Corvette Blog

One of my biggest pet peeves is when I am listening to a program or song on the radio that I'm really enjoying and either get a phone call, stop for gas, or the like and have to miss a portion or all of what I'm listening to.  For a few years, satellite radio providers have given customers that option with their devices they sell, but the option has yet to be introduced, built in to GM radios.

We don't have to wait any longer.  Certain GM vehicles offer a Pause and Play Radio feature, which saves up to 20-minutes of audio from a radio (including XM radio) on a vehicle’s hard drive. The best part – this radio save feature can even be activated when the vehicle is turned off!

Now in addition to the certain handful of GM vehicles that offer Pause and Play Radio, GM recently announced this radio feature would also become available on lower-end vehicles as well.  This announcement we find interesting, considering they have higher-end vehicles such as the Corvette lacking the latest, greatest options.

After first debuting on the Cadillac CTS, the feature has been available on the Buick LaCrosse, Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX. And now, the Chevrolet Cruze and Buick Regal will begin to offer it too. Others suggest GM will continue to expand this feature onto other vehicles eventually.

Maybe next year’s Corvette will make the cut! If not then, maybe with the release of the Corvette C7 – that is if it doesn’t already come with better radio features!

Stay tuned as we update you on the next batch of GM vehicles that will offer Pause and Play Radio.

[ Orbitcast ]

Posted By Ryan In C7 Corvette , Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Parts , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Some argue that if you increase the amount of doors on the Corvette from 2 to 4, you lose the Corvette’s sports ride identity. Let me try to help you understand the evolution of the four-door Corvette idea…

With the arrival of the four-door Caprice Police Patrol vehicle to North America in 2011, what will come next?

Well, GM’s Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has been busy with this very question. He has, however, had his eyes on Australia’s Holden Commodore. The perfect successor to the Caprice just may be the Commodore Police Cruiser. This is great for the police force, but what about the everyday driver?

Enter the potential idea of a four-door Corvette! Therefore, the four-door Corvette model stemmed from the Australian Holden Commodore.

What do you think about the potential for a four-door ‘Vette? Is GM wasting their time, or possibly onto something? Tell us your thoughts.

[ Motor Authority ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Concept & Show Cars , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 1 Comments Permalink

According to well-placed sources, a Corvette with a mid-engined layout was well into development in 2008, until the global financial meltdown cut off funding sources.  Then, General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson proclaimed in May that the Corvette was paying it's own way, and that the C7 was alive.

Now, as AutoWeek Magazine's print version declared this week (11.16.09 issue), there may no longer be a C7 in development!  Say it ain't so!  We love the 6th Generation, without a doubt, but we want -- we need -- a future, too!

[ Previous postings on the C7 ]

Posted By Bill Connell In C7 Corvette , Corvette News , Corvette Production , Corvettes of the Future | 2 Comments Permalink

After the introduction of the ZR1, Rick Squires was provoked to turn his dream into a reality. He had always wanted to build a limited-edition STS Corvette. Now, more than ever, he had the motivation to build such a dependable, everyday ride while also dishing out stiff competition to the ZR1.

A car enthusiast himself, Rick Squires, founder and VP of research and development at STS, chose to produce a handful of these vehicles in order to entice potential customers away from the almighty ZR1.

And so the ZR7 was born.

This name was not only chosen as a close replication to the competition, but also to symbolize the vehicle’s features. ‘Z’ for the history of high-performance GM vehicles, ‘R’ for the racing suspension and power delivery, ‘7’ for the vehicle’s 700+ horsepower status.

Fortunately for Squire and his hardworking team, production of the ZR7 squeezed right in hours before the 2008 SEMA, where the vehicle was formally introduced. "The body was designed and fabricated, finished and painted in six days," Squires explains. “The turbo system, suspension, brakes, radiator, and so on were all finished in an 18-hour blitz at STS Turbo."

Click below to read more about the long production period and the multiple changes made to the interior and exterior of Squires’ ZR7.

Do you think the STS ZR7 has a chance when compared to the ZR1?

[ Vette ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Concept & Show Cars , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 1 Comments Permalink

Today Chevy Dealers got a first glance at the specifications for the 2010 Chevy Corvette.  While pricing is not yet released, this 99 page document will give you details on every available option, feature, and trim level for the upcoming year.

