A Brit and an Aussie driving an American Corvette ZR1 through Europe
I won't say too much here, just wanted to share the third installment of MotorTrend's EpicDrive series released last week. It's a great video, and absolutely worth a watch. Enjoy as an Australian and a Brit who love the American Corvette ZR1 drive it through Germany and Italy.
Corvette Racing places 2nd and 3rd in 12 Hours of Sebring
The American Le Mans season has begun and, just like years prior, the Corvette Racing team are looking to assert some dominance. The race heritage and history of the Corvette has translated in recent years to a number of great Le Mans Series GT performances from the C6.R team. They got their first great showing of the year this past week in the 12 hour Sebring where both of the Compuware C6.R vehicles found their way to the podium.
The race itself was highlighted by an incredible closing which saw multiple position changes in the last few laps, including both Corvettes overtaking their competition for second and third during the race's final lap in tough conditions. Running third at the start of the last lap, Jan Magnussen pushed his C6.R 'Vette past the No. 71 Ferrari to take second after the Ferrari and the class-leading No. 56 BMW jostled one another. Moments later, Oliver Gavin passed the No. 155 BMW which had just moved up to secure third on the ALMS podium.
"I really don't know what happened, but apparently the BMW and Ferrari got together," Magnussen said in an interview with Sports Cars Illustrated. "I didn't even know that I had passed the Ferrari in the darkness. We were struggling at the end of the race with the track conditions, so second is a huge bonus and a fantastic foundation to build on. Sebring is such a difficult race, and I'm very happy with a podium finish."
This great finish and double podium for the Corvette helps further cement its place among the elite of the world, especially considering that these results came so quickly after changes to the vehicles and the driver teams. Just weeks ago the Corvette Racing team had switched from their last season drivers to a new team featuring Magnussen with Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor. These changes came just as the Corvette Racing team was also changing out the body kits on their C6.R vehicles to new, wider body fenders and fascias that would facilitate changes to wheels and suspension systems on their race vehicles. Typically, changes of this nature result in a lull in performance, but in this race they seemingly produced immediate results.
"It's a brilliant result for the entire Corvette Racing team, and a brilliant result for the No. 03 Corvette," said Antonio Garcia, who made the transition to a full-season driver in 2012. "Track conditions were really difficult with traffic and crazy restarts, but Jan, Jordan and I just kept digging, and we finished with a great result."
Of course, these guys weren't the only Corvette racers to see success. The No. 4 Corvette team, which was lead by one of last years Le Mans GT Series stars in the well-known C6.R racer Oliver Gavin lead the race for the majority of the race. A poor pit-stop late in the race however caused them to lose their position. "The result was a bit of an anticlimax after leading and running at the front for most of the race," Gavin said. "Our strategy anticipated a caution that didn't come. Nevertheless, third place pays good points for the ALMS championship. Tommy drove brilliantly and Richard did a fantastic job, so our partnership is working well."
Ultimately, the entire was a major success for Corvette Racing and its various driver teams. The results speak to the driver's and the vehicle's abilities, and definitely foreshadow a very successful year for the entire Corvette Racing team. Hopefully more podium finishes are to follow.
All photos information courtesy of Sports Car Illustrated
Chevrolet Announces 2013 Corvette 427
Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector's Edition
Chevrolet is unveiling a special edition 427 Corvette Convertible Collector Edition vehicle to celebrate the vehicle's 60th Anniversary
The C6 Corvette will soon see its hallowed production run come to an end, but not without a little excitement and fanfare first. 2013 will see Chevrolet release two special Collector's Edition Corvette models as a means of celebrating both the 60th year of production for the trademark vehicle, and also the final year of the C6. The first of these special editions will be the 60th Anniversary Corvette, but it's the second that's more exciting: the 427 Convertible, which will be the fastest Convertible Corvette ever produced.
"The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation," said Chris Perry, who is the acting vice president of Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. Perry then continued, "We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine."
60 Years of Automotive History - The 2013 427 Corvette Convertible celebrates everything the Corvette has achieved over the last 60 years.
That's right, those math proficient readers out there, 427 means 7.0L. That means that in 2013 we'll see a Corvette Convertible outfitted with the 7.0L LS7 Corvette Z06 engine rated at 505HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine, in conjunction with other cues taken from the Z06 and Corvette ZR1 will combine to make the 427 Convertible the quickest and most impressive Corvette convertible ever produced.
The LS7 power plant at the heart of the new 427 Convertible isn't the only thing to set this special edition Corvette apart, either. The 427 Corvette Convertible--which, like the Z06 will only be available in six-speed manual transmission--features a number of other components to help make it a true performance masterpiece. The 427 Convertible utilizes the driveline and rear-axle from the Z06 Corvette for a more optimized driving experience than the base C6 Convertible. In addition to this Z06 driveline, the 427 Convertible will also utilize a rear-mounted battery as the Z06 does for improved weight distribution, as well as Chevrolet's highly respected Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension--a system that's rather revolutionary in its construction and function. The 19 and 20 inch front and rear offset wheels will be of the lightweight, machine-face Cup variety seen on the PDE Performance packages of the 2012 Z06 and ZR1, and will wrapped in the much lauded Michelin PS2 Tires of Corvette ZR1 fame.
The 427 Corvette is the fastest Convertible Corvette ever produced, and rivals the world's fastest convertibles in every facet.
To better improve performance, and offset the added weight of the Convertible, the 427 Corvette Convertible will also feature a great deal of carbon fiber. Each piece is dry carbon fiber that's vacuum formed, just as Chevrolet has utilized on the Z06 Carbon special edition and ZR1. Up front, the "CFZ" Carbon Fiber front splitter is optional, and the 2011 Z06 Carbon raised Carbon Fiber hood is standard. The side-skirt/rocker panels, also of the "CFZ" Carbon Fiber variety, are optional down the side, but the special edition Carbon Fiber Z06-Style fenders and Carbon Fiber floor panels are standard on the vehicle. With all optional equipment, this special edition 427 will certainly save a great deal of unnecessary weight, and feature a much improved--and very performance minded--boost to aerodynamics, and drag and downforce numbers.
In fact, fully outfitted, the final curb weight of the 2013 427 Corvette Convertible will be 3,355 pounds. This curb weight, when coupled with the 505 HP LS7 Engine underneath the raised carbon fiber Corvette hood, will result in a power to weight ratio of 6.64. This ratio--which is ultimately the most important stat in considering performance potential, since it utilizes raw HP numbers and also accounts for vehicle weight--puts the 427 Corvette Convertible above such other super cars as the: Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (6.90 p:w ratio), Audi R8 RSI Spyder (7.58), and Ferrari California Convertible (8.31), among many many other road-shredding convertible monsters.
Once you've seen this vehicle in all of its beauty and understand everything that it's capable of, it's easy to see how this car is truly the product of 60 years of Corvette progress.
The expectations for performance from this vehicle are amazing, too. The official 0-60 numbers are expected to clock in sub 3.9 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 190mph and expected quarter-mile time below 12 seconds. All of this combines to make the 427 among the world's fastest convertibles, in any automotive price class or category.
Like other Corvettes, various amenities will be available for the 427 Corvette based on the trim line selected. The 427 will be available in 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT configurations--and price will be adjusted accordingly, you can rest assured. Each 427 Convertible Corvette will also be marked with a unique VIN number sequence to verify its place as a true collectible automobile, now and in to the future, just as the ZR1 Corvettes are.
And if you want to make your 427 Convertible a truly unique collectible, you can elect to order it in the special edition 60th Anniversary Package trim. This package will actually be available on all Corvettes produced in 2013, and will feature Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents (the Convertible Corvettes purchased with this package will also be outfitted with matching blue convertible tops).
In addition to the custom paint job and interior, the 60th Anniversary Package will feature a few other goodies. Chief amongst them is the much envied ZR1 style rear spoiler. In addition to this spoiler, the 60th Anniversary package will also feature: special 60th Anniversary Corvette badging, gray-painted brake calipers, and the “60th” Anniversary Corvette logo emblazoned on the wheel center caps, and embroidered on the steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional blue striping package will be available for this who wish to have it, and will be identifiable by the full-length Pearl Silver Blue racing stripes, and (this is the real exciting one, I think), tonally-matching stripes stitched in to the Corvette Convertible top that extend the racing stripe graphic over the top of the Convertible as well. A custom stitched, racing stripe top on a 427 Corvette--how cool does that sound?
Of course, to mark the Anniversary and celebrate the life of the beloved C6, all 2013 Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the door sill plates. If you want one of these special 60th Anniversary Edition 427 Corvette Convertibles, be sure to attend the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, where Chevrolet will auction off the very first one produced (with much sought-after matching VIN number) and will donate the proceeds of to AARP's Drive to End Hunger. That's right, you can buy yourself the coolest Corvette to hit the road and help out those in need at the same! If this sounds like something you might be interested in, be sure to check out the January 21st auction.
(Click the gallery images below for full, background-sized Corvette images)
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- 60 Years of Automotive History – The 2013 427 Corvette Convertible celebrates everything the Corvette has achieved over the last 60 years.
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- The 427 Corvette is the fastest Convertible Corvette ever produced, and rivals the world’s fastest convertibles in every facet.
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- Once you’ve seen this vehicle in all of its beauty and understand everything that it’s capable of, it’s easy to see how this car is truly the product of 60 years of Corvette progress.
C7 to have 7 Speed Manual – The Stick-Shift is not Dead Yet
A few weeks ago, Chevrolet announced that they expected more than half of their new Camaro ZL1's sold to be automatic. This followed the news that over 70% (a truly vast majority) of Camaro SS's sold were automatic. This news caused my friend who writes my brother blog, CamaroNewsBlog to declare the death of the manual as imminent (Click here for the CamaroNewsBlog article). While I do understand his worry, I tend to disagree, and it seems so does Chevrolet. This past week a person familiar with the development of the C7 Corvette stated that not only is the manual still alive and well in the Corvette world, it will also be offered in a 7-Speed version come 2014.
This news follows close on the heels of Porsche moving to a 7-Speed manual in their 911, and with good reason. The tigher CAFE standards require automakers to get extra MPG numbers wherever they can, and a 7-speed manual will allow for that by providing more ideal highway cruising transmission conditions. Of course, while that's the tame excuse for the 7-speed, it's not what gets me excited. If moving to a 7-Speed were a performance inhibitor you can rest assured that neither the Corvette team, nor their brilliant German-peers at Porsche, would go that way. Instead, I believe that a 7-speed can offer even greater performance for a more skilled driver.
While shift times can cause seconds of time loss on an inexperienced driver, for a true experienced race-enthusiast there is no such thing. A talented driver can shift in ways--through throttle and clutch control--that actually beat out the performance of the finest automatic transmissions on Earth. By adding in an extra gear, also, Chevrolet will allow themselves some room in the tuning department to really play with transmission ratios. An extra gear will allow for shorter low-end gears, and, thus, the capability for a much quicker, high-torque, blast-off. In conjunction with this, the use of two overdrive gears (as GM currently uses on their Z06 and ZR1 transmissions) allow for more top-end HP-based speed numbers. What this will amount to will be quicker take-offs for the experienced Corvette driver on a proper course, and much higher speed numbers through the straight-aways.
Of course, there's a downside to the 7-speed also: difficulty. A 7-speed transmission, especially with shorter lower gears, will be tougher on a less experienced driver and will curb the sales of the manual Corvette further. The average commuter will almost certainly continue trend the way of the Automatic transmission when an extra gear is thrown in to the equation, but, the Corvette also seems fairly free from these concerns. The beauty of the 'Vette comes in the appreciation of it as both a driving vehicle and a performance vehicle that all of its consumers (both the imagined 50+ standard, and the elusive mid-30's young professional 'Vette enthusiast like myself who would rather drive an American rocket on wheels than a German luxury sedan), a consumer base that will almost certainly continue to covet the manual for its enjoyment and feel. People who drive Corvettes want to feel their driving experience and for that their is absolutely no substitute from the manual. Give me a 5, 6, or 7 speed over an automatic any day of the week.
C7 Corvette Manual 7-Speed Transmission - Photo courtesy Edmunds Inside Line
New Corvette Borla Systems
Borla has redeveloped and revamped their existing Corvette exhaust systems for the ultimate in performance and sound for the Corvette. The new Borla systems are comprised of familiar names: Touring, "S"- Type, and the ATAK; but pack a newly redesigned punch. For the newly designed systems, Borla has revamped their already spectacular technology, and then put out a comparison of the systems unrivaled by any competitor. The newly redesigned Touring system has been engineered for NO drone. None. That means when you're taking your significant other out on those long highway cruises, she can't complain about the "noise." Borla has perfected the art of the exhaust as far as I'm concerned. The guys up there do their homework and really make a point to R&D as many possible designs as they can to come up with that "perfect tone" that we all crave. The cool thing about their systems is the fact that they all produce almost exactly the same amount of power when bolted up to our beloved LS engines, the only variable is how loud you prefer yours to growl.
The Borla Corvette Touring Exhaust system is designed with the least amount of bark in mind. Still offering a boost in power to the ground, and a slightly more aggressive tone—it was designed for the driver who isn't looking for racecar sound on their daily driver. This also is ideal for the owner that lives in a neighborhood that doesn't necessarily gaze longingly at an uncorked LS engine. It only provides more growl when at wide open throttle, and stays perfectly tame when cruising at a constant RPM/speed.
The Corvette Borla S-Type is the middle ground between the quiet sophisticated little brother, and the snarling, wild oldest sibling. The S-Type is designed with the enthusiast who might do occasional track days, and doesn't mind a significantly louder rumble and growl for the neighborhood and the highway. The S-Type is a happy medium if you will. The technology behind Borla's exhaust systems has always been from the standpoint that straight through is better. The least amount of impeding bends in an exhaust the better, but louder doesn't necessarily mean more power. The difference in sound, though obviously they can't tell us everything, is in the design of the way the sound/gases flow through the exhaust and different filling and shaped/perforated surroundings as it travels through the muffler.
The new Corvette ATAK exhaust system is the wild child of the group. The ATAK is designed for the enthusiast that has no issue with letting the LS sing its chorus of glory in all RPM ranges. From idle to redline, the ATAK is loud. But, in its defense, it's a loud growl. It's not some hacked redneck straight pipe with all rasp and no growl. This growl is more of the, "I came to conquer the track in my tuxedo" growl. It's a refined, worked over, massaged growl. In this writer's opinion, it's by far my favorite. The growl seems to be a deep rumbling exclamation of power, and Borla came up with the perfect way to demonstrate the differences between all three. The Bondurant School of Racing has long since been an endorser of Borla Exhausts and agreed to use three of their identical C6 Corvettes outfitted with each exhaust. This way, you can hear firsthand exactly how each exhaust sounds next to the other. From inside the cabin, to outside idle, to drive-bys, to launches. David Borla narrates the video, and we get a great look at each product and how it sounds on the car itself. They nailed every aspect of how the car would sound with great quality microphones. So, without further adieu, crank up the volume, sit back, and enjoy.
Halltech Super Bee MF103
Halltech, presumably in an effort to reach more customers has decided to release their fabled Halltech Super Bee intake system in plastic, which was previously only available in carbon fiber. The system is a phenomenal bolt on intake great for easily 10-12 horsepower to the wheels and can be installed in under roughly half an hour. The system is a direct bolt on replacement of your factory intake and matches the rest of the engine bay perfectly with the same factory satin black that the fuel rail covers and intake manifold utilize. The Super Bee intake itself is has proven itself over the past couple years to be a heavyweight contender for leading performance intakes for the LS series engine. Not only is the stock idle improved, but the intake requires NO tuning to be effective. That means you could install the intake and as soon as you finish the install, it's done and ready to be driven, with more power. Just like that.
Here's what Jim Halltech had to say about it,
"Halltech unleashes its World Famous Super Bee MF103 (2008-2012 LS3/2006-2012 Z06) including Beehive now in plastic!! The MF103 requires NO TUNING and has better than stock idle manners due to the MAF forward design and integrated velocity stack built into the filter flange. Made from roto-molded cross link polyethylene it brings the same horsepower to your LS7 or LS3 as you have seen the past year in the Super Bee™ FG102 or CF112 Carbon. Size matters, and the Super Bee™ MF103 is 102.5mm at the MAF read and at the exit, meaning it is larger than the massive Williams Performance 102 Throttle Body, but comes with the connector hose for the stock throttle body, but can be ordered with the larger connector hose for the WP102 TB. Did we mention NO TUNING! Halltech's roto-molded version of the Super Bee FG102 features the same filter and Beehive as the Carbon and Fiberglass version as well as the Killer Bee II. Since early 2010, the Super Bee™ has been the dominant Halltech induction system, with staggering horsepower and torque numbers that have literally shattered all records. From engine dynos to chassis dynos, you will not find more power from any intake made. Katech just built the "Highest rwhp NA car ever built by Katech" and "Highest rwhp NA car ever on Vector Motorsports' dyno" according to Jason Harding of Katech Performance using the Super Bee™ induction system on their #48 Track Attack Z06. Jerry's Chevrolet picked up 33 RWHP with just the Super Bee™ FG102 back in early 2010, with minor MAF table adjustments. The Super Bee™ MF103 needs no MAF table adjustments and comes pre-tuned for the street. That means no warranty issues period. Guaranteed! We have sold over 200 Super Bees over the past year, mostly to Katech Performance, and other Chevrolet dealers for their race cars and street cars. Now made in plastic, you can have this instant horsepower bolt on for your LS3 or LS7."
Here's an interesting video highlighting the Long Term Fuel Trim's between both banks, before and after the installation.
Here's another video that Jim made for the install of the intake...
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 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 ZR1 Returns to Nurburgring
New 2012 models eclipse previous-best lap times at Germany's famed testing ground
DETROIT, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Corvette returned to the world's most-demanding testing ground – Germany's famed Nurburgring – and recorded lap times that rank among the fastest recorded for a production car.
As detailed on a recent Nurburgring video, the 2012 Corvette ZR1 recorded a lap time of 7:19.63, more than six seconds faster than the previous Corvette-best recorded in 2008. A lap video featuring the Corvette Z06 will be released soon.
"Testing at the Nurburgring is one of the important methods we have to validate our car in the toughest track conditions," says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer.
Measuring 12.9 miles (20.8 km) and including some 154 turns, the Nurburgring's Nordschleife ("north loop") is widely considered the world's most-demanding course. As was the case at Corvette's last test in 2008, the car was driven by Corvette engineer Jim Mero and was a full production model with no performance modifications. This test was to validate the car's added performance technology coming to production later this summer for the 2012 model year.
Corvette's improved 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 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.
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit 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. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. 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 Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. 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.com
SOURCE General Motors
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Blendmount Radar Detector Mount for C6 and C5 Corvette
We're all familiar with our cars, and how fast they CAN go. I'm not saying we all drive well above the posted speed limit but when your right foot feels a little heavy some added precaution goes a long way. There's an old saying in the car world that has sort of a double meaning, "Speed costs money—how fast do you want to go?" This not only applies to the exorbitant amount of money we could spend on our cars to get the results we desire, but it also applies to the risk you run when you drive, shall we say, less than how Johnny Law would like you to in your car. A speeding ticket not only costs you up front, but on the back end as well with higher insurance, etc. So, keeping that risk in mind—you can safely assess that if you speed, chances are you'll get tagged. So, you bought some peace of mind and snagged a top of the line radar detector.
Good call.
Now you have to mount that sucker so it stays put. Good luck. Many have tried, and many have failed and felt the pangs of frustration with the use of a suction cup mounting system. It never fails, eventually it will fall off. And if you bought a $300-$500 dollar radar detector, then the last thing you want to have happen is for it to come crashing down onto the dash, and then try and fool with getting it to re stick to your windshield while you're cruising down the road. Not cool. Not surprisingly, more than a few have attempted to come up with a solution. I've seen everything from superglueing the visor mount to the windshield, to drilling the detector into the mirror housing and screwing it in place, to duct-taping visors to roofs, and a hundred other terrible ideas. Your car deserves better and so does your radar detector. Blendmount, out of Cotati, California has come up with a great solution. Their mount has taken the multitude of bad ideas and come up with a combination that solves all of the common woes and mounts the detector cleanly and efficiently.
The Blendmount Corvette C6 detector mount, mounts to the mirror stem itself, and then the detector mounts to the clip stemming from the Blendmount. No wobbling, no falling suction cups, no constant hassle to get it situated just right. Once it's in, it's in—but still quick and easy to remove for security reasons or to transfer the detector to a different vehicle. The other great thing about this mount is it's compatible with an array of different equipment. The mounts are designed for Escort, Valentine One, ScanGauge II, even Bully Dogs for the diesel crowd. The fitment varies from make to make, but these are designed to work with the widest array of vehicle manufacturers possible. Due to the shape of some mirror stems, the Blendmount might not work but most vehicles are covered. For the Corvette however- the team at Blendmount have gone so far as to make sure we V8 loving folk have been well taken care of. The C6 Corvette mirror is shaped slightly differently than a regular rear-view mirror due to the technology (on mirrors equipped with the AutoDim function) inside of the mirror. However, Blendmount has decided that they weren't going to leave out the Corvette crowd due to its awkward mirror shape. In fact, they designed a mount specifically for the C6 Corvette. They have also come up with a Blendmount C5 Corvette solution for the C5 Corvette.
