2014 Corvette Spy Photos
2014 Corvette Spy Photos
Jalopnik's Acquired Spy Photos of the 2014 Corvette C7
Back in early December we showed you the mock-ups done by the guys at Jalopnik of what they claimed was the C7 Corvette prototype, and it looks like they were pretty close. The lines along the roof and a-pillar, as well as the flairs around the rear wheels all seem dead on. The front lines--particularly those on and around the hood--look a little different, and thankfully they 2014 Corvette looks to be retaining the classic round tail-lights, unlike the Camaro inspired taillights on their mock-up. All in all, from what I can tell in these photos, the car looks to be a gorgeous one. The long and sleek lines are reminiscent of the European super cars without sacrificing the classic Corvette styling. Of course, we're still two years out so this model may see changes, and the camo disguise blanketing the car definitely make telling exactly how the finished product will look a difficult tak. Either way, Corvette spy photos are the holy grail of automotive spy shots, and these are some great ones:
WindRestrictor Soon to be Available for C5 Corvette
The Extremely Popular WindRestrictor is coming for C5 Corvette Convertibles
King Penn Industries' incredibly popular LED Lighted WindRestrictor which had previously only been available for C6 Corvettes is coming for C5 drivers as well - (1/19/2012)
Every now and then a product comes along that's so innovative and exciting it takes a consumer market by storm, and that's exactly what King Penn's LED lighted WindRestrictor did last year for the C6 Corvette public. Designed to help minimize wind noise when driving with the top down, wind buffers/screens are nothing new for Corvette drivers. A number of different net versions have been sold over the years, but none have offered the good looks and quality of the WindRestrictor.
Manufactured from incredible clear acrylic materials, the Corvette C5 WindRestrictor provides the functionality of other wind screens with little to no decreased visibility. This visibility is a large plus over other models similar to it, but is by no means the only point of interest on this product. In addition to the incredible construction, the WindRestrictor is also a unique, stylish, and gorgeous custom product. It's available with a number of different etching options--for the Corvette, much any GM licensed Corvette emblem you can imagine is available--and has available LED lighting which shines through the clear WindRestrictor plate for a fantastic glow.
Also setting the WindRestrictor apart, visually and in construction quality, is its mounting system. Many other wind screens for the Corvette convertible use sub-par mounting systems that are bulky and unattractive and require removing the wind screen when the top is up, but the developers over at King Penn Industries realized this basic structural flaw in the standard wind screen construction and developed their WindRestrictor to be able to remain in place with the top both up and down.
Thankfully, this product is finally available for the fifth generation Corvette. It has been one of my favorites for the C6 since it's release, and will certainly be very welcome for the C5 Corvette as well. The quality and style are undeniable, and the design is unlike any other! Of course, this hasn't been officially announced by King Penn Industries yet, so until it is the release of the product is little more than "rumor" I acquired by talking to the right person on the right phone call, but you can trust me that it will certainly be happening. I'd expect to see the C5 Convertible Corvette WindRestrictor start hitting dealer websites within 3-4 weeks time.
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.
2012 Corvette Has Two New Catalytic Converters
2012 C6 Corvette Sports Four Cats Instead of Two
EPA Requirements force Chevrolet to add a second set of catalytic converters to the mid-pipes of the 2012 Corvette
If you were to look under the new 2012 Corvette you might be a little surprised at the exhaust design. The C6 Corvette has, since its release, featured two large catalytic converters on the down-pipes, but in 2012 that had to change due to the increasing stringency of EPA regulations. This has resulted in the installation of a second set of catalytic converters on the stock exhaust's mid-pipe.
Here you can see the new set of cats installed on the 2012 Corvette.
Thankfully, for us Corvette fanatics, these extra environmental helping catalytic converters will not result in a decrease in engine power output, and no drops in HP or Torque numbers will be seen. The extra weight of the cats will be minimal, also, and there shouldn't be any reason to expect the 2012 Corvette's performance to drop down from 2011 at all. Less thankfully, this does mean that aftermarket exhaust systems that were functional for the 2011 may not be functional on the 2012--at least, not road legally.
