After six long and beautiful generations, the Chevrolet Corvette is just as much a hot commodity as it was in 1953 when the first concept was rolled out for all to see. This American-made sports car comes in four different trims: Standard, Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1.
The standard Corvette and the Grand Sport are both powered by a 6.2L V8 engine that pumps out 430hp and 424 lb-ft of torque. Add the upgraded exhaust system and the models get 436hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Sport differentiates itself from the standard model with a few upgrades, Z06 styling cues, and its won gear and rear-axle ratios. The Corvette Z06 is powered by a 7.0L V8 engine producing 505hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and the newer ZR1 boasts a 6.2L supercharged V8 delivering 638hp and 604 lb-ft of torque to the table.
All engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Just because we think that it would be cool to be part of a professional racing team, it doesn’t mean that we’re all cut out for the job. Lost in the attention of the glory given to the professional drivers of the Corvette racing team, a group of dedicated and tireless people work behind-the-scenes to make everything possible.
In the latest episode of Corvette Racing’s "Track to Street" series, they talk about the importance of having these guys on board and doing their jobs to the fullest of their capabilities. Leading up to a race, the crew has a lot to worry about, including the car’s engine, tires, wheels, and even strategies being employed during the race. It’s a lot of work that needs plenty of attention and these guys have proven over the years that they’re up to task.
And when the race finishes and everybody else heads out for some nice rest and recreation, the crew sticks around to get everything back in order. From packing their gear to running some diagnostic tests on the car, everything is done meticulously to ensure that everything is accounted for.
If there’s anything that defines ’team effort,’ the pit crew of Corvette Racing fits that mold to a tee.
You know that saying "mother’s know best?" Well, in a lot of cases, that adage rings true, even if a lot of us refuse to admit it.
In the rare cases that mothers don’t make the right decisions, it ends up in a hilarious comedy like this video of a mom being taken for a spin around Laguna Seca on board a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Now I love my mom to pieces and I’d do anything to get a smile on her face, but I’d be especially excited if I got a chance to take her out for a spin in a sports car.
Now getting her to ride shotgun is easier said than done because she’s not the thrill-seeking type, but after watching this video, I’m seriously considering bribing her with something just to get this reaction from her.
All in good fun, though, because the moment her body starts rejecting her lunch, I’m slowing down. Good thing that the mom in this video had an empty stomach during her hilarious lap-around Laguna Seca, but we still got a good kick seeing her riding by the seat of her pants.
It’s a good way to start your morning with a nice laugh or two and trust us, this video will give all that and more.
Ford and Chevrolet have been competing since the beginning and with today’s challenging economic times, the rivalry has grown even more fierce. It was not so long ago that car dealerships were selling hundreds of vehicles a day and running out of inventory. Ford and Chevrolet could produce any vehicle of any quality level and have it be a top seller. As the consumer has grown more conscious and more knowledgeable, the business of selling automobiles has grown more difficult.
It is hard to negate the fact that the American auto manufacturers have made leaps and bounds in terms of quality and sustainability for the vehicles they produce. These companies have begun to emerge from the financial crisis and are plotting their return to dominance. New marketing tactics have helped lead the charge and get the consumer thinking about their products. One of the best ways to do this is by having the consumer be able to test the vehicles in a non-sales environment.
At the Barrett Jackson auction in Orange County, both Ford and Chevrolet had ride and drive events set up to stimulate the car enthusiasts at the auction. Without paying any money or being hassled by a greasy car salesman, I was able to test drive the full range of new General Motors products as well as several different Ford rides. After completing some test drives, I was then whipped around the track by a professional driver in a Corvette ZR1 which left little doubt in my mind that these companies know how to show off their stuff.
Hit the jump for more details on the Ride and Drive experience.
One of the most impressive Chevrolet Corvette ever will be put on auction at the Monterey auction that’s scheduled for August 19th and 20th, 2011. The model, a 1969 L88 ZL-1 Corvette will be delivered as new as a factory L88 Corvette Coupe, finished in white over blue. This car in particular raced in the trifecta of FIA events: the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The car is powered by a new Chevrolet ZL-1 all-aluminum 427-cubic inch engine producing over 750 hp @ 6,500 rpm. More than that, the car set the GT speed record of 215 mph on the Mulsanne straight in qualifying.
Despite the fact that it was restored by Corvette Repair of New York, the car offered for auction will be offered with standard rear clip, frame, steering wheel, gauges, mirrors, dash, t-tops, removable radiator brackets, Minilite wheels, trailing arms, camber adjustment screws, NOS BFG tires.
In Chevrolet’s latest Track to Street series, Corvette Racing takes us along on a hot lap around the LeMans track. This is the very same track where driver Oliver Gavin received first place in the GTE Pro division of the 24h endurance race a little over a week ago.
In addition to the lap around the track, Chevrolet has also provided a second video featuring in depth interviews with drivers like Richard Westbrook as they describe what it’s like to be on and off the track. This video came out before the team’s win at LeMans, but after watching the Gavin make the quick lap around LeMans, it seemed necessary to go into the the team’s preparations for the 24 hour long event.
Let’s just say that we envy the thrill of being a part of such a famous event, but are in awe of the endurance these drivers have to have in order to complete the race.
