Tag: corvette

Video: Watch MT test the 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray Z51

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray Z51 handling test - video screencap

We’re (patiently) waiting for our first chance to drive the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, but it appears Generous Motors have given some other publications the opportunity to test the new car early, including the fine folks at Motor Trend.

For its latest episode of Ignition, MT puts the new Chevrolet flagship through its paces on the track, including a 0-60 run, figure-eight, quarter-mile sprint, 60-0 braking and lateral acceleration test. Additionally, the Vette is taken out on to public roads and is given the full review treatment in high-definition video glory. We won’t spoil all of the details for you – scroll down below to check out this Motor Trend video for yourself.

Continue reading Watch MT test the 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray Z51

Watch MT test the 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray Z51 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jul 2013 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hear the C7 Corvette’s three-mode exhaust

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Chevrolet

Chevrolet’s new, seventh-generation Corvette Stingray is quite easily one of the most highly anticipated vehicles of the year. And as details of the new car trickle out ahead of our first drive of it (coming soon!), we’re getting more and more excited.

Perhaps the question most on our mind as this new Chevy marches towards production is, what will it sound like? That’s not a simple question, though, as the Stingray will sound different depending on whether or not you spec the optional performance exhaust, which can radically change the car’s acoustic character.

Here, we have video of three different modes for the four-piped exhaust. Unfortunately, though, the car is just idling, which isn’t ideal. It’s interesting to hear that there are three distinct settings, which contrasts with the information that this was a dual-mode exhaust. Of course, it’s possible that one of the modes is what the car sounds like with a few cylinders shut down. All Corvettes feature cylinder deactivation for their 6.2-liter V8s, with a unique exhaust mode to limit four-pot clatter. It just seems odd that it could readily be engaged at idle.

We’re going to hold off judgment until we’re behind the wheel, but right now, the performance exhaust seems like a worthwhile way to spend $1,195. Take a listen in the video below, and let us know what you think.

Continue reading Hear the C7 Corvette’s three-mode exhaust

Hear the C7 Corvette’s three-mode exhaust originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jul 2013 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Sin R1 is a Corvette V8 in a German wrapper

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, MISC, Racing

The Sin R1 made quite a showing in its Goodwood Festival of Speed debut. The Munich-based outfit made its public driving debut on the Earl of March’s driveway, after an initial debut at the 2013 Autosport International show.

As a boutique supercar manufacturer, Sin kind of has carte blanche when it comes to parts. The R1’s engine, for example, is a 6.2-liter V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette. Situated in the back, the American engine is mated to the transmission from a Porsche 911 GT2. With 525 horsepower on tap from the LS3, the R1 has a claimed top speed of over 200 miles per hour and can hit 60 in just 2.5 seconds.

Helped along by a low curb weight of just 2645 pounds, the R1’s speed shouldn’t be a huge surprise. With aerodynamics (including a very meaty wing) producing upwards of 550 pounds of downforce and a 40/60 weight distribution, this is bound to be a car that can dance, so long as it’s in a very talented pair of hands.

All that said, the Sin R1 is still something of a question mark. This is the only one we’ve seen, and there’s no mention of pricing or availability. Sin made a name for itself building racing cars, but this is its first road-going model. It has the name-brand parts, with a steering wheel and seats from OMP, wheels from AP Racing, and Braid wheels. Only time will tell, though, if it’s the next Koenigsegg or Pagani, or just another one-off that never found an audience.

Sin R1 is a Corvette V8 in a German wrapper originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jul 2013 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hennessey unveils C7 Corvette Stingray upgrades that reach 1,000 HP

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Specialty, Racing


The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray hasn’t even arrived in showrooms, but that minor speed bump hasn’t slowed Hennessey Performance (HPE) from introducing a full suite of packaged (and à la carte) upgrades to the highly anticipated American sports car that will undoubtedly trump even the factory’s future high-performance Z06 and ZR1 models.