The Dealer Ordering Guide is available online, nationally to all GM Dealerships.  This information is widely used by dealerships and those who order to better understand what features are standard with what, what options are available, and the like.

Take a glance if you like by downloading your copy below.

[ 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Ordering Guide ]

Posted By Ryan In 2010 Corvette , Corvette Dealers , Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Jason Castriota, a New York-born Italian automobile designer, has begun filming a mini-documentary (Project M) centered around what it entails to build a vehicle from start to finish. Kinetic Fin is producing the film “Mantide” which aims to compliment and address the stunning work and new era of Stile Bertone, an automotive styling studio located in Caprie, Italy.

Their vehicle of choice to build… Corvette ZR1!

Be sure to check out the link below to gain access inside Project M to capitalize on Castriota’s newest venture. The film is said to have debuted April 23 in Italy.  For a gallery of pictures of their ZR-1 rendition, click here.

[ InsideProjectM.com ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Concept & Show Cars , Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Corvette Pictures , Corvettes of the Future | 2 Comments Permalink

AOL is speculating today that GM, as in Government Motors, may kill off the Corvette!

CorvetteBlog would see that as a serious concern for Corvette enthusiasts the world over.  However, at this point, there is nothing official from Chevrolet that Corvette will have to go.

With its excellent gas mileage numbers, the Corvette's fuel economy may actually be what saves it.

What do you think?

[ AOL Article ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 7 Comments Permalink

The annual Chicago Auto Show is the largest North American auto show to date (seeing as our Detroit show was scaled back a tad). The show concluded its open public show back on February 22nd.  Along with the celebration of this being the 101st year of the show, numerous unique vehicles and concept cars were on showcase.

The most memorable concept vehicle revealed was the Corvette Stingray. Doesn’t her picture just make you drool?? Fans can find the Stingray in the movie Transformers II: Revenge of the Fallen where she plays a character named Sideswipe.

To understand every element she has to offer, Ed Welburn, General Motors Vice President of Design, was the individual chosen to unveil this baby for the first time ever. He stated, "This is purely a concept… I like our designers to feel free to bring forward ideas."

Check out the video after the jump to hear about all her purring features.

[ AutoWeek ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Concept & Show Cars , Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Corvette Videos , Corvettes of the Future | 5 Comments Permalink

"Between dialing for dollars on Capitol Hill, dealing with PR flaps over corporate jets, getting the Volt to market, picking up the tab for decades of mistakes, the world financial crises, and just trying to keep the lights on, I doubt Rick Wagoner and Company have had much time to worry about a little deal like the Corvette.  But I have my concerns."

So wrote Matt Stone about the company that builds this beautiful 2009 Corvette ZR1 in a recent (11/27) Motor Trend Magazine editorial.

While we await the decisions to be made by those in Washington, D.C. next week (?), who have had an excessively large part in creating the troubles of the American automobile industry in the first place, you may enjoy reading Stone's concerns.  Before you jump to the rest of his editorial, though, I just have to say: Why do I not hear anyone saying that the federal government is to blame because of its ridiculous mandates to create high gas mileage out of thin air?  For years and years, they have raised the CAFE level, requiring financial investment for technological development that profits did not allow.  Shame on that swamp on the Potomac!

Posted By Bill Connell In C7 Corvette , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 2 Comments Permalink

CARTES & IDentification hosted their 23rd exhibition in Paris, which ran November 4th to November 6th. CARTES & IDentification is dedicated to securing consumers’ identity through the use of countless new innovative ways to pay on credit. Many companies, including automotive manufacturers, are able to gain critical insight into how to best serve their market simply by attending this event.

The purpose of such exhibition allows for potentially innovative ideas to turn into an existing reality. At the show this past week, BMW research groups and NXP Semiconductors teamed up to unveil a concept vehicle that uses a brand new key fob remote. This key remote can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle, pop the rear trunk, set off a panic alarm, and can EVEN be swiped as a personal credit card!!

With such device, no matter where you travel, whether to the grocery store or to work every morning, you will always have your credit card on you because that baby will also be crucial to starting your very own vehicle! Now, you may run into trouble when you come to a tollbooth and have to turn off your vehicle in order to swipe your payment. This remote is still in concept mode, however BMW has been seriously considering adding this function into their new line of vehicles.

What do you think? A brand new car remote/credit card concept… Good idea? Bad idea?  Should Corvette adopt this technology?

