for their new car.
Corvette customers who order a 2011 Corvette Z06 or ZR1 can choose an
option to help assemble their cars’ LS7 or LS9 engines at General
Motors’ Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, Mich.
The self engine build option will cost about $5,800. The option does
not include travel arrangements to and from Detroit.A Chevrolet
Rep.will schedule the engine build and coordinate the customer’s
activities at the Performance Build Center.
The customer builds the new engine under the supervision of and support
from skilled technicians. After the engine is assembled, a personalized
nameplate is added to the engine next to the builder’s name. The engine
is then sent to the Corvette assembly plant for installation in the
customer’s car.
BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky —
The Chevrolet Corvette was named the official state sports car of
Kentucky
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear said the fact that the Corvette plant
has been located in Bowling Green since 1981 was the impetus for the
legislation. "As home to the Corvette plant in Bowling Green,
Kentuckians have long considered the Corvette to be Kentucky's sports
car," Beshear said in a statement.
The official bill was signed into law on April 26 during a ceremony
that took place at the Bowling Green plant.
Corvettes Recalled for
Steering Problem
General Motors is recalling over forty thousand Chevrolet Corvettes
equipped with the tilt and telescoping steering column because a signal
interruption in the column could cause the brakes to apply. The recall
affects cars built between March 2004 and January 2006.
Repeated movement of the steering column a signal interruption within
the column. This will cause the message, "Service Active Handling
System" to appear in the driver information center,which will cause the
brakes to apply to one or more of the wheels. This could cause the
vehicle to pull to the right or left.
"If the driver does not respond to the change in vehicle movement, a
crash could occur," said the automaker. According to the National
Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, the recall was set to start
April 30.
"Fuel
leaks may prompt
recall for 2004 Chevrolet Corvette"
An estimated 33,000 2004 Chevrolet Corvettes are being
investigated by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for possible fuel
leaks.
NHTSA said in its defects investigations summary. "The 04 Corvette is
equipped with two fuel tanks. In 12 of the reports, a fuel tank was
either replaced or identified as the source of the leak."
In other documentation, NHTSA reports no crashes, injuries or
fatalities linked to the complaints.
"C6 Roof Panel Recall"
General Motors is recalling over 22,000 2005-2007 model year Corvettes
with removable roofs. The recall was issued due to a problem with the
adhesive between the roof panel and the frame. The failed adhesive
could cause roof panel separation while the car is in motion.
"If there is a complete separation, the roof panel may detach from the
vehicle," according to the NHTSA. "If this were to occur while the
vehicle was being driven, it could strike a following vehicle and cause
injury and/or property damage."
Dealers will install a new design
roof panel free of charge to correct
the problem.
Split it
According to some very reliable sources the next generation Vette will
sport a split tear drop rear window.
The traditional rear view mirror will be replaced by a digital rear
view camera to enhance visibility.
Repent The End is Near
Our sources at GM tell us that the Corvette will remain a viable
production platform into the near future.
GM may halt production of its high horsepower entries, ZO6 and ZR1
after the 2011 run. GM may target the Corvette as a starting point for
political correctness. The Corvette brand will take the bullet to allow
power upgrades to the Camaro and Caddy. It is rumored that the 2012
Vette may sport a de-tuned 5.3 liter power plant. The new shift to less
horses
is an attempt to satisfy the D.C.tree huggers. Oh well it was nice
while it lasted.
Cash for Clunkers
Program
The federal government's $4 billion dollar cash for clunkers plan is
now a subject for review.
The plan
centered around the idea of buying rarely driven second or
third vehicles with lower fuel-economy ratings in an effort to
stimulate new-car sales.
Target vehicles included any SUV, car or truck that obtained less than
18 mpg. The Bills sponsors wanted to destroy 4 million gas guzzlers
while at the same time stimulate American car sales.
