Corvette Blog

AutoWeek’s executive edition, Roger Hart, just recently celebrated his 10th year on the job. To commemorate those years, Hart listed his top 10 favorite cars he has had the opportunity to drive.

“In going through my list, I realized some of the cars I loved, while being great cars, are on the list as much for the driving experience and where I drove them as for the actual car itself. But thinking about it, that's the way it should be,” says Hart.

In no particular order, his top picks were:
1. Ferrari F430 Scuderia
2. Porsche Carerra GT
3. BMW Z8
4. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 KR
5. Ford Mustang Cobra Jet
6. Rolls-Royce Phantom
7. Nissan Skyline GT-R
8. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
9. Ford GT
10. Dodge Viper ACR

Why the ZR1? Hart insists it’s the “best performance bargain on the planet” as well as a relatively easy drive for a sports car that produces 600+ horsepower. Not only did the drive train impress him, but also the interior of the vehicle. As he puts it, “an amazing car” whether on the racetrack or for a daily commute.

Do you agree with his listing? 3 Fords? 2 Mustangs? If you had to choose, how would you rank your top 10? Tell us here.

[ AutoWeek ]

Posted By Ryan In 2010 Corvette , Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

The editorial staff from Edmunds.com have a great perk! They get to travel on long road trips with very nice cars and then write about it in their Long-Term Road Tests blog!

Now after joy-riding hundreds of vehicles of all makes, they have chosen their next culprit… the 2002 Corvette Z06.

Why a 2002 Z06? Well, the crew wanted to find a powerful, used Corvette with reasonable mileage and no aftermarket features all for a relatively low cost.

So, after much searching, they ended up purchasing a Z06 for $20,000 from a man who just couldn’t afford having two cars anymore. The cost didn’t matter much to them when they admit to having seen the “405 Horsepower” badge on the vehicle’s side.

With 41,906 miles on the odometer and an average fuel economy of 14.2mpg, the crew has already begun their 12-month adventure. See where the Z06’s 5.7-liter LS6 V8 engine takes them...

Follow their journey by clicking here.

[ Inside Line ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette Fun , Corvette Performance , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

RateItAll.com truly rates it all! From electronics to personal care to fast food, RateItAll has compiled a ten-year study rating more than 70 categories of products based off consumers’ opinions.

More importantly, within RateItAll’s Automotive category, the top Sports Car winners were awarded to:

• Chevrolet Corvette
• Ford Mustang
• Audi TT Coupe

Now you may ask, how legit is this rating process? Well, since 2000, RateItAll has collected millions of opinions from consumers, which have been filtered through a main online database and sorted into thousands of categories. These categories were then filtered down to 150 combined product and cultural categories, based off quality and depth of data.

To be awarded this honor speaks volumes about the Chevrolet Corvette, and what the consumers think as well.

[ RateitAll.com ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

U.S. News & World Report recently released their 2010 Best Cars for the Money listing. Without surprise, the Chevrolet Corvette made the list as Best Luxury Sports Car!

The vehicles that were chosen to receive one of the 23 Best for the Money awards can be seen after the jump.  You'll notice the majority of the vehicles on the list are imports, only 3 cars coming out of the big three and only 1 from GM - the Vette.

The various award categories help classify each type of car. U.S. News’ automotive rankings, customer satisfaction and good long-term value are all main criteria for being nominated for this award.

Chevrolet Corvette – Best Luxury Car … Sounds good together and completely expected.

[ US News & World Report ]

Posted By Ryan In 2010 Corvette , Buying a Corvette , Corvette News , Corvette Pricing , Corvette Reviews | 1 Comments Permalink

It's always fun to see owner satisfaction reports, especially from an industry leader like Consumer Reports.  This year's survey is in and low and behold, we have something to celebrate.

After 380,000 car owners were surveyed by Consumer Report’s Owner Satisfaction survey, Corvette ended up at the top… top #3 to be exact.

1. Dodge Challenger
2. Ford Fusion Hybrid
3. Chevrolet Corvette
4. Porsche 911
5. Toyota Prius
6. Acura TL

The survey included a question that 80% of car owners had to answer “definitely yes”. The question asked, “Considering all factors (price, performance, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.), would you get this car if you had it to do all over again?”

Definitely yes.

Corvette has continued to make it to the top of this list ever since 2005. Keep it up Corvette!

[ Consumer Reports ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

The 10Best competition is simple.

Hosted every year by Car and Driver, this competition illuminates the ten best vehicles for the coming year.  One would expect that the major addition to the Corvette lineup, the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport would be included on just such a list.

You'd think... but you'd be wrong.  Take a look at the list and tell me how the Grand Sport doesn't appear in the top 10 and the Mazda Miata does.  The Miata?

2010 10Best list

• Audi S4
• BMW 3-series / M3
• Cadillac CTS / CTS-V
• Ford Fusion Hybrid
• Honda Accord
• Honda Fit
• Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Mazda 3 / Mazdaspeed 3
• Porsche Boxster / Cayman
• Volkswagen GTI

[ PR Newswire ]

Posted By Ryan In 2010 Corvette , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Yes, you probably are more than aware, but after much hype, the Corvette Grand Sport is back!

Customization is key in the new 2010 model. Eight exterior colors, four rear-fender hues and the ultimate choice of coupe or convertible are all major decisions upon initial purchase.

The Grand Sport falls in between the base ‘Vette and the Z06. A stiffened suspension and LS3 engine allow the Grand Sport to output 430 horsepower. A whole new perspective is brought to the vehicle’s brake system. The brakes are cross-drilled and upsized at 14.0 inches in the front and 13.4 inches in the rear.

If you prefer to take on the manual coupe, the vehicle’s features include a rear-mounted battery, a dry-sump oil system, differential cooler and a launch-control program to improve acceleration.

General Motors promises to manufacture as many as possible to keep up with the consumer demand. Be sure to shop with CorvetteBlog and George Matick Chevrolet for your next Grand Sport!

[ Automobile ]

Posted By Ryan In 2010 Corvette , Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 1 Comments Permalink

Some people love the Corvette. Some people don’t.

Apparently, The Mechanic falls into the later category. He is described as a free-spoken blogger with a “for your own good” opinion on vehicles and the auto industry as a whole.

I won’t even try to describe his opinion of the Corvette, as my words won’t do justice to his pure outraged attitude. So I quote:

“Sure it performs incredibly well, but the Corvette as a relevant performance car has lots its way. Instead of being the everyman, all-American supercar it once was, the Vette has become too expensive, too extreme and too cheesy.”

“Chevy has blown it by allowing the Corvette’s price and performance to get out of hand. And it continues to wrap the Vette in a dated package that is driving America’s youth car enthusiasts elsewhere…”

“Come on GM, give us a Corvette we the people want today, not the Corvette you thought we wanted in 1989.”

To view the article in entirety, you can the link below. Do you agree with the criticism? Disagree?

[ Inside Line ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 1 Comments Permalink

Popular Mechanics recently set up an interesting comparison – BMW M3 vs. Corvette Grand Sport.

Though these vehicles and their manufacturers are vastly different, there are similarities between each model that make this battle rather interesting…

1. Both share V8 engines that output over 400 horsepower.
2. Both have rear-wheel drive to support with acceleration performance.
3. Both cost nearly the same in price. (M3 - $59,975; Grand Sport - $55,720)

Knowing these similarities exist, we are still aware that these vehicles are completely different in every further aspect including manufacturer, design, technical performance, steering, etc. But, in the interest of time, let’s skip to the exciting part… Who will cross the finish line first?

Unfortunately, no video of the race was captured, though the acceleration stats will do justice.

Although the performance is very close, the Grand Sport comes out ahead in most categories.

What do you think of the comparison?

[ Popular Mechanics ]

Posted By Ryan In 2010 Corvette , Corvette Competitors , Corvette News , Corvette Performance , Corvette Reviews | 1 Comments Permalink

Examiner.com recently wrote an article, entitled “2010 Corvette Grand Sport is THE BEST car a celebrity won’t drive”. Hmm… why?

The article insures that the Grand Sport is “actually the ideal celebrity car – insane performance, great comfort and a host of gadgets, half century of street cred, and amazing aftermarket potential”. How come celebrities won’t drive it then?

Well according to Examiner.com, since the Hollywood celebrities have not truly adopted GM manufactured cars (excluding the Cadillac Escalade), this popularity of GM vehicles reflects back on our nation’s general population.

So, let’s say if Lindsay Lohan were to purchase a Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport – I, among others, would be more inclined to be like her and purchase the very same vehicle.

Umm…NOT! (I don’t entirely agree.)

What do you think this is the lingering reason why celebrities wouldn’t normally purchase a Corvette Grand Sport?

[ Examiner ]

Posted By Ryan In 2010 Corvette , Celebrity Corvettes , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 1 Comments Permalink

TIME magazine recently published their “10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010”. The list, as most would agree, is quite despicable. Take a look and you’ll wonder how on earth some of these vehicles were even chosen.

1. Nissan 370Z
2. Caddy CTS Wagon
3. Ford SHO
4. Hyundai Genesis Coupe
5. Kia Soul
6. Mercedes E-Class
7. Suzuki Kizashi
8. VW Rabbit Golf
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
10. Toyota Venza

TIME’s must have compiled this list to appeal to a different targeted readership. So, we decided to look further…

Earlier this week, Forbes’ published their “Ten Exciting Cars for 2010”.

1. Hyundai Equus
2. Ford Flex
3. BMW X5 M
4. Rolls-Royce Ghost
5. Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid
6. Fisker Karma
7. Porsche Panamera
8. BMW 5 Series GT
9. Chevrolet Volt
10. Audi R8 Spyder Quattro

Now, this list makes more sense to me, though we are a bit confused on why the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 didn’t make the cut…

Both lists are subjective, I guess. You be the judge.

[ Time Magazine ]

[ Forbes Magazine ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Recognition , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Well, Motor Trend was at it again. The gang teamed up with pro-racer Randy Pobst to put together a list of the hottest performance cars on the market. The winner was given the title: “Best Driver’s Car”.

The vehicles’ rankings were based off ALOT of material, 18 pages to be exact. To summarize, the collected data included a combination of speed, braking performance, acceleration data and pure subjective “in the seat” driver’s experience.

And here are the results:

• #10 Chevy Camaro SS
• #09 BMW 135i
• #08 Jaguar XFR
• #07 Nissan 370Z Nismo
• #06 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
• #05 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500
• #04 Cadillac CTS-V
• #03 Mazda MX-5 Miata
• #02 Audi R8
• #01 Porsche Cayman S

What are they thinking?  Do YOU agree with this top 10? We would like to hear your opinion. Blog with us.

[ Motor Trend ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvette Recognition , Corvette Reviews | 4 Comments Permalink

Strategic Vision’s 2009 Total Quality Awards has named Chevrolet Corvette Coupe as best Sports Car. The reigning title is no surprise to Corvette after having received the same honorable title recently by JD Powers & Associates.

Strategic Vision’s survey responses entail more open-ended, opinionated substance answers. Instead of basing survey results on a high volume of consumer participation, Strategic Vision incorporates both the positive and negative phases of buying, owning and driving vehicles.

“The difference between products that generate consideration, build brands and increase sales versus those that do not is often how much delight and love the product generates with its consumers,” says Dr. Darrel Edwards, chairman of Strategic Vision.

As you can see, Corvette’s high score of 938 not only surpassed all vehicles in the “Premium Coupe” class BUT all other class winners within the ENTIRE survey!

A complete list of winners is available after the jump.

[ Strategic Vision ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Recognition , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

You may already know this question yourself. But to gain an overall perspective from others’ views, Hagerty Insurance, a leader in providing insurance for classic cars, asked their customers this very question.

Content of the question included situational analysis about the current economic times, GM and Chrysler bankruptcies, the end of Pontiac, and the potential future for both Hummer and Saturn.

“Now more than ever, American car manufacturers are the center focus of this economic decline,” exclaimed McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance. “As car enthusiasts, many of us would hate to see these cars become extinct. We appreciate the place in American society that a great car can occupy and the value of that car to future motorists down the road. It would be sad to see them go.”

With nearly 1,000 votes submitted, here are the results:

1. Chevrolet Corvette
2. Ford Mustang
3. Dodge Challenger
4. Chevrolet Camaro
5. Ford F-150
6. Cadillac CTS
7. Saturn Sky
8. Hummer
9. Dodge Ram
10. Chrysler 300

Once again, Chevrolet Corvette dominates the competition. Surprised? We want to hear from you. How would you rank your top 10?

[ The Car Connection.com ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette News , Corvette Recognition , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

A recent road rally competition was administered between the Corvette ZR1, Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, and Viper SRT10. Predictions that the ZR1 would dominate this hoity-toity line of gorgeous competition were quite low. But boy was that forecast WRONG!

The ZR1 came in FIRST! The Murcielago took second, followed by the Benz SL65, and finally the Viper SRT10. Who wouldn’t want such a vehicle that performs well as an everyday ride but can compete with the world’s best, and at a lower sticker price?

The first ZR1 manufactured is labeled as a 2009 vehicle, though it originally came out at the end of last year. The lightweight carbon-fiber components make this vehicle a go fast ride. The carbon-ceramic brakes and supercharged 6.2L engine that puts out 638 horsepower makes this beautiful Corvette the most expensive of its kind.

Want one? We are now accepting deposits for 2010 models.  Call us at (888) 875-0728 or leave a comment for us (which will be kept private) and we will give you all of the details.

[ Car and Driver ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette Competitors , Corvette News , Corvette Performance , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

The Corvettes are back in business! Just recently, General Motors has resumed production on the 2009 Corvettes, focusing their attention on the popular ZR1

The Bowling Green assembly plant, home to where these beautiful machines are built, initially shut down for the few past months in an attempt to cut costs. Since a number of GM vehicles remain at a standstill on dealership lots, why produce more? GM has also taken action and decided to reduce costs by slowing down the rate of Corvette production. Now, instead of building 18.5 Corvettes each day, only 15 are produced daily.

The focus on Corvette production has been geared toward the ZR1… and with good reason! The ZR1 has recently been chosen as one of 2009’s top ten World Performance Cars of the Year. Over 50 international journalists nominate their top performance vehicles of choice for this award. Happily, the ZR1 was one of their top favs!

2009 World Performance Car finalists:

Audi RS 6 Avant
BMW 135i Coupe / Cabriolet
Corvette ZR1
Lamborghini LP560-4 Gallardo
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG
Mitsubishi Evo X / MR
Nissan GT-R
Porsche 911 Carrera
Subaru Impreza WRX STI

To find out the TOP World Performance Car of the Year, stay tuned. See which of these ten vehicle candidates get cut down to number ONE! The results will be revealed on Thursday, April 9th at the New York International Auto Show.

[ BusinessFleet.com ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvette Recognition , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Blogging online allows for opinions to be heard on a broad scale, from the good, the bad, and from the ugly. The Corvette ZR1 is often glorified on this site, being that it is a Chevrolet Corvette dealership blog site! However, the ZR1 recently heard the wrath of a Motor Trend blogger, Arthur.

Though Arthur writes about his distasteful appetite for the ZR1, he does begin the blog by mentioning that the ZR1 proved to be an unbeatable fast car, having destroyed recent competition, which included the Ferrari 599 GTB, the Porsche GT2, and the Nissan GT-R. Check out the video for yourself!

Now even though the ZR1’s performance blatantly surpassed the other elite sport cars, this critic continues to bash the GM manufactured vehicle. He says, “It’s not without cause that the Ferrari and the Porsche command such kingly sums-especially in comparison with the brash bolide from Bowling Green. The driving experience they offer is simply unmatched by the ZR1.” Really Arthur?

Complaints about the ZR1’s obnoxiously loud engine, glue factory smelling cockpit, and full-bore V8 engine continues to ensue throughout the article. All options aside, wouldn’t you rather purchase a less expensive, American-made vehicle that carries more speed than a haughty-toity European super car?? Which would you prefer?

[ MotorTrend ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette Competitors , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Each year Automobile Magazine announces their All-Star lineup of innovative new vehicles within their February edition. The ten vehicles that are chosen are not necessarily the ten most expensive or best looking vehicles. Instead, the rankings are based on total customer satisfaction – performance, navigation control, design, enjoyment, and so forth. Basically, these cars represent the type of vehicle that YOU would want within your own garage!

It’s interesting to note that one-third of the list includes vehicles manufactured in Detroit, MI. The listing of all-star vehicles includes:

1. Audi R8
2. BMW 3-series
3. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
4. Chevrolet Malibu
5. Ford Flex
6. Honda Fit
7. Jaguar XF
8. Porsche 911
9. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
10. Volkswagen GTI

To hold a slot on this list provides positive PR for the vehicle’s manufacturers indeed. However, in today’s economy and with the big-three automotive bailout looming, can a single automobile magazine help increase sales nationwide? It may be just a start toward lending a helping hand for automobile manufacturers.

Magazine sales for this February magazine edition will be available for purchase in early January 2009.  There's also a video after the jump to check out.

[ Automotive.com ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Many consumers view the Corvette ZR1 as an ultimate driving machine, designed and manufactured by Chevrolet. After all, it comes fully equipped with a 638 horsepower LS9 engine that can take you from 0 to 60 seconds within 3.4 seconds. The vehicle also carries relatively decent fuel economy: 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

With all this great buzz on the new ZR1, what do the experts have to say?

Top Gear, an internationally recognized UK motor vehicle magazine, claimed both the good and the ugly. One of their lines claim, "Right, make no mistake. What we have here is one of the truly great supercars." It proceeds to mention that the vehicle has the highest car record for production cars on the Nürburgring. Quite an accomplishment!

However, Top Gear magazine proceeds to enter the ugly. They mention the ZR1 is not a vehicle that easily catches one's attention. Also, the ZR1's body style looks like the base of any Corvette, but yet the price of $100,000 is what makes this Corvette exclusive against the competition.

Take a look at their reviews yourself by clicking below. Is Top Gear right with what they say? How do you honestly feel about the ZR1?

[ Top Gear ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 1 Comments Permalink

Fun to drive: The Corvette Z06 is an awesome car, but Corvette reliability is well-below average. The CTS could also qualify here, but again, no reliability data. Going down the list, the Mustang GT lacks ESC; we don’t have reliability data on the Dodge Viper; and the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky have subpar reliability. The Dodge Charger R/T V8 is reliable and fast, but its overly light steering feel keeps it from being truly fun to drive.

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Corvette Recognition , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

With all the hype over the upcoming 2009 Corvette ZR-1, the Z06 has been cast as the "middle child" with much less attention being paid to what is a fantastically fast and sexy car.  I haven't read a review of a Z06 in a while, so it was refreshing to read Scott Burgess' column in The Detroit News this week.

I won't reiterate the article, but if you care about the Z06, you should definitely click on the link below to read his take.  Most of the article is extremely complimentary.  One area he did say he'd like to see improvement (which I agree with) is the interior of the vehicle.  Chevy could, and should, make the upgrade.  The best line of the article?  Simply this...

"Whether cruising to the country club or to Key West to park in front of Sloppy Joe's, the Z06 will get you noticed. Corvettes -- all Corvettes -- are distinctive, iconic and easily recognizable. People never ask you, "How do you like that sports car?" Instead, they say, "Nice 'Vette." Or they just nod in knowing approval."

So True.

[ The Detroit News ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

September's print issue of Motor Trend (which hit the desk this morning) presents MT's first test of the new NPP-equipped 2008 Corvette.  Motor Trend found that the NPP-coded dual-mode performance exhaust system reduces back-pressure by a whopping 80% at high engine speeds, resulting in six additional horses and an improvement of four pound-feet.

The Vette was able to scoot to 60mph in just 4.1 seconds.  The quarter mile was accomplished in just 12.5 seconds at 115 mph.  These numbers are similar to the the results of their testing of the 2002 Corvette Z06!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

The September issue of Winding Road on-line has hit the Ethernet, and two stories relate to Corvette.  The bigger story (on pages 21-23) is that they have driven the 2008 Corvette in and around GM's (Milford, Michigan) Proving Grounds.

Jim McCraw writes about the new LS3 6.2L engine, the valved muffler system, the MZ6 transmission, the 3.42 rear axle, and the many new tweaks, and it's all good!  All good! 

The sounds, the response, the feeling.  It's all there, and in abundance!  In summary: "about the most performance you can get for the money, period".

[ Download September Issue Winding Road ]

[ Related Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Save yourself three minutes: read the final description of the Corvette Z06 below.

While enjoying the latest print edition of Popular Mechanics, I couldn't help but notice Ben Stewart's four way comparison of what he calls "the latest supercars".  These are the phrases (and clauses, if you want to be technical, which I usually do) that caught my attention describing the four supercars:

Viper SRT10 Coupe

There's nothing subtle about driving a Viper.
This hairy chested bruiser is louder and rowdier than anything else.
The gearshift knob is practically the size of a baseball.
This snake will bite.
This beast is a better weekend toy than an everyday supercar.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Recognition , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Under the title “Fellow’s Traveller,” Top Gear Magazine recently queried the wisdom of building the Ron Fellows Edition Corvette Z06. They feel the vehicle would be a “strong contender” for a position on a list of “pointless special edition cars.”

Apparently they barely (if at all) follow the GT1 racing world, in which Fellows has established himself as pre-eminent. While acknowledging his Canadian heritage, they treat everything American and Canadian as if we are “just the colonies.”

They describe as a “saving grace” the fact of the mind-blowing performance of the 7.0L Z06 engine, the 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds, and top speed of 199mph. Well, at least they noticed!

Check out their little article. Don’t you think they are a little jaded?

[ Top Gear ]

[ Corvette Blog Story ]

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

Keith Martin's Buyer's Guides on C2 and C3 Corvettes provide helpful information. Whether you’re a buyer, restorer, dealer, or enthusiast, the down-loadable information includes: 

* In depth market information, details of the most recent auction sales, and expert profiles

* Performance data, serial numbers, original colors, and factory options

* Classic road tests, advertisements, sales brochures, and owner's manual pages

* What to look for when buying

* Resources for clubs, parts, and restoration

Each volume is available to download for just $12.95 each in Adobe Reader format.  Information is also available on AMX, Austin-Healey, 240Z, Pantera, Mustang, Thunderbird, and XK-E.

Posted By Bill Connell In Buying a Corvette , Corvette Pricing , Corvette Reviews | 4 Comments Permalink

The July issue of Motor Trend dropped on the desk at Corvette Blogtopia on Friday, and there on page 19 was their take on the upcoming mid-production cycle Corvette.

From Motor Trend's perspective, the "top ten things you need to know about the 2008 Corvette" are:

LS3 6.2L engine replacing the LS2 6.0L, with horsepower up to 436

Bigger intake vales and higher-lift-intake cams to improve breathing

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Reviews , Corvettes of the Future | 2 Comments Permalink

This "American Exotics Video Comparison Test" from Edmunds (in late 2005) is long on summary and a little short on heart pounding action (like we get from Top Gear), but it certainly presents an excellent nose to nose comparo of Corvette Z06 against the Ford GT and Dodge Viper.

Edmunds declares that the Corvette is the "easiest to drive in every day conditions," is just as fast on the racetrack, and is certainly the least expensive.  The conclusion: Z06 is best for "world class exotic car performance."  But then, as a reader of Corvette Blog, you knew that!

[ DPCARS ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Competitors , Corvette Reviews , Corvette Videos | 4 Comments Permalink

When a Corvette can be driven (not necessarily legally) right out of the showroom and onto a highway at speeds over 180mph, the engineers and designers had better have given every thought to safety! And Corvette designers did!.

One of the amazing aspects of the C6 Corvette is in its anti-flight design.  Chief designer Tom Peters has been quoted as saying, “We looked to inspiration from modern jet fighters. The side profile brings to mind the silhouette of an F22 Raptor – angular and aggressive, but with just the right amount of curves.”  But it doesn't just look like it could fly! In many ways, if the C6 had wings, it could fly!

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

Road & Track turns in this summary on the new Callaway Corvette C16: "we have no doubt there’s a market for this highly individualized, sharp-handling, meticulously outfitted supercar, one that tops out at a claimed 206 mph in anger but will still return 28 mpg when driven gently".

Regarding this Corvette's amazing velocity: "The flesh on your cheekbones ripples back toward your ears in a sort of g-induced perma-grin. Of course, this is second-nature to centrifuge-trained astronauts and rocket-sled test pilots, but this sort of acceleration is uncommon—and hugely addictive—in a road-going, street-licensed automobile". 

[ Road & Track ]

[ Related Corvette Blog Story ]

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

How would you like to spend endless hours watching video of Corvettes, Porsches, Lambos, and just about any vehicle you can come up with?

The website StumbleUpon now provides a great new feature: videos!  It's as simple as logging on, identifying your interest (CARS), and clicking the "Stumble" button.  You will then be presented with video after video of commercials, Top Gear shows, training films, promo's, and even home-made fare.  Some of this stuff is hilarious!  Oh, and Corvette lovers: there are some nice Vettes in there!

User Warning: if you are a workaholic with no time for diversion, you might want to skip this website.  (On the other hand, maybe this was made just for you!)

[ StumbleUpon ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Competitors , Corvette Fun , Corvette Racing , Corvette Reviews , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

GM recently published a comprehensive list of awards that the Chevrolet Corvette C6 has won recently:

o  Vehicle Satisfaction Award – Sports Car; AutoPacific; 2006 MY
o  10 Best Cars 2006 – Best Performance Car; Car and Driver; 2006 MY
o  10 Best Cars 2007 – Best Performance Car; Car and Driver; 2007 MY
o  Best Buys – Vehicles to Enjoy; Chicago Tribune; 2006 MY
o  Best Buys – Sports Cars; Consumer’s Digest; 2007 MY
o  Best Buy for 2007 – Premium Sporty/Performance Car; Consumer Guide; 2007 MY
o  Most Satisfying Vehicles for 2007; Consumer Reports; 2007 MY
o  Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles – Coupe under $45,000 & Top Convertible Under $45,000;    Edmunds.com; 2006 MY
o  Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles – Coupe under $45,000; Edmunds.com; 2006 MY
o  Ten Most Awesome Autos – Under $50,000; Esquire; 2006
o  Sports Cars We Recommend – Best Mid-Range; Forbesautos.com; 2006 MY
o  Sports Cars We Recommend – Best Value; Forbesautos.com; 2006 MY
o  AutoFOCUS Award – Sports/Performance; InFOCUS magazine; 2007 MY
o  Best Value of the Year – Sports Car; IntelliChoice (at the Chicago Auto Show); 2006 MY
o  Initial Quality Study – Premium Sporty Car; J.D. Power; 2006 MY
o  Best Resale Value – Top 10 Models; Kelley Blue Book; 2006
o  Best in Class – Sports Cars; Kiplinger's Personal Finance; 2007 MY
o  Best Cars 2006 – Best Sports-Car Value; Money magazine; 2006
o  5-Star "Drive Before You Die" Rating; Motor Trend; 2007 MY
o  America's 100 Best – Ride of Your Life; Reader's Digest; 2006 MY
o  Best of the Best – Sports Car; Robb Report; 2006 MY
o  2006 Total Quality Award – Small Specialty Over $25,000; Strategic Vision; 2006 MY
o  Total Value Award – Small Specialty over $25,000; Strategic Vision; 2007 MY
o  Best Value in America – Sports Cars over $37,500; Vincentric; 2006 MY

This is staggering!  Congratulations Chevy Corvette!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvette Recognition , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Ever find yourself drawn back to an amazing video creation?  Top Gear's superb review of the 2006 Corvette "Zed-Oh-Six" keeps coming to mind.

First , they show us the phenomenal capability of driving from "naught to 175mph" in one gear (5th)!  Then, how the Z06 out-accelerates a torched trail of petrol!

[ TOP GEAR on YouTube ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Competitors , Corvette Fun , Corvette Reviews , Corvette Videos | 1 Comments Permalink

Let's face it.  Most people don't review Consumer's Digest before selecting a true sports car!

But when an independent company like CD exhaustively studies over two hundred new vehicles, sifts through the evidence, and then posts their findings to select Chevrolet Corvette as a "Best Buy," no one wants to hide it!

To review their announcement, and learn about the process, visit In Recognition of Excellence.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvette Recognition , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Remember the song from the 60's?  "Fifth gear?  She's all right!"

This is unbelievable! If you haven’t caught the video yet, see it here: Fifth Gear Video.   Among other experiments, they run a Z06 from "naught to 175 mph" (0-175 mph in American English) in just one gear, fifth!

The Fifth Gear Show is blown away with the remarkable capabilities of the amazing Corvette Z06, as should we all be!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

AutoRox, a special celebration honoring the American automobiles with special entertainment and awards is put together by Spike TV. The evening is hosted by Ice Cube.

When it was over, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was awarded three top honors including:

Car of the Year, Best Sports Car, and Deal of the Year.

The show airs on Spike TV on April 18th at 10pm. Details here.

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - The Toyota Prius is the car that makes its owners happiest, according to a survey by Consumer Reports but the Chevrolet Corvette is a close second.

"There's a strange dichotomy in the 'Most Satisfying' cars," pointed out David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Department.

Generally, cars that have high performance engines do well, but fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles also seem to have happier owners than owners of similar non-hybrid vehicles.

Ninety-five percent of Prius owners said they would buy one again. Among Corvette owners, 93 percent said they would buy the car again.

Posted By J.P. In Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 1 Comments Permalink

The Corvette Z06 has done it again.

AAA recently announced its Top Car Picks for 2006. Honda is featured all over the list but doesn't manage to come up with the most coveted of titles (as far as AAA awards go)!

The Corvette Z06 was named as the top Cool Car.

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

North American Car of the Year. That has a nice ring to it doesn't it? Well, DailySportsCar.com thought enough of the C6.R Corvette to give it the honor. The online magazine is considered a top source on racing and GT series coverage. The awesome yellow Compuware Corvette C6.R race cars raced to 10 of 11 victories last year.

In an article on WhoWon.com, I like the quotes that author Rick Voegelin highlights:

"Among the many accolades that Corvette Racing has received since the introduction of the C6.R, one of the crowning achievements is this award from dailysportscar.com," said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan.

Posted By Ryan In Corvette News , Corvette Pictures , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

I often enjoy reading about how other countries (and cultures) respond to a great American product like the Corvette. There's a great review of the Corvette Z06 from AutoExpress out of the UK.

The Z06 is now available in the UK and there couldn't be more positive publicity about the performance and the affordability. The review goes on to say:

On sale in the UK now, the ultimate Corvette has Dodge's Viper and various Ferraris firmly in its sights, and will really give Porsche and Jaguar buyers something to think about, too. Priced at £59,850, the Z06 offers supercar performance for 911 and XK money.

Now if you convert that £59,850 to American dollars today you're looking at a cost in the UK of $104,528. While it may be more expensive across the Atlantic, still a great deal for our friends who gave us fish and chips!

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

I enjoyed reading Automotive.com's review of the 2006 Corvette. The title of the review is "A supercar bargain for the ages."

They have over 6 pages on the walkaround, interior, driving impressions, etc. I think one of my favorite quotes would have to be about the engine, which was my first impression of the Corvette... the sound and drive of the at engine. They say,

The low, throaty roar of the LS2 V8 in the standard Corvette coupe and Convertible sounds great, and that sound is accompanied by truly thrilling acceleration. Stand on the gas and even the automatic will chirp the rear tires when it shifts into second.

The best Corvette ever? They think so, and quite frankly, I'd have to agree!

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink