Kerbeck Corvette

[VIDEO]Intro of GT1 Championship Edition and Competition Sport Edition at Sebring

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:18:00 +0000

The 2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition and the Competition Sport Edition will both have very limited availability.

You can get more info on the GT1 Championship Edition Corvette and the Competion Sport Edition Corvette here.

Please contact me soon if you have any interest in one of these two limited edition models.

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

Corvette Announces the 2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:06:00 +0000

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

Dave Salvatore

Corvette Manger

Corvette Announces the 2009 Corvette Competition Sport Edition!

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:38:00 +0000

2009 Competition Sport Corvette (RPO CSC)

Chevrolet introduces a new Corvette package available for a limited time

The Competition Sport package is for the Corvette purist and driving enthusiast
- Perfect Corvette for the enthusiast who attends driving schools and track events
- Focus on lightweight and performance driving
- Serious track influenced design features
- Excellent value pricing - Limited build scheduled for Spring '09 only

Included in the package:
-Competition Gray Exterior Stripes, Wheels, and Headlamps
-Corvette Racing ‘Jake’ and CSR logos on b-pillar, headrest, and center armrest
-Ebony Interior with titanium embroidery
-Corvette Racing Pedals from GCA
-Special engine cover
-Racing style numbers with number based on build sequence to be installed by customer

Available in either Coupe 1LT with 436 hp or Z06 1LZ with 505 hp versions
-Z06 version available in 17U Blade Silver or 41U Black
-Coupe version available in 17U Blade Silver or 10U Arctic White
-Coupe version also includes in package:
-Z51 Performance Package, NPP Performance Exhaust, Differential Cooler
-Head Up Display
-Red Painted Brake Calipers
-Z06 tall spoiler

Don’t miss this special opportunity - Order the Coupe 1LT and Z06 1LZ with CSC

For more information, contact Dave Salvatore at 877-537-2325 or via email dave@kerbeck.com.

Dave Salvatore

Corvette Manager

http://www.kerbeck.com/

Corvette Racing announces 2009 Racing Schdule

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:27:00 +0000

General Motors and Corvette Racing have announced thier 2009 Race Schedule. The 2009 season will see the end of the GT1 class and Corvette's entry into the GT2 class.

The GT2 class will allow Corvette to race against Porsche and Ferrari.

Corvette Corrals will continue to be a presence for Corvette Owners and Enthusiasts at US races.

Final GT1 Races

MARCH 21 10:05a-10:05p Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring - Sebring, FL

APRIL 18 4:10p-5:50p Long Beach, CA

JUNE 13-14 24 Heures du Mans

New GT2 Races

AUGUST 8 2:10p-4:55p Mid-Ohio - Lexington, OH

AUGUST 16 1:00p-5:00p Road America - Elkhart Lake, WI

AUGUST 30 3:05p-5:50p Mosport - Bowmanville, ON CA

SEPTEMBER 26 11:15a-9:15p Road Atlanta/Petit Le Mans - Braselton, GA

OCTOBER 10 2:05p-6:05p Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca - Monterey, CA

Look for some special announcements from Corvette at the Twelve Hours of Sebring in March!

Dave Salvatore

Corvette Manager

Corvette Racing Wins Inaugural ALMS Green Challenge at Petit Le Mans

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:45:00 +0000

O'Connell and Magnussen Clinch GT1 Drivers Championship with Eighth Win in 2008

BRASELTON, Ga., Oct. 4, 2008 – A race that began with Johnny O'Connell's daughter singing the national anthem on the starting grid at Road Atlanta ended 9 hours and 41 minutes later with a victory in the 1,000-mile Petit Le Mans for O'Connell and his teammates Jan Magnussen and Ron Fellows. O'Connell and Magnussen clinched the American Le Mans Series GT1 drivers championship with their eighth win of the season in the No. 3 Compuware with one race still to run.

The No. 3 Corvette C6.R completed 365 laps on the 2.54-mile road course, finishing six laps ahead of the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R driven by Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta, and Max Papis. The two Corvettes exchanged the lead in the GT1 class twice on pit stops in the first half of the race, but a malfunctioning throttle linkage at the 5:43 mark put the No. 4 Corvette six laps down to its sister car. The Corvettes finished 10th and 11th overall in the 37-car field.

The No. 3 Corvette C6.R also had the best score in the inaugural Green Challenge, securing the team award in the GT class for Corvette Racing and the manufacturer award for General Motors. Powered by cellulosic E85R ethanol made from waste wood, the winning Corvette had a score of 20.391, the best overall score in the competition based on based on performance, fuel efficiency and environmental impact.

"Going into the second half of the season, Corvette Racing's goal was to win the first Green Challenge," said Steve Wesoloski, GM Racing Road Racing Group manager. "Winning the Green Challenge with the best score among both GT cars and Prototypes was a team effort that combined the expertise of GM Powertrain, our engine supplier Katech, and Pratt & Miller Engineering.

"It's not just about making the engine more efficient and more environmentally friendly," Wesoloski explained. "We looked at things like reducing wheel bearing friction and aerodynamic drag to win the Green Challenge. Alternative renewable fuels are an important part of GM's gas-friendly to gas-free program, and GM already has more E85-compatible vehicles on the road than any other manufacturer. Green Racing ties in with what the corporation is doing in production vehicles. We're developing the technology to improve both efficiency and performance, and we're proving it on the race track."

The win was the 36th of O'Connell's career, the 27th ALMS victory for Fellows, and the 22nd for Magnussen. Fellows and O'Connell last won Petit Le Mans in 2002, while Magnussen posted victories in 2003, 2004, and 2005.

"It's huge to win the championship here," said O'Connell, a resident of nearby Flowery Branch. "My goal this season was to win the championship. I was excited to go into this year with Jan and improve on what we'd built in 2007. To share this win with Ron is very special. We've shared cars for eight years, and to win Petit Le Mans together is great."

Fellows teamed with O'Connell and Magnussen for three endurance races in 2008, winning two of them. He was driving the No. 3 Corvette when it completed 70 percent of the race distance, mathematically clinching the GT1 title for his teammates.

"I'm happy for Johnny and Jan, they've had a great season," said the Canadian. "I've enjoyed the races we've run together, and we've done very well with a win at Sebring, a close second at Le Mans, and now a win at Petit Le Mans."

Magnussen drove the final stint in the endurance race, which was interrupted by 11 full-course caution periods.

"In my last stint I was just cruising and trying to bring it home," said Magnussen. "There was a lot on the line here with the championship and a win at Petit Le Mans, so I didn't want to make any mistakes.

