GMI Gets a Week with the Volt
For all of you followers of the Volt, the online GM media tracker GMinsidenews.com got a week with Chevy's lime lit electric vehicle. The consensus is, not surprisingly, that it's a great car, and a very worthy adversary of the Leaf and Prius. The author of the article, Nick Saporito—an editor for the online company, thoroughly enjoyed driving the Volt. He writes about how well it charges, how it handles and the changes in lifestyle that owners and hopefully employers would benefit from making in their daily routines and buildings. Here's the article in full and what he had to say:
Living Electric: 2011 Chevrolet Volt
Living with the revolutionary Volt doesn't require revolutionary changes.
www.GMInsideNews.com
July 22, 2011
By: Nick Saporito
Having already spent time behind the wheel of Chevrolet's extended range electric vehicle, I knew what to expect. I expected a vehicle that — despite being a technological marvel — is a very livable vehicle that does not fundamentally alter the driver's daily life. And to a large degree, living with a Volt for a week left me with some very predictable opinions.
Perhaps the biggest change one should expect when driving the Volt has nothing to do with the car's technology but everything to do with its image. Living in the Midwest, far from any of Volt's initial launch markets, I felt like I was piloting a rock star. From the carhop at Sonic to random store parking lot patrons, the car got an immense amount of attention. Even the local GM dealership had to check out the Volt.
Having driven a variety of new vehicles, many of which are designed to be attention-getters, none captured the amount of attention the Volt got. Though the Volt's design is quite attractive for a small car, I think a lot of the attention is instead based on the fact that many people are pleased to see the "home team" generate a car that is both technologically mighty and socially responsible.
Going from my gas-only Pontiac G8 to the Volt did lead to one small change in my garage layout. There are no electrical outlets on the driver's side (of that parking spot), so in an effort to prevent running electrical cords all over, the Volt was parked on the other side. We find it likely that many Volt owners will have to modify their garages to some degree, either by changing parking spots or installing new electrical outlets.
In the back of every Volt is a 120-volt charger for the car. This was the only charger we could utilize with our test car. The charger itself is fairly compact, about the size of a small shoebox. The 120-volt charger does its job well, but the nearly 10-hour charging time (from a completely drained battery) is perhaps not ideal. During the first few days with the Volt we could not get it to 100-percent charge, largely due to the fact that this reviewer rarely ever stayed out of the car for 10-hours straight.
Another charging note is that this particular Volt liked to honk the horn frequently while charging. The honk was fairly subdued and I later found out from the owner's manual that it was honking because charging was stopping momentarily, then restarting. Despite further research, I never was able to determine what ceased the charging, but it is worth noting that at times the car was charging in extremely hot conditions. The battery fans were almost always running while the car was charging at night. Neither the honking nor the fan noises were ever loud enough to disturb anyone in the house, even in an attached garage.
Volt owners can (and should) opt for the 220-volt charger. The upgraded charger has to be hard-wired into your home's electrical system, meaning professional installation is a must for most. The beefier charger reduces the charge time to less than half of that required by the 120-volt charger.
One issue Volt owners are likely to run into is their employer, should they desire to charge the car at work. During my week with the car it became clear that there were virtually no parking spaces at my employer designed for an electric vehicle. Perhaps that is the beauty of the Volt - it does not have to be charged all the time.
My thoughts on driving the Volt are already on record, and living with the car only amplified my initial thoughts from last year's media drive. The car is tremendously fun considering its main purpose is as an "eco friendly" form of transportation.
During the week-long test, it was difficult for this reviewer not to drive the Volt in sport mode almost continuously. Many cars have various drive mode settings, but only the Volt's is so drastically different from normal mode. The improved acceleration is obvious and downright fun.
Really the only pitfall from a performance perspective is the car's slick, fuel-economy-enhancing tires. A set of stickier rubber would complement the Volt's already surprisingly fun-to-drive package.
Stopping to unplug the car every morning to depart on my commute was a small novelty that, frankly, was kind of cool. Even better was the fact that charging the Volt only cost $1.00 per day on my electric company's rates. Shelling out that $1.00 was a far cry from my normal $60.00 haul at the fuel pump with my personal car.
Another novelty that comes with the Volt is the car's pedestrian alert chirp. While a serious feature with serious uses, I can't lie… it was entertaining to chirp the car when people were already checking the car out as I drove by.