The results of this experiment are in and the news is not very
encouraging. It seems that the real benefit of the program went to
foreign car sales. 70 percent of the cars sold in the program were
foreign. The program was modeled after many of the successful programs
that the Europeans launched last year. These programs were very
successful in spurring sales. The only difference is that the Europeans
limited the incentives to European cars.
Did we learn a valuable lesson from all this? Probably not.
C7 Corvette 2012 debut
postponed
The C7- lower, wider, faster are just some of the adjectives that the
GM designers were using to describe the next generation Vette. It seems
that the C7 is another
victim of the weak economy. GM has made the decision to postpone the
introduction of the C7. The C7's planned introduction of 2012 was
initially pushed forward to 2014.
The ailing corporate giant is now scaling back its operations and
future marketing plans.
Auto Sales Rebound?
What's now known as the Big Six - Detroit's General Motors, Ford and
Chrysler, plus Toyota, Honda and Nissan - each posted December declines
of more than 30 percent.
December sales for Chrysler - which is fighting for its financial
survival - were down a brutal 53 percent.
Many dealerships reported that 40 percent of their sales came in the
final seven days of the month, which indicated that funds from the
federal bailout of the auto industry are being used.
General Motors Corp. managed to end the year as the industry's top
seller with 2.95 million vehicles sold. GM's December 09 sales also
increased 30 percent from October and 40 percent from November.
"Given the ongoing challenges and the difficult market environment, we
were very encouraged to see a volume rebound," said a statement from GM
executive Mark LaNeve.
Source - L.A. Daily News
Corvette
Chief Retires
Tom Wallace, Corvette Chief at GM, will be retiring from GM in November
of this year. His retirement was announced
during a ceremony honoring Corvette history
at the Peterson Museum.
While no reasons were given for Wallaces's retirement, there is
speculation that he may have been at odds with GM over the postponement
of the long awaited C7. Wallace may have been unwilling to commit to
the C7's postponed launch.
The C7 was originally set for a 2012 model-year release, it has been
pushed back to 2014. Wallace had a keen sence for performance-car
marketing and a real love for the Corvette brand. His sudden departure
will be a blow to
GM's efforts in rebuilding the company.
2010 Mid engine concept
Until the recent downturn in the auto industry GM was poised to begin a
limited production run of mid engine FWD Corvettes in 2010. The mid
engine vette was to be a marketing scheme that would have been limited
to about 800
units. The photo below is a C7 mid engine concept that was taken on the
set of the next Transformers movie.
Political Rides
John McCain's first car was a 1958 Corvette! I wonder if he still has
it. His current ride is a Caddy CTS
Cindy McCain's current ride is a 08 C6. On a recent interview on the
Leno show
She said that she would let the next president do a burn out in her
Vette.
Obama said the only thing he ever burned was
his toast.
Obama's first car was a Ford Granada.
He now gets driven around in a bullet proof limo.
Time to water down the
brand
Starting in 2010 The Corvette plant at Bowling Green will build the
Cadillac XLR. Do you really want to get upset? The new 2010 Caddy will
sport a 556 hp version of the ZR1 engine. Imagine that, a Vette getting
dusted by a Caddy.
We warned you.
Production of the next-generation Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, and
Opel GT will also shift production to the Bowling Green facility in
2012.
Let's hope the Corvette does not get lost in the corporate mess that GM
has put itself in.
More
troubling news
from Europe
Mercedes will announce the release of a new grocery getter that will
out power the current version of the Corvette. The soon to be released
beastie is an E class sedan that has been massaged by AMG. It will
sport a supercharged 6.3 liter v8 that will have more than 500 horses
on tap.
Come on GM wake up.
550HP Nissan GT-R, a
New ZO6/ZR1 Contender
Nissan's newly released super car boasts 550 HP a 0-60mph time of 3.3
seconds and tops out at 193mph. You can get one for about $71k. Sorry
GM you should have seen this coming. This new rice burner has a 3.8
liter twin turbo V6 under the hood. Want more bad news?
