Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Chevrolet
There are plenty of top-notch competitors in the American Le Mans Series looking to knock you out of contention, especially in this year's hyper-competitive GT2 class. So it's important not to hurt your own chances with bonehead mistakes. The Pratt & Miller Corvette Racing team knows this all too well after its own #4 C6.R GT2 collided with the #3 car early in this weekend's season opening 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race.
We're not talking about a poorly timed maneuver during the heat of the race, folks. Instead, Jan Magnussen in the #3 car began leaving his pit box after an unscheduled stop to repair a power steering hose when Emmanuel Collard in the #4 Vette came out of nowhere and slammed into his side. The #4 car immediately went behind pit wall for repairs, but since the #3 car was already leaving the pits, it was forced to limp around an entire lap with a flat front tire before returning for repairs. The collision effectively took both Corvettes out of contention for a podium spot, though they did manage to finish the race in 8th and 9th place.
The mistake by Corvette Racing is all the more difficult to wrap our heads around considering how dominant this team has been in ALMS racing. That, however, was before the team switched classes from GT1 to GT2 in mid-2009. The going has been rough since then, including a particularly violent crash at Laguna Seca in last season's final race. Nevertheless, when they aren't bouncing their cars off walls (or each other), the Corvettes remain contenders to watch.
Hit the jump to view the video of this weekend's incident for yourself.
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing's uncharacteristic pit-car crash at Sebring
Video: Corvette Racing's uncharacteristic pit-car crash at Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Coupe, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM
The 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is one rare roadster. General Motors only built five of the Cobra killers before production was halted, and the rarest of 'Vettes are worth millions at auction. If you don't have Ferrari GTO 250 money to spend, one option is to shell out $189,000 to Duntov Motor Co. in Texas. The company reportedly has full rights from GM to build the vehicles, and The General's badge is proudly displayed.
But that isn't the only way to get a replica Grand Sport. Mongoose Motorsports produces a near dead ringer of a roadster, but GM claims in a lawsuit that the company is violating trademark laws by building the vehicles without the automaker's permission. The Detroit News says The General is looking for the courts to bar Mongoose from building any more GS replicas, order the destruction of all labels and signs containing Corvette trademarks and let the automaker inspect the Ohio company's books. On top of that, GM is looking for unspecified damages. Mongoose operations manager Gary Krause Jr. reportedly told DetNews that he was unaware of the lawsuit until the newspaper called him.
Why is General Motors coming down hard on Mongoose Motorsports? Because there is a lot of money in licensing (ask any pro sports team), and any company seeking to profit from The General's designs, products or representations is taking money out of the company's coffers. But while the Mongoose Motorsports GS may (or may not) be illegal, it still does look pretty damn cool on the road. Hit the jump to watch video of the realistic replica as it trolls public roads in search of some street cred; or perhaps a speeding ticket. Thanks for the tip, Ismael!
[Source: The Detroit News]
Continue reading Report: GM suing Mongoose Motorsports over Corvette GS replicas [w/video]
Report: GM suing Mongoose Motorsports over Corvette GS replicas [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Remember when Jalopnik built a 638 HP LS9 V8 for a Corvette ZR1? Cool, right? Well, GM's considering a program to let ZR1 buyers do just that. It's a totally awesome idea that's every super car buyer's wet dream.
During one of the many booze and schmooze events surrounding the Detroit Auto Show, a GM official let us know they were considering letting ZR1 buyers put together the very engine destined for their car. That sentiment confirmed to Jalopnik by Tom Read from GM's Advanced Powertrain Technology Communications "” telling us "we are considering this program."
Though only a possible program at this point, it would allow buyers an unparalleled opportunity to have a hand in creating their own super car. It's one of the ideas floating around "new GM" we think should be put into place as soon as possible. Talk about an amazing way to connect customer to product.
Our guess is Read's floating the idea with us to hear what you, the commenters and enthusiasts, have to say. So, let 'em know what you think in the comments below.
When "Maximum" Bob expressed interest in a "Four-door Corvette" we think he meant something like the G8 GXP. Just in case, here's some horrible examples of why they shouldn't build an actual four-door Corvette.
This images comes from TopSpeed and envisions a Corvette lengthened with four doors. Scary.
This is probably closer to what we're talking about because it's Zeta based, but it's still just a good chop of what would be an ugly car by GMI poster Monaro SS.
Not a render, the Savage Rivale Roadyacht is an actual four-door folding hard-top Corvette made by a customizer.
To quote GMI poster E-Haskell: "It's like a 4 door Corvette... it just shouldn't be." Amen.