"It's fantastic to win the championship with Johnny," said the Dane. "Last year we found how it feels when you don't win the championship, so be able to win it in the way we've done it, with eight wins, is just fantastic. Now we can go to Laguna Seca and have fun."

Beretta was able to nurse the No. 4 Corvette C6.R back to the pits at an idle after the throttle linkage malfunctioned coming out of Turn 7. The crew made repairs and got the car back on track nine minutes later.

"The fact that the Corvette C6.R engine has so much torque enabled me to get back to the pits," said Gavin. "Otherwise the hills here at Road Atlanta would have left me stuck out on the track. It was dicey because I had to drive the entire length of the straight with the engine on idle. I was staring in the mirror to make sure I wouldn't get in anyone's way – I was going about 25 mph, and they were passing me at 180!"

Corvette Racing’s next event is the Monterey Sports Car Challenge, the season finale of the 2008 American Le Mans Series, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., on Saturday, October 18. The four-hour race is scheduled to start at 2:45 p.m. PDT. NBC will televise the race tape-delayed at 2 - 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 19.

Petit Le Mans GT1 Results
Pos./Drivers/Car/Laps
1. O'Connell/Magnussen/Fellows, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 365
2. Gavin/Beretta/Papis, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 359

GT1 Championship Standings (unofficial after 10 of 11 events)
Manufacturer/Points
1. Chevrolet 225
2. Aston Martin 70

Driver/Points
1. Jan Magnussen 217
Johnny O'Connell 217
2. Oliver Gavin 190
Olivier Beretta 190
3. Terry Borcheller 70
Chapman Ducote 70
4. Ron Fellows 60
5. Max Papis 52
6. Antonio Garcia 23

NEXT EVENT
October 18, Monterey Sports Car Championships, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

Corvette Racing Announces Future Plans

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:03:00 +0000

Chevrolet Team to Race for 2009 Le Mans GT1 Title, Develop New GT Version of Corvette C6.R for 2010

DETROIT - Corvette Racing will aim for a sixth victory in the GT1 class in the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans before entering the GT2 category in the second half of the American Le Mans Series 2009 season. Corvette Racing will launch a full-season assault in the restructured GT division in 2010.

Corvette Racing representatives announced the plans in a media teleconference.

Corvette Racing will run a limited schedule in the GT1 class in the first half of the 2009 ALMS season as it prepares for its 10th participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. The team will race in the GT1 class in the season-opening Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and the popular Grand Prix of Long Beach. Following its return from the classic 24-hour endurance race in France, Corvette Racing will compete in the GT2 category in selected ALMS events in 2009 in preparation for a full-season program under new international GT class regulations in 2010.

"Corvette Racing will be well positioned for the future of production-based sports car racing worldwide with the plans we are announcing today," said Steve Wesoloski, GM Racing Road Racing Group manager. "The international regulations are converging around a single, global GT class, and we intend to continue Corvette's motorsports heritage by racing against manufacturers and marques that Corvette competes with in the marketplace."

"The GT1 class has been a platform for GM Racing and our partners to develop the most technically sophisticated race cars in our history," Wesoloski said. "We intend to apply the tremendous success we have had in the GT1 category to make the next-generation Corvette C6.R a strong contender in the new GT class."

Manufacturers currently represented in the ALMS GT2 class or confirmed for future participation include Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, Dodge, and Panoz. Other manufacturers produce high-performance cars that could compete in the new GT category.

"In accordance with the regulations, the new version of the Corvette C6.R race car will be available to independent teams," Wesoloski said. "Corvette and Chevrolet are global brands, and we look forward to seeing production-based Corvette race cars competing in series around the world under the leadership of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)."

The new GT Corvette C6.R race car will be based on the production Corvette's chassis and body design. A 6.0-liter version of the LS7.R small-block V-8 will power the Corvette GT2 entry in the transitional 2009 season. A new naturally aspirated 5.5-liter version of the production GM small-block V-8 will be developed to meet the new GT regulations that will take effect in 2010. The chassis and powertrain specifications of the new Corvette GT entry will be submitted to the ACO and FIA for homologation approval.

"Competing in GT2 will be a true test of our team's determination, talent and technology," said Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing program manager. "The level of competition in the category is already fierce, and that promises to become more intense with more manufacturers and top-tier teams. We've explored alternative paths, and we believe that competing in GT is the right road for Corvette Racing to take in the future."

"We will continue our commitment to cellulosic E85R ethanol racing fuel in the current GT1 Corvette C6.R and the next-generation Corvette C6.R that will compete in the new GT class," Fehan said. "Corvette Racing's green racing initiative is proof of our commitment to using alternative fuels at the highest levels of motorsports."

Corvette Racing is America's premier production sports car team, with 72 wins in 100 races. The most successful team in ALMS history, Corvette Racing has won seven consecutive ALMS GT1 manufacturers and team championships and six straight drivers championships. Corvette Racing has five GT1 victories since 2001 in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

"The 2009 season will mark Corvette Racing's 10th anniversary in international endurance racing, and it will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in Corvette's racing history," said Mark Kent, director of GM Racing. "Corvette Racing has consistently delivered tangible engineering and marketing benefits to GM and Chevrolet. Our announcement today of Corvette Racing's future plans affirms the continuing value of production-based racing as a development tool for advanced technology in powertrain, aerodynamics, lightweight materials, safety, and computer modeling.

"It's not just high-performance machines like the Corvette Z06 and ZR1 that bear witness to the positive impact of racing," Kent said. "The lessons learned at Corvette Racing can benefit mainstream production vehicles as GM continues to develop lightweight, aerodynamic, and fuel-efficient cars and trucks."

Corvette Racing’s next event is Petit Le Mans, the 10th round of the 2008 American Le Mans Series, at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga. The 1,000-mile/10-hour race is scheduled to start at 11:15 a.m. EDT on Saturday, October 4. SPEED will televise the race live starting at 11 a.m. EDT.

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

Motorama Returns to Detroit

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:30:00 +0000

When GM celebrates the beginning of its next 100 years on September 16th 2008, 55 Corvettes will be on display outside its World Headquarters at Detroit’s Renaissance Center. The Corvettes are in fact the Historic Motorama II, a caravan from the National Corvette Museum (NCM) which is comprised of one example from each of the 55 years of Corvette production. The Historic Motorama II owners/drivers will be representing a cross-section of Corvette enthusiasts from across the country. The caravan will depart from the NCM on September 10th with stops along the way. GM’s Heritage Center has been working with the NCM for several months to make the Historic Motorama II part of this important GM event.