[ Engadget ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Equipment , Corvette Parts , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Perhaps GM is not as bullish on Corvette as we thought!

Keith Cornett (see his CorvetteBlogger posting on the subject yesterday) has queried why there is no communication from GM about management changes at Corvette, and it is a fair question.  Other bloggers (see The AutoExtremist yesterday, as an example) are wisely pointing out that GM is at the precipice of ruin.

With so many huge issues to deal with -- federal government bailouts or loan guarantees, political changes, even survival -- frankly it is not a surprise that the some of the standard niceties like press releases may get neglected.  However, we would still like to have them.

We need to hope, even pray, that GM survives to build the Corvette we love so much well into the future!  I think we'll take a leaner, maybe even a meaner, General Motors and Chevrolet, but let us have more gorgeous and capable vehicles like the ZR1 and Z06!

Posted By Bill Connell In C7 Corvette , Corvettes of the Future | 2 Comments Permalink

As many of you already know, the Corvette Centennial Designed Concept car has been specifically built in the celebration of GM’s 100th year birthday. When the mystery vehicle was first seen near the staging area of the movie, Transformers, many car critics and viewers had no idea about the vehicle. It turned out to be a secret gone completely bad. The big unveiling hasn’t even occurred yet, and everyone already knows about the “secret” Corvette Centennial.

Now that we are able to recognize the vehicle and the reason for its development, Leftlane News recently held an interview with General Motors Vice Chairman, Bob Lutz. The interview brought up questions regarding the Centennial…

Leftlane News: “Is there any significance to the Chevrolet Corvette Centennial
concept, aside from the role in Transformers 2?”

Bob Lutz: “No, I would say that is in the realm of ‘pure concept’. At this point,
there’s zero intention to produce.”

I wonder if the Centennial was always built to be just a concept. But for now, I guess, we will just have to be willing to relate the Centennial to GM’s 100-year celebration. The vehicle also reportedly will be appearing in a November auto show hosted in Los Angeles.

[ Leftlane News ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Corvette vehicle-line executive, Tom Wallace, says, "We're still working on future Corvettes, but the scope of change is not yet decided. There are changes, some neat stuff, coming for 2010 that I can't talk about yet."  When pushed for details on Corvette in light of new MPG mandates from the Federal government, Wallace replied that these concerns haven't "inhibited Corvettes. No one is saying we're not doing Corvettes. We're still bullish on Corvettes."

In the same interview with AutoWeek magazine, Tom also indicated that plans are NOT tied down for the next C7.  In fact, it is not even known when the C7 will appear, a great disappointment to those eagerly awaiting its reveal!  Thanks to an article from our partner in Corvette promotion, Keith Cornett at CorvetteBlogger.com, we were alerted to these ground-breaking insights on the next-generation Corvette.

So, hang on tight, while GM determines how to survive further into its second century.  Corvette is perceived to be an important part of GM.  Let us hope they continue to impress us!

Posted By Bill Connell In 2010 Corvette , C7 Corvette , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 1 Comments Permalink

A local Minnesota resident and Corvette owner, Michael Shoop, has recently converted his 1987 ‘Vette into an all-electric powered machine. The transformation of the vehicle began when he realized the benefits of purchasing a hybrid vehicle, but also the expensive costs that ensued. After researching and finding the ideal eco-friendly Prius to be a bit too pricy, Shoop began allocating his funding to a new project: the Volt Vette.

“I wanted a simple solution for driving around town and doing it in style,” claims Shoop.

With the generous help from the Minnesota Electric Auto Association, Shoop has successfully converted his V8 gas-guzzling sports ride into an all-electric, environmentally friendly joy ride. As of now, the vehicle tops out at 40 mph, and has been able to go 20 miles just on pure electric charge. Still, adjustments are in the process.

The overall project has only cost Shoop an average of $25,000. Now, just think, that price also negates any extra payments made at the gas pump. “You wouldn’t believe the smile on my face when I drive past the gas station,” he says. If you ask me… that’s a damn good deal for any eco-friendly Chevrolet Corvette!

[ Motor Trend ]
 

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Well folks, it just so happens that the mysterious Corvette look-a-like vehicle that has been seen around the set of the Transformers movie, Revenge of the Fallen, has recently been revealed! It is the Corvette Centennial Design Concept, specifically built to commemorate General Motor’s 100-years of successful vehicle manufacturing.

