Corvette Blog

The prototype was shown, but it looks much like the car that will be purchased later this year, when VIN #1 goes home.

The purchaser will get to option his car as he wishes, but one thing's for sure: the 2013 Corvette Convertible built on that future day will have Chevy's historic small block 427 cubic inch, 7.0L V8 engine.  Rumors are that this engine will be gone, once the final C6 Corvettes have been replaced in fall 2013 with the C7!  It is hard to imagine, but the day approaches.

Video of the auctioning of this Corvette treasure is available at this link to AutoBlog.  Barrett-Jackson secured $600,000 for the car last week, and the proceeds will go to charity.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2013 Corvette , Corvette Pricing | 0 Comments Permalink

All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible we featured yesterday, will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package.  The package features an Arctic White Exterior, with a Blue Diamond Leather-Wrapped Interior with Suede Accents.  Convertible models will have a Blue Top.

Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler; special badging; gray-painted brake calipers; and a 60th logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel, and seat headrests.  An optional graphics package adds full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof.  Currently, the only photos available of this package are of the 427 Convertible.

For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall”
panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on
the sill plates.

As previously announced, production of 2013 models begins in May, and the model year will run for about nine months only.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2013 Corvette , Corvette Equipment | 0 Comments Permalink

Many Corvette lovers have been holding back on a Corvette purchase, waiting to acquire one of the first very special Next Generation Corvettes, the C7.  We announced earlier this week that we are disappointed in the delay of the 2014 Corvette, not scheduled to arrive at dealerships until fall 2013.

So, today, Chevrolet reveals that they have exciting Corvette product for us in the 2013 Model Year!  Now, many of us will not wait until the 2014 Model Year to buy or lease.  The story falls in two parts. 

Part One is that all 2013 Corvettes will have an available option, the 60th Anniversary Appearance Package. Read CorvetteBlog on that subject tomorrow.

Part Two is the availability of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition (see photo)!  Boy is it pretty!  Frankly, we have heard for years that Chevy was reluctant to give us a Corvette Convertible with Z06 power.  However, aftermarket companies, like Callaway Cars, have insisted that the frame and composite body of the C6 Corvette were more than adequate to handle the massive power of the Z06 drivetrain.  Callaway has now been proven right by the factory!

Posted By Bill Connell In 2013 Corvette , Corvette Equipment | 0 Comments Permalink

For a second day in a row, we have breaking news on new Corvettes. Yesterday we broke news on the 2012 models. Today, we provide a look at the 2013 models.

We have been informed by the factory that 2013 Corvette production will begin in May 2012.  It is likely that orders for brand new 2013 Corvettes can be placed as soon as late March. 

This will be the final run for the C6 Corvette, as I quote:

"This means for many customers, the 2013 model run will be the last opportunity to purchase the current Corvette models, including Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1."

Could this be a hint that when the C7 is produced, there will be no Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1, at least at the beginning of production? In this writer's view: absolutely!

It also appears that because the 2013 Corvette marks the 60th Anniversary of the Corvette, there will be one or more specially trimmed models to celebrate this accomplishment. The factory promises "exciting changes" for the 2013 model year!

Also, breaking: 2013 Corvette production is expected to be for approximately nine months only. The impact on the 2014 Corvette will be discussed tomorrow right here at CorvetteBlog.com. Come right back tomorrow to hear about the Next Generation Corvette, or sign up for email notification today.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2013 Corvette | 0 Comments Permalink

General Motors announced today that it will invest $131 million in the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, to support production of the next generation Corvette.

“This is a significant day for anyone who believes that America should build world-class, high-performance products,” said Mark Reuss, GM North America president. "Corvette has no domestic peer for performance and pedigree, and stands alongside the world's best supercars, with almost 60 years of continuous heritage.

The announcement came at an event held at the plant this morning with employees and several special guests, including Gov. Steve Beshear. The governor last June signed a bill designating Corvette as the "official state sports car of Kentucky."  "Kentucky has a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship with GM, and this significant investment further demonstrates the strength of our partnership,” Beshear said.

The plant in Bowling Green is scheduled to continue building the current generation Corvette for at least the next two model years, including the 2012 model year that begins this summer.  During this period, the investment starts to take effect, preparing the facility for the C7.

Bowling Green is, of course, the exclusive manufacturer of all versions of the Vette – Coupe, Convertible, Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1.  Corvette’s current generation, the sixth in its 58-year history, has seen the car enter the realm of the world’s highest-performing cars.

Nearly 400 production workers assemble these vehicles on a one-shift, 10-hour, Monday-Thursday production schedule.  Bowling Green has been home to Corvette production since 1981.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2013 Corvette , 2014 Corvette First Year C7 , Corvette News , Corvette Production | 0 Comments Permalink

General Motors announced today that the media is invited to a presentation tomorrow, Wednesday, May 4, to be made at the Bowling Green (Corvette) Assembly Plant.  GM North America President Mark Reuss (shown at the right) will be speaking at 10:15 am, Central Standard Time.

What could possibly be on the collective minds of GM about Corvette in early May?  What remains to be said, that was not divulged at the impressive C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash just this past weekend? 

In my view, the only questions not answered at the Bash were about the exciting new product that will follow when the run of the C6 is complete.  Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter told us at the Bash that the C7 would definitely not appear in calendar year 2012.  We believe, then, that the C7 will be a 2014 model, at the earliest.

The subject line for tomorrow's presentation is simply: "positive news announcement for the plant and Corvette lovers."  Tomorrow, we'll see what that means.  Stay tuned!

Posted By Bill Connell In 2013 Corvette , 2014 Corvette First Year C7 , Corvette News | 2 Comments Permalink