"[T]he thrill of high performance driving is unmatched by anything that doesn't have rear-wheel drive, bags of torque and a nice transmission." That's why "Maximum" Bob Lutz thinks the Holden Commodore could bring the U.S. a "four-door Corvette."
In addition to Reuss's comments yesterday on a new El Camino, Lutz went on to tell The Age "[T]here's a possibility of a premium Chevrolet sedan that would be sold in limited numbers. Think of it as a kind of four-door Corvette"
For reference, the upcoming Chevy Caprice PPV is based on a longer Zeta platform than the Commodore and Lutz is talking about a version based on a newer and slightly shorter platform "” think Pontiac G8 GXP for Chevy.
As long as it isn't actually a four-door Corvette but a Chevy by another name (we think just Chevy SS) with an awesome LS powerplant we're extremely interested, too.
(Hat tip to Alistar!)
[The Age, Hilarious Rendering Above: Monaro SS/GM Inside News]
Thanks to a tip from reader Cody, we've seen our second Limited Edition Hertz Corvette ZHZ crash, this one in Utah, where the driver crashed over a brutal-looking rock wall. Details and more photos below.
My former boss posted these this morning:
"My neighbor had a little hard luck last night. At around 10:45 I was in the kitchen and saw his headlights come in, then a few seconds later there was a loud grinding, crunching sound. Looks like he had a few too many cocktails."
This makes the second crash of one of the 500 Corvette ZHZs, the original occurring when a ZHZ smashed into a Dallas restaurant. No matter what the circumstances surrounding this one, you have to expect more of these in the future. Drop anyone in a rented 430 HP rear-wheel-drive sports car and they're bound to do stupid things. (Thanks again Cody)
Maybe they didn't know how to use the Corvette ZR1 launch control or maybe they just didn't have Ben, but England's Autocar managed to beat GM's finest with an AC Cobra up to 100 MPH. [Autocar]
The 2010 Corvette Grand Sport accelerates a touch faster than a normal 'Vette, handles and stops a little better than a regular Corvette, but GM's thinking 50% of sales will be the GS. Why? It's all about the parts list.
Think of the latest incarnation of the Grand Sport as the Z06 light, for about $55k you get a lot of the goodies in the Z06 but at a $20,000 discount. It's not so much of a kidney-pounding, mean and nasty brute, but it'll hang on the track all day and do it reliably, because it's built to a higher spec than the normal LS3-equipped Vettes.
So, what do we have then? Well for starters, the Grand Sport rides on the steel frame of the base Corvette but wears the bodywork and dimensions of the Z06 all around, modified with a set of gill slits in the coves as well as a slightly taller spoiler. This will be the first time the more aggressive Zed's style will be available with an open top, so that's potentially where a lot of sales will originate. It also gets unique wheels in Z06 dimensions all around which come in either chrome, silver painted, or our preference the Competition Gray, hot. Those wheels wrap around bigger brakes shared with the Z06, 14" up front and 13.4" rear, with six-piston and four-piston calipers, respectively. It really announces its presence when optioned with the telltale hash marks sprouting from the wheel wells. Unlike the original 1963 race spec Grand Sport or the 1996 limited run GS, this one has matching stripes on driver and passenger side "” a little spit in the eye of tradition, but unless you're a stickler, it's pretty neat, especially when you notice the Corvette crossed-flags emblem in the corner of the leading stripe.
That's all well and good, but we suspect the part that'll get Corvette owners talking is the engine. It's an LS3, yes, but with some very tasty upgrades. All Grand Sports get a forged steel crankshaft instead of the standard cast iron piece which can withstand higher loads for longer times as wells as tri-metal main bearings that'll take a whole lot more abuse than standard ones. On the manual transmission cars, you get a dry-sump oil system standard, with a higher flow and higher pressure oil pump and a 10.5-quart capacity, that dry sump occupies the same space as the battery normally gets, so it's moved to the rear as a result. Because of the dry sump complexity, the engine is being built by hand right alongside the LS7 and LS9. That means you get a properly balanced engine and a reinforced bottom end for the price of admission on the "cheap" Grand Sport model. Add to that the differential cooler at the rear and you have exactly what you need for a solid track day. Sounds pretty good to us.