During my week with the Volt I burned only 3.4 gallons of fuel, ultimately yielding in excess of 100 MPG with the car. It is worth noting that I charged the car every night (which was not always to 100 percent) and took the car on three road trips that required extended range mode.
My Volt tester was the 420th Volt built according to the car's infotainment system. Every Volt keeps track of its lifetime fuel economy rating, and this particular tester's lifetime fuel economy average was around 50 MPG, which likely includes a lot of long-distance trips considering the region of the country it is utilized in.
Overall, living with the Volt is much as expected: simple. Future Volt owners are likely going to have to adapt their garages and beg their employers to install charging stations to avoid the fuel pump at all costs. Other than that, owners are getting an eco-car that would run circles around the arch rival Toyota Prius both on the race track and runway.
2011 Chevrolet Volt
MSRP: $43,390 (The first 250,000 Volts sold can qualify for a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit)
EPA Ratings: 93 eMPG / 37 MPG Gas Only
Observed Fuel Economy: 102 MPG (electric/gas combined)
Test Car Historical Average: 50 MPG (electric/gas combined)
Pros: Electric car without much hassle, simple to drive, fun to drive.
Cons: Charging takes awhile, will likely require garage/employer modifications, still pricey technology.
Darius Khashabi and his Mother
Have you ever seen a motorcycle stunt rider? You know, the guys doing wheelies, stoppies, and standing on the seat going down the freeway at 70 mph? Here's some photographic hints if you have no idea what I'm talking about:
Have you ever asked yourself, "I wonder what his mother is like…"
Well, as it turns out, Darius is not only a world class motorcycle stunt rider, but an occasional track enthusiast with his C6. As it turns out, he happens to have a camera in his Vette, and wouldn't you know it—he took his mom out for some hot laps on the fabled Laguna Seca Raceway. Nothing too crazy for those accustomed to seeing 'Ring videos, or pure motorsports action, but when your mother gets in the car…everything changes.
Mild is wild, and ¾ throttle is plenty. The video is a charming little interaction between mother and son, and mostly mother screaming, but unbeknownst to her she's being filmed. She eventually finds out at the end and is a great sport about it, but it's still entertaining to watch, enjoy!
2011 Corvette Stats Released
The GM Corvette Assembly Plant just released statistics on 2011 Corvettes produced. A total of 13,596 were manufactured. Number of cars produced for each color are:
1) Black (2,891)
2) Torch Red (2,264)
3) Crystal Red (1,419)
4) Supersonic Blue (1,417)
5) Cyber Gray (1,197)
6) Arctic White (1,133)
7) Blade Silver (1,037)
Velocity Yellow (867)
9) Inferno Orange (790)
10) Jetstream Blue (581)
2011 CORVETTE Z06: AN INCOMPARABLE PERFORMER WITH NEW PERFORMANCE AND APPEARANCE PACKAGES
Source:GM Media
The Z06 is a Corvette like no other. With its racing-inspired powertrain and suspension features, along with an aluminum frame and carbon fiber fenders and floor panels, it delivers exceptional levels of capability and technology. And with a curb weight of only 1440 kg (3175 lbs), it's the lightest, best-balanced Corvette model and one of the most svelte supercars 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.
Z06 performance
Corvette Z06 is propelled by the LS7 7.0L (427 cubic inches) engine that delivers 505 horsepower (377 kW). Unique features include a racing-style dry-sump oiling system that helps ensure adequate oil pressure during high-load cornering. The LS7 engine powers a 1,440 kg (3,175 lb) package to help deliver 0-96 km/h performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter-mile times of 11.7 seconds at 201 km/h and a top speed of 318 km/h. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered with the engine.
The Corvette Z06's powertrain and drivetrain systems are matched to the LS7's performance capability. The light, four-into-one headers discharge into close-coupled catalytic converters and through two-mode mufflers. The mufflers each feature a vacuum-actuated outlet valve, which controls exhaust noise during low-load operation but opens for maximum power.
At the rear of the LS7 engine, a single-mass flywheel and lightweight, high-capacity clutch channel torque to the rear transaxle. The six-speed manual transmission is strengthened to handle the LS7's substantial torque load. It also incorporates a pump that sends transmission fluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluid removes additional heat from the differential lube before returning to the transmission. The six-speed transmission connects to a limited-slip differential, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rear wheels.