The National Corvette Museum is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky across the road from GM’s Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant. Many Corvette owners participating in the Historic Motorama II took deliver of their special car through the NCM’s Delivery Program. The program is available to anyone who purchases a Corvette. Since it’s opening in 1994, the NCM has become the center of the Corvette culture in America. The now famous 68,000 sq ft facility houses a large number of significant and historic Corvettes, as well as exhibits and displays which depict important aspects of the Corvette’s history.

People attending the GMnext Day activities on September 16th will be able to view the Corvettes before and after the official program. It is very appropriate that the Corvettes join in the Gmnext Day program because the Corvette owners and enthusiasts comprise one of the most passionate of all the automotive cultures. Since its launch in 1953, the Corvette has grown to become one of the key symbolic vehicles that expresses America’s love affair with the automobile.

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

Chevy Starts LPO Program for 2009 Corvette Accessories!

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:28:00 +0000

2009 Corvette Dealer Accessories are Now Bowling Green Options!

Chevrolet has begun a Single Line LPO program that allows customer-ordered Corvettes to be built with dealer accessories, turning them into factory options that appear on the Corvette's window sticker, and tally toward the Corvette's sticker price.

Here's how it works...Dealer accessories are normally bought after a Corvette is delivered. Now, a customer can specify the dealer accessories he wants built into his Corvette and they will become part of the Corvette's build details. That means they will show on the Window Sticker, the Build Sheet and the Dealer Invoice.

Currently, these are the dealer accessories and their respective option codes that can built onto a custom-ordered 2009 Corvette:

VDN - Indoor Vehicle Cover
VJ5 - Outdoor Vehicle Cover
VDA - Mesh Package (includes side coves and grill)
VEB - Pedal Covers
5V5 - Full Width Racing Spoiler
VFS - 18/19" 7 spoke Chrome Wheels
VEU - 18/19" 15 spoke Polished Wheels

Kerbeck Corvette will be happy to custom order a new 2009 Corvette with any of these options. If you already have a Corvette, Kerbeck will be happy to help you equip it with any Genuine Corvette Accessory through our Parts and Service Department!

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

Kerbeck Corvette Announces 0% APR On All New, 2008 Corvettes!

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 11:19:00 +0000

Kerbeck Corvette is happy to announce 0% APR financing on all new, 2008 Corvettes in stock!

This special program announced by General Motors on August 1, 2008 will be in effect until August 19, 2008. The program is for new 2008 Corvettes only. The vehichle must be in stock and excludes prior sales. This program is for qualified buyers approved through GMAC.

This special Corvette interest rate give 0% on new, 2008 Corvette Convertibles for up to 60 months and up to 48 months for new, 2008 Corvette Coupes and new, 2008 Corvette Z06s.

At the time of this post, Kerbeck Corvette has 38 new, 2008 Corvettes in stock which all qualify for this program. You can view our 2008 Corvette Inventory by clicking on the link.

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

[PICTURES] New 2009 Colors - Blade Silver Metallic and Cyber Gray Metallic!

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:16:00 +0000

Here's some side by side pictures of the new Corvette colors for 2009 here on the Kerbeck Corvette lot!

The new Cyber Gray Metallic has a lot of flake that's blue and silver that hard to see from afar, but here's a close up so you can see for yourself:

In the above pictures, the new Blade Silver may not look much different than the 2005-2008 Machine Silver, but here's a few side by side comparisons that show how much lighter and crisper the new Blade Silver is:

Side by side from a distance, they're still tough to tell apart, but you can see them side by side at the Kerbeck Corvette Showroom in Atlantic City...at least until we run out of 2008 Machine Silvers!

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts at the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

Retiring GM Executive To Drive Corvette Z06 Pace Car At Brickyard

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:53:00 +0000

In 1997, when John Middlebrook served as Chevrolet's general manager, he said: "Corvette is now, and will continue to remain Chevrolet's flagship. It is our technological and image showcase. Even more importantly, Corvette stands as the most singularly dramatic example of what we mean by 'Genuine Chevrolet.' Corvette is much more than just a car. It's a love affair. Words alone fail to convey the passion it inspires."

Just 11 years later, Middlebrook, who retired July 1 as GM vice president of global sales, service and marketing operations, will share with the world his passion for Corvette, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NASCAR as he leads the field to green in the 2008 Corvette Z06 Pace Car for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on July 27, 2008.

"It is great honor for me to have the opportunity to drive the Corvette Z06 Pace Car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway," Middlebrook said. "There is a tremendous Chevrolet heritage at the Speedway dating back to the involvement of Louis Chevrolet in the Indianapolis 500 in the early-1900s. To play a small role in continuing that tradition behind the wheel of the 505-horsepower Corvette Pace Car for NASCAR's 15th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard is a memory I will embrace."

Middlebrook, whose career with General Motors spanned nearly five decades, has made tremendous contributions to GM in a variety of roles over his career and is well known and highly respected and admired throughout the industry as a true sales and marketing professional.

"John has been an outstanding steward of motorsports throughout his career, and it's only fitting to pay tribute to what he's meant to GM and to the sport by having him drive the Pace Car at the Brickyard," said Ed Peper, North American vice president of Chevrolet. "He is a true leader, and all of Chevy will be cheering him on as he drives the car he loves—the Corvette Z06 Pace Car—as he leads the entire NASCAR Sprint Cup starting field to the green flag in Sunday's race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway."

Said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer: "John Middlebrook has been a valued friend and business partner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for decades. His leadership, knowledge and experience have been a driving force behind the longstanding relationship between IMS and Chevrolet. We're looking forward to seeing him drive the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard field to the green in a Corvette Z06."

2008 marks the 15th time that Chevrolet has paced the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and the fourth consecutive time Corvette has led the pack. Chevrolet's pacing tradition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway also extends to the Indianapolis 500 where Chevrolet has paced that esteemed race 19 times with Corvette leading the field 10 times.

Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Pace Cars:

2008 - Corvette Z06
2007 - Corvette Z06
2006 - Corvette Z06
2005 - SSR
2004 - Monte Carlo
2003 - Monte Carlo
2002 - Monte Carlo
2001 - Monte Carlo
2000 - Monte Carlo
1999 - Monte Carlo
1998 - Monte Carlo
1997 - Monte Carlo
1996 - Camaro
1995 - C/K 1500
1994 - Monte Carlo

The 15th running of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, July 27. Live coverage will be provided on ESPN and the IMS Radio Network.

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

MYSTERY CORVETTE ON MOVIE SET HAS PEOPLE ASKING QUESTIONS

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:50:00 +0000

This photo, found on the "Ultimate Transformers Resource" fan site seibertron.com, is a spy photo from the set of the upcoming Transformers movie sequel, "Transformers, Revenge of the Fallen". The photo has two completely different groups of people asking questions.