From the looks of the vehicle, it encompasses various strengths of past Corvette designs. It portrays a Camaro-like look to the front grille and large rear fenders with a quad-tip exhaust. What are your thoughts on this concept vehicle? Maybe too futuristic?

Supposedly this vehicle is to debut at Los Angeles’ November Auto Show. In addition, rumors have circulated that this concept car might be a prelude as for what’s to come in 2011, possibly the newest Corvette C7. But, there has been no confirmation on that as of yet.

Let us know your thoughts. We will keep you posted when further updates of this new Corvette Centennial arrive.

[ Jalopnik ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Concept & Show Cars , Corvette Pictures , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Winding Road posted their January issue today, and there is a real treat for us Corvette enthusiasts!

In an article entitled "Meet the New Boss," contest winners have their say in determining the direction for the new C7 Corvette.  It's a must read!

In addition, there is a great video of Corvette's new boss meeting the Corvette Racing Team at Laguna Seca this past October.

Here's a link to the video, unfortunately they won't let you embed it:  Corvette Video

Posted By Bill Connell In C7 Corvette , Corvettes of the Future | 2 Comments Permalink

Keith of CorvetteBlogger has reminded us of a blog he wrote on January 1, 2007, pertaining to the trademark application made by GM for the ZR1 nomenclature.

At the time, Keith wrote, "Now it would be irresponsible speculation on my part to think that GM would have an interest in using the ZR-1 RPO code for the Blue Devil / SS Corvette."

That speculation in January is now at odds with the recent announcement from Motor Trend.  The plot thickens.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

This news broke Tuesday and has been rippling everywhere on the Net.  It appears that it was Todd Lassa's post at the Motor Trend Community Blog that got it started.  Word is, that the previously called Corvette Blue Devil will be called the Corvette ZR1.

You may know from a previous post that I have predicted Corvette SS.  In fact, I still want to believe that it will be Corvette SS.  Some of the other bloggers think that Lassa's statement is conjecture, and not based on an infallible source.  However, most of the solid advance information we have received so far has indeed come from Motor Trend!  Likelihood of accuracy here is, thus, pretty good.  As a result, Corvette Blog now has a new category of previous stories (at the right): 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil).

[ Stories on Future Corvettes ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvette Production , Corvettes of the Future | 6 Comments Permalink

The AutoExtremist Blog describes itself as "the bare-knuckled, unvarnished, high-octane truth" about the automotive business.  Its author, Peter De Lorenzo, spent twenty two years in automotive advertising before leaving to found his blog and really tell everyone what he thinks.

Last Wednesday, De Lorenzo turned the assumptions and presumptions about the next generation Corvette on their ear with a prediction that the C7 will be mid-engined!  Corvette engineers have considered the mid-engine approach time and time again.  Just visit the National Corvette Museum for evidence, as mid-engined prototypes from the past smile at passersby (see example I photographed there last winter).

Posted By Bill Connell In C7 Corvette , Corvettes of the Future | 11 Comments Permalink

The magazines and blogs are all over the Corvette SS (or Corvette Blue Devil or Corvette Z07) again.  There are articles on CorvetteBlogger, AutoBlog, and AutoNewsGuide, all linked for you to check out.  All of the articles appear to rely on a Popular Mechanics posting by Jim Dunne.  In turn, Dunne seems to have gotten his information from a large Michigan Corvette dealership. 

I can tell you that it wasn't our Corvette dealership, so I can't assure you of the authenticity of the remarks.  In summary, though, there seem to be five lines of thought currently being emphasized:

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

The cover story of the August 2007 issue of Winding Road's on-line magazine is "Chevrolet C7 Corvette".  They report that GM's internal code for the next Vette is GMX711.

Check out the excellent artistic proposals on pages 46-52!  The question has been asked years ago, but could the next Corvette be mid-engine?  Don't miss this free read at Winding Road!

Posted By Bill Connell In C7 Corvette , Corvettes of the Future | 1 Comments Permalink

If all goes as planned, the first 2008 Corvettes are rolling off the line this morning at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky.

Stay tuned for photos and information when the first 2008 Corvette shows up at our parent dealership.

Related Blogs:

[ Corvette Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Chevrolet dealers were treated to a taste of upcoming Corvette product Thursday afternoon by video.

