Corvette owners can build their own engines - for a price

The idea of letting customers build their own engines is pure genius in today's personalized and individual obsessed world. And this is exactly what Chevrolet is going to make happen, for future owners of a Corvette Z06 or ZR1 in the 2011 model year.

The LS7 and LS9 engines used in these respective models are already hand assembled at Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, MI by a single technician. When assembly is complete, a name plaque is is applied. This makes it an excellent platform for letting customers assemble the engines themselves.

But don't think that doing part of the work in building your own Corvette will allow you a discount on the purchase price. Chevrolet is looking to charge around $5,800 for this experience, not including travel. But if you are willing to shell out the money, you get the bragging rights and unique experience that come with it.

Press Release

Build Your Own Engine Option Offered to Corvette Enthusiasts

Exclusive Program Lets Customers Help Create Their Own Corvette


DETROIT – For enthusiasts who want to be personally involved in creating their Corvette, Chevrolet's new Corvette Engine Build Experience allows them to literally build the engine for their new car.

In what is believed to be the world's most hands-on super car program, customers who order a 2011 Corvette Z06 or ZR1 can choose an option to help assemble their cars' LS7 or LS9 engines at General Motors' Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, Mich.

"Corvette owners are some of the most passionate – and most involved – enthusiasts in the industry," said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet marketing. "The Corvette Engine Build Experience offers customers an unprecedented opportunity to participate, hands on, in creating the car."

In addition to building their own engines, Corvette buyers can attend driving school in Arizona or Nevada, take delivery of their vehicles at the National Corvette Museum or watch their vehicles being built at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky.

"In a way, this is a dream program for a Corvette customer. I would have jumped at the chance to build the 427 in my '67 'Vette, and that didn't have half of what goes into one of these modern precision engines," said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, Global Product Operations. "Today's LS7 and LS9 Corvette engines are pinnacle achievements in engineering, and to personally involve our customers in their final creation shows the depth of Chevrolet's commitment to make lasting connections with the customer."

The Engine Build Experience is an option with a suggested retail price of $5,800. When a customer selects the PBC option for a 2011 Corvette Z06 or ZR1 and the dealer submits the order to Chevrolet, a special concierge contacts the customer to verify participation and help coordinate arrangements. While travel arrangements to and from Metro Detroit are the customer's responsibility, the Chevrolet concierge helps schedule the engine build; coordinates the customer's activities at the Performance Build Center; assists with booking local lodging and meals, and arranges local transportation.

At the PBC, the customer doesn't merely view the engine's assembly; he or she builds it under the supervision of and support from skilled technicians. When the engine is assembled, a personalized nameplate is added to the engine next to the builder's name. It is then sent to the Corvette assembly plant for installation in the customer's car.

The Corvette Engine Build Experience is possible because of the hand-assembly processes used at the 100,000-square-foot PBC. Technicians hand-build the Corvette Z06's LS7 7.0L engine, the Corvette ZR1's 6.2L supercharged LS9 engine and a variation of the Corvette Grand Sport's LS3 6.2L engine. The PBC incorporates the best practices of low-volume niche manufacturers and the established quality and manufacturing standards at GM to ensure the highest-quality specialized engines.

Like all engines assembled at the PBC, Engine Build Experience engines are covered by Chevrolet's five year / 100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty.

The Engine Build experience is the latest program Chevrolet offers for Corvette owners. Other programs include:
Corvette plant tour, where customers can follow their vehicle down the Bowling Green assembly line
Corvette Museum delivery, where customers take delivery of their new Corvette at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green
Corvette ZR1 Driving School, which offers complimentary attendance at either Bob Bondurant's Corvette Driving School in Arizona, or Ron Fellows' Corvette Performance Driving School near Las Vegas.

"Simply put, no other sports car manufacturer can match the level of personal customer involvement that Corvette offers," Campbell said. "The Corvette Engine Build Experience takes this personal involvement to an unprecedented level."

For more information, see facebook.com/corvette.

About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco model that is expected to deliver up to an estimated 40 mpg highway, and 2011 Chevrolet Volt that will offer up to 40 miles of electric driving and an additional 300 miles of extended range with the onboard generator (based on GM testing). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.chevrolet.com/"www.chevrolet.com.