First are the Transformers fans who want to know what is it? Is this a new character? What's its name? Is it good or evil? No one who knows for sure is talking, but with the attention this car has been getting in many blogs, I think it will be a new main charater. The car is surrounded by Autobots [those are the good guys, for any readers who might have missed out on Saturday morning cartoons of the 80's], which leads many to believe this new car is also a good guy in alternative mode.

The second group interested in this car is the car enthusiasts who want to know what is it? The shape of the car's fenders as well as its split rear window and aggressive port behind the rear wheel are all well-known Corvette styling cues, suggesting the fantasy car is Corvette-based.

Jalopnik published the first photos. "We're now told," they write, that the car "is a Corvette concept." Based on an email tip, Jalopnik says the photo may be "a 2010 (or 2012) Corvette." They continue, "We're starting to think GM's decided the auto show scene isn't where they're going to capture the next generation of car lovers. Instead, they've decided -- why not take the show to the people by way of the silver screen?" They acknowledge, "we're speculating here — but the idea itself may actually make some sense." In a later post, Jalopnik runs two more photos of the mystery 'vette.

Edmunds Inside Line asks, "Could GM really be unveiling a new concept car in a film, rather than at an auto show? It certainly would be effective in garnering wide publicity."

Autoblog picks up the speculation. "Do we officially know that these are Corvettes of some sort?" they ask. "No, but the fender shapes, split rear window, and the port aft of the front wheel are familial styling cues that seal the deal. We're dying to know if this is just a movie creation or a concept that's in the pipeline to be revealed publicly at some future time."

GM made a big splash with the 2010 Camaro playing the part of Bumble Bee in the first Transformers movie, why not do it again? Seen among the ranks of the set were the new Chevrolet Beat and Chevrolet Trax mini-car concepts, so GM is obviously looking to market to many different groups of people through the action film due to be released June 26, 2009.

While I think it would be great for General Motors to release a car this way, I'm a little skeptical. My best guess is the car is more likely to be an old Corvette wearing a Chip Foose-designed skin for Hollywood.

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Boards!

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

[VIDEO] 2009 Corvette ZR1 LS9 Engine Build

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:43:00 +0000

Automobile Magazine gets to tag along with Master Engine Builder Bruce Blomfield as he assembles one of the first production 2009 Corvette ZR1 LS9 engines at GM's Performance Build Center. Each of the supercharged 638 hp LS9s are assembled by hand and the entire process takes about four and a half hours.

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Boards!

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

Video: Corvette ZR1 at the Nurburgring

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:04:00 +0000

GM posted this video on their GMNext website of the Corvette ZR1 doing a lap of the Nurburgring. It's a cockpit video with a stat overlay, showing the car hitting close to 180 mph on the final straightaway. Put on your headphones and crank up the volume, because the engine and road sounds come through clearly. You can almost feel the car hitting the apexes. Final lap time: 7:26.4.

If you'd like more information on how to get a Corvette ZR1 from Kerbeck, please send an email to zr1@kerbeck.com. Please include a daytime phone number where you can be reached.

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

GM Unveils Corvette S-Limited for Japan

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:35:00 +0000

OK, so maybe you won't see this Corvette in the Atlantic City Showroom of Kerbeck Corvette, but it's still very cool!!!

In celebration of GM's 100th Anniversary, GM Asia-Pacific has unveiled the Corvette S-Limited, a 30-car special for the Japanese market. priced at ¥7,980,000. The allotment is split evenly by color -- 15 in Arctic White and 15 in Black.

All the cars get the full leather-wrapped interior package; a rear spoiler, mesh grillework , and screened inserts for the side coves and the plate between the exhaust outlets. 'Vettes in Japan are probably scarce enough that they still draw plenty of attention.

Hey, in the land where the best-selling car's engine displaces 660 cc's, a thundering, 430-horsepower American pushrod that displaces 6.2 liters is always gonna make people look. Appropriately, the Corvette S-Limited officially goes on sale on the Fourth of July.

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

[VIDEO] 2009 Corvette on the Nürburgring!

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:58:00 +0000

As mentioned in an early post of the Kerbeck Corvette blog, Tadge Juechter blogged about the 2009 Corvette ZR1's time of 7:26.4 on the Nürburgring. He also mentioned, a video of the run is forthcoming.

In the meantime, this video was just posted by the guys at BridgetoGantry.com. Because Tadge doesn't mention whether or not the ZR1 had the track to themselves, and the video shows another car on the track, we're unsure if this clip is actually from the 7:26.4 runor not, but it's fun none the less!

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

Happy National Corvette Day!

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Thanks to the hard work of the crew over at Mid America Motorworks (with some help from the Kerbeck Corvette blog story from 06/20/08) and everyone else who signed the petition and made the phone calls, emails and letters, The US House of Representatives has named June 30th will from this point on be known National Corvette Day!

The Chevrolet Corvette, the first sports car of the country, came off the assembly line on June 30, 1953. This Monday, it will be the 55th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette. It will be in honor of the Chevrolet Corvette.

Here is the actual text from the resolution:

"H. Res. 970
In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 26, 2008.

Whereas the Chevrolet Corvette is America's first sports car;
Whereas the first production Corvette rolled off a Flint, Michigan, assembly line on June 30, 1953;
Whereas the Corvette is now manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky;
Whereas the Corvette is the most widely respected production sports car in United States history;
Whereas the Corvette is truly a symbol of American pride;
Whereas General Motors is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008; and
Whereas the 30th of June would be an appropriate day to designate as `National Corvette Day':

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives supports the designation of a `National Corvette Day' to honor the Chevrolet Corvette."

Like the words from many other important pieces of legistation (Where in the course of Human Events, and We the People, etc) this document brings tears to the eyes of a red-blooded, Corvette-loving Americans everywhere. And while I'm sure the House will be critizied by some for spending time on something like this when there are many other important issues, I say kudos for taking a little bit of time to recognize an icon that in all corners of the world symbolizes the American Spirit!

Happy Birthday Corvette!

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

Michelin Serves up Two New Tires for Corvette

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Earlier this week, Michelin invited select media to Laurens Proving Grounds, its testing facility, in Laurens County, S.C., for the launch of its two new tires for the Corvette, the Pilot Sport All-Season Plus and the Pilot Sport PS2 ZP.

The tires were put to the test in exercises in wet braking, wet handling, dry handling and comfort against competitors’ tires.

