Corvette Racing Off to a Good GT1 Start
The Corvette C6.R GT1 Competition vehicle has been well documented over the last few years for its impressive performance, incredible build, and gorgeous Corvette looks. Over that time, though, it's race results have been mixed and varied. Corvette Racing did end their 2010 Race season with an impressive (albeit close, and a little lucky) victory which came directly as result of their pit crew managing their fueling better than the opponents (especially Ferrari, whose race leading vehicle ran out of gas--literally--on the homestretch of the final lap). Before that great win at the Petit Le Mans, though, the Corvette Racing season hadn't been as promising. Some great top-3 finishes were marred by other less than stellar showings at major races.
This season, however, looks to be off to a great start from the get-go. While not officially 2011, the first GT1 event of the year is underway, and the Corvette C6.R made a great showing by putting down the quickest opening-day pre race qualification times. The driver who managed this, also, is not one of last year's Corvette Racing regulars, but was instead one of two Brazilian newcomers to the Corvette team.
Sergio Jimenez, the driver who set the benchmark for his competition with a 1:33.024 time on the 2.676-mile Autódromo José Carlos Pace, is a Brazilian born driver who has spent the last few years between various different levels of racing. With victories at GP2 and A1GP, Jimenez also represents Lamborghini in the GT3 race division. He will, in fact, be pulling double-duty this weekend and driving both the GT1 C6.R and the GT3 Lambo car.
Of course, Jimenez's knowledge of the Brazilian course gave him a bit of a home-field advantage. Knowledge of the course, actually, accounted for quiet a disparity in qualifying times, as the top 4 drivers were all Brazilians. The good news there is that Jimenez topped his Brazilian brethren, who were driving such vehicles as the GT1 Lamborghini Murcielago and the Maserati MC12 (who posted the third and second best times, respectively). While these qualification times don't immediately mean a great deal for the season ahead, they do present some great promise.
When asked about his time driving the Corvette, Jimenez compared it to his GT3 Lamborghini and said, "The main difference I have noticed between this car and the GT3 Lamborghini I have driven is the brakes and the torque. It has great torque which is going to good for us in the uphill sections.”
Of course, Jimenez wasn't the only person making their GT1 debut inside of a Corvette Racing C6.R. Joining the team alongside Jimenez was Claudio Dahruj, who is acting as his co-driver for the race. Here's to hoping for great times from this Brazilian race tandem in the future when they're behind the wheels of the Corvette Racing C6.R. If you want to watch their performance this week, also, it will be airing on Speed2, live, on Sunday at 12p.m.
2011 Corvette Carbon Z06 Edition MSRP Released
Its official, looks like pricing on the highly anticipated 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition has leaked out. If you remember, the Z06 Corvette Carbon Edition has been in the media since last March and MSRP pricing has remained a mystery. The Z06 Carbon Edition features the Brembo Dark Grey Metallic Calipers, carbon ceramic rotors, and black spoke 20" front, 19" rear wheels. The Z06 Carbon edition also includes magnetic ride control and enhanced cooling features. Exterior enhancements include choice of color, Inferno Orange or Supersonic Blue, as well as Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter. Inside the new Corvette Carbon Z06 there is ebony and suede interior with blue or orange stitching, very nice!
Production is supposed to begin in January of 2011….Pricing is going to start at $90,960 MSRP, fully loaded you can expect to be set back $99,925
2011 CORVETTE LINEUP – MORE CAPABLE AND DIVERSE THAN EVER
DETROIT – Chevrolet Corvette, America's sports car, enters its 58th year with a broad lineup and more personalization choices than ever. The lineup includes Corvette coupe and convertible; Corvette Grand Sport coupe and convertible; Corvette Z06 and Corvette ZR1.
Corvette and Grand Sport models are powered by the 430-horsepower (321 kW) LS3 V-8, while the racing-inspired Corvette Z06 is equipped with the 505-horsepower (377 kW) LS7 engine and built on a lightweight chassis. The Corvette ZR1 is powered by a unique, supercharged LS9 6.2L engine, and is the fastest, most powerful car ever offered by Chevrolet.
The Corvette Grand Sport was a knockout hit in its debut last year, accounting for approximately half of all coupe sales and 70 percent of convertibles. Customers were drawn to its blend of the Corvette's capable chassis and powertrain, with enhanced handling attributes. It also featured wider fenders, specific front fenders, unique wheels and other exclusive cues.
Corvette Grand Sport returns for 2011 with Magnetic Ride Control as an option – with new Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires included when the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission and Magnetic Ride Control.
New features offered on all 2011 Corvette models include:
• Two new exterior colors: Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue, bringing the total to 10 exterior color choices for all models
• Available contrasting-color headlamp housings, in Cyber Gray, Black or Blade Silver
• New interior custom color stitching options: blue, red or yellow
• USB port and input jack included with the navigation radio
• Larger cross-drilled brake rotors available on Corvette coupe and convertible (even larger cross-drilled rotors, with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, are standard on Grand Sport).
Corvette performance
The 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the engine in Corvette and Grand Sport models. It is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system. An optional dual-mode exhaust system brings a power rating increase to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm). A standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional six-speed automatic paddle-shift automatic are offered.
Launch control is standard on manual transmission-equipped models, and optimizes performance for full-throttle starts on a track. In competitive mode, the system will hold a predetermined engine speed while the driver pushes the throttle to the floor. That allows the driver to quickly release the clutch and the system modulates engine torque 100 times per second to maximize the available traction. The system is capable of approaching a skilled driver's best effort and repeats it consistently.
Corvette and Grand Sport models have a hydroformed steel rail backbone structure, which features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure. Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering gear deliver low mass, direct response and great driver feedback.
Coupe and convertible models offer two suspension choices that allow drivers to choose the setup that best suits their driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling. The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces, and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. It includes larger, cross-drilled brake rotors.
Corvette interior and features
Corvette's interior is inspired by the car's dual-cockpit heritage. High-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim with the look of a leather panel. It is warm and inviting and has double the life of conventional trim materials.
An AM/FM/XM radio with CD player and audio input jack is standard. An optional Bose audio system or an in-dash six-disc changer is available. Steering-wheel mounted audio controls are on all models. XM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription is included with the Bose audio system.
A full-function OnStar system with Turn-by-Turn Navigation capability is standard, and an onboard navigation system with voice recognition is available. It is a DVD-based system that uses a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display.
Corvette also features keyless access. When the owner touches the door's touch pad, the key fob's signal unlocks the door. The system's emergency key and other remote-function controls are integrated in a single unit.
A custom leather-wrapped interior package is offered on all models. It offers a stylish, two-tone leather-appointed cabin with details that enhance the feeling of Corvette's craftsmanship. Details include:
• Leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats
• Choice of exclusive colors: Dark Titanium, Ebony, Cashmere or Sienna, with unique color breakup
• Padded door panel armrests
• "Corvette" embroidered on passenger-side dash pad
• Embroidered crossed flags logo on headrests
• Unique center trim plate with a gunmetal pattern.
Grand Sport details
The Grand Sport combines the Corvette's LS3-based powertrain with wide-body styling, a wider track and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing.
Zero-60 performance of four seconds, skid pad adhesion of 1 g and an EPA-estimated 26 mpg on the highway make for a rare combination of performance, handling and efficiency.
Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for track events, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. Magnetic Ride Control is available and with manual transmission models, includes Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires.
The complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes:
• Wider front and rear fenders – including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges
• Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler
• Functional brake ducts and extra cooling
• Eighteen-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels; painted finish standard and chrome finish optional
• Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear
• Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers
• Specific manual transmission gear ratios
• Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models.
With its special equipment, the Grand Sport offers a unique blend of performance and amenities. Its suspension package approaches that of the Z06, but includes a removable roof on coupes (Z06 has a fixed roof) and, of course, the availability of a convertible body style. Also, the paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission is offered, while a manual transmission is the only choice with the Z06.
All of Corvette's exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport, and an available Heritage package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The Grand Sport can be ordered with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages, too.
Z06 details
With its racing-inspired powertrain and suspension features, along with an aluminum frame and carbon fiber fenders and floor panels, the Corvette Z06 delivers exceptional levels of capability and technology. And with a curb weight of only 3,175 pounds (1440 kg), it's the lightest, best-balanced Corvette model and one of the most svelte super cars on the market.
Indeed, racing is in the Corvette Z06's DNA and many owners' cars see double duty as daily drivers and weekend road course warriors. It's what the car was designed for and, compared to other sports cars that cost up to double – or more – the Z06 offers competitive levels of performance at a lower price.
Chevrolet brings significant updates to the Z06 for 2011, with special packages and new options that enhance performance and styling, while also offering greater personalization choices. They include:
• New standard Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires and exhaust system tuning
• New Z07 Performance Package
• New CFZ Carbon Fiber Package
• Z06 Carbon Limited Edition model
• Two new exterior colors: Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue, bringing the total to 10 exterior color choices for all models
• Available contrasting-color headlamps, in Cyber Gray, Black or Blade Silver
• New interior custom color stitching option, in red, blue or yellow
• USB port and input jack included with the navigation radio.
The Z07 Performance Package brings greater handling and braking capability to the Z06, with:
• Brembo ceramic brakes, with gray metallic calipers, similar to those offered on the Corvette ZR1
• Magnetic Ride Control
• Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires
• Twenty-spoke wheels in competition gray (19 x 10-inch front, 20 x 12-inch rear).
The CFZ Carbon Fiber Package gives the Z06 lightweight aero enhancements similar to those found on the ZR1. Included in the optional package is a black-painted carbon fiber front splitter, rockers, roof panel and a body-color full-width rear spoiler.
The Z06 Carbon limited-edition model blends the performance features of the Z07 package and the styling cues of the Carbon Fiber package. In addition to the features included with both new packages, this sinister-looking Z06 also includes:
• A raised carbon fiber hood
• Black wheels, outside mirrors and headlamp housings
• A special engine cover
• A leather and suede interior with body-color stitching
• Special graphics commemorating 50 years of Le Mans racing (installation left to the customer's discretion)
• Special vehicle identification number sequence.
The Z06 Carbon is designed to be the best Corvette for track events, with the chassis and aerodynamic features of the ZR1 complemented by the lower curb weight and balance of the naturally aspirated Z06. Chevrolet will build no more than 500 examples of the Z06 Carbon; it is available in Supersonic Blue or Inferno Orange.
ZR1 details
With its performance and cultural credentials intact, the Corvette ZR1 enters its third year of production with minor changes aimed at broadening the personalization options for customers. That includes a pair of new exterior colors – Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue – which brings the exterior color roster to 10; available contrasting-color headlamps, offered in Cyber Gray, Black and Blade Silver; and a new interior custom color stitching option.
It's beneath the skin, of course, where the ZR1 earns its street cred. Highlights include:
• LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 rated at 638 horsepower (476 kW), and 604 lb.-ft. of torque (819 Nm)
• Six-speed, close-ratio, race-proven manual transmission
• High-capacity dual-disc clutch
• Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube
• Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip
• Twenty-spoke, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
• Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires – P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear – developed specifically for the ZR1
• Standard Brembo carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors – 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear
• Blue-painted brake calipers
• Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension
• Launch Control system with Performance Traction Management technology
• Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual ports
• Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window – offering a view of the intercooler below it
• Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, visible carbon-fiber weave
• ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections
• Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout
• Curb weight of 3,333 pounds (1,512 kg).
The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. It has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco model that is expected to deliver up to an estimated 40 mpg highway, and 2011 Chevrolet Volt that will offer 25-50 miles of electric driving and an additional 310 miles of extended range with the onboard generator (based on GM testing). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
2011 Corvette Grand Sport Overview
The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport returns after a very successful reintroduction as a 2010 model year vehicle. The Corvette Grand Sport was originally criticized as it was 'just a replacement for the Z51 handling package' but when the 2010 Grand Sport hit the market; it did so with rave reviews.
The 2011 Corvette Grand Sport offers Z06-like handling qualities and styling without the higher horsepower and high price tag of the 2011 Corvette Z06. The 2011 Grand Sport is powered by the same 430 horsepower LS3 as the standard 2011 Corvette but unlike the high performance Z06 and ZR1, the 2011 Grand Sport is available as a convertible so you can have your world class handling in a drop top Vette. Also, the Grand Sport offers an optional paddle-shifted automatic transmission in addition to the standard 6-speed manual transmission (Z06 and ZR1 are manual only).
The exterior of the 2011 Grand Sport features wider front fenders wide integrated Grand Sport badges with wider rear quarter panels as well. This wider body allows for a more aggressive stance and allows more room for the Grand Sport's massive high performance tires. For 2011, the Grand Sport (and all other 2011 Corvette models) is available in two additional colors - Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue – and there is a new option of selecting headlight housing painted in contrasting colors (Cyber Gray, Black or Blade Silver) to the exterior color. Finally, the 2011 Grand Sport wears the same front end splitter and rear spoiler that is found on the Z06.
The 2011 Corvette Grand Sport offers an automatic transmission and convertible option that is not available in the Z06 but the Grand Sport shares a massive brake system the pricier Z06, featuring 14-inch front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch rear rotors with four-piston calipers. The Grand Sport also has functional ductwork to keep this high end braking system cool. Next, the 2011 Grand Sport has a race-tuned suspension very similar to the setup found in the Corvette Z06 with tuned shocks, springs and stabilizer bars to make this Corvette very capable on the track with skid pad adhesion over 1g. New for 2011, Grand Sport buyers can select the Magnetic Ride Control System from the Corvette ZR1 supercar – giving this low priced Corvette Grand Sport a suspension system that is nearly unparalleled around the world.
The goal for the 2011 Chevrolet Grand Sport is to offer handling capabilities that allows a buyer to take the car to the track on the weekends but the LS3 V8 offers improved fuel economy to make the 2011 Grand Sport a friendlier daily driver. Also, the use of the standard Corvette engine allows new Grand Sport buyers the handling capabilities of the Z06 and ZR1 in either a coupe or convertible with a price starting around $55,000 (coupe) to $59,000 (convertible). This is around a $5,000 markup from the base Corvette but falls well short of the $75,000 price tag of the Z06.
Corvette C6 Power Window Reindexing….
If you ever disconnect the battery from your Corvette C6, you are going to want to know how to reindex your windows...This little trick is simple and is in the owners manual but most folks so not know it is there. We figured it would be easier for you if we also posted it here.
After a power reconnect such as battery replacement, the
window index-up feature will not function until the system
is initialized. Once power is restored, do the following:
1. Close the door.
2. Raise the window by pulling up the switch.
3. Hold the up switch for three seconds after the
window is closed. Release the switch.
4. Hold the up switch again for three seconds and
release.
This is called resetting of the window indexing or power window initialize and is in the owner's manual. See page 2-17 of the 2005 owner’s manual, page 2-18 of the 2006 owner’s manual, page 87 of the 2007 owner’s manual, page 2-18 of the 2008 owner’s manual, page 2-18 of the 2009 owner's manual, page 3-18 of the 2010 owner's manual, or 2-18 of the 2011 owner's manual.
Another Z06X Update
This will, most likely, be the last time that I post an update pertaining to the Corvette Z06X (at least, so far as its appearance at SEMA is concerned), but I came across a video with a live walk-around of the vehicle that I felt really needed to be shared, as well. If you're like me, you think the Z06X is, in its theory, a fantastic vehicle idea with a ton of promise. I'd love to see Chevrolet do a limited release run of the vehicle to consumers, as I'm certain a lot of track-warriors would be ecstatic to have their hand on one. This video--the first half of which provides a walk-around of the Camaro SSX (Chevrolet's Camaro track companion to the Z06X)--provides a pretty great look at the vehicle and some information directly from one of the team leads in charge of its construction.
Check it out, and enjoy! (If you want to skip the Camaro SSX portion, skip ahead to 3:00. I recommend watching the entire thing, though, as what they did with a heavy Camaro is pretty interesting as well).
Corvette Z06X at SEMA
I wrote a detail of the Z06X earlier this week, and today some images of the vehicle have hit the web from SEMA. The Z06X is, on paper as impressive a Corvette as exists, and the sort of vehicle that GM would be silly not to offer in some capacity to its consumers. Other than that, there's not a whole lot more about the vehicle I can say that I haven't already, other than that I really want one. Hopefully, in the week or two following SEMA, GM will take their Z06X out to a racetrack and let us know just what the car's capable of. Until then, here are a few more pictures of the vehicle from SEMA to provide a tiny bit of satiation to your desire.
SEMA Corvette Preview
We've been able to see the SEMA Chevrolet Preview video, but more information came out today directly detailing the two special Corvette models that Chevrolet will be unveiling at SEMA this year. SEMA, the annual car show which has developed a very large following and great reputation, has become one of the premiere conventions for vehicle releases. SEMA has given a strong focus to aftermarket modifications, but, in the last couple years that focus has also been met by an excitement from the major manufacturers themselves to meet the demands of the consumer towards high-end vehicle modification. The Chevrolet Corvettes being presented to the SEMA crowd this year show a definite lean in that direction, too, and are new, exciting entires in to America's favorite vehicle line-up.
Corvette Jake Edition
The Corvette Jake Edition, which was hinted at in the Chevrolet SEMA Preview video I shared last week, is an exciting new modified Corvette build from the brilliant team at Jake's Racing. The Jake icon has become synonymous with Corvette performance (in much the same way that SLK and Dinan have been with Mercedes and BMW, respectively), and Corvette is capitalizing on the respect of this brand identity by showcasing their new Jake Corvette. The Jake Corvette is highlighted by a vast number of Chevrolet created Genuine Corvette Accessories, which provide visual modification touches to the vehicle's interior and exterior stylings. The Jake Corvette, is at its base, a showcased Grand Sport (outfitted with Competition Gray Z06 wheels), but the additions given to it by Corvette are numerous.
The most obvious of the exterior modifications are the custom paint and graphic job given to the vehicle. From the Jake Racing icon on the 2009 GT1 American Le Mans Series Corvette Racing hood, to the custom colored accent lines, this special edition Grand Sport goes to great lengths to truly catch the eye. Other, new, GCA parts featured in the vehicle are Jake floor mats, Jake racing custom leather interior pieces (center console lid, steering wheel, etc.), and center wheel caps. These pieces, featured on the SEMA Jake Corvette, are not yet available, but will be soon through GCA and GCA dealers.
Official Chevrolet Press Release:
2011 CHEVROLET CORVETTE JAKE EDITION CONCEPT
He started off as a discreet logo in 2005 that symbolized a tenacious attitude of the Corvette Racing team and ever since, the skull mascot known as Jake has grown to embody the determination and triumphs of the team. Now, Chevrolet designers have created the Corvette Jake Edition Concept, a special Grand Sport convertible concept vehicle that celebrates Corvette’s racing spirit.
The Corvette Jake Edition is a Grand Sport Coupe, with Z06 wheels featuring the Competition Gray finish. The matte Jake hood graphic from the GT1 commemorative model adds a subtle visual statement, while a host of other accessories round out the car’s unique appearance. Most of the parts added to this special Grand Sport are available today as Genuine Corvette Accessories or through any Chevrolet dealer’s parts department.
“Jake is more than the mascot for Corvette Racing, he personifies the Corvette spirit,” said Dave Ross, design manager. “We designed this concept to demonstrate how any enthusiast could create his own Jake special model with parts available from any Chevrolet dealership.”
Some of the accessories used to create the Corvette Jake concept are not currently available, but are planned for future release, including Jake-logo floor mats, console lid, wheel center caps and more. Other parts, including the hood graphic and Z06 wheels, are offered as Genuine Corvette Accessories.
“The Corvette has long inspired car enthusiasts to personalize it. The Jake concept shows one very unique way to do it,” said Ross. “With the great variety of accessories and other parts available, there’s virtually no limit to how you can make your Corvette stand apart from all others.”
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
- Black color
- Corvette Z06 wheels in Competition Gray
- “Corvette”-logo windshield header graphic (concept)
- GT1 Championship Edition Jake-logo hood graphic
- Jake-logo wheel center caps (future)
- Jake-logo fender badge (concept)
- Jake-logo underhood blanket and lighting package (future)
- Chevrolet Accessory full-width rear spoiler in Cyber Gray Interior:
- Ebony leather with titanium stitching and red accents on the seats
- Chevrolet Accessory interior trim kit
- Chevrolet Accessory racing pedal kit
- Chevrolet Accessory “Jake” floor mats (future)
- Chevrolet Accessory “Jake” console lid (future) Performance:
- LS3 6.2L V-8 with Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission
- Chevrolet Accessory Tech-pattern engine cover
So, this Jake Edition Corvette is a great looking, very cool Corvette, but it's the second Corvette that Chevrolet is unveiling at SEMA that really has me excited, and that leads us to:
The Corvette Z06X Track Car
This new Z06 build, being presented by Chevrolet at SEMA as a potential future available model, is one of the more exciting Corvette models to be released in some time. It appears that Chevrolet took the knowledge they gained from the positive press and popularity their Z06 Carbon brought them, are taking it a step further with this newest Z06 Iteration. Similar, in basic form, to the 2009 Competition Sport Corvette, this Z06X favors the weekend track racer over the Sunday driver. With a focus on track performance, the Z06X does away with most of the basic (and beloved) Corvette amenities, and focuses instead on pure racing performance.
Based on the Corvette Z06 with the 1LZ Competition Package, this Z06X is a completely stripped-down, bare-bone, track-ready race monster. The Z06X is outfitted with the Z07 Performance Package and the CFZ Carbon Fiber Package, but the Carbon Fiber additions don't stop there. The Z06X also borrows the ZR1's Carbon Fiber roof and b-pillars and the Z06 Carbon's Carbon Fiber Raised Hood. In working to keep it light, they also stripped the vehicle down from its amenities. How stripped down? The Z06X has no noise-deadening materials, no carpet, and no radio.
The racing modifications keep going, too. With a grocery list of race-enhancing modifications, one has to wonder just what sort of world-beater this Z06X will be. Other racing modifications outfitted on the vehicle include: adjustable carbon fiber rear wing, a polycarbonate rear window, a roll cage (with camera mount), Corvette racing seat with safety harness, racing wheels, adjustable coil-over struts and stabilizer bars, and Genuine Corvette Accessories (GCA) racing pedals.
Official Chevrolet Press Release:
2011 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06X TRACK CAR CONCEPT
Corvette is a mainstay on racing circuits ranging from LeMans to club racing. Chevrolet’s Corvette Z06X Concept suggests a new idea and components for transforming a production Corvette into a serious, closed-course track car.
The Corvette Z06X Concept showcases how an enthusiast can leverage Chevrolet’s expanding portfolio of performance parts to create a full-on track car. Chevrolet teamed with Pratt and Miller, partners in Corvette Racing in the American LeMans Series, to create this Z06X track car concept.
“Racing is an integral part of Corvette performance and technology,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “This concept car represents a mid-point between our GT race car and the production Z06, prepared by the team responsible for the Corvette Racing C6.R race cars, and featuring many performance parts owners can choose today.”
The Z06X concept is based on the Corvette Z06 with the 1LZ equipment package, along with the Z07 Performance Package and CFZ Carbon Fiber Package. The 2011 Z06 with the Z07 package creates the lightest production Corvette and includes carbon ceramic brakes and Magnetic Ride Control, while the CFZ package offers body components that enhance aerodynamic down force on the race track, including a front splitter.
The Z06X Concept features competition-oriented modifications including: an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing, a polycarbonate rear window, roll cage, racing seat and safety harness, racing wheels, suspension enhancements – including coil-over struts with fully adjustable camber plates – racing-spec cooling system and more. The radio, carpeting and sound-deadening material are also removed.
The concept vehicle wears a low-gloss Icy White Metallic exterior color, accented with exposed carbon fiber body components and red trim. It rides on black racing wheels and racing tires. The interior is all business, with a racing seat, window net and roll cage-mounted camera system. It includes a racing pedal kit, a Genuine Corvette Accessory.
“It’s a classic case of form following function,” said Dave Ross, design manager. “The exterior color and accents were carefully selected to enhance the Corvette’s racing-influenced design, but there’s nothing superfluous in the Z06X’s design – everything is there for a reason.”
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS Exterior:
- Low-gloss Icy White Metallic color with exposed carbon fiber and red accents
- 2011 CFZ-option carbon fiber package, including splitter and rockers
- Adjustable carbon fiber wing
- ZR1 carbon fiber roof panel and B-pillar panels
- Carbon fiber raised hood (from the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition)
- Carbon fiber headlamp housings from Specter Werkes/Sports
- Weight-saving and shatter-resistant polycarbonate rear window
Interior:
- Base Z06 1LZ trim
- Radio, carpeting and sound-deadening material removed
- SCCA-spec roll cage
- SCCA-approved window net
- Racing seat with five-point safety harness
- Fire suppression system
- Driver’s drink system
- Video camera system mounted on the roll cage
- Genuine Corvette Accessory racing pedal kit
Performance:
- LS7 7.0L V-8 engine and Tremec six-speed manual transmission
- Low-restriction air intake system
- High-capacity radiator and enhanced cooling system
- New-for-2011 Z07 Performance Package, feature Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors and special brake pads
- Lightweight racing wheels in black; 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear)
- Michelin racing tires
- Mono-ball control arm bushing
- Adjustable stabilizer bars
- Coil-over struts with adjustable camber plates
