GM Files for “Stingray” Trademark; Convertible Tops Service Bulletin
A couple news stories for today:
The first comes from a watchful eye at a Trademark office who found a filing by GM to Trademark the Stingray moniker. They apparently filed the trademark as being for “Land based vehicles, namely automobiles.” This news would almost ultimately lead one to believe that they're looking to release a Stingray version of, most likely, the C7. Just as the filed for the ZR1 Trademark in 2007, a few years before the ZR1 hit the market, this is most likely indicative of the future release of a Stingray Corvette. Of course, this isn't exactly amazing news, as Chevy has made a Stingray Sideswipe prototype for Transformers 3 and not been shy at all about that vehicle. Hopefully though, we'll get to see the C7 and all of its Stingray glory some time soon.
The Second story is a much less happy one:
Here's a note for all 2008-09 Convertible Corvette drivers: Don't speed. At least, not too much. There have been some complaints about Convertible tops ripping, and even dislodging, at speeds of over 100MPH. This will, of course, mess with your shit if it happens to you. The best way to avoid this is simply don't go over 100MPH, but where's the fun in that? Acknowledging their mistake, GM has released an official service bulletin for all potentially endangered Corvettes. The Service Recall will be active through May 31st, 2011, so now's a good time to go have your Corvette top replaced. There's an excerpt from the official service bulletin below:
GENERAL MOTORS Owners of 2008-9 Chevrolet Corvette convertibles may have trouble keeping a roof over their heads. In T.S.B. 08312A issued on July 1, G.M. said that the top fabric might begin to separate from its retainer bracket near the windshield. At speeds over 100 m.p.h., the roof material could tear from the front all the way to the rear window. A new retainer bracket should keep things together. This repair program runs through May 31, 2011.
22,000 Corvettes Being Recalled
Imagine this: You're driving your beautiful 2005-7 Corvette or 2006-7 Z06 down the highway on a beautiful, sunny, day and everything is wonderful, when all of a sudden your roof unattaches from your vehicle and goes flying across the highway behind you, smashing in to another vehicle. Sounds crazy, but apparently it could happen, but no worries, GM is fixing this. Based on a complaint filed by the Japanese Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport, the problem was brought to boys in Bowling Green's attention and a recall is underway to correct the issue. If you own one of these model Corvettes, I highly recommend taking advantage of the recall. While the problem itself is extremely rare, it's still nice to get all of the seals and roof components updated for free. So, avoid losing your roof on a highway and go for the GM recall.
2006 Corvette