The Pilot Sport A/S Plus, though not visibly different from the original Pilot Sport, contains technology that allows for improvements in all-weather performance, wet grip and tread-life, according to Michelin.

The tire features three specialized rubber compaounds across the tread, helping to elevate a car's performance in virtually every type of weather, from wet to dry to winter conditions. Directional tread pattern and wet-weather silica compound combine for extreme wet-weather control. The tapered grooves of symmetrical tread design channel water away from the tire's contact patch to provide excellent wet grip in wet conditions, the company said.

The Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires are the first UHP tires to be backed by a 45,000-mile manufacturer's limited warranty, Michelin said.

The Pilot Sport A/S Plus tire goes on sale in the U.S. Sept. 1. It will be available in 59 sizes, 25% more sizes than the previous generation. At launch, the tire will be available in 29 sizes and the remainder will be introduced in March 2009. Complete sizing options will range from 205/55ZR16 up to 265/30ZR22.

Michelin’s other new offering, the Pilot Sport PS2 ZP, is now available for the Corvette C5, C6Z06 as a plus-one fitment and additional sizes for the C6 model in October.

A UHP summer tire, the Pilot Sport PS2 ZP evolves from the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 family of low-profile, Z-rated tires. The tire offers all the impressive performance characteristics of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, plus run-flat capability. It also delivers comfort levels similar to those of standard Pilot Sport PS2 tires, while delivering improved cornering control, thanks to an advanced sidewall and variable contact patch technology, the tiremaker said.

The tire features a unique, asymmetric tread pattern and a highly-customized tread compound, to delivers wet and dry performance for crisp cornering and high-speed capability. The asymmetric tread design presents large outer shoulder blocks and continuous intermediate and center ribs to enhance steering response and cornering stability. The inner lining tread design features a higher groove to rubber ratio with wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that help channel water through the footprint to enhance wet road traction, Michelin said.

Available on Aug. 1, replacement tire sizes for the Corvette C5 include: 245/45ZR17 95Y and 275/40ZR18 99Y. Replacement tire sizes (as a plus-one fitment) for the Corvette C6Z06 include: P285/35ZR19 (87Y) and P335/30ZR20 (94Y).

Available in October, replacement tire sizes for the Corvette C6 will include: 245/40ZR18 93Y, 285/35ZR19 99Y.

You can contact the Kerbeck Corvette parts department at 609-345-6463 for availability and pricing.

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board.

Dave Salvatore
Corvette Manager

Help Design the Kerbeck Corvette 2009 ZR1 Poster!

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:55:00 +0000

The official Corvette ZR1 numbers are in and they're good, very good! EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 city and 20 highway, 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, 0-100 mph in 7.0 seconds, Quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph! The Corvette ZR1 also has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), making it the fastest Corvette ever produced and ranking it among the global super cars of commensurate performance.

This year, Kerbeck will commemorate the new "King of the Hill" with this years poster. Pictured below is a Chevrolet Corvette advertisement from 1957 with two German drivers at a race track leaning against their car and pointing at the new, 1957 Fuel Injected Corvette. The caption reads:

"UND SO HELFE MIR. HERMANN, I WAS HOLDING 5900 R.P.M. AND HE CAME PAST ME LIKE A STUKA...AND PLAYING THE RADIO, TOO!"

In our concept, we have two drivers at a race track, leaning against their car pointing to the new, 2009 Corvette ZR1. Our question to you is this...what should our caption read, what is the one driver saying? Send your idea to dave@kerbeck.com with the subject line "Poster Contest". Also, be sure to post it on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board so that everyone can see it!

If we use your entry on our poster, we'll give you a ZR1 hat and one of the first posters off the press! If we use your caption, you'll be required to sign a disclaimer to allow us to use your words. Thanks for your help, it should be fun. Keep it clean, thanks!

What's your caption?

If you would like more information on the new “King of the Hill”, send an email to zr1@kerbeck.com. Please be sure to include your name and phone number in the email and someone will call you with more information.

Dave Salvatore
Covette Manager

Corvette ZR1 destroys Nissan GT-R times at the Ring!

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:13:00 +0000

Looks like the Nissan GT-R's impressive Nurburgring lap of 7:29, set last April, has been chewed up and spit out by the upcoming 2009 Corvette ZR1. Perhaps trying to prove there is no replacement for displacement, the Corvette supercar -- equipped with a 638 horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 -- has just come off a day on the 'Ring with GM development engineer Jim Mero behind the wheel and has responded to Godzilla's run with a 7:26.4.

Most car enthusiasts are quite familiar with the Nürburgring. Built in the 1920’s near Cologne, Germany, “the Ring” is considered to be the toughest and most challenging race track in the world.

Over the last two weeks, GM have been doing their final tuning and testing there before we start ZR1 production cars. This morning (Friday June 27), General Motors development engineer Jim Mero drove the Corvette ZR1 around the Nürburgring in a time of 7:26.4.

Jim commented after the lap that conditions were good except for a strong headwind down the main straight and that the lap was solid, but he felt there were a few places he could have gone faster.

The car was bone stock with the exception of the communications and safety equipment. The tires were production Michelin Pilot Sport 2’s. These tires have been developed specifically for the ZR1 and will have impressive wet traction and wear (tread wear rating = 220), in addition to excellent dry road holding. Chassis alignment and vehicle height were set to factory specs.

Likewise, the engine calibrations were absolutely stock, emissions compliant and the car ran on pump (not racing) fuel. The vehicle was exactly like the cars that will be built in Bowling Green, Kentucky and sold around the world later this summer.

According to to Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter, despite posting one of the fastest times ever run by a production car, Nürburgring lap times were not an over-riding priority in the development of the ZR1. The truth is, if the only priority was speed at the ring, the car would not be very pleasant to drive on American roads. The ZR1 is an incredibly capable track machine, but unlike most ultra-high performance cars, it is very easy to live with on a daily basis.

The timed lap was run with a rolling start, a departure from our previous practice of standing starts. This is more aligned with current industry practice. The lap was electronically timed and confirmed with two hand-held stopwatches. An in-car video will be posted when the engineering team returns from Germany. Look for it the week of July 7 on the GM Next website or right here on the Kerbeck Corvette Blog or Kerbeck Corvette website!

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Inside the Corvette Paint Lab

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:03:00 +0000

Did you ever wonder about those robots that paint your Corvettes? Well, Kerbeck Corvette is happy to help fill in you questions!

Only a handful of video crews have ever been inside the Corvette Paint Lab. GMnext takes you behind closed doors revealing the intricate process behind painting a car.