However, not thankfully, this exhaust change has resulted in some issues in aftermarket exhaust fitment. Already Akrapovic, who are one of the world's leading and finest exhaust system manufacturers, has stated that their cat-back systems for the C6 will not install on the 2012 Corvette, and that their axle-back systems, known as the slip-on system style, has issues with fitment as well. Thankfully, being the consummate professionals that they are, Akrapovic is producing a solution to this issue. However, this news also means that similar catbacks from other companies may have fitment issues on the 2012 Corvette.
The change in pipe lengths which were necessary to accomodate the new set of catalytic converters on the 2012 Corvette has resulted in fitment issues with aftermarket exhaust systems designed for older C6 Corvette models.
So, be aware of the changes to the Corvette stock exhaust between the 2011 and 2012 models and be sure to check with the manufacturer or your retailer when purchasing an exhaust for your Corvette.
Hands-on: Corvette Centennial Edition Z06
A few months ago, we posted an article here at CNB concerning the soon to be released Z06 and ZR1 Centennial Edition packages. These special edition Corvettes were being designed to function as a tribute vehicle to Louis Chevrolet, and to honor the 100th birthday of the automobile company he founded.
Louis Chevrolet, who was a Swiss-born mechanic and race car driver, had worked for Buick for a few years before getting in to designing his own vehicles. This passion for automobiles ultimately lead him to, on November 8th 1911, found the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. Well, it's not officially the 100th birthday yet, but I was the sort of kid who used to peel the corners up on the wrapping of presents to get a sneak peek, so I decided to let that trend continue as an adult and went by my local Chevy dealer the second I heard they had a Centennial Edition Z06 on the lot. I knows the guys there pretty well--I've bought my last six cars there, my wife's last 2, and sent a number of friends their way--and I think they got a little excited when they saw me pull up. I think they thought they had a sucker for a sale; however, I was not there to buy a new Corvette (but, I wouldn't let them know that, would I?), just to check one out.
I was able to recognize the new Centennial edition Z06 immediately. The red-trimmed, powerful looking, Carbon Metallic 'Vette, adorned in sexy Carbon Black wheels to match, is as recognizable as any Corvette I've ever seen. As I got closer, the little touches became obvious as well. The blacked-out Corvette emblems, red caliper covers, unique 100th anniversary badging, and gorgeous hood stripe trim all came together perfectly to make a car that has fewer resemblances to the classic "top-down, fire engine red, highway cruiser" Corvette idea (not that there's anything wrong with this!) than it does to the Batmobile (the good Batmobile, not one of the cheesy or clunky ones). It's a gorgeous 'vette ultimately, and one that takes some bold style choices, and pulls them off with great results.
Of course, that's just the outside of this Corvette--and it's the sort of outside that will strike fear in to the hearts of Porsches and Vipers everywhere. Nobody has ever really had issue with the Corvette exterior. No, it's the Corvette interior that has been much maligned in recent years, and this new package from Chevrolet directly addresses that as well. And when I say address as well, they've actually dressed it up very well!
The interior had a few major highlights for me at first, but upon reflection I realized that it wasn't the highlights, but instead the package as a whole that really impressed. The Alacantra Black fabric is far and away a major improvement over the stock Corvette seats, and the red stitching is a fantastic touch--especially on the dash, where it makes the Vette look 1000x improved in style and quality. The revamped steering wheel looks great, especially in this new blacked out form with Alacantra wrapping, and the new center console lid feels more padded than ever (something that was definitely needed!). All in all, the interior is the real star of this upgrade package, and looks better than any other Corvette I've seen before it (with exception to some of those, all custom leather-wrapped Corvettes of the DSVettes and other company variety).
In conclusion, I must say that I was really impressed with the new package. It felt comfortable while driving, and definitely felt more luxurious than my current Z06. I didn't upgrade, and I'll say right now that that's not because I didn't want to. If I'd had the money (or the wherewithall to come home to the misses with a different Z06 than the one I left in) I would've made the change right then and there. For an almost $5000 upgrade package, this package definitely delivers! Good work Chevrolet, I was very impressed.
The C7 Is Being Produced to “target a very different sort of buyer”
The Corvette turned 60 this year and it seems that the majority of its target audience did exactly the same thing. The Corvette, long an American tradition and the true American sports car, has seen its audience grow older, and it seems that Chevrolet is beginning to get anxious about this. With this in mind, Chevrolet has decided to make direct and immediate steps with the next generation of their flagship vehicle to move it towards a new group of buyers. What is this group? Why, a younger one of course.