Nissan plans to release a more powerfully version of the GT-R in the
near future.
"She's ugly but she sure can cook"
New ZR-1 Sells for
$1MILL. at Barrett Jackson
The first ZR-1 off the line sold for $1 million dollars at the Barrett
Jackson auction. This was a Jay Leno charity deal for the United Way.
The New ZR1 Corvette
General Motors unveils
the new 2009 Corvette ZR1. The new king of the hill was on display at
the Detroit auto show in January 09.
The ZR1 sports the new LS9 engine that has 636
horsepower on tap at
6500 rpm and 595 pounds of torque at 4000 rpm. The car utilizes a
close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox with a new heavy duty clutch that
can handle the increased power which our sources tell us is really in
the 650hp range.
The newest rendition of the small block Chevy has a claimed top speed
of 200 mph. With this much hp on tap 0-60 mph should come in at around
3.4 seconds.
New for the ZR1 is the extensive use of carbon fiber. The car sports
wider fenders bigger wheels and tires; Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires
measure P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear. Also new are
15.5 inch
carbon-ceramic rotors.
Also new is an adjustable suspension via GM's
Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
The LS7
The LS7 a hand built 7.0 liter masterpiece of engineering has become a
very expensive deal for
Chevy. The LS7 will cease production sometime during late 2011.
The LS8
The Corvette Z06 may get a supercharged small block LS8 in 2012. This
means that GM will have to up the horsepower rating of the ZR-1 or
discontinue it.
We still have no official word on what will power the base Vette in
2012. Our sources tell us that
the base model may get pumped up to the 440 horsepower level via
a new 5.5 liter engine.
Chevrolet's Limited
Edition Z06 Tribute to the Classic 427 Corvette
DETROIT
- Chevrolet announced the arrival of the 2008 Limited Edition
Corvette ZO6
This limited-production model will honor the big-block mid year Vette
models. The 427 designation of the limited production ZO6 refers to the
big block displacement for the most desired Corvettes of the late
1960's.
The 427 Limited Edition Z06 will feature a Crystal Red Tint coat paint
job, this is a first for the Z06. The hood and fascia will also have
special graphics and badges
that mimic the "stinger" hood design of the 427 1967 Vettes.
Prepare to ante up about $84K for GM's latest marketing scheme.
2008 Corvette Makes
Car & Driver's 10 Best Cars List
Car and Driver
If it seems like Corvette is always making Car and Driver's annual 10
Best Cars List, that's because it has earned a spot on the coveted list
for seven years straight. Calling the Corvette a poster car for
continual development, the new 2008 Corvette boasts 22 significant
updates over last year's entry. Car and Driver's staff focuses more on
the improvements they say are dynamic to the driving experience. While
they liked the upgrades to interior, especially the wrap-around leather
option, it's the upgrades to the steering, manual shifter and the
clutch that won them over for the seventh
straight year.
Oh and let's not forget the fact that Corvette's mid-cycle upgrade
included the new 6.2 liter LS3 engine that expands the horsepower
envelope from 400 to 430. Everyone loves more ponies and the 2008
Corvette delivers. Car and Driver calls the Corvette one of the world's
best high performance buys.
Here is the full list of cars that made Car and Driver's 10 Best List
for 2008:
BMW 3- Series
Cadillac CTS
Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Malibu
Honda Accord
Honda Fit
Mazda MX-5
Mazdaspeed 3
Porsche Boxter/Cayman
Volkswagen GTI
Mobil 1 and the Corvette celebrates 15th anniversary
ExxonMobil and GM are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the
relationship between the companies flagship Mobil 1 synthetic engine
oil and Corvette.
Since 1992, Mobil 1 has been the factory recommended lubricant for all
Corvettes manufactured by General Motors.
More than 490,000 Corvette vehicles have left the production line
filled with Mobil 1 engine oil.
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