So now when you're driving you beauty or thinking about placing your order for a 2009 Corvette (from Kerbeck) you'll now be a little more informed!

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board.

Corvette ZR1 By The Numbers

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:52:00 +0000

Chevrolet announces performance results for the new ultimate-performance Corvette

DETROIT – The official Corvette ZR1 numbers are in and they're good. Very good:

EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 city and 20 highway
0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
0-100 mph in 7.0 seconds
Quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph

The Corvette ZR1 also has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), making it the fastest Corvette ever produced and ranking it among the global super cars of commensurate performance. None of those other super cars, however, equals the ZR1's performance-per-dollar ratio.

"The ZR1 is an incredible machine by any measure," said Ed Peper, North American Vice President, Chevrolet. "There's simply no other vehicle in the world that does a better job of balancing performance, price and fuel economy."

Performance perspectiveThe Corvette ZR1's 0-60 performance is 0.3-second quicker than the already-quick Corvette Z06 and the 0-100-mph performance is nearly a full second quicker - 7 seconds vs. the Z06's 7.9 seconds. It is performance that is equal to or better than many super cars costing substantially more.

"A favorable power-to-weight ratio gives the ZR1 an advantage over the competition and performance that has to be experienced to fully appreciate," said Tom Wallace, Corvette chief engineer. "Of course, on a racetrack, drivers of competitors' cars may appreciate the ZR1 in a whole different manner."

And the racetrack isn't the only place where the ZR1 trumps its super-car competitors – it beats them at the gas pump, too. According to fueleconomy.gov, the ZR1's EPA-rated 14 city and 20 highway mileage ratings beat 2008 competitors such as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (11 city / 15 highway); the Lamborghini Murcielago (8 city / 13 highway) and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (12 city / 19 highway). They're competitive with the Dodge Viper (13 city / 22 highway) and the Porsche 911 GT3 (15 city / 22 highway).

Under the carbon-fiber hoodA new LS9 6.2L supercharged small-block engine powers the ZR1's performance capability. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components support high-rpm performance, while a new, sixth-generation supercharger (and complementing charge-cooling system) helps the LS9 make big power and torque across the rpm range. The engine is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich.

In addition to the LS9 engine, the ZR1 is a technology powerhouse, designed with lightweight and unique components that reinforce its performance with a confidant feel on either a highway or road course.

Options: The standard ZR1 comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The available uplevel interior package includes power-adjustable, heated and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); side air bags; Bose premium audio system; navigation system; Bluetooth connectivity; power telescoping steering column; custom leather-wrapped interior available in four colors and more. Chrome wheels are the only other available option on the ZR1.

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Corvette Concept Car Spotted on the Set of Transformers Sequel

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:53:00 +0000

Our friends at Jalopnik are at it again! This time they are posting pictures of what, they are told, is a Corvette concept shot on the set of the new Transformers 2 movie, Revenge of the Fallen.

The latest shot, posted to the Motown Muscle forum, comes with some degree of reliability given it comes with two new shots of the "Bumblebee" version of the 2010 Chevy Camaro Z28. That's right, the e-mail tipster, who also posted the shots on the forum, claims not only that this is a 2010 (or 2012) Corvette concept, but also that this isn't the "SS" Camaro, it's the Z28.

Whether this mean Chevy will offer not only get a "Super Sport" package, but also a "special performance package" via a Z28 check box remains to be seen.

Jalsopnik has also been told it may just be a package we can order from the folks at Saleen. But, they digress — if you're to believe the poster, both vehicles are getting some sort of paint treatment as part of work they're undergoing at the hands of Chip Foose. How the producers of the new Transformers 2 movie got Foose to step away from his work on "Foosical: The Musical" we'll never know.

You can discuss this story with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

Building a ZR1 from Start to Finish!

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:04:00 +0000

This morning General Motors released all the official information for the 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 including 0-60 mph time (3.4 sec), quarter-mile (11.3 sec at 131 mph) and top speed (205 mph).

This Corvette is the fastest, most powerful and most expensive vehicle GM has ever built. So how does it get built? Why, at the Corvette's Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Put together by the same people who lovingly assemble the Corvette Coupes, Convertibles and Z06s, the ZR1 is nevertheless is much more difficult a vehicle to build than the regular Corvette coupe on which it's based.

Watch this video from the GMNext website to see a ZR1 go from a frame to a supercar in under 5 minutes of time-lapsed video interspersed with interviews of the plant workers who have the privilege of assembling the King of the Hill!

You can discuss this article with other Corvette Enthusiasts on the Kerbeck Corvette Message Board!

So, what do you get with the 2009 Corvette?

KerbeckCorvette@gmail.com (Dave Salvatore) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:55:00 +0000

After a milestone year in 2008 that saw the introduction of the LS3 6.2L V-8 as the new standard engine, a custom, leather-wrapped interior and more upgrades, the Corvette powers into 2009 with a raft of enhancements that further distinguish it and give customers more choices – including a lower-priced convertible model.

Of course, that range of choices also includes the ZR1, with its 6.2L supercharged engine that produces 638 horsepower (476 kW).

“The Corvette is an American icon with world-class credentials,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “It’s the car we all aspire to own and the 2009 edition, with more choices and features, only amplifies that craving.”

The ’09 Corvette lineup includes the Corvette coupe and Corvette convertible, each powered by the 430-horsepower (321 kW) LS3 V-8, and the incomparable Corvette Z06. Equipped with the 505-horsepower (377 kW) LS7 engine and built on a lightweight chassis, the Z06 is a street-going descendent of the championship-winning Corvette racing program.

New for 2009

Here is a rundown of the new features and content changes for the ’09 Corvette lineup:
Corvette 1LT convertible – Customers can slip into a Corvette convertible for a lower MSRP with this 1LT-equipped model. Additionally, a power top is now standard on 2LT convertible models.

Two new exterior colors – Cyber Gray Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic are added, while Machine Silver Metallic is discontinued. This brings the Corvette’s exterior palette to nine colors.

Revised crossed flags emblem – The iconic Corvette crossed flags emblem is distinguished with a new, bright surround.

Two new custom leather-wrapped interiors – Dark Titanium and Ebony join Sienna and Linen as available selections.

Bluetooth capability – This option enables the Corvette to offer the convenience and safety of Bluetooth hands-free phone service.

Standard power hatch pull-down – This convenient feature is now standard on Corvette coupe and Z06 models.

Additionally, steering wheel audio controls and variable-ratio steering are standard on all models. Revisions also are incorporated to the hardware and software of the anti-locking braking, traction control and Magnetic Ride Control systems.

Several trim and content changes are incorporated on the Z06, too. They include:

· New, “spider”-design 10-spoke Z06 wheel available in four versions: Sparkle Silver, Competition Gray and chrome
· Color-keyed door and instrument panels with red and titanium interiors
· Power-operated pull-down hatch now standard
· Gray stitching on Ebony base seats (previously red)
· New door sill plates with the Z06 logo
· Acoustic package standard on all Z06 models
The Z06 also receives a larger-capacity dry-sump oiling system. It upgrades to the 10.5-quart (9.9 liters) system of the new ZR1. The previous oil system held eight quarts (7.5 liters).

The popular museum delivery option (RPO R8C) remains available for all Corvette models.

LS3 engine

The 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in coupe and convertible models. It 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 brings a power rating increase to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).

The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. The cylinder bores measure 4.06 inches (103.25 mm) in diameter and combine with a 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke to deliver a 376-cubic-inch (6.2L) displacement. Breathing is accomplished via high-flow cylinder heads. They’re based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine, with larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.

Complementing the large-port design of the heads are commensurately sized valves. The intake valve size is a large, 2.16 inches (55 mm). The intake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which enable the engine’s 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large, measuring 1.60 inches (40.4 mm) in diameter.

To accommodate the engine’s large valves and enable more direct intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a camshaft with 0.551-inch (14 mm) lift.

Dual-mode exhaust system

Optional on coupe and convertible models is a dual-mode performance exhaust system. It gives the Corvette a more aggressive exhaust sound character that appeals to performance enthusiasts, as well as a boost in horsepower.

Similar in design and function to the system used on the Z06 and ZR1, the dual-mode exhaust uses vacuum-actuated outlet valves, which control engine noise during low-load operation, but open for maximum performance during high-load operation. It is not identical to the Z06 system; it uses a 2.5-inch-diameter exhaust, while the Z06 uses a three-inch system.

Transmissions and axle ratios

The Corvette is offered with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with paddle-shift control. When ordered with the Z51 Performance Package, the six-speed manual comes with a more performance-oriented gearing, including a “shorter” 2.97:1 first gear.

The shifting feel for both the six-speed manual transmission and paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmissions were improved in ’08, with the manual transmission shifting improvements include a more positive and direct feel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location.

The six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission on the coupe and convertible delivers quick shifts, with the ’08 enhancements bolstering the feeling of performance and driver control when using the shifting paddles. A 2.73 performance axle ratio is available with the automatic transmission. It is included with the Z51 package.

Driving dynamics

Corvette coupe and convertible have a hydro-formed steel rail backbone structure, which features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure. Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering gear have all been redesigned. Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) take advantage of the latest sidewall design and compound technology for run-flat capabilities.

Three suspension choices allow drivers to choose the setup that best suits their driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling. Corvette is now more poised at even higher handling levels, yet easier to drive.

The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. Cross-dilled brake rotors are included when this feature is selected, allowing customers to combine the larger brakes from the Z51 performance package with the comfort of Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

The Z51 Performance Package brings coupe and convertible performance very close to the widely admired previous generation Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT tires, enhanced cooling and larger cross-drilled brake rotors (13.4 inches / 340 mm in front and 13 inches / 330 mm in rear) for optimum track performance while still providing a comfortable ride.

With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems – anti-lock braking, traction control and Active Handling – operate in concert. In all, the dynamic chassis control systems are smarter, less intrusive and more adept at making the total driving experience precisely what drivers have come to expect from their Corvette.

Corvette design

Dramatic fender forms and exposed headlamps combine with the grille to create a strong visual identity for the Corvette, while the tapered rear deck and fascia improve high-speed performance. The lean rear design sports round tail lamps and center-exit exhaust. The fixed Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps provide superior lighting performance. With a 0.286 coefficient of drag, the coupe models are the most aerodynamic Corvettes ever.
The Corvette convertible now features a power-operated soft top with the 2LT package; an easy-to-operate manual top is standard on the new 1LT convertible. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car’s excellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise.

Interior details and technology

Corvette’s interior is inspired by the car’s dual-cockpit heritage. High-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim with the look of a leather panel. It is warm and inviting and has double the life of conventional trim materials.

An AM/FM/XM radio with CD player and audio input jack is standard. An optional Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer adds to the choices available to the audiophile owner. Steering-wheel mounted audio controls are included on all models. XM Satellite Radio is standard.

A full-function OnStar system with Turn-by-Turn Navigation capability is standard and an onboard navigation system with voice recognition is available. Using a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display, the DVD-based system contains all the map data for the 48 contiguous states and most of Canada on two discs.

Corvette also features k eyless access. When the owner is in close proximity to the door, the key fob’s signal unlocks the door. The system’s emergency key and other remote-function controls are integrated in a single unit.

Custom leather-wrapped interior package

Available on coupe, convertible, Z06 and ZR1 models is the custom leather-wrapped interior package. It offers a stylish, two-tone leather-appointed cabin with details that enhance the feeling of Corvette’s craftsmanship. Details include:

· Leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats
· Choice of new, exclusive colors: Dark Titanium, Ebony, Linen or Sienna, with unique color breakup
· Padded door panel armrests
· Corvette” embroidered on passenger-side dash pad
· Embroidered crossed flags logo on headrests
· Unique center trim plate with Bias pattern.

Corvette Z06 details

As the fastest, most powerful and most technologically advanced production model in Corvette’s history, t he Corvette Z06 offers an unprecedented level of capability and technology, making it one of the best performance values on the market.

Design – The Z06 has an unmistakable and aggressive appearance, with design cues that include:

· A wide front fascia with a large, forward-facing grille opening, a splitter along the bottom and wheel opening extensions along the sides to provide aerodynamic down force
· A cold-air scoop in front of the hood that integrates an air inlet system for the engine
· The trailing edge of the front wheel opening is radiused to achieve improved drag, but protects the body finish with a tough molding, and a large air extractor is located behind the wheel
· A fixed-roof body style optimizes body rigidity and mass
· Wider rear fenders with flares cover the massive rear tires and a brake cooling scoop in front of the wheels visually balances the fender extractor
· A tall rear spoiler houses the CHMSL on the top of the rear fascia
· 10-spoke spider-design wheels (18-inch, front; 19-inch, rear)
· Four large stainless steel exhaust outlets
· Z06 badging on the carbon fiber front fenders

The aerodynamics of the Z06’s exterior were shaped by the experiences of the Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and cornering capability are paramount. And while the race cars use large rear wings, the Z06’s elevated spoiler provides sufficient downforce to balance the road-worthy front splitter without adversely affecting aerodynamic drag. The Z06’s Cd is 0.34.

For all its race-inspired functionality, the Z06 is designed to be a daily-driveable high-performance vehicle. To that end, comfort and convenience are held to a very high standard. High-Intensity Discharge lighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration and head-up display (HUD) with track mode and g-meter are standard.

The Z06 gauge cluster displays the Z06 logo on the 7000-redline tachometer and has a readout on the oil pressure gauge to reflect the higher standard pressure of the dry-sump oiling system. The seats feature two-tone leather surfaces, with Z06-logo embroidery and contrasting stitching.

Z06 options include a Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, Competition Gray or chrome wheels, a telescoping steering wheel, heated seats, side-impact air bags, a navigation system with GPS and universal home remote.

LS7 engine – The Z06’s LS7 7.0L engine delivers 505 horsepower (377 kW) in a 3,180-pound (1,442 kg) package – a combination that delivers 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter-mile times of 11.7 seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph (as recorded on Germany’s Autobahn). It also provides maximum lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and 60-0 braking in 111.3 feet; it also circuited Germany’s famed N ü rburgring in a time of 7:43 from a standing start.

The LS7 reintroduced the 427-cubic-inch engine to the Corvette lineup. It is easily identified under the hood by red engine covers with black lettering. The LS7 shares the same basic Gen IV V-8 architecture as the Corvette’s 6.2-liter LS3, but it uses a different cylinder block casting with pressed-in steel cylinder liners to accommodate the engine’s larger diameter, 4.125-inch (104.8 mm) cylinder bores.

Internally, the LS7’s reciprocating components make use of racing-derived lightweight technology, including titanium connecting rods and intake valves, to help boost horsepower and rpm capability. The rpm fuel shut-off limit is 7,100 rpm. The LS7’s details include:
· Dry-sump oiling system
· Unique cylinder block casting with large, 104.8-mm bores and pressed-in cylinder liners
· Forged steel main bearing caps
· Forged steel crankshaft
· Titanium connecting rods with 101.6-mm stroke
· Cast aluminum flat-top pistons
· 11.0:1 compression
· High-lift camshaft
· Racing-derived CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads with titanium intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves
· Low-restriction air intake system
· Hydroformed exhaust headers with unique “quad flow” collector flanges.

One of the clearest examples of the LS7’s race-bred technology is its use of titanium connecting rods. They weigh just 464 grams apiece and besides being lightweight, which enhances high-rpm performance and rpm range, titanium makes the rods extremely durable.

The LS7’s CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads are designed to meet the high airflow demands of the engine’s 7.0-liter displacement. A hydraulic roller camshaft with 0.588/0.593-inch valve lift is used to allow plenty of air to circulate in and out of the engine.

To ensure optimal, uninterrupted airflow, the LS7’s heads have straight, tunnel-like intake runners. Very large by production-vehicle standards – even racing standards – they are designed to maintain fast airflow velocity, providing excellent torque at low rpm and exhilarating horsepower at high rpm. The heads feature 70-cc combustion chambers that are fed by huge, 56-mm-diameter titanium intake valves. They are complemented by 41-mm sodium-filled exhaust valves.

To accommodate the large valve face diameters, the heads’ valve seats are siamesed; and, taken from experience with the engines of C6.R race cars, the LS7’s valve angles are held at 12 degrees – vs. 15 degrees for the LS2 – to enhance airflow through the ports.
The LS7 has a dry-sump oiling system designed to keep the engine fully lubricated during the high cornering loads the Corvette Z06 is capable of producing. An engine compartment-mounted 10.5-quart (9.9 liters) reservoir delivers oil at a constant pressure to a conventional-style oil pump pick-up at the bottom of the engine. The pressurized oil feed keeps the oil pick-up continually immersed in oil at cornering loads exceeding 1 g.

Oil circulates through the engine and down to the oil pan, where it is sent back to the reservoir via a scavenge pump. The large-capacity reservoir, combined with a high efficiency air-to-oil cooler, provides necessary engine oil cooling under the demands of the engine’s power output. With the dry-sump system, oil is added to the engine via the reservoir tank – which includes the oil level dipstick.
Drivetrain – The Corvette Z06’s powertrain and drivetrain systems are matched to the LS7’s performance capability. The light, four-into-one headers discharge into close-coupled catalytic converters and through two-mode mufflers. The mufflers each feature a vacuum-actuated outlet valve, which controls exhaust noise during low-load operation but opens for maximum power.

At the rear of the LS7 engine, a single-mass flywheel and lightweight, high-capacity clutch channel torque to the rear transaxle. The six-speed manual transmission has been strengthened to handle the LS7’s increased torque load. The transmission includes a pump that sends transmission fluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluid removes additional heat from the differential lube before returning to the transmission. The six-speed transmission connects to a limited-slip differential, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rear wheels.

Structure – The Z06 has a unique aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof body style. Perimeter rails are one-piece hydroformed aluminum members featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models. Other castings, stampings and extrusions are combined into the innovative structure with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.
Advanced structural composites featuring carbon-fiber are bonded to the aluminum structure. The wider front wheelhouses, for example, are carbon composites and the passenger compartment floors combine carbon-fiber skins with an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.

The Z06 has a new magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and some front suspension components. Magnesium is lighter than aluminum yet incredibly strong. The magnesium cradle helps improve the front-to-rear weight distribution, as do carbon-fiber front fenders and wheelhouses. Engineers also moved the battery from underhood to a position in the rear cargo area, behind one of the rear wheels.
The mass reductions are offset by some added performance enablers, including dry-sump lubrication, exhaust system with outlet valves, larger wheels and tires, larger brakes and larger roll stabilizers.

Suspension and brakes – The Z06 retains the 105.7-inch (2686-mm) wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long arm suspension and transverse spring design, but it rides on all-new wheels, tires and brakes, as well as its own rear spring and roll stabilizer.

The firmer suspension works harmoniously with large 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear. The tires use the latest extended-mobility technology from Goodyear to provide a satisfactory ride, but still allow the vehicle to achieve lateral acceleration of more than 1 g. The extended-mobility tires eliminate the need – and weight – for a spare tire and jack or inflator kit, while also reducing the chance of a sudden loss of handling capability.

Complementing the suspension system and large rolling stock is an equally capable four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 14-inch (355 mm) vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 13.4-inch (340 mm) vented and cross-drilled rear rotors.

The front rotors are acted upon by large, red-painted six-piston calipers that use six individual brake pads. Individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes, four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads are used. A four-channel ABS system is standard, as is a very competent active handling system – complete with a Competitive Driving mode.

*SAE certified.

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