Based upon the popularity that the European sports car currently holds with the professional demographics in their 20's and 30's, it seems that Chevrolet will be making changes to move the Corvette in the direction of the Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. Finding and securing a younger fan-base is paramount to the long-term survival of the Corvette, whose style and badge alone have guaranteed it a place in the hearts of many customers already.
To attract this younger crowd, Chevrolet is moving in a few very specific directions. The first of these is getting away from the idea that larger displacement engines are always better. According to reports from high-ranking Chevrolet officials, the next generation of Corvette--it's 7th generation of vehicles in its long ling--will be outfitted with a small block, turbocharged V8. This small-black V8 will probably come in at around 3.0L in displacement, well below the current 6.3L V8 LS3 found in the current base Corvette. The drop in displacement will be offset by the inclusion of turbochargers however to ensure that the base Corvette still puts out impressive performance numbers--expect to see something in the 400HP range, or, 130HP/liter. These numbers will put right in line with the performance of such vehicles as the 911 Turbo and Lamborghini Gallardo, and will also help drastically lighten the curb-weight for the vehicle.
In addition to these changes, the next generation of Corvette engine will move to an overhead-cam configuration, instead of its current overhead-valve design. This configuration will utilize a dry-sump oil system that's incredibly effective in track-performance situations and allows for higher red-line RPM ranges, but will do so at an undeniable loss of straight-away speed. These moves, like the move to the smaller displacement engine, are certainly very European in design. Expect this turbocharged engine to redline at around 10,000 RPM, and have a wider performance curve with increased mid-range RPM acceleration--again, moves that are certain to improve, along with the decreased curb weight, the vehicle's track performance numbers.
All of this information, which has been leaked by various GM officials off the record "here and there", is right in line with one of the few official statements that has been given by the Corvette team: Mike Reuss' (president of GM's North American division) claim that the C7 Corvette will be “completely different” from its very American roots and that GM is looking to “target a very different sort of buyer for the next Corvette."
Of course, Chevrolet seems to still understand its roots, and it's very likely that the Corvette will be available with multiple different drivetrain options, including a larger, higher displacement, more-American V8--something in line with the current LS-series of engines. Couple that with the very classic Corvette design cues that are being promised--like the return of the split-window in the rear, taken from the collectible '63 Corvette--and it's obvious that the Corvette will still be, very much, a Corvette. The potential here then, for the C7 Corvette to be a melding of modern-European performance and classic American styling makes for a very promising next generation vehicle, and the sort of thing that could really bring a lot of excitement back in to a fading market.
Another area of the Corvette that is certain to get a large overhaul is the vehicle's interior, and this is long overdue. Ed Welburn, GM's Global Design Chief, has publicly called the current Corvette interior a "disappointment", and has stated that he will personally be overseeing the design and production of the C7 interior, and has promised that the new interior will be "world class". This change alone, if the promise is delivered upon, is enough to generate more buzz in the vehicle, as one of the major knocks on the current Corvette within media outlets has been the interior.
All of this speculation (because, let's face it, until we get this information straight from the horse's mouth is little more than that) is at least backed up, in some ways, by the public knowledge that GM has just made a $131million investment in their Bowling Green, Kentucky plant--the longtime home of the Corvette--in preparation for the C7's production. That sort of money, and GM's history of using their flagship sports car for the application of innovative new technologies, definitely provides a lot of promise for the vehicle. No matter what Chevrolet ends up doing, they've got one thing on their side: they're making a Corvette, and when it comes to the respect and excitement a vehicle name and badge can generate, the Corvette is unparalleled.
DBA Rotors for the Corvette
Premiere performance for an automobile means that the vehicle needs premiere braking power. There are a few ways of going about this, but none of them are as affordable and guaranteed as replacing the rotors on the vehicle. An entire big brake package, like the ones that companies such as Brembo and Wilwood offer for the Corvette, is the absolute top-notch way to go, but those systems can run $5k and up for front and back. If you want to improve stopping power in an affordable way, replacing your stock brake components with higher performance aftermarket ones can do just that for you, and that's exactly what I did on my C6 Z06.
