Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 gets its own commercial

One of the cars that doesn't really need to be advertised is the much beloved Chevrolet Corvette. For decades it has been the consummate American sports car, an icon that needs no introduction. But a little bit of showing off never hurts, as demonstrated by this ad.

The commercial ran during the Major League Baseball All-Star game this week, perhaps to remind America that Chevrolet, baseball, and, um, rockets are as American as apple pie. It features the ZR1, a car that deserves to brag a little on its world beating performance. Check out the video via YouTube.

Ron Fellows rings out a Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport has been out for a little while now, and though it isn't the fastest or quickest Corvette in the stable it is a track hero in it's own right. This ZR-1 lite, if you will, is plenty capable and tossable at the track.

Ron Fellows, multiple ALMS champion and Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona winner is a good candidate to show us how good said Grand Sport really is at the track. And that is exactly who is piloting the car in this video. Check it out for some nice tire killing action.

Superformance to produce 1963 Corvette Grand Sport replica

Superformance is a company that made it's name making top of the line Cobra and GT 40replicas out of SoCal. The Corvette Grand Sport is arguably Chevrolet's most iconic race car. In it's heyday, the Grand Sport dominated the Cobra on the race track but was axed by GM before it could make any sort of significant mark in racing.

While owning a real Grand Sport is a feat that only a few can lay claim to, Superformance is making the dream a reality for folks willing to pony up a fraction of the cost. A new licensing agreement with GM has made it possible to produce a Corvette Grand Sport model available in either coupe or convertible form.

If you're looking for authenticity, Superformance has gone all out to make their replica just like the real thing. They even use original blueprints and molds from one of the original race cars to produce them. Powertrain options are only as limited as your imagination and the GM Performance Parts catalog.

Check out the press release below for more details.

PRESS RELEASE:

ICONIC CORVETTE R REBORN

Glories of yesteryear were conceived when General Motors licensed a Californian specialist sports car partnership in early 2009 to resume production of the iconic 1963 Corvette Grand Sport, arguably GM's most prestigious track racer ever.

Duntov/Superformance LLC lost no time in turning opportunity into reality, and Duntov immediately began production of the race version of the Grand Sport, which has already raced and won a number of events this year.

Now the street version of this popular 1960's muscle car will follow with the series production of a Turn Key Minus chassis by Superformance. The original Grand Sport - intended to be a "Cobra Killer" - were built by General Motors under the watchful eyes of Zora Arkus Duntov, GM's chief engineer at the time.

The value of a continuation model and that of a historic original is encapsulated in its authenticity. Superformance went to great lengths to ensure that the new street version would be as like the original Grand Sport as two peas are in a pod having acquired the original blue prints and molds off the original #2 Grand Sport.

With only five originals ever built, the Superformance Grand Sport will give buyers the opportunity to own a piece of GM's rich history. What makes this street version an even more valuable product is that it is licensed by its originators and that is not only meant to be raced, but is equally at home as a daily driver..

The SPF Grand Sport will be available in a roadster or coupe version and the technical originality is ensured by the legendary discipline and precision that has made Superformance products the leading fully assembled rolling chassis in the world.

Each SPF Grand Sport will be professionally engineered, custom crafted and professionally assembled in the largest and most modern privately owned specialist automotive manufacturing facility in the world.

The design of the Grand Sport chassis enables owners to select their drive trains from virtually any General Motors crate option available. The first completed street version rollers will be available in the US in mid 2010. Current orders can be placed by calling (949) 900-1950 or sending an email to info@superformance.com.

Karvajal Designs ZX-1 Chevrolet Corvette widebody

Karvajal Designs has been offering appearance enhancing Corvette pieces for a while, and now they are giving up the details on it's C6 enhancing package. The ZX-1 Stage One package includes a completely redesigned body kit that widens the Vette's body to 80 inches, along with front and rear LEDs, custom exhaust, rear diffuser and 18-inch HRE aluminum wheels. Other appearance enhancers include aluminum sill plates, floor mats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and alcantra race seats.

A performance package is also available, and includes Baer brakes, a Pfaft coil-over suspension, anti-roll bars, full under-body aero package and a Magnuson supercharger tuned to produce over 600 horsepower. You can get all the details on the ZX-1 at Karvajal's website.

2010 Chevrolet Corvette changes, including Grand Sport

At the annual C5/C6 Bash at the Corvette's Bowling Green Assembly Plant, numerous changes were outlined for the 2010 Corvette line. In addition to the rebirth of the Grand Sport, the latest 'Vette will feature launch control as standard on all manual transmission models, Performance Traction Management on the ZR1, being able to order any Corvette in any color, and a cashmere interior package available on the Z06 and ZR1.

The event also featured presentations showing the Grand Sport's technical aspects and launch control. The most humorous part of the presentation is when the speaker notes that use of launch control will not void your warranty, an obvious jab at Nissan's ironic GT-R warranty.

Source: Corvette Blogger

n2a Motors previews it's Stinger Corvette

n2a Motors has made a name for itself in recent years, producing unique coach cars like the 789 and the Anteros. Now they are releasing renderings and clay models of it's next project, dubbed the "Stinger."

The Stinger takes visual cues from the 1963-1967 Corvettes and applies them to a C6 Corvette complete with modern chassis and drivetrain. The composite body panels, custom interior, wheels, and exhaust system are all added on. The standard Corvette with a 430hp V8 is used as a base model, with the option of using a Z06 or ZR1 as well.

n2a is currently taking deposits to reserve a serial number, with production planned to start in October of this year.


PRESS RELEASE:

n2a Motors announced today that it is accepting deposits on the Stinger, the latest model in their line of critically-acclaimed coachbuilt automobiles. Slated for January 2010 delivery, the Stinger is inspired by the
2nd generation 1963, '65, and '67 Corvette Sting Rays and is built atop the 2009/2010 C6 Corvette chassis.

The '63-67 Corvettes are among the most revered, iconic, and beautiful cars in automotive history. The Stinger pays homage to the historic 2nd generation Corvette with a sleek, carbon-composite body featuring the front end and hood scoop from the 1967 Corvette, a mid-section reminiscent of a '65 Corvette, and the famous split-window rear end of the '63 Corvette, and has a level of performance and safety that engineers of the era could never have dreamed possible. Utilizing a new Corvette donor car, the Stinger achieves 0-60 in 4.3 seconds with a 430 hp/424 lb.-ft. torque LS3 V8 engine rated at 16 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. Since the chassis and safety equipment remain unmodified, GM's 100,000 mile powertrain warranty remains completely intact and the Stinger can be serviced at any GM dealership.

n2a Motors starts by removing the donor Corvette's body panels and installing the new carbon-composite Stinger body, a process that takes over 800 hours for n2a's coachbuilding craftsmen to complete. The interior is entirely new with re-contoured leather seats, leather dash, wool carpeting, and leather-wrapped interior panels. Wheels and cat-back exhaust are removed and replaced with n2a's custom-made components. The n2a moniker stands for "no two alike," referring to n2a Motors' policy of building unique vehicles for each customer. No two vehicles will be built with identical color combinations, ensuring that each customer receives a unique car customized to his or her tastes.

n2a Motors has reserved serial numbers 001,002, and 003 for ZR1-based Stingers. Featuring the 638-hp LS9 engine, the ZR1 is the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever produced. Stingers built on the ZR1 platform rocket from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205+ mph. Serial numbers 004-010 are reserved for Z06-based Stingers, which are 505 hp with a 0-60 time of just 3.7 seconds. n2a Motors is accepting deposits to reserve a serial number and a place in the production order. Production is expected to commence October 1st.

The Stinger is n2a's third model, following the successful 789 and Anteros models that debuted in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Both are built on the C6 Corvette platform and utilize carbon-composite bodies, a carry-over from n2a's background in stealth technology prototyping for military contractors.
About n2a Motors

n2a Motors was founded in 2004 to revive the art of American coachbuilding. The n2a moniker stands for "no two alike," referring to n2a Motors' policy of building unique vehicles for each customer. No two vehicles will be built with identical color combinations. Kanter Concepts, n2a's parent company, produces concept cars for Detroit and foreign automakers and stealth technology prototypes for military contractors.

2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition

GM decided that a special edition was in order to celebrate the Corvette's entry into the GT1 class of ALMS this year, and the end result is a nice package. Based off of your choice between the Corvette Coupe 4LT, Convertible 4LT or Z06, the 2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition comes in the same yellow hue that adorns the C6.R or "41U" black, along with a "Jake" graphic that spans the Championship edition's hood.

Chrome wheels and a body-colored spoiler pulled from the ZR1 join a "carbon pattern" engine cover, while inside a leather-wrapped ebony interior gets "GT1" embroidered on the seats, instrument panel and center console armrest. Those who opt for non-Z06 models also get the Z51 Performance Package and NPP Performance exhaust, and only 100 units of each model (600 total) will be available this spring, each carrying a $7,840 premium over standard models.