As with all Corvettes, you can hand it off to Grandma to go pick up groceries and she'll only complain about sitting so gosh-darn low. However, she'll also be able to turn around and rip off 3.95 second 0-to-60 times all day thanks to the addition of launch control, which GM cheekily assured us would never void the warranty, not only that but it works pretty well too (sadly we only had time to test it on the also-equipped ZR1, which was in no way more exciting than sex on a roller coaster, turning in 0-to-60's in a plodding 3.48 seconds). You'll note that 3.95s time puts the GS 0.35 seconds faster than the standard Vette, due to improved traction, transmission gearing and final drive. On the track, unsurprisingly, the Grand Sport reminds us of a Z06 missing about 70 HP, which is actually more manageable than the 7.0-liter brute. 436 HP with the valved exhaust is more than enough to get you rocketing to delirious speeds in no time, and the big brakes haul you down even faster. You can throw every mistake in the book at the car and it's almost too easy to drive at speed, easy to catch when you push too hard, and riotously fun when you do everything right. The upgraded brakes and anti-roll bars really make a difference when late-braking for corners and diving through chicanes as accurate turn-in and quick transitions are incredibly rewarding.
GM's thinking the Grand Sport might top 50% of total Corvette sales at least in the short term, and there's good reason to believe it might. On the one hand, it offers the boulevardier Corvette owners the enticing pitch of the Z06 body with the convertible top, upgraded suspension, unique looks and a reasonably good automatic transmission (really, in manual mode, it's pretty respectable). On the other hand, the base Grand Sport coupe with a manual gives you a lot of the Z06 goodies with a hand-built engine equipped with a dry-sump and upgraded internals for $20,000 less. And here we thought it was just a stickers and wheels package.
Filed under: Videos, Chevrolet, GM
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has dominated everything in its $100,000 price range, and quite a few supercars that double or triple its MSRP. With just about everything with four wheels subservient to the ZR1, MotorTrend decided to forgo cars and trucks for something with a bit more boost.
MotorTrend's Aurthor St. Antoine thought a more credible contender against the ZR1 would be an F/A-18 Hornet from the Blue Angel squad. So it was Blue Devil vs. Blue Angel, with one vehicle doling out 638 hp and able to hit 60 in 3.3 seconds, and the other capable of mach 1.8 and packing 32,000 pounds of thrust. It doesn't exactly sound like a fair fight, but the race is pretty simple: the first to the one-mile mark wins.
Hit the jump to find out who comes out victorious in the battle of the bow tie vs. Navy fighter jet. If you're not into all the hoopla surrounding the ZR1 and the Blue Angel F/A-18 and you just want to see the race, skip to about eight minutes in. We're pretty sure this race was just an excuse for St. Antoine to get in the cockpit of an F-18, but we can't say we blame him.
Continue reading VIDEO: MotorTrend pits Corvette ZR1 against F/A-18 Hornet
VIDEO: MotorTrend pits Corvette ZR1 against F/A-18 Hornet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Convertibles, Coupes, Chevrolet, GM
Since Chevrolet announced the return of the Corvette Grand Sport for 2010, we've been given detailed information on what the trim level will include as well as its starting price - $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. What we haven't been given is a truly good look at the Grand Sport, having to make due with a single profile shot.
Chevy has just released six new images of the GS in both coupe and convertible form that finally show off the exterior changes. Most obvious are the new gills that sit behind the front wheels and vent air from the larger brakes. The Grand Sport also gets that air inlet on the leading edge of its hood from the Z06, as well as the air scoop behind each door and front splitter. Those front and rear fenders are also both wider than what you get on a base Corvette, all in order to accommodate wider tires fitted to Grand Sport-specific wheels. Though the engine remains the same, GS Vettes do get an upgraded suspension and your choice of a manually tranny or six-speed auto.
Replacing the Z51 package, the new Grand Sport really does seem like the perfect compromise between a garden variety Corvette and the harder edged Z06. Check out the rest of our Grand Sport photos in the gallery below.
[Source: GM]
Pics Aplenty: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport shown from all angles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Tuners, Coupes, Chevrolet, GM
The 1969 Camaro is one of the most iconic pony cars, and there are plenty of '69s on the road, many of which have been tweaked to provide more power than the impressive stock 427 big-block V8. However, none have been outfitted with the most powerful production GM engine in its 100-year history; the 638-hp LS9. That was true until the Jackass was completed.
The Jackass was constructed by GM engineer and Pro Touring stud Mark Stielow in 20 months. And the modified '69 Camaro is more than just a supercharged V8. Stielow added the wheels, tires, and carbon ceramic brakes from the ZR1, along with an Art Morrison subframe and a Tremec T56 tranny from a Dodge Viper. The result? 511 horsepower at the rear wheels, and a price tag that surpasses a loaded ZR1. While that's quite a bit of coin, but someone had to do it first and it appears Stielow's done it right the first time.