I recently came to realize that my rotors were worn down pretty well. Changing them would become pertinent in the next 4-5k miles or so, so I decided not to flirt with any trouble and take care of it right away. I did my research and decided upon going with DBA rotors for my Corvette, but had some choices to make from there. I picked DBA because the reviews I'd read on their products were consistently fantastic. The company, in the last few years, has built a great reputation for itself based on the incredible performance of its rotors and their affordability as well. Many Police forces, whose braking needs can often times be more intense than even a track-racer, have begun using DBA rotors for their entire vehicle pools, and with good reason. DBA has been praised for performance, price, and durability, and all of those things are the sorts of features I want on my Z06 Vette.
So, with that decision out of the way it became time to decide upon which series rotors to purchase for my Vette. DBA offers, amongst their higher performance lines, 4000 and 5000 series rotors. These two series of rotors share a lot of fantastic features with one another, among them being: Thermo-Stability Profiling, Thermo-Graphic Paint Markings for heat monitoring, and DBA's own fantastic Kangaroo Paw ventilation systems. Each of these features helps guarantee your DBA rotor's performance, and provides numerous performance benefits.
The Thermo-Stability profiling is one of the most overlooked features of these rotors. This process, which is unique to DBA, allows for greater thermal stability than standard block street rotors. TSP is a process by which, ultimately, the metals used for the rotors are treated on a microstructural level to be more resistant to heat, and more willing to disperse it outwards. By profiling their rotors in this way, DBA rotors offer race-car like heat dispersion performance without the durability loss that is often times associated with high-end rotors. TSP means less fading under extreme conditions, more stability under heavy braking, and increased durability and rotor-life. This feature alone has made DBA rotors a favorite for police forces everywhere, and has proved time and time again to raise them above the competition.
Of course, TSP alone isn't enough for DBA. They've also fitted all of their rotors with Thermo-graphic paint and Kangaroo paw ventilation. The Thermo-Graphic paint markings are both cool looking and incredibly useful. Thermo-Graphic paint is a form of pigmentation that will change color based on temperature. By utilizing this paint on rotors, DBA has created a system that's visual and quick and easy to check on the performance of your rotors. By monitoring your Thermo-Graphic markings, a driver is able to easily tell under what temperature his brakes are running, and tell, as hotter means less performance, just how well they're handling the driving stress said driver is putting them under. Three different markings provide a steady progression of performance monitoring on DBA rotors.
The Kangaroo Paw ventilation system that DBA utilizes is a brilliant means of heat dispersion. Normal rotors provide their heat dispersion through a vane system, which utilizes thin open slits moving outwards from the center of the rotor for hot air to disperse, in much the same way that cooling ducts work in a large building. The problem with a vane system though, while easily made and affordable for the companies, is it minimizes the amount of heat dispersion space available. For structural integrity, vane systems must run smaller open areas than closed to ensure that the rotor remains stable and durable. DBA was able to solve this problem by utilizing smaller portions of closed areas, whose shape is inspired by the shape of kangaroo paws, to allow for more open space for heat ventilation on their brake rotors. This Kangaroo Paw system provides vastly improved ventilation (performance stopping gains of over 20% over vane system rotors) by offering more open space, but doesn't result in decreased stability. In fact, because of the nature of the kangaroo paw shape and the ability to spread it out across the rotor, the structural integrity of these rotors is improved over their standard vane counterparts.
All of these factors resulted in DBA rotors being an easy choice. It then came down to whether the 5000 series, which feature Alumalite materials and a two-piece construction, were worth the extra money over their 4000 counterparts. The "Alumalite" material difference doesn't seem huge to me, quiet honestly. Cast Iron functions just fine for rotors because of its strength, but, it does make sense that by combining the various benefits of the Alumalite aircraft-grade aluminum with the strength and durability of cast-iron that the rotor itself would be more able to expand differently based on different operating heats, and ultimately, have less of a chance of warping. That's where the two-piece construction came in, also. Two-piece construction allows for torque and pressure applied to the rotors in extreme stopping conditions to be spread out more evenly amongst both pieces of the rotors, and ultimately for the rotor to accept this torsion better for greater durability and control. With this in mind, and based on reviews I'd read elsewhere, I ultimately decided on 5000 Series rotors for the front (where high intensity stopping tends to be more demanding on the rotors) and 4000 Series rotors for the rear.