Video: Autocar plays chase with a Corvette ZR1

There are lots of fun things one can do with a Corvette ZR1. Autocar decided it was going to strap a camera to the back of a car and let the 'Vette play chase. The results are pretty entertaining, to say the least.

2010 Hennessey Z700 Corvette ZR1

Hennessey Performance Engineering makes a living off taking fast cars and making them ultra fast. It was only a matter of time before they got their hands on the ultimate American performance car, the Corvette ZR1, and worked some magic (or horsepower) on it.

The Z700 has a worked over LS9, raising output from a factory stock 638hp to a more stout 705hp. HPE has also shed some pounds from the car, adding lightweight carbon fiber seats and carbon fiber wheels wrapped in a Michelin Pilot Cup Sport tires. The wheels alone save 60 lbs. of rotating weight.

Other enhancements include Hennessey's Z-Aero carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler, and an alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

Hennessey is planning to fly the car out to the famous Nürburgring in an attempt to best the stock car's best lap time of 7:26. Only 24 examples will be produced, and customers who order a Z700 also get a one-day performance driving instruction course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. Total cost for a base Z700 will start at $207,150, which also includes the cost of a donor ZR1.
PRESS RELEASE

Hennessey Throws Hat in the "Ring"

Announces Limited Edition 705 hp Z700
Nurburgring-Tested Track Upgrade for the 2010 Corvette ZR1


SEALY, TX – The world's fastest and most powerful production Corvette, the 638 bhp ZR1 has become the pinnacle of American sports cars. For most ZR1 owners, having a car capable of Nurburgring times of 7:26 is more than enough to satisfy performance to satisfy their need for speed. However, for the select few who subscribe to the mantra of "Too much horsepower is never enough" Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) has something special in store for them in 2010. HPE is happy to introduce the company's 705 bhp Z700 upgrade package for the 2010 ZR1.

Porsche 911 owners wanting the ubber Porsche can order the GT3 RS. Dodge Viper enthusiasts wanting the ultimate road race Viper have the ACR. Now ZR1 owners can opt for the Hennessey Z700 upgrade for their Corvettes.

Hennessey's Z700 performance package starts by upgrading the engine supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems and is dyno tuned to 705 bhp. But this is just the beginning. Additional upgrades include lightweight carbon fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, which reduce rotating weight by nearly 60 lbs. Hennessey's Z-Aero ™ carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler also add over 300 lbs of down force helping to put the added power to the road and track. Rounding out the Z700 upgrade package is a revised interior with lightweight carbon fiber seats, Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

HPE will be throwing its hat in the Ring – literally – and plans to begin testing the Z700 at the famed Nurburgring in Germany later in 2009. The company plans to build just 24 copies of this limited edition Corvette ZR1 for the 2010 model year. Each buyer gets 1-day of performance driving instruction in his or her new Z700 at Hennessey's own private test track, Lonestar Motorsports Park. Lonestar, which is located next to the company's facility, is located just west of Houston, Texas and has a full ¼ mile dragstrip as well as a 1.1-mile road course, which will soon be under construction.


2010 Hennessey Z700 - Corvette ZR1 Specifications

Power:

705 hp @ 6,400 rpm
717 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm

Performance:

0 – 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
0 – 100 mph: 6.4 seconds
¼ mile: 10.6 @ 134 mph
Skid pad: 1.08 lateral G
Note: HPE VBox preliminary test data.

Z700 Package Includes:

Supercharger Modifications (15 psi boost)
Intercooler System Upgrade
Air Induction System Upgrade
Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrades
Hennessey Light Weight Carbon Fiber Wheels
Front: 19 x 10.5 inches; Rear: 19 x 12.5 inches
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup
Front: 265/35-YR19; Rear: 325/35-YR19
Sparco Carbon Fiber Seats in Alcantara (Driver & Passenger)
5-Point Harnesses with Harness Bar
Alcantara Steering wheel & Shift Knob
Lowered Factory Suspension
Corner Weighted with 4-wheel Alignment
Z-Aero ™ Carbon Fiber Body Parts: Front Splitter, Canards, Rear Spoiler, Vented Factory Hood, Vented Front Fenders
Hennessey & ZR700 Interior & Exterior Badges
Limited Edition Serial Numbered Plaque
1-Day Driving Instruction at Lonestar Motorsports Park
3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
Total Cost Including New 2010 ZR1: $207,150 US Dollars

Optional Upgrades

Z750 – 755 bhp Upgrade
Z1000 – 1,000 bhp Twin Turbo / Supercharged Upgrade
Custom Exterior Colors
Custom Interior Upgrades & Colors
German Delivery - Nurburgring Delivery & Driving Instruction

Motor Trend: Corvette ZR1 vs. F/A-18 Hornet

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has dominated most every production car it has been pitted against, especially those in or around it's $100,000 price range. So Motor Trend decided to go one further and put the ZR1 up against something with a little more power - an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet from the Blue Angel squad.