PRESS RELEASE

2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Editions (RPO GT1)

Chevrolet and Corvette Racing introduce a new limited edition

The GT1 Championship Editions Celebrates Corvette C6.R Racing Success

American Le Mans Series GT1 Manufacturers Champions for 8 years
5 time 24 Hours of Le Mans GT1 Champions
Over 70 victories in ALMS racing
2009 24 Hours of Le Mans race will close out this successful era
Included in the package:

C6.R livery inspired graphics feature Corvette Racing 'Jake', Championships, and driver flags
ZR1 style body color full width spoiler and chrome wheels
Custom Leather Wrapped Ebony Interior with exclusive Yellow accent stitching
GT1 embroidery on the leather seats, instrument panel, and center console armrest
-Special Engine Cover with carbon pattern and yellow Corvette lettering

-Windshield banner – owner installed

Available in either Coupe 4LT ($65,310), Convertible 4LT ($71,815), and Z06 3LZ ($86,385)

- Available in 45U Velocity Yellow (with black headlamps) or 41U Black

Specific VIN sequence 300001 series for 45U Velocity Yellow representing the #3 C6.R
Specific VIN sequence 400001 series for 41U Black representing the #4 C6.R
Limited production to 100 per each color and body style combination and 600 total in Spring '09
Coupe and Convertible versions also include: Z51 Performance Package, NPP Performance Exhaust
* Optional MX0 6-speed Paddle Shift Automatic on Coupe and Convertible
* Optional C2L dual roof package on Coupe
* Optional U3U Navigation System on all

C&D performs first instrumented tests of Corvette ZR1

Car and Driver recently strapped it's test gear to the new Corvette ZR1, and not surprisingly, recorded some impressive numbers. All eyes have been on the new super Vette as it prepares to duke it out with the likes of the Dodge Viper ASC, Nissan GT-R, and Porsche GT2. And the ZR1 appears to be equipped to more than hold it's own against the competition.



According to C&D's trusty electronic gear, the supercharged 638-hp beast knocked off a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds as it continued towards a blistering 7.6 second 0-100 mph run. The quarter mile was cracked in 11.5 seconds @ 128 mph (Chevrolet claims 11.3 seconds, but the guys at C&D didn't believe in "...that sort of drivetrain abuse" to get lower numbers).



The top speed also remains unverified as the team "ran out of room" before they could hit the claimed 205 mph. Under braking, the ZR1 set a new C&D record as it hauled itself down from 70 mph in just 142 feet. Of course, we must mention the obligatory claimed Nürburgring lap time of 7:26 (at the hands of Chevrolet). So you don't have to Google the competition's best-claimed Ring times yourself, here they are: Porsche GT2 - 7:32, Nissan GT-R - 7:29, and the Dodge Viper ACR - 7:22.

Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge

With the economy tight and everyone looking to pinch some pennies, project car enthusiasts tend to push their projects to the back burner to focus on more important things, like paying bills.



Fortunately for enthusiasts, there are more frugal options for racing in today's world. Grassroots Motorsports Magazine is out to prove that cheap racing is still alive and well.



The Kumho Tires Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge is entering it's ninth year. The magazine crew dedicated to amateur motorsports has organized an annual competition of cars built around a budget equal to the current year in dollars.



While this may sound ridiculously restrictive given the high cost of racing in general, but some competitors come in under the cap. The 2007 champion, a Chevrolet Corvette, managed to top the field for less than $2,000. The cost cap forces participants to be creative and use some backyard ingenuity.



The $2008 Challenge will take place October 3 – 4 at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, FL. The cars will spend a grueling two days dueling it out on the autocross course, drag strip and even the parking lot for a car show. Competitors should also be brushed up on their accounting skills since they are required to keep an itemized list of all their expenses. This detail keeps the event fair and also offers the magazine's readership inspiration to create their own budget racers.



PRESS RELEASE



Sept. 22, 2008 – ORMOND BEACH, Fla.



It's not easy to build a racer that handles and performs like a supercar. Tack on a $2008 budget, and the task becomes seemingly impossible-unless you're a competitor at the Kumho Tires Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge.



For the ninth consecutive year, Grassroots Motorsports magazine has challenged its readers to buy, build and race a car on a tiny budget. Each year, some of the craziest car nuts in the country have risen to the challenge and built penny-pinching powerhouses.



This year's Challenge will be held October 3-4 at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla. Keeping with tradition, the budget has increased by one dollar to $2008.



Despite the low budget, past entries have been able to outrun exotic supercars with 10-second quarter-mile passes, and they've done so while looking good enough to wow seasoned concours judges.



And while this event is no clunker-fest, you can expect to see some pretty outrageous machinery. Entries from the $2007 Challenge included a Zamboni that traded the ice rink for the autocross track. Also entered was a twin-turbo Corvette fitted with some special features: An additional engine and fan created a Chaparral-inspired suction unit that glued the car to the track. Looking at this event's history, it seems that the outrageousness and performance levels of Challenge creations increase every year.



Competitors and their cars are judged on how well they perform in three areas: autocrossing, drag racing and concours. And, of course, Challengers may not spend more than a total of $2008 to build their vehicles. Some trading and selling is allowed, but each vehicle entered must be accompanied by a detailed budget that itemizes each and every dollar spent.



For complete details, including rules, a schedule and a list of entrants, see http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/events/2008-challenge/



For details and videos from last-years' $2007 challenge, including the budget for the $2007 Challenge-winning Vette sucker car, see http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/events/07-challenge/



Grassroots Motorsports is the how-to magazine for the serious sports car enthusiast. From profiles of new sports cars to in-depth--and occasionally off-the-wall--project cars, for 25 years each issue of GRM has been packed with practical tips helping real-world sports car enthusiasts get race car performance out of their daily drives. To receive a free trial copy of Grassroots Motorsports, request one online at grassrootsmotorsports.com/try/ or call the magazine's offices at 800-520-8292.

2008 D3 Cadillac XLR-V

Stigmas are hard to shake. Perhaps the hardest one in the automotive world to shake is the idea that Cadillac makes cars for the more "senior" members of society. Long has this been an image that Cadillac has tried to shake, even as it's counterpart Buick seems to embrace it.



With Caddy recently introducing the new CTS, it's a legitimate German fighter. The car has received much praise and was even Motor Trend's Car of the Year. But when you look upwards in the lineup to the Corvette twin XLR, you can't help but think that it's a Corvette for older folks.



The XLR is, basically, a Corvette with less power, more plush interior, and a softer ride. It sports some nice styling and is definitely a head turner. Corvettes are a dime a dozen, but when you see an XLR it turns heads.



For those with a desire to look unique and go fast, D3 Motorsports has the solution for you. D3's focus has been on amping-up Cadillac's already formidable V-series offerings, with its take on the Cadillac XLR-V roadster being the latest and greatest.



Save for the shiny 20 inch wheels, this Caddy is all business. D3's stage 2 package consists of an upgraded supercharger, monster dual intake, Corsa full exhaust system, upgraded intercooler, performance spark plugs, auxiliary methanol injection cooling system, and retuned suspension (although no components are replaced). Rubber also is upgraded, with Toyo Proxes T1Rs sized 245/35ZR20 up front and 285/30ZR20 in the rear replacing the stock 19-in. Pirelli runflats.



All of these upgrades result in 575 hp at 5900 rpm and 585 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Sixty mph comes and goes in just 4.2 sec, the quarter in 12.7 sec at 112 mph - take that Vette owner!



D3's asking price for the package is $16,435 -- $8555 for the performance modifications, $5200 for the wheels, $1180 for the tires, and $1500 for the installation. The XLR-V itself costs $101,300, bringing the total price to $117,735, some $15,000 and change shy of the SL63. Skip the big-ticket wheels and accompanying tires, and that drops to $111,355 -- not the worst deal in the world, all things considered, and a far cry from your grandpa's old Fleetwood.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

638 horsepower and 604 lbft of torque, astounding numbers indeed. "Shock and awe" was the initiative from Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter, and it appears that it has been achieved. Juechter's goal was more performance with a higher level of refinement, added in with a series of technological advancements. What they ended up with was the most powerful car in General Motors 100 year history.



Anything more than a 2500 rpm launch will simply melt the Michelins. The MSRC system detects a dragstrip launch and programs for zero jounce and 100-percent rebound stiffness to encourage maximum squat (and rear weight transfer) with no wheelhop. Acceleration to 60mph comes in a GM estimated 3.4 seconds.



Close-ratio spacing puts the engine at about 4500 rpm, keeping the exhaust backpressure low (the muffler valves open above 3000) and the backpressure on the driver relentless through 90 mph. A shorter jump to third brings 4900 rpm, and if you keep shifting up at the 6500-rpm redline, the quarter will flash by in a conservatively estimated 11.3 seconds at 131 mph en route to a 205-mph top speed (established in a two-way average at Papenburg, Germany). If you're heading downhill or with the wind, you may hit a limiter at 210 mph.



The huge four-wheel carbon-ceramic brakes scrub speed tremendously. The run-flat Pilot Sport PS2 ZPs exhibit tremendous grip and instill confidence that more speed can be achieved than most are willing to use. But fear not, for Chevrolet will pay for it's ZR1 buyers to attend racing school, probably at Bob Bondurant in Phoenix or Spring Mountain in Pahrump, Nevada.



Here's some more numbers to digest: 1.01 g steady-state lateral acceleration, more than 1.2 g braking grip, and a 0-to-100-to-0 mph time of under 11.0 seconds, besting the Dodge Viper and Shelby Cobra benchmarks by at least a second or two. Oh, and let's not forget Mero's production-car Nurburgring lap record time of 7 minutes 26.4 seconds.



All of this visceral performance comes at a price of course, and that price is fairly high for a Vette. Starting off at $105,000, you can add up to $10K to the price by opting for hand-stitched leather, full-power/memory seating, and a Bose Nav/audio system.



Which is all and good for the Lambophiles and Ferrari fans. But for those of us who don't need wild boulevard head turning styling, the ZR1 will do just fine.



Check out CorvetteGuys.com selection of 2009 Corvette Parts.