Of course, with purchases like that, there are always more things to decide upon. The last decision that I had to make for my upgraded rotors was whether to go with Slotted or Slotted and Drilled rotors. The slotted and drilled combination set are more expensive, and this is because of their increased stopping power. The combination of a cross-drilling and slotted set-up means much greater heat dispersion, and as result, improved stopping power. When doing research online, however, it became apparent that cross-drilling can result in decreased structural integrity on brake rotors, and many people had complained that their rotors, when used under very extreme conditions, had developed splits and cracks at the drilling points. These complaints were few and far between with DBA brakes, thanks in large part to the two-piece construction of the 5000 Series as well as the increased integrity and ventilation provided by the DBA Kangaroo Paw ventilation system. However, they did exist in some places, and resulted in my decision, ultimately to install slotted rotors on front and back and avoid the potential problems of the cross-drilled rotors resulting in a rotor break down the road. That being said, slotted rotors are nothing to sneeze at.
Standard rotors are block, or solid, rotors in design. What this means is that the rotor face that the pads meet is made of a solid, flat, construction. These brakes, while durable and affordable (and, for these reasons the factory standard on almost all cars that are sold) have a number of downsides. The solid construction equates to increased pad wear, as there's more point of contact for the pads to rub against during stopping. In some ways, you would think that this solid construction would result in greater stopping force, but it's actually the opposite of that, as counter-intuitive as that may seem. The slots in slotted rotors allow for heat to more easily disperse from the rotors during braking, and, ultimately, heat is the name of the game when it comes to brake performance. Thus, the slotted rotors, while slightly less abrasive on pads, are still able to stop much better because of their heat dispersion, and their ability still, because of their well-crafted materials, to grab more efficiently. Ultimately, too, increased heat dispersion means cooler rotors means cooler pads under braking, and thus, even greater pad life. Thus, the benefits of moving from a standard rotor to a slotted one is two-fold, as it increases durability for other major components of the braking system as well as increasing your vehicle's ability to stop quickly and forcefully in intense driving conditions.
Thus, with all of this in mind, I picked up 5000 and 4000 series slotted rotors for my Z06. Knowing too that for optimized performance new pads should be put on with new rotors so that the two may break in with one another, I ordered a set of Hawk HPP+ pads. I considered the ceramics, because of their decreased brake dust, but ultimately the compound materials used in the Hawk HPP+ pads lead me towards purchasing those. I can deal with brake dust (and as often as I clean my Z06, I know it can't be too big of a problem), and the increased performance offered by the stronger grab and greater efficiency of the HPP+ pads were too much for me to pass up. Also, admittedly, the price difference between the HPP+ and the Ceramic pads played a factor in my decision. The Ceramics are over $100 more and don't offer enough of an appreciable performance gain over their Ferro-Carbon compound counterparts.
It only took a couple weeks to receive everything, and my friends over at SouthernCarParts.com (who I'm always happy to give a shout-out to) took care of me to make sure I received exactly what I needed in the most timely manner possible. After the wait, once my products arrived, I took them to a shop to have them installed. Normally I do install my stuff myself, but when it comes to properly bedding-in pads against new rotors, I wanted to leave that up to a professional. The most surprising thing about this trip to the mechanic though wasn't the cost of the install (it wasn't really that high, it just felt high compared to my usual $0 cost of install) was the response that I received from the guys at the shop. The comments concerning the quality and coolness of my DBA rotors was definitely a bit of an ego boost when I arrived. I'm fairly certain they expected me, when pulling up to have brake work done, to be going with stock replacement parts and that they were surprised when presented with quality aftermarket performance parts. The response on the two-piece 5000 Series front rotors was especially positive.
So, after having them installed, I was excited to see what these new brakes of mine could do on the road. It's hard to measure braking performance changes without actually taking it to a track and measuring it, and I didn't have an opportunity to do this, but it seemed pretty obvious on the road that these new brakes offered me a lot more stopping power. I can't wait to get my Z06 out on to a track and see just what I can do with the extra confidence that improved brakes give me, allowing me to go faster with the knowledge that I can slow down more quickly. I'm extremely happy with my DBA rotors and the Hawk pads that I coupled them with and know that if you're looking to do an upgrade yourself, these are exactly what I would recommend, 100%. Great brakes at a great value.
Here's a cool video from DBA (Australian accent and all) explaining their 4000 and 5000 series rotors. Check it out:
Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition
Since the Corvette was introduced, the track has always appealed to its consumers. Be it the heritage behind it, or the power within it, it is undeniable that the Corvette wields a force to be reckoned with on the track. The Z06 took this ability a step further during the C5 years, and was carried over during the C6 years. The top dog Corvette- the ZR1- has replaced the previous ZR-1's (C3/C4) and has earned quite a blistering name for itself, due to its heavily modified and Eaton TVS supercharged LS3 dubbed the LS9 producing 638 hp/603 lb-ft of torque. The catch is, a ZR-1 off the lot will run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $106,500-$114,000. That's a lot of money for a lot of car. Justifiably some might say, while others more than scoff at the price tag. The scoffing crowd needn't scoff anymore while they drool over the "best" Vette to come out. The other interesting note about this year, is it will be the 50th anniversary of the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans where the Corvette first entered and finished an astonishing 8th overall, and 1st in class (seen in B&W photo to right). To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this historical milestone for the Corvette, Chevy wanted to do something special.
Please welcome the 2011 Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.
The Z06 Carbon Limited Edition has been cited as being the middle child between the Z06 and the ZR1 by bridging the price gap of the Z06 (~$75k) and the ZR1 (~$110K), so expect to see the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition somewhere in the neighborhood of roughly $90K. The Carbon Edition features many of the goodies found on the ZR1, but while still remaining naturally aspirated, but combining it with the style and poise of a limited edition. The Carbon Edition will feature the 15" ceramic brakes off of the ZR1 with specially painted gray calipers, driver-adjustable magnetorheological shocks, black 20-spoke, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 rubber to put the power of the 505 HP of the (relatively untouched from the Z06-save for a carbon fiber engine cover) LS7 to the road.
The Carbon Limited Edition also comes with black headlamps and black mirrors. The introduction of a new color- Supersonic Blue -and the previously seen Inferno Orange will be the only two colors the car is robed in. Chevrolet will only produce 500 units of the Carbon Limited Edition. For this edition however, it should be noted that the differences- while not drastic- are quite noticeable. The rockers and splitter, along with the hood will all be made out of black carbon fiber (though the hood will be color-matched to the body and is raised like the ZR1 sans window). The rear of the car will be complemented with a ZR1 style spoiler, and the headlamps will be housed in black as well.
The interior of the Carbon Edition will also be clad in a special outfit, fitting of any special edition. The steering wheel, seats, shifter, and door panels will be in dark suede with a special logo designated strictly for the Carbon Edition. The interior is, in our opinion, just a reminder of the differences in the regular Z06 and the Carbon Edition; perhaps the grey interior (and the specially colored grey calipers) is an allusion to the carbon fiber itself. The 2011 Carbon Limited Edition is going to be an extremely limited release and more than likely among the last of the aging C6 generation. With the impending release news of the new C7 being rumored and designated for the 2012/2013 model year, the C6 variants can't be too much longer in the works until the next generation takes over with a smoother, faster 'vette. Corvette collectors and enthusiasts should take note of this impending change of the guard and realize that the C6 is soon to be phased out becoming an item to be sought after.
The Carbon Edition has quickly become the talk of the Corvette community as its release sounded the alarm of a small number of high quality, collectible, track worthy cars.
Escort Passport iQ
If you enjoy driving as much as we do, you'll be glad to know that someone came up with the bright idea of combining a GPS device with a radar/laser detector. This stroke of absolute genius is a major leap forward in the radar/laser detection world. This rules out the cluster of suction cups and 12-volt power hungry devices on the windshield- or at the very least thins the crowd. The engineers over at Escort developed the Passport iQ as a solution to this quandary. Not only is it a fully functioning GPS with everything you would expect from a Garmin, TomTom or any other GPS unit, but they 
went the extra step and included the added benefit of integrating a radar/laser detector into the unit as a seamless package detecting in the X, K, Ka, and Ku bands.
I'm sure Escort will never say it, but another added benefit, and the one everyone is thinking- is the fact that this unit, to the non-discerning eye would not be able to tell the Passport iQ apart from a regular GPS or navigation unit. In states like Virginia (for private and commercial vehicles) and Illinois, New York and New Jersey (for commercial vehicles) this is a tactful advantage, but be weary… the men in blue also read blogs and have the internet. It's only a matter of time before they catch on as well. The Passport iQ also comes with SmartShield VG2 Immunity, which prevents VG2 radar detector detectors from sensing the detector. The VG2 radar detector detector is used by police agencies throughout the United States and Canada, along with other countries in the EU to detect the use of a radar detector. The SmartShield VG2 Immunity is not completely fool proof however, and it should not solely be relied on to protect you from the prying eyes of the law. The only way to never get caught speeding is to never speed. It's as simple as that. But I won't say that this doesn't provide some peace of mind, and an increased amount of protection.
The navigation unit is supplied with Navteq maps and free 90-day trial subscription to Escort's Defender Database system which includes icons and warnings for known speed traps, red light cameras, and speed cameras. After the free trial expires there is a subscription fee to access the database. However, you may make notes and references on the maps as you travel to include personal observations of speed traps, cameras etc. The Navteq software has the options of viewing maps in a birds-eye view, or plan-view 2D mode. The Passport iQ captures the unique function of being able to record all of this data as you travel and save it for future reference. The iQ also displays the posted speed limit (where available) and sounds a warning when you exceed 10 mph above the posted limit (this is generally the bottom line for prosecutable ticket range in most areas). The display also posts your real time speed as determined by GPS, which has proven to be more accurate, especially on older cars equipped with a cable driven speedometer.
Specifications:
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Operating Bands Radar Receiver/Detector Type GPS Receiver Laser Detection |
Display Type Power Requirement Auto-Calibration Circuitry SmartShield VG2 Immunity Dimensions |
The only drawback that seems to be discussed about the device is the disconcerting bounce that results from the weight of the device when mounted to the windshield via suction cup. Since it is the amalgamation of 2 different devices into one, the weight is fairly substantial. The other option (and for states like Minnesota and California where affixing devices to the windshield is prohibited) is the dash mount method. The drawback to this method is the obstruction of the rear facing laser detector that needs to be mounted high enough to "see" out the back window above the rear seats. But despite the mounting issues, the unit seems to be quite impressive and the rumors from Escort are confirming what the critics are hoping for in future models. The future models could possibly be equipped with real time traffic information as well as Bluetooth support. If it is released, it will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 premium, most likely from Navteq.
The unit retails at $650 USD, which some might say is a bit high, but if you factor in a speeding ticket (most people who buy detectors usually do so after being burned at least once.. depending on the severity), and then a good navigation unit, plus the radar/laser detector, the price is well worth it. We might even suggest waiting for the next generation to come out with live traffic and Bluetooth, as that would prove to be an invaluable option.
Corvette Z06 and ZR1 Billy Boat PRT Exhaust System
Billy Boat Performance Exhausts, who have been making industry-leading, high-quality exhausts for some time now, have put their know-how to work on the C6 Z06 and ZR1 again, and they've created something brilliant and fantastic. The newest exhaust line from their R&D team is their PRT Exhaust--PRT stands for Purge-Resonance Technology. The PRT systems are designed and manufactured to ensure that at normal cruising speeds there is no cabin drone within the vehicle, but that once opened up in to the higher-RPM ranges the vehicle itself has the powerful, throaty, and classic muscle tone that people want and expect from a Chevy small-block V8.
Of course, the success of Billy Boat exhaust systems is nothing new. From their renowned Bullet exhaust systems (known for their loud, powerful, and aggressive tones) to their even more well-respected Fusion systems (which took the best aspects of the bi-modal stock exhaust, made those their own, and improved the tone), Billy Boat has been impressing the Corvette crowd for some time. For this reason, and the prior success of their other PRT systems, I was happy to see B&B produce this PRT exhaust for Z06 and ZR1 Corvettes. It seems like a potentially great match.
Of course, the exhaust isn't without its questions. The first, and most obvious of these, is why buy a non-bi-modal aftermarket exhaust? Chevrolet has done great work designing and producing their Bi-Modal exhaust systems, and they've gained a lot of press and praise for good reasons, so it seems a little counter-intuitive to remove that b-modal functionality when you upgrade. Of course, the bi-modal exhaust doesn't work for everybody, does it? I've heard many times from people who don't like the very abrupt change in tone up the RPM range. Also, by keeping the tips closed, the bi-modal restricts air flow at lower RPMs and ultimately restricts HP at start off. The difference is small, of course, in HP and Torque, but it does exist, so if you're trying to squeeze the most ponies out of your Chevy, it's not necessarily a good thing. The second question would then be: if you're eliminating the bi-modal, how do you keep the vehicle drone-free? This is an area where the PRT system works wonderfully.
Specially designed and acoustically tuned (in much the same way the new, well-reviewed Borla ATAK exhaust systems are), the PRT mufflers are designed to specifically minimize cabin drone by focusing on the tonal range of the Corvette. This then allows for the system to maximize external volume and tone, and to offer a clean, powerful, pure, and throaty exhaust noise that doesn't come coupled with insane interior exhaust drone. This rare combination of exterior sound and interior comfort has become the exhaust system holy grail that most exhaust manufacturers have found themselves looking to achieve, and few have done so as well as Billy Boat has. That combination, too, is what makes their PRT exhaust systems so special.
So, what does a PRT exhaust ultimately mean for your vehicle? For one, it's improved quality. The stock exhausts aren't, necessarily, poorly made. They're just not as well constructed as after-market exhaust systems tend to be. GM uses cheaper stainless steel materials for production to save on their bottom line, and, when you view the stock exhaust next to much any other exhaust system this is incredibly obvious--and especially obvious when viewed next to the quality that Billy Boat provides with their 304 Stainless Steel, Mandrel Bent exhaust system for the C6. The Billy Boat PRT system also results in impressive weight reduction. Various parts associated with a bi-modal exhaust become unnecessary when moving away from it, and the Billy Boat system is designed more efficiently than the stock mufflers, which results in a lighter exhaust system.
The best aspect of the PRT exhaust definitely comes in the tone. I had the luxury of hearing one, because I've got a good friend over at B&B, recently, and I was amazed at the tone. At lower RPM's it was about as quiet as the stock Bi-Modal exhaust, although the tone was undeniably deeper. When my friend accelerated through the RPM range, the tone became incredible. It picked up quickly and assuredly, and had this fantasticly deep rumble. The rumble, not even up in to the 6000rpm range, never became a raspy or whiney note either. It maintained a brilliant middle-ground in tone, keeping it away from the dirtiness of a Magnaflow type exhaust on one end of the spectrum, while also keeping it shy from the high whistle that a lot of the new Formula-1 inspired exhausts are striving for. Instead, it had a powerful, deep, and throaty crescendo through the RPM range that's exactly how American muscle should sound. Inside the vehicle, too, we were able to turn off the radio and hear no drone at all at cruising speeds. The exhaust is still audible, of course, but there's none of that deafening exhaust drone that blocks out your radio, your conversation, or your own train of thought, and that's nice. As we accelerated, too, the exhaust became increasingly more audible, but maintained a fantastic interior tone that still allowed us to speak (or, in my case, laugh with giddy delight at the tone--it's amazing how a car, more specifically THE car, can always make me feel like an excited child. Gotta love the Corvette).
In all, I must say that I'm excited to see Billy Boat release their PRT system for the Z06 and ZR1. Is it for everyone? No, it's not, and the Billy Boat Fusion (my favorite exhaust, personally) exists for those people that wish to maintain their bi-modal exhaust functionality. Is it amazing? Yes, it certainly is. The development and technology that Billy Boat has put in to their PRT exhaust line is obvious in the sound and the build of them. So, if you're looking to move away from the Bi-Modal Exhaust, this is definitely an exhaust to consider.
On a side note, but still related, Billy Boat has started offering all of their exhaust systems with new, ceramic coated, Satin Black Exhaust tips. I love the look of them, especially on a vehicle with Carbon Fiber rear end work (like a diffuser, or something). The satin black finish is classy, and aggressive, and could really give a vehicle a much more custom look. That being said, I've also heard lots of things about Ceramic Coating chipping on Headers and other systems, so I'm not certain about the durability on exhaust tips. I imagine, being Billy Boat, they're probably pretty strong, but I still wonder. With as beautiful as they are, and as great as the exhaust sounds, I'd hate to have them installed only to chip later. I'll probably give it some time and check on them again, on my friend's Corvette, and see how well they've handled the test of time! I can say, for certain right now, they're gorgeous exhaust tips (they give his black Z06, with CF work, a very Batmobile-esque look, and that's just awesome).