While the ZR1 puts out 638 hp and hits 60mph in 3.3 seconds, the Hornet is capable of mach 1.8 and 32,000 pounds of thrust. It may not sound like a fair fight, but the rules were the first one to hit the one mile mark would win. Hit the video to see who wins.

2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to get upgrades, increase in price

GM needs all the money it can get, and inflation happens. So go figure, the price of admission to the fire breathing ZR1 is going up for the 2010 model year. The supercar will cost you $109,530; an increase of $2,910 over last year's model. But considering most dealers were already charging a good bit over sticker anyway, we suppose this isn't a big shocker.

For your hard earned money, you still get the most powerful production Corvette of all time. You will also get a few upgrades over the '09 model, such as standard side curtain airbags, launch control and Performance Traction Management System. The PTMS gives the driver more control over traction settings when in competition mode.

A much better pallet of colors is also in the works for 2010, including the Torch Red you see above.

PRESS RELEASE:

2010 CORVETTE ZR1: PERFORMANCE TRACTION MANAGEMENT ENHANCES AN ALREADY WORLD-BEATING DRIVING EXPERIENCE

After taking on the world's best supercars and proving a better value and performer by the global automotive press, the Corvette ZR1 returns for 2010 with new Performance Traction Management (PTM) technology. It is an advanced system that is part of a new Launch Control feature, which optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance.

The PTM system holds a predetermined engine speed while the driver pushes the throttle to the floor. That allows the driver to quickly release the clutch and the system modulates engine torque 100 times per second to maximize the available traction. The system is capable of approaching a skilled driver's best effort and repeats it consistently.

PTM also integrates the ZR1's traction control, active handling and selective ride control systems to enhance race track driving consistency and overall performance. When full throttle is applied upon exiting a corner, it automatically manages acceleration dynamics.

The new PTM technology is the newest element that affirms the Corvette ZR1 is an American supercar with the technology and engineering refinement to take on the world's best – but at a much lower price.

The ZR1's highlights include:

* LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 rated at 638 horsepower (476 kW), and 604 lb.-ft. of torque (819 Nm)
* Six-speed, close-ratio, race-proven manual transmission
* High-capacity dual-disc clutch
* Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube
* Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip
* Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
* Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires – P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear – developed specifically for the ZR1
* Standard Brembo carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors – 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear
* Blue-painted brake calipers
* Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension
* Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual ports
* Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window – offering a view of the intercooler below it
* Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, visible carbon-fiber weave
* ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections
* Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout
* Curb weight of 3,333 pounds (1,512 kg).

The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. It has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

In addition to PTM, the following features are also new for 2010:

* Standard launch control
* Available Torch Red exterior color
* Available Cashmere interior color
* Available Competition Gray wheels.

Supercharged LS9 engine

The supercharged LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power behind the ZR1's performance. A sixth-generation Eaton supercharger helps the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band – the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine's confident high-rpm performance.

The Roots-type supercharger uses a unique, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.

The LS9 is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., and incorporates special processes typically seen in racing engines to produce a highly refined and precise product. For example, cast iron cylinder liners are inserted in the aluminum block and are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed. The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional variances applied to the block when the cylinder heads are installed. This ensures a higher degree of accuracy that promotes maximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.

Transmission and axle

The LS9 engine is backed by an upgraded, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch pedal effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth gear.

As the term implies, the twin-disc clutch system employs a pair of discs, which spreads out the engine's torque load over a wider area. This enables tremendous clamping power when the clutch is engaged, while also helping to dissipate heat better and extend the life of the clutch.