[Source: Inside Line]
Jackass: 1969 Camaro gets ZR1 heart transplant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Time Warp, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Chevrolet, Special/Limited Editions
Harley Earl's 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - Click above for a high-res galleryLegendary sportscar marques deserve their own dedicated auctions, and lately they've been getting what they deserve. RM Auction has been running a Ferrari-only event at the Maranello factory for a few years now, while Bonhams has been doing the same with Aston Martin at Newport Pagnell for even longer. But while the Corvette may technically be a model and not a brand, it has its own rabid following and its own history. Which could help explain why Mecum is holding a dedicated Corvette auction later this month in St. Charles, Illinois. The Mecum Bloomington Gold Corvette Auction will feature an array of Vettes from Chevy history, and this is undoubtedly the highlight: Harley Earl's personal Stingray convertible.
As the grand-daddy of American car design, Earl earned his place in history. And to help commemorate his achievements, General Motors presented him with this unique 'Vette in 1963, shortly after the car made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. The car featured a unique metallic blue paintjob with white highlights and a blue leather interior, 300-horsepower fuel-injected 327, unique side exhaust and an array of special instruments in the glovebox.
Earl drove the car for two years - he even drove it at Daytona as the 500's Grand Marshall in 1965 - and then sold it to a war vet who drove it to California and back with local newspaper coverage. The car was then lost for decades before a group of amateur racers bought it at auction with the intent to drag race it before identifying it as something special. It then changed hands among Corvette collectors before receiving a full restoration. The car's status and storied history, more of which you can read about in the press release after the jump, are sure to fetch a pretty penny when this Vette crosses the auction block on June 26.
[Source: Mecum]
Continue reading Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block
Harley Earl's own '63 Corvette Stingray convertible on the auction block originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, GM, Special/Limited Editions
If the introduction of the ZR1 into the Corvette lineup has made the base model look a bit dull, the Grand Sport package more than fills the aesthetic gap between the models. The Grand Sport package includes Stingray-like gills aft of the front wheels, unique rims and Z06 brakes. Unique suspension tuning reportedly nets a 0-60 time that goes from 4.2 seconds on the base coupe to 4.0 seconds in its updated configuration.
Corvette Blogger is reporting what it says is official Grand Sport package pricing, and the bottom line isn't as tough to swallow as some may have envisioned. The Bowtie fanboy site lists Grand Sport pricing at $55,720 for the coupe and $59,530 for the convertible. That's a not-inconsequential $6,205 bump for the coupe and $5,360 for the droptop. The Grand Sport package essentially obviates the need for the $1,695 Z51 package, however, so you're basically looking at $3,500-$4,500 for the retuned suspension, widebody stance, Z06 brakes, improved 0-60 mph times, and aeshetic and exclusivity benefits, which doesn't strike us as a bad deal.
[Source: Corvette Blogger]
REPORT: 2010 Corvette Grand Sport to start at $55,720? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: In the Autoblog Garage, Supercars, Chevrolet
Torque is good. More torque is better. And when you have more than 600 lb-ft of the stuff at your disposal with just a tip of your right toe, life is fantastic. Now, if it would just stop raining, things would be perfect. Such is life with the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
As the old saying goes, "Timing is everything", and as General Motors approached its 100th birthday last September, it introduced the two most powerful production cars it had ever created, the Cadillac CTS-V and the ZR1. Unfortunately, just as GM reached the pinnacle of high performance cars, the world economy imploded. The global financial bubble got pierced from multiple sides and sales of cars at every price and performance level vaporized. Fortunately for us, GM is still hanging in there and Chevrolet let us have a few days of quality time with a ZR1 while the opportunity still exists. We went to Hell and back in the ZR1 and lived to tell the tale after the jump.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc
Continue reading Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes to Hell and back
Review: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes to Hell and back originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Time Warp, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet, Lifestyle, Special/Limited Editions
Want to be a hero? Or, do you at least want to drive a heroic car? May we suggest the 1 of 1 Hero Edition 2009 Corvette ZR1 that General Motors has created specifically for the Kids Wish Network. There may not be any changes to the stock ZR1's drivetrain, but that's fine - it certainly didn't need any.
To separate the Hero Edition from the rest of its ZR1 siblings, GM's team of Corvette designers and engineers equipped this particular 'Vette with a bespoke graphics package with red accents in lieu of the normal blue. Other special bits include "additional carbon fiber components," though we're left wondering what those composite pieces may be.
You can't actually go to your nearest Chevy dealership and order the Hero Edition, as it's a prize for the Corvette Dream Giveaway. Joining the 2009 Hero Edition ZR1 will be a fully restored 1967 Corvette in matching Tuxedo Black with red highlights, equipped with the desirable 427 cubic inch Big Block V8 engine with 390 ground-pounding horsepower.
There's only one 2009 Hero Edition in existence, and if you want it, you'll need to order a $3 ticket... or, ya know, a few hundred tickets. There's no limit on how many times a single individual can enter the drawing, and the more tickets you purchase, the better your chances of winning will be. Shelley Breiner, Exective Director for the Kids Wish Network, expects this lone drawing to fund its Hero of the Month program for at least an entire year. So, order away - it's for a good cause. Thanks for the tip, Keith!
[Source: Corvette Blogger]
Save the Cheerleader? GM creates Hero Edition Corvette ZR1 to benefit Kids Wish Network originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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We've covered the big tuning boys "” Hennessey and Lingenfelter. Next up? The Fesler-Moss Limited Edition 2010 Camaro SS complete with custom body work and a built-to-order engine package even including the ZR1s LS9!
Chris Fesler and Jon Moss (of GM Performance fame) teamed up to create this custom limited edition 2010 Camaro SS for the mesh-wife-beater-wearing, previously-Monte-Carlo-Dale-Earnhardt-Intimidator-Edition-driving, family-franchise-starting crowd. They'll build your Camaro with a custom body kit with molded rear lip spoiler (how they do that is anybody's guess) and any LS-series engine that's currently on offer including the venerable supercharged LS9 from the Corvette ZR1. Take that Hennessey! Production is scheduled to start...well, now, and delivery to begin soon after.
Fesler-Moss Press ReleaseAfter months of design and calibration Chris Fesler and Jon Moss have teamed up to offer Chevy lovers with their version of the ultimate 2010 Camaro. The Chevrolet Camaro will forever be known as America's original muscle car. Chris Fesler and Jon Moss have expanded on that principle to create the Fesler-Moss Edition 2010 Camaro. The new Fesler-Moss Limited Edition 2010 Camaro is scheduled for release in late April 2009 and will be shipping soon after that. Built with similar historic features that have been prevalent throughout the Camaro's bloodline, the Fesler-Moss Camaro stays true to the original Camaro lines, performance, handling and most important, horsepower. Some features include;
"¢ GM Performance LS-3, LS-7, LS-9 and LSX engines,
"¢ 6 speed or built 4L65E transmission,
"¢ Fesler-Moss braned Magnuson Supercharger,
"¢ Fesler-Moss 3 piece billet wheels,
"¢ Goodyear tires,
"¢ Racing suspension,
"¢ Upgraded rear end,
"¢ Body upgrades,
"¢ Paddle shifter by Mastershift,
"¢ Performance brake upgrade,
"¢ Larger exhaust upgrade,
"¢ Sound system upgrade,
"¢ Color matched interior
"¢ Street legal in all 50 states
"¢ Several different paint options
[via Fesler-Moss]
Filed under: Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet
According to Fritz Henderson, the recently-appointed CEO of General Motors, the future holds exciting things for Chevrolet's iconic sportscar. This news comes despite the admission late last year that development of the next-gen C7 Corvette platform was put on "indefinite hold, with no official or set timetable."
In a bit of good news for Corvette fans, Henderson asserts that the "Corvette pays its rent," meaning that it's a money-making operation for The General. Obviously, the longer the automaker can rely on the current C6 architecture, the more profitable it will likely be.
There's still no indication of when we'll see a new architecture underpinning the Corvette, but Henderson is quick to point out that the current C6 chassis is still an excellent unit to build off and one that's fully competitive with the best sportscars from around the world. Disagree? You've obviously never gotten behind the wheel of the latest ZR1.
[Source: Autoweek]
GM CEO says future of Corvette secure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Absent since the C4's demise, the Corvette Grand Sport is back for 2010, this time sporting wider Z06 bodywork, larger brakes and the option of either a Coupe or Convertible. Another commemorative sticker package? Not-so-much.
We know what you're probably thinking and to be perfectly honest, we were thinking it too. This is not another commemorative package, nor is it a sticker package, instead the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport is a bonafide performance package that will help to distinguish the different Corvette models even more so.
Chevrolet's plan is to rid the lineup of the Z51 package Vettes, instead replacing it with a uniquely designed new Grand Sport model. Everything that you know and love about the Z51 will be here, but now, with the help of new Z06-derived bodywork you won't be confused with those driving lesser base-model Vettes.
The 6.2-liter LS3 V8 remains, pumping out the same extremely capable 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft or torque (436 horsepower and 428 lb-ft with the optional two-mode sport exhaust) and is easily manipulated to do your bidding through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Sport's calipers are distinguished by their silver with red lettering and the rotors have been enlarged to Z06-spec, 14-inch with six-piston calipers in front and 13.4-inch with four-piston grabbers in the rear. Also equipped are revised shock/spring settings and heavier duty stabilizer bars. The 2010 Grand Sport rides on unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels wrapped in sticky 275/35ZR18 and 325/30ZR19 tires, front and rear.
For those that opt to equip their Grand Sport with the six-speed manual transmission, Chevrolet will throw in a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. All-in-all, these improvements should net an enthusiastic 2010 Grand Sport driver with a 0.2-second improvement over the existing Z51-model.
The Grand Sport can be equipped in either Coupe or Convertible body styles, but regardless of which you choose, you'll be rewarded with a wider Z06-style front fascia with a Z06 lower lip spoiler, the only thing missing is the scoop on the nose. Z06-width front fenders replace the stock Vette's with a Grand Sport badge sitting atop dual vertical gills. The rear fenders have been replaced with Z06 units with functional brake cooling ducts. You can have your Grand Sport in any available Corvette color as well as all four different available trim levels (1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT). A heritage package is also available, adding a pair of dual stripes on the front fenders in either silver or red. The interior features special Grand Sport embroidery on the seat head rests.
The 2010 Corvette Grand Sport is publicly being announced at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky this weekend. Pricing is yet to be announced, but expect it to be somewhere around current Z51-package pricing. We'll take ours in Coupe-spec painted in Le Mans Blue (Okay fine, Jet Stream Blue) with the red stripes please.
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Grand Sport. It's one of the most storied monikers in Corvette's illustrious racing heritage and it is returning the lineup. Chevrolet announced the new, 2010 Corvette Grand Sport at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash, held at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.
The new Grand Sport model combines the Corvette's LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racetrack-bred suspension for a distinctive, starting grid-ready performer. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).
The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.
Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for racetrack competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.
The complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes
* Wider front and rear fenders - including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges
* Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler
* Functional brake ducts and extra cooling
* Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch wheels; painted finish standard and chrome finish optional
* Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear
* Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers
* Specific manual transmission gear ratios
* Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped modles
With its special equipment, the Grand Sport offers a unique blend of performance and amenities. Its suspension package approaches that of the Z06, but includes a removable roof on coupes (Z06 has a fixed roof) and, of course, the availability of a convertible body style. Also, the paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission is offered, while a manual transmission is the only choice with the Z06.
All of Corvette's exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport and an available Heritage package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The Grand Sport can be ordered with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages, too.
Grand Sport history
Envisioned by legendary Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov as a factory-built, lightweight and race-ready production model that would trump domestic and foreign road-racing competitors, the original Corvette Grand Sport was a promising idea stymied by GM's agreement to stay out of manufacturer-backed motorsports.
The planned 125 production models required for racing-class homologation were never built, but five prototypes based on the styling of the 1963 Corvette were hand-assembled under Duntov's watchful eye. And while they looked like production models, the prototypes were purpose-built racecars that shared little with their assembly-line cousins. Duntov also oversaw the Grand Sport engine program that featured a special, 377-cubic-inch small-block V-8 and used side-draft carburetors.
Although never officially sanctioned by General Motors, the five Grand Sport prototypes saw extensive racing experience throughout the 1960s in the hands of "private" racers who had strong contacts within Duntov's engineering circle. All five original cars are accounted for today and are among the most valuable in the collector market.
Chevrolet offered a limited-edition Grand Sport production model in 1996, commemorating the original racing cars and marking the end of the C4 era in Corvette production. All of the 1,000 examples were painted Admiral Blue and featured a white center stripe and red "hash mark" graphics on the left front fender, a graphic scheme that mimicked the look of some of the original racecars.
*SAE certified.
SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Models:
Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe and Convertible
Body styles / driveline:
two-door hatchback coupe with removable roof; rear-wheel drive (Coupe and Convertible)
Construction:
composite body panels, hydroformed steel frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components (coupe);
composite and carbon-fiber body panels, hydroformed aluminum frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components (Z06)
Manufacturing location:
Bowling Green, Ky.
Engines
6.2L V-8 LS3
Displacement (cu in / cc):
376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (in / mm):
4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92
Block material:
cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum
Valvetrain:
overhead valve, two valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery:
SFI (sequential fuel injection)
Compression ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower
(hp / kW @ rpm):
430 / 321 @ 5900* w/ std. exhaust
436 / 325 @ 5900* w/ opt. exhaust
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):
424 / 575 @ 4600* w/ std. exhaust
428 / 580 @ 4600* w/ opt. exhaust
Recommended fuel:
premium recommended not required
EPA estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):
15 / 25 (automatic)
16 / 26 (manual)
Transmissions
Tremec six-speed manual
Hydra-Matc 6L80 six-speed paddle-shift automatic
Application:
std.
opt.
Gear ratios (:1)
First:
2.97
4.03
Second:
2.07
2.36
Third:
1.43
1.53
Fourth:
1.00
1.15
Fifth:
0.71
0.85
Sixth:
0.56
0.67
Reverse:
3.28
3.06
Final drive ratio:
3.42
2.73
Chassis / Suspension
Front:
short/long arm ( SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber
Rear:
short/long arm ( SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber
Traction control:
electronic traction control; Active Handling
Brakes
Type:
front and rear power-assisted disc with ABS with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, cross-drilled rotors
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):
front: 14 x 1.3 / 355 x 32
rear: 13.4 x 1 / 340 x 26
Brake swept area
(sq in / mm):
front: 309 / 1994
rear: 269 / 1735
Wheels & Tires
Wheel size:
front: 18-inch x 9.5-inch
rear: 19-inch x 12-inch
Tires:
front: P275/35ZR18
rear: P325/30ZR19
Dimensions
Wheelbase (in / mm):
105.7 / 2685
Overall length (in / mm):
175.6 / 4460
Overall width (in / mm):
75.9 / 1928
Overall height (in / mm):
48.7 / 1236
Curb weight (lb / kg):
3311 / 1502 (Grand Sport Coupe)
3289 / 1492 (Grand Sport Convertible)
Weight distribution
(% front / rear):
51 / 49
Interior
Seating capacity
2
Interior volume (cu ft / L):
52 / 1475
Headroom (in / mm):
38 / 962
Legroom (in / mm):
43 / 1092
Shoulder room (in / mm):
55 / 1397
Hip room (in / mm):
54 / 1371
Capacities
Cargo volume
(cu ft / L):
Coupe: 22 / 634
Convertible: 11 / 295 (top up); 7.5 / 212 (top down)
Fuel tank (gal / L):
18 / 68.1
Engine oil (qt / L):
5.5 / 5.2 (automatic transmission)
10.5 / 9.9 (manual transmission)
* SAE certified.
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.
[via GM]
Filed under: Tuners, Coupes, Supercars, Chevrolet
We're big fans of Ugur Sahin, who in the past has penned a modern interpretation of the Ferrari Dino that made our knees weak. Last year he unveiled renderings for a reinterpretation of the C6 Corvette called the Z03. Being used to seeing his designs remain on-paper fantasies, we were pleasantly surprised this morning to learn that his firm, UgurSahinDesign, has partnered with well known tuner Mallett Cars to bring the Z03 to life.
Since we last saw it, the Z03 has undergone further styling revisions, and we say for the better. They tell us all the tweaks were made to increase engine cooling and improve downforce, while the new headlights were redesigned to better accompany the car's Z06-like see-through hood. That new powerdome provides some extra clearance for what Ugur Sahin and Mallett have planned for the Z03 powerplants. The base engine will be a supercharged version of GM's LS7 V8 producing 700 hp. For those interested in the ultimate of bespoke Vette conversions, however, there's an optional engine upgrade featuring twin turbos and an expected output of 999 hp.
Just to convert your C6 into the Ugur Sahin design with carbon fiber bodywork will set you back $69,000, not including the price of the donor car. The engine upgrades will run $32,700 for the 700-hp, supercharged version and $35,795 for the 999-hp, twin-turbo version. At only a couple thou more than the supercharged engine, the 999-hp option seems like a steal. That is, until you tally the total cost and realize you've just spent six figures creating a super Corvette that still has the same interior.
Be sure to inspect every inch of Ugur Sahin's new Z03 design in our high-res image gallery below and peruse more detailed tech specs after the jump.
[Source: UgurSahinDesign]
Continue reading Ugur Sahin partners with Mallett for 999-hp twin-turbo Corvette Z03
Ugur Sahin partners with Mallett for 999-hp twin-turbo Corvette Z03 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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With its UgurSahinDesign-penned exotic sheet-metal and Mallett-engineered 999 HP twin-turbo V8 Corvette Z03 is looking more fleshed out than when we last saw it just over one year ago.
In fact, it's more likely to be mistaken for a wild new Lamborghini or Lotus than half-of-a-Z06. So if you've felt your standard Vette was a bit pedestrian and you didn't make it on to the ZR1 waitlist, USD has teamed up with Mallett Cars to create this limited edition conversion. From the images we've seen it's clear the design benchmark for this vehicle is more of the Italian, mid-engined variety than anything available on this side of the Atlantic. The cost of looking good will set you back $69,000 on top of the cost of your donor Corvette.
To back up your new Vette with some power you can add one of two Mallett performance upgrades. For an additional $32,700 over the cost of your conversion you can opt for a supercharged LS7 with a host of tweaks good for 700 HP. The real value is going to be the twin-turbo conversion, which for an extra $3,000 ups power to 999 HP.
We're sort of curious who would consider spending $92,000 over the cost of their Corvette for a 700 HP monster but stops short of spending $95,000.
UgurSahinDesign Mallett Z03 Press Release"Since the first press release early 2008 Ugur Sahin and his team have been involved in a lot of preparations to take the Z03 concept from art to parts.
Several exterior design adjustments have been made for optimal engine cooling and improved downforce. The headlight units have been shaped into a more aggressive, yet distinctive design to fit the shape of the new powerdome hood.For fabrication and engine tuning of the limited Corvette series Ugur Sahin Design has teamed up with Mallett Cars from Berea, Ohio.
Mallett Cars has a long history with racing Corvettes and the Mallett brothers have tuned and upgraded hundreds of Corvettes over the years.Now that Ugur Sahin Design and Mallett Cars have set their minds on the Corvette C6, they are aiming to push the bar even higher for the American performance car enthusiasts.
Proof of this statement is that Mallett Cars has developed a full 24000 mile/ two year guaranteed 999 hp Twin Turbo engine upgrade, which makes the Mallett Z03 the most powerful Corvette series ever produced. Every body part will be precision engineered by the state of the art engineering equipments to ensure the maximum build quality.
Pricing of the conversion of your Corvette C6 or Z06 into a USD Mallett Z03 is set at $ 69.000 for the full bodywork conversion including reference class paintwork.
Pricing does not include cost of the donor vehicle, which will be supplied by the customer.The Mallett Z03 will be available with two optional performance packages based on the GM's LS7 engines, a 700 hp supercharged conversion and a 999 hp twin turbo conversion.
Mallett Z03 700 hp Dead Blow Hammer Conversion $ 32,700.00
Technical specifications:
Vortech Supercharger Kit w/ Mallett Modifications
Custom Designed Fuel System Upgrade
Custom Ported LS7 Heads, Flow Matched & CC Matched
Custom Ported / Polished 90mm Throttle Body
Custom Mallett Billet Monster Camshaft
Custom Crower Valve Springs
Custom Crower Titanium Valve Spring Retainers
Cometic Headgaskets
Manley 4340 Chrome-moly Push-rods
2618 Alloy LS Series Pistons & Rings
K1 Technologies Forged Connecting Rods
Clevite 77 Coated Engine Bearings
Professionally Balanced Rotating Assembly Service
Kooks Headers, Cats & X-Pipe
Corsa Touring Muffler System
Mallett Body Graphics & Seat Embroidery
Mallett Custom Shifter
Custom Number Plaque
Custom ECM Calibration With Dyno Tune4.0 C6 ZO6 Corvette 700hpnMallett Z03 999 hp APS Twin Turbo Hammer Conversion $ 35,795.00
Technical specifications:
APS Twin Turbo Hammer Conversion
Custom Designed Fuel System Upgrade
Custom Ported LS7 Heads, Flow Matched & CC Matched
Custom Ported / Polished 90mm Throttle Body
Custom Mallett Billet Monster Camshaft
Custom Crower Valve Springs
Custom Crower Titanium Valve Spring Retainers
Cometic Headgaskets
Manley 4340 Chrome-moly Push-rods
2618 Alloy LS Series Pistons & Rings
K1 Technologies Forged Connecting Rods
Clevite 77 Coated Engine Bearings
Professionally Balanced Rotating Assembly Service
Mallett Body Graphics & Seat Embroidery
Mallett Custom Shifter
Custom Number Plaque
Custom ECM Calibration With Dyno Tune
c/o Andy & Trish Shaw
343 Vitez Drive
Morgantown, WV 26508
Phone: 304-292-0948
WVFbodyclub@gmail.com