Though the program was on the 2008 Corvette, dealer after dealer questioned Chevrolet product staff regarding the availablity of the so-called Blue Devil, SS, Z07, Stingray, or Sting Ray.

Gary Claudio, North America Marketing Manager for GM responded time and again by saying: "Stay tuned, and save your money!  It will make you smile!"

Looks like a lot of people will be smiling ... we just don't know when!

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 1 Comments Permalink

Popular Mechanics is at it again with spy shots of the Corvette SS.  Call it Z07, StingRay or Blue Devil if you like. 

PM suggests that we are looking at a carbon fiber roof, as well as hood.  Their impression is that we are seeing a revised hood that covers the supercharger intake scoop.

[ Popular Mechanics ]

[ Corvette Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvettes of the Future | 1 Comments Permalink

In a clever and original consideration, Marty Padgett of the Car Connection website applauds GM for its promotion of the Corvette SS at the very same time it promotes the fuel saving Volt.  Chevy dealers, of course, would like to have both, and the sooner the better.  Personally, I'd like one of each.

In having two "halo cars"  so distinctly different, GM presents itself as the innovator of all things automotive and powerful, while at the same time holds out hope for an efficient, fuel saving, attractive, and hip family sedan.  Quite a feat!

[ Car Connection ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvettes of the Future | 0 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

Earlier this week, Rick Kranz of the Automotive News speculated that there might be a Four Door Corvette in the future.  Reasons for this speculation include:

First, Porsche is planning on the Panamera by 2009, Aston Martin's Rapide arrives next year, and Maserati has the Quattroporte now.  Each of these brands started with a reputation for stylish two-seaters only.

Second, Bob Lutz has admitted to having the same notion about Corvette.

Corvette Blog would like to suggest that the proposal in the Automotive News wouldn't be successful!  But if Mssrs. Lutz, Welborn, and Wallace of GM worked on it, they could probably put together a convincing design, don't you think?

[ Automotive News ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvettes of the Future | 3 Comments Permalink

Jim Dunne has provided the best photographs to date of the coming Corvette SS!  Just published by Popular Mechanics, shots from all sides give us a tantalizing look at what's on its way.

A power-plant dispensing 650 horsepower (or more), combined with an anticipated greater usage of carbon fiber throughout the vehicle to reduce weight, will result in unbelievable performance capabilities right out of dealers' showrooms.  Certainly the rumored cost of over $100,000 will limit the customer base, but once again the "performance for the buck" factor will make Corvette SS a runaway winner!

[ Popular Mechanics ]

[ Related Corvette Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 3 Comments Permalink

Car & Driver today published a recent interview with Dr. Bob Lutz in regard to the upcoming Corvette SS.  Of course, the concern has been on how the recently announced HOLD on rear wheel architecture GM vehicle development might affect Corvette.  "Not at all" is the correct answer!

In an article they published under the title "2009 CORVETTE BLUE DEVIL CONFIRMED AND IN FINAL TUNING PHASE," Alisa Priddle reports that confirms Chevrolet's plan to have significantly more horsepower than Viper's 600, but certainly not 700 until at least the second year of the SS variant.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Tim the Toolman on the Home Improvement sitcom was always after “more power.” Those are certainly the appropriate words to describe the upcoming C7 Corvette.

According to Jim McQueen, GM’s VP of global product development, as reported in the May issue of Motor Trend magazine, power for the C7 ZO6/SS successor will climb to about 700hp.

He is stated as saying, “We’re working hard to get that power onto the pavement.”

[ Motor Trend ]

[ Home Improvement ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

My snail mail copy of Corvette Fever just hit the in-box, and they have published a timetable on our highly anticipated Corvette SS.  Claiming infallibility from a GM insider, the author of the article states that this vehicle program was officially initiated on June 20, 2005.

The Anticipated Validation Testing completion date is October 15, 2007.  The Start of Production Date is March 8, 2008, less than a year away!

Body modifications of a grander sort than have been seen in any "spy shots" will be required to accommodate P335/25R20 tires.  The inside word is that the supercharged 6.2L LS9 engine will produce 650 horses and 650 foot-pounds of torque!  The transmission will be the six-speed MTX.  Electronic limited-slip differential and a next generation brake and engine intervention traction control system round out the package.

That ought to put thoughts of Vipers out of the minds of the last hold-outs!