The twin-disc clutch system also contributes to the ZR1's exceptional driving quality, with smooth and easy shifting. The twin-disc system's design allows higher torque capacity with inertia and pedal effort similar to the Corvette Z06. It enables a 25-percent reduction in inertia, thanks to smaller, 260-mm plates; the Corvette Z06's uses a 290-mm single-disc system.

The rear axle also is stronger in the ZR1 and features asymmetrical axle-shaft diameters – 33 mm on the right side and 40 mm on the left – that were developed after careful testing to provide optimal torque management. The axles are mounted on a more horizontal plane that correlates with the wider width of the rear wheels and tires.

Ride and handling

The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car's steamroller-wide front and rear tires.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. The system's ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.

From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on broken or uneven pavement.

Brakes, wheels and tires

Commensurate with the ZR1's engine output is the braking system, which is headlined by Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Found on only a few exotics and more expensive supercars, carbon-ceramic brake rotors are made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material . The advantages of these rotors are low mass and resistance to wear and heat. In fact, the rotors should never show corrosion or require replacement for the life of the vehicle, when used in normal driving.

The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the ZR1 measure 15.5 inches (394 mm) in diameter in the front and 15 inches (380 mm) in diameter in the rear – making them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on any production vehicle.

Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, each painted a ZR1-exclusive blue. The brakes are visible through the ZR1's exclusive wheels: 20-spoke alloy rims that measure 19 x 10 inches in diameter in the front and 20 x 12 inches in the rear. A Sterling Silver paint finish is standard; chrome and Competition Gray versions are optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires developed specifically for the ZR1, measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear.

Exclusive exterior

The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler, with the legend "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.

The underside of the hood has a visible carbon-fiber-weave. Visible carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.

Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower ports; and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.

Interior details
The ZR1 interior builds on the brand's dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the premium-quality performance. The ZR1 cabin differs from the Corvette and Corvette Z06 with the following:

* ZR1-logo sill plates
* ZR1-logo headrest embroidery
* Specific gauge cluster with "ZR1" logo on the tachometer and a 220-mph (370 km/h) readout on the speedometer
* Boost gauge added to the instrument cluster and head-up display.

The standard ZR1 (RPO 1ZR) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The uplevel interior package (RPO 3ZR) includes power-adjustable, heated and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); Bose premium audio system; navigation system; Bluetooth connectivity; power telescoping steering column; custom leather-wrapped interior available in four colors; and more.

By the numbers

In addition to the exterior cues and powertrain, ZR1 models are distinguished from other Corvette models by their vehicle identification number, or VIN. Each carries a unique, identifying VIN digit, as well as a sequential build number. This makes it easy to determine the build number of a specific car – information treasured by enthusiasts and collectors. For example, a ZR1 with a VIN ending in "0150" would indicate it is the 150th ZR1 built for the model year.

Hero Edition Corvette ZR1

This 1 of 1 Corvette ZR1 has been created by GM solely to benefit the Kid's Wish Network. While there are no changes to the drivetrain that powers this special edition 'vette, it's not like you really needed any anyway.

What makes the Hero Edition unique from all the other ZR1's out there is mainly visual cues. There is a graphics package with red accents in lieu of the normal blue. Other special bits include "additional carbon fiber components."

You won't be able to order your own Hero car, however, as it is a prize destined for the Corvette Dream Giveaway. Joining this car will be a restored 1967 Corvette, also in tuxedo black, with red accents and a 427 sporting 390 horsepower.

There's no limit on how many $3 tickets you can buy if you want to win. 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.

First retail 2010 Chevrolet Camaro to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson

The first retail production 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is set to be auctioned off during prime time on Saturday, January 17th at the Barrett-Jackson action in Scottsdale, Arizona.



Lot number 1316 will go on the block to the highest bidder, and all the proceeds will go to charity (so it's tax deductible!). We're still waiting on official details, like whether the car is a V6, V8, SS, etc.



It will also be interesting to see just how much the car will bring, as the first Corvette ZR1 sold at auction last year for a million dollars. We'd be willing to bet that the Camaro will come close to that. But since the proceeds are going to the American Heart Association, it's all for a good cause.

2009 C3R Retro 'Vette, Part 2

Could GM possibly be considering going retro with the next Corvette? The signs are there, sparking generous rumors. With the next iteration being delayed indefinitely, and other car makers experiencing great success with the retro look, it would come as no surprise if Chevrolet pulled the trigger.



We reported a few weeks ago about an enthusiast by the name of Christian Cyrulewski, who has taken matters into his own hands by using the third-generation Corvette as inspiration for a rebodied C6, the current version of America's sports car. This is the second version of the C3R, as it's designer calls it, and it's received some tweaks since last time we showed it to you, with more to come we're told.



Design elements like the Mako Shark-inspired front fender peaks and steeply flowing rear buttresses from the early C3 series are present, as are hideaway head lights, which were a Corvette staple until the latest C6.



While there are no firm plans to produce a car based on these renderings, past indications are that Cyrulewski would like to see the first C3R running down Woodward Avenue for next year's Dream Cruise.

Corvette C6 based retro C3R Corvette

While many would argue that the current C6 Corvette is by far the best Vette ever, it's appearance leaves a little to be desired for those looking to stand out. The current design isn't so much different from the last two generations, and one could argue that it's high time for a change.



Count Christian Cyrulewski among those who are bored with the C6. But unlike the rest of us who would probably just complain about it with our buddy's, he's taken matters into his own hands and created the C3R prototype. If it generates enough interest, Christian may offer a kit version of the car.



Christian plans to drive the car in the Woodward Dream Cruise next year. Like your retro style musclecar with some muscle? Christian also plans a 427-powered version of the kit complete with side pipes. No word yet on pricing or availability of the car, but we'll keep you posted.

SEMA preview: GM Performance Parts 638hp LS9 Crate engine

GM has announced that the blown beast that lives under the hood of the new Corvette ZR1 will be available as a crate motor next fall. We can only imagine the possibilities that this will spawn.



With 639 hp and 604 lb.-ft. of twist available from the 6.2-liter supercharged V8, and dimensions shared by the LS3, any number of vehicles could make a happy home for the LS9. According to GM, the engine comes fully dressed, with an ignition system, exhaust manifolds and supercharger, and only needs an external oil tank and coolant tank (for the charge cooler), an ECU and wiring harness.

MT gets better numbers from ZR1 than C&D

Most automotive journalists have already experienced the raw, unbridled power of the new Corvette ZR1. Motor Trend has joined the party, and they brought their own extensive list of testing equipment with them.



Motor Trend tested the ZR1 at the Chrysler Proving Grounds because its 5-mile loop is one of the few places that has the space to test the ZR1's top speed. The mag was able to crest 200 wind-adjusted mph, and MT computers showed that the ZR1 was still pulling when that magical number was achieved.



Hitting 200 mph puts anything on four wheels in the supercar club, and a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds ranks the ZR1 near the top of any exclusive car club. MT testers also needed only 11.2 seconds to travel a quarter mile and crossed the magic line at 130.5 mph, which they point out is 6.1 mph faster than the Dodge Viper.



Car and Driver was the first to test the ZR1 and posted slightly slower 0-60 and quarter mile times of 3.4 and 11.5 seconds, respectively. Other impressive stats from MT, however, include a 60-0 brake distance of just 97 feet and max lateral acceleration of 1.1 g, which easily bests the Viper's .99.



Bottom line is, the ZR1 is fast.

Corvette C7 put on indefinite hold

Image via WikipediaAccording to multiple unnamed sources speaking with Autoweek, General Motors has put its plans for a C7 Corvette on "indefinite hold, with no official or set timetable." That's a pretty broad admission, but not entirely surprising considering the financial issues plaguing GM, the rest of the domestics and the world as a whole.



Originally it was thought that the current C6 Corvette would undergo significant upgrades over the course of the next five years, with the C7 coming to market in 2014. That timeframe doesn't appear to hold water anymore, and Autoweek maintains that GM's leadership doesn't have a clear plan for what the future holds for the 'Vette, not to mention the rest of the General's lineup.



However, Corvette vehicle-line executive Tom Wallace assured the weekly pub that the halo coupe isn't going anywhere. "We're still working on future Corvettes," Wallace said, and "there are changes, some neat stuff, coming for 2010 that I can't talk about yet." Wallace went on to say that the 2010 model wouldn't be considered an all-new car and that the 35-mpg CAFE standards for 2020 are having an effect on future drivetrains specs of the next Corvette.

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.