Architecture and suspension
The Z06 has an aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof body style. Perimeter rails are one-piece hydroformed aluminum members featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models. Advanced structural composites featuring carbon-fiber are bonded to the aluminum structure. The wider front wheelhouses, for example, are carbon composites, and the passenger compartment floors combine carbon-fiber skins with an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.
The Z06 has a magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and some front suspension components. Magnesium is lighter than aluminum, yet incredibly strong. The magnesium cradle helps improve the front-to-rear weight distribution, as do carbon-fiber front fenders and wheelhouses. Engineers also moved the battery from under the hood to a position in the rear cargo area, behind one of the rear wheels.
The Z06 retains the 2,686-mm (105.7-inch) wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long arm suspension and transverse spring design, but it rides on all-new wheels, tires and brakes, as well as its own rear spring and roll stabilizer. It's a firmer suspension that works harmoniously with large 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear. New Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires are standard.
Complementing the suspension system and large rolling stock is an equally capable four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 355 mm (14-inch) vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 340 mm (13.4-inch) vented and cross-drilled rear rotors.
The front rotors are acted upon by large, red-painted six-piston calipers that use six individual brake pads. Individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. The rear brakes use four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads. A four-channel ABS system is standard, as is a very competent active handling system - complete with a Competitive Driving mode.
Design elements
Aggressive is the best way to describe the Z06's design, with a wide-body, hunkered-down stance that is as functional as it is attractive. Highlights include:
- Wide front fascia with a large, forward-facing grille opening, a splitter along the bottom and wheel opening extensions along the sides to provide aerodynamic downforce
- Cold-air scoop in front of the hood that integrates an air inlet system for the engine
- Trailing edge of the front wheel opening is radiuses to achieve improved drag, but protects the body finish with a tough molding, and a large air extractor is behind the wheel
- Fixed-roof body style optimizes body rigidity and mass
- Wide rear fenders with flares cover the massive rear tires and a brake cooling scoop in front of the wheels visually balances the fender extractor
- Tall rear spoiler houses the CHMSL on the top of the rear fascia
- Ten-spoke spider-design wheels (18-inch front; 19-inch rear)
- Four large stainless steel exhaust outlets
- Z06 badging on the carbon-fiber front fenders.
The aerodynamics of the Z06's exterior were shaped by the experiences of the Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and cornering capability are paramount. While the race cars use large rear wings, the Z06's elevated spoiler provides sufficient downforce to balance the road-worthy front splitter without adversely affecting aerodynamic drag.
For all of its race-inspired functionality, the Z06 is designed to be a daily-drivable high-performance vehicle. To that end, comfort and convenience are held to a very high standard. Standard features include High-Intensity Discharge lighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration and head-up display (HUD) with track mode and g-meter.
The Z06 gauge cluster displays the Z06 logo on the 7000-redline tachometer, and has a readout on the oil pressure gauge to reflect the higher standard pressure of the dry-sump oiling system. The seats feature two-tone leather surfaces with Z06-logo embroidery and contrasting stitching.
Corvette Performance Reaches Higher in 2012
Interior enhancements, new performance packages highlight upgrades
2011-04-28
DETROIT – Chevrolet announced today that it will once again elevate Corvette's performance capabilities with a series of improvements for the 2012 model year that improve on-track performance and on-road comfort. They include enhancements to the high-performance Z06 and ZR1 models as well as interior upgrades across the Corvette lineup.
Sports car fans will get their first look at the 2012 models – including the racing-inspired appearance of the Chevrolet Centennial Edition – at a special event this weekend at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky. Production begins in July.
"We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track," says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer. "For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car."
New Michelin Cup ZP tires elevate Z06/ZR1 performance
Corvette's greater performance for 2012 begins with the new, optional Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which are available on the two highest-performing models, the lightweight, 505-hp (377 kW) Z06 and the maximum-performance, 638-hp (476 kW) supercharged ZR1. They are competition-oriented tires, optimized for warm, dry conditions to increase cornering and handling capability.
When combined with the Corvette's exclusive Performance Traction Management (PTM) technology – which manages torque delivery for maximum performance – the tires are expected to help set new benchmarks for Corvette performance. Engineers estimate an 8 percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration, to more than 1.1g, and improved braking distance. Testing at Virginia International Raceway has demonstrated improvement of approximately three seconds per lap.
The Cup ZP tires were developed by the same Michelin engineers who develop tires for Corvette Racing in the American Le Mans Series and are essentially street-legal versions of a racing tire. They are included in the optional Z07 performance package on the Corvette Z06 and a new PDE performance package on the ZR1. The 285/30-19 (front) and 335/25-20 (rear) tires are matched with all-new aluminum Cup-style wheels in satin black or machined finishes. They are about 2.2 kilograms lighter (5 lbs) and stronger than the 20-spoke wheel offered in 2011.
Performance Traction Management (offered on the Z06 for the first time in 2012) is an advanced system that optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance. The system also integrates traction control, active handling and selective ride control systems to enhance race track driving consistency and overall performance. When full throttle is applied upon exiting a corner, it automatically manages acceleration dynamics.
A full-width racing-style spoiler for improved aerodynamics is also included in both the '12 Z07 and PDE packages. The Z06 model will now offer Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world's fastest-reacting suspension technology – an innovation Corvette pioneered several years ago. And as before, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes will be a part of the Z07 chassis package (they are standard on ZR1). Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires remain standard on the ZR1.
A carbon fiber hood will be an available option on 2012 Z06 models, while the standard manual transmission for ZR1 will include taller gearing in fifth and sixth gears, for a 2-mpg improvement in highway fuel efficiency.
Interior and feature changes
All 2012 Corvette models will include a new seat design and a new steering wheel. The seats feature larger bolsters on the seat back and cushion areas, which provide better driver support, especially in high-performance driving while remaining comfortable for daily street driving. Microfibre suede seat inserts are optional and improve tactile feel, as well as add additional support.
The new seats are complemented by the revised steering wheel, featuring model-specific badges, streamlined switch trim and wrapped spokes. Padded centre console and armrests for all models are now included for 2012. An additional visual touch inside the car is contrasting colour stitching – in red, blue and yellow – which is available with the custom leather-wrapped interior.
Also coming in 2012 is a new Bose up level audio system, which includes nine speakers (compared to seven in 2011) for improved audio quality that is more precisely tuned to the cabin's acoustics. New tweeters located in the instrument panel and improved Bose Nd next-generation bass performance is the main benefit that Corvette drivers will hear.
Wrapping up the new features for 2012 is the availability for customers to select brake caliper colors, for more personalization of their Corvette. The calipers are offered in the red, yellow, silver or grey.
About Chevrolet in Canada
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. From today's Cruze Eco which consumes just 4.6 L/100 km on the highway to the Volt coming this fall, which provides up to 80 kilometres of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 500 kilometres of extended range, Chevrolet offers gas-friendly to gas-free solutions. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse and a host of new, smaller, highly efficient models to come including the all-new Orlando and Sonic (fall 2011) and Spark (2012). Chevrolet also provides iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro as well as dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban. 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 can be found at www.chevrolet.ca or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chevroletcanada.
Charger Connection Adapter for the Vette
The "StealthLink" Charger Connection adapter for the Corvette is a genius solution to charging pains. The Charger Connection adapter is a quick and easy fix for the pains of lifting the hood, or popping the hatch to connect to a battery charger. The Charger Connection adapter takes an aviation grade push/pull connector and utilizes this as the connection point of the charger. This unique installation takes place right next to the rear license plate light leaving no point of entry for any critters or any need to have the hatch or hood open for charging. This adapter even allows you to leave the car cover on if you want. The adapter is a creatively quick way for you to keep the battery tended and the car under wraps if you would rather keep it up under the car cover. The charger end comes with either a 72" SAE 2 pin cord, or a 16" Ctek cord.
Inside each kit:
- Custom designed, precision water-jet cut, .125" T6061 aluminum bracket with black anodizing
- Black anodized aluminum spacer
- Aviation grade push/pull connector with a cycle life in excess of 5,000 mating's
- SAE 2 pin cord at 72" / Ctek cord at 16"
- Watertight plug to seal receptacle when not mated
- Inline fuse holder with an appropriately rated fuse
- Custom embroidered "Remove Before Flight" window reminder
- Sized piece of "VentureShield" clear bra for paint protection (for C6 Corvettes)
- Step by step installation instructions with pictures
I'm sure you noticed the "Remove before Flight" window reminder on there, but yep, it's for you. Just in case you happened to hop in one day and get ready to take the beast out for a spin, this reminder is there to keep you in check.
Overall thoughts on this little guy: impressive. A great solution to the common cord and charger issue. This provides a quick and easy access point for your charger and after installation is almost invisible, and a great addition to the car both from an upkeep point of view and a value point of view. Would we recommend it to a friend? Absolutely.
Corvette Color Woes
The sad news is upon us for the lovers of Crystal Red and Cyber Grey. After the devastatingly tragic earthquake in Japan, where GM sourced its pigment for their paints, they have been hard pressed to continue to produce any of the cars with either of these colors. The most popular colors, 57U and 89U (Cyber Grey and Crystal Red respectively) have been hard pressed to end up on showroom floors or in the hands of customers who so desperately want them. As of this writing, you can't even order a 2012 model with either of these colors. For those awaiting orders placed with either of these colors, it could mean a very long wait. I could perhaps even be as long as September or October before either of these colors are back on the market at full capacity.
GM however, is currently testing colors to see if they can't find a temporary match to ease the load of orders that have been placed. The situation in Japan is also improving with leaps and bounds and most large manufacturers are announcing a return to full production by the end of the summer (July/August). Keep in mind though, that when they do return to full production capabilities most companies have some catch up to do, so September and October seem like a good reference point for backordered pigment and even cars from manufacturers such as Nissan, Toyota and Honda. Japan has had an enormous effort put into recovering from the 9.0 magnitude earthquake from March of this year, and monetary damage estimates somewhere near $36B USD. With over 15,000 people dead, and another 7,000 missing, this is clearly an emergency of catastrophic proportions. So, if you're really bent out of shape about your order, or not being able to get your order in, just imagine 5 times as many people dead as the September 11 attacks. The entire country of Japan is roughly as big as the state of California, so imagine the economic and emotional impact this has had on the country.
Just like your mom used to say, patience is a virtue, and as always, good things come to those who wait…
If you would like to donate to the Japan Earthquake Relief Efforts, please read the following link here, as it has tons of great information and information on different organizations that provide relief.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_T%C5%8Dhoku_earthquake_and_tsunami
The Updated, Renovated, 2012 Corvette
We already know all about the 2012 Centennial Edition Corvette, which, with it's gorgeous custom paint work, wheels, and other touches is exciting in and of itself. In addition to this Centennial Edition, we--as Corvette enthusiasts--have also already seen what the 2012 ZR1 is able to do on the Nurburgring. The new 2012 Model ZR1 Corvette utilized its improved Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires and Performance Traction Management Technology to beat its previous best by more than 6-seconds on the world-renowned Nurburgring course. Yes, we already know all of these awesome things about the 2012 Corvette, but there's also a good deal more.
Those Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires? Those are also going to be on the 2012 Z06 as well. Chevrolet describes those wheels as being "essentially street-legal versions of a racing tire", as they're intended for track-driving Corvette owners and are optimized to boost lateral acceleration and shorten braking time by increasing road traction on track-conditions, and thus, shortened lap times. The Tires, which are sized in a 285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear offset, are mounted on GM's new Cup-style alloy wheels which GM claims are both lighter and stronger than the 2011's 20-spokes. The wheels will be available in two separate finishes: machined alloy, and satin black.
The next addition coming to the 2012 Corvette is for all model levels: revised seats and steering wheels. Taking on one of the Corvette's biggest areas of complaint--interior comfort and class--GM decided to retool their seating arrangements and interior styling with new, more comfortable, seats. The seats aren't the only thing getting extra padding, either. As seen in the Centennial Edition Corvette, the armrests, steering wheel, and center console are being reworked to be more classy and comfortable as well.
Another standard change for the 2012 Model Corvettes is the switch to a taller gear ratio in the ZR1, a move certainly done under the influence of increased fuel economy. This move will change the 5th and 6th gears on the ZR1 to overdrive gears and give the vehicle an extra 2mpg fuel economy.
Of course, these sorts of changes wont be free. For the new Michelins, you'll want to opt for either the ZR1 High Performance Package, or the Z07 Performance Package for the Z06. Each of these packages will provide the performance bonuses mentioned above, and more, especially the Z07 Package. In addition to the Sport Cup offset Alloys and the new Michelins, the Performance Traction Management (previously a ZR1 exclusive) Magnetic Selective Ride Control and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. All of these aspects work together to make the fastest Z06 ever produced. How fast you ask? How about 7:22:68 through Nurburgring. That's only 3-seconds behind the 2012 ZR1's 7:19:63, and a full 20 seconds better than the previous Z06 best on that track. Those numbers are true supercar numbers, that much's for certain.
Here's video of Jim Mero, the same driver who tackled the Nurburgring in the ZR1, running the 12.9 mile track in the 2012 Z06:
These performance enhancements aren't going to be free, though. Every level of Corvette, from the base 2012 Model through the ZR1, is seeing a price increase this year, but, that's to be expected. Of these price changes, Paul Leinert of InsideLine writes:
"...the basic Corvette Coupe rises from $49,995 to $50,500 (all prices include shipping, which rises by $25 to $975), while the Corvette Convertible climbs from $54,995 to $55,500. The Corvette Grand Sport Coupe jumps from $55,995 to $56,900, while the Corvette Grand Sport Convertible increases from $59,995 to $60,500. The Corvette Z06 hardtop goes from $75,325 to $76,500, while the range-topping Corvette ZR1 is bumped from $111,250 to $112,500.
Among the pricier options for 2012 are the Z06 Ultimate Performance package ($7,500), the Centennial Special Edition ($4,950), the Z06 Carbon Fiber package ($3,995) and Z06 Magnetic Selective Ride Control ($2,495).
The ZR1 Performance package is priced at $1,495 and the Grand Sport Heritage package, $1,195. Chrome aluminum wheels are $1,995 on the Z06 and Grand Sport, $2,000 on the ZR1 and $1,850 on the standard coupe and convertible."
Corvette Centennial Edition
Almost exactly 100 years ago Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss-born mechanic and racecar driver, founded Chevrolet Motor Car Company on November 8, 1911. He competed in the Indianapolis 500 and after working for Buick for a little more than four years, began designing his own cars while racing. He raced with his brother and a few close friends before making a name for himself in the early 1900's racing scene. With his brother, together they founded Chevrolet Motor Car Company before his brother would be killed in a racing crash ending both of their careers in professional racing. This car company however, unbeknownst to him at the time, would live on for a century to come and become a famed competitor in the history of motorsports. Unfortunately for Mr. Chevrolet, the stock market crash of '29 took a harsh toll on his previous earnings and upon needing work, took a job at the Chevrolet factory as a line mechanic in 1931. On June 6, 1941, Louis Chevrolet died almost penniless in Detroit, Michigan after founding one of America's most recognizable car brands. The Chevy bowtie emblem that we all associate with the company seems to have two stories as to how it came about. The first is that the bowtie is actually a stylized Swiss cross emblem Chevrolet created to honor his parents birthplace and homeland. The second story is that William Durant, Louis Chevrolet's partner and the founder of General Motors saw the shape in a French wallpaper and clipped a piece of it to save and recreated the shape with the Chevy namesake. Regardless of which story is true, the man and the legend of Chevrolet have been honored this year as a tribute to his life and racing spirit.
The sinister look of an all black (particularly in September of this year in New Zealand) car has long since been an enthusiast favorite with its dark features, and the Centennial Edition Corvette plays to that crowd. The Centennial Edition is an all black edition of the Corvette relishing the 100 year history of our favorite automaker. The Centennial edition is available for every line of Corvette (from the Base model to the ZR1), and is expected to run an extra $4,995 for the package. The package features exclusive Carbon Flash Metallic paint on the exterior, coupled with a set of special black aluminum spun Centennial Wheels lined red on the lip, with red calipers and carbon-ceramic brakes. The absolutely awesome Magnetic Selective Ride Control will also be available with the package. A special badge that bears the resemblance of Louis Chevrolet and the number 100 will be located on the B-pillar, the steering wheel, and the Chevy bowtie logo with the number 100 will be embossed on the headrests. The wheels also say "Centennial" on the rim just barely visible with a gloss/matte contrast. The interior has also been remodeled and finished in Ebony leather contrasted with red stitching. The steering wheel, seats, shifter and armrests get microfiber suede accents similar to those found on the Z06 Carbon Edition.
The entire package has an extremely sharp looking finish on the Corvette, being almost black with red accents either in stitching, or pin striping on the wheels and calipers, provides a very crisp look to the car. The overall effect is there, and having a sinister look to the car will be an especially daunting look on the Z06 and ZR1. If the man himself could see the 100 year anniversary of his company, I think he'd be proud. The 100 year anniversary, celebrated by the Corvette is nothing short of memorable and should be a point of pride for all Chevy owners.