[ Corvette Fever ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvette Production , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

GMsource.com is showing an alternative concept of the coming Corvette SS.  Chris Pauwels has taken the same information we used from the scooped SS being shipped out of Romulus for Germany, and penned a proposed look.  Please click to see it as I have not requested permission to use the photo.

Chris thinks that the hood will be raised perhaps an inch or two, but with no air scoop in the hood at all.  I agree that everything I've seen would accommodate this look, but I'm still leaning to the photo I showed a few days ago here at the Corvette Blog.

[ Corvette Blog Story ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

A report out of the Geneva Auto Show this week suggests that future Corvettes (as well as all other Chevrolet products) will be designed to accomodate right-hand and left-hand drive.  They will be true world cars.  The program will take as long as five years to roll out entirely.

[ NewsPress ]

[ Related Story ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

When Winding Road broke their story about their bogus black Corvette SS, do you remember the hulking scoop on the hood?

When Jalopnik and others revealed the "real photos" of the red Corvette SS at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus last month, did you notice the cover/bra over the hood?  It is not hiding a raised scoop, right?  Where did it go?

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette Pictures , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

According to the Detroit News this past Saturday, photographs published on the new Corvette SS prototype with supercharger were removed from the website fast-autos.net.  They remain now two days later at three other websites (at the least): Jalopnik, GM Source, and Edmunds.

The question would be why can the photos be shown at some sites, and not others? What’s your take?

[ Detroit News ]

[ Jalopnik ]

[ GM Source ]

[ Edmunds ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

GM had said that they will improve the value of the storied SS nameplate in the Chevrolet franchise, and the next step is finally underway!  The SS Concept Car shown was introduced some years ago when the announcement was first made.

According to sources at AutoBlog today, the production code for the upcoming Corvette super powered performance machine is GMX245-SSC.  It is now clear that this rockin' 600hp (or more) Vette will be a version of the C6 generation because the first part of the code, GMX245, is used for the current C6 Base and Z06 models.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 2 Comments Permalink

Just announced by Chevrolet today: the Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06 version will be available this spring. It carries an MSRP of $77,500, including destination. OnStar and the navigation system are the only options; and when equipped with them, the price is $79,945.

This special Corvette Z06 is the first signed special edition in Corvette’s 54-year history, and is the first Arctic White Z06 ever offered. Only 399 are planned for production: approximately 300 for the United States, 33 for Canada and 66 for other export markets.

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Pictures , Corvette Pricing , Corvette Production , Corvettes of the Future | 4 Comments Permalink

As I walked into the massive display room of Cobo Hall, the first car that grabbed my attention was the equally massive Audi R10 diesel powered race car.  One local columnist and amateur race car driver, Henry Payne, stated in the Detroit News that this competitor is "the most significant car in the North American International Auto Show."

And significant it is!  In June 2006, the diesel powered Audi R10 won the world's prize competition, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  As Payne noted, "it became the first non-gasoline powered car in the 74-year history of the legendary French competition to finish first!

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Events , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

DETROIT -- Corvette rumors are as rampant these days as tabloid stories about Nick and Jessica. But aficionados' antennae are picking up emanations from deep inside General Motors that Chevrolet is readying an ultra Vette for 2008 that should outgun the new Z06

Posted By J.P. In 2009 Corvette ZR1 , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Having a Corvette Z06 is something special. Owners will wait in line for these high performance machines, and now, it only gets better and is worth the wait.

Lingenfelter has really come up with something special. This $50,000 add on can give you 800 horsepower, yes, 800. Jalopnik reports:

Corvette Z06 owners looking for ways to spend the spread between their car's dealer-premium price and the sticker of, say, a Ferrari F430 or Porsche 911 Turbo need only call the boys at Lingenfelter. Give the venerable Corvette tuning house 8-12 weeks and $50,000, and they'll turn any Z06 into a twin-turbo, 800hp rocket sled.

Posted By Ryan In Corvettes of the Future | 2 Comments Permalink

One German automaker has the right idea. Edmunds.com reports Geiger Cars is modifying the 505 HP Corvette and adding an additional 42 HP to give it a whopping 542 HP! According to the article,

The STAGE 1 performance treatment contains a free-flow intake air guiding with sport air filter, special exhaust manifolds, steel bed catalysts, four large chrome exhaust tips, and engine tuning including special mapping for the ECU.

Now if you happen to have an extra $114,000 laying around... give em a call!

Posted By Ryan In Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink