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.