In base form, the C7’s new 6.2-liter V8 will be rated at 455 horsepower. While that’s a strong start, Hennessey’s first two packages bolt on a TVS2300 supercharger system and other miscellaneous upgrades to find upwards of 150 additional horses (both come with a 3 Year/36,000-mile warranty). The more aggressive packages start with an HPE custom balanced and forged engine that is accompanied by two ball-bearing turbochargers, forged pistons and plenty of other go-fast hardware to deliver up to 1,000 horsepower (both come with a 1 Year/12,000-mile warranty).

The company has announced four different upgrade programs (prices include professional installation):

  • HPE600 Supercharged ($12,495) 600 hp @ 6,300 rpm
  • HPE700 Supercharged ($18,450) 700 hp @ 6,300 rpm
  • HPE800 Twin-Turbo ($54,950) 800 hp @ 6,300 rpm
  • HPE1000 Twin-Turbo ($67,950) 1,100 hp @ 6,300 rpm

John Hennessey told Autoblog that his company has been planning the C7 upgrades “for over a year” and that his team is “confident that we will be able to adapt the same types of upgrades that we have been doing for the C6 models over the past several years.” While he was unable to offer any performance estimates, Hennessey reminded us that his HPE700 upgrade on the C6 Grand Sport ran 0-60 in 3.3 sec. and 10.7 sec. @ 128 mph. “I would expect similar performance on the C7 or possibly a bit quicker,” he said. “We prefer to be cautious on performance estimates and promises until we know for a fact what the numbers are.” Hennessey Performance plans to have the first cars in customer’s hands by the end of the year.

Hennessey unveils C7 Corvette Stingray upgrades that reach 1,000 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jul 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Corvette Stingray does 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, 1.03g on the skidpad

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

When pricing of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was announced back in April, Chevrolet promised that ‘Vettes equipped with the Z51 Performance Package would be able to hit impressive figures that include “0-60 mph in under four seconds and more than 1g in cornering,” and now it has backed these numbers up. While metrics for a stock Stingray weren’t released, checking the $2,800 Z51 box will get you a 0-60 time of just 3.8 seconds and a skidpad number of 1.03g.

Between its 460 horsepower and now its 3.8-second 0-60 time, the Stingray Z51 is positioned directly in between the new Porsche 911 S and Turbo models while costing significantly less than both. In addition to this, Chevy is promising a quarter mile time of 12 seconds and 60-0 braking in just 107 feet.

As an extra little bit of bragging rights, Chevy says that an almost-stock Z51 (with a racing seat, harness and fire extinguisher added inside the car) with Magnetic Ride Control was able to lap the Virginia International Raceway Grand Course in 2:45.78. Wondering how that compares with other known hi-po models? So are we…

Although there are no official VIR lap times to compare against, we did find that FastLaps.com has an unofficial collection of times for the track that places the new Stingray in the number two spot, just behind a 2008 Corvette ZR1. If accurate, that’s mighty impressive. Scroll down for the official press release.

Continue reading 2014 Corvette Stingray does 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, 1.03g on the skidpad

2014 Corvette Stingray does 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, 1.03g on the skidpad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Korres Project 4 is an on- and off-road Corvette-powered juggernaut [w/video]

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Specialty, Off-Road

Korres Project 4

It looks as if the Local Motors Rally Fighter will soon have some competition. The Korres Project 4 boasts a 7.0-liter LS7 V8 lifted from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. With 505 horsepower shoved into a 3,527-pound package, the creation should have no trouble covering ground very quickly. Dimitris Korres, the Greek architect behind the Project 4, says his creation can clip to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186. That’s all par for the course, but it’s the machine’s innovative suspension that makes it stand out from the crowd.

Capable of increasing or decreasing its ride height as necessary, the Project 4 can cover all sorts of terrain at speed. With locking differentials front, center and rear, the creation has the potential to be very impressive. You can check out a pair of videos below for a better look. Note that the photos in the gallery show the bruiser with its body panels removed for a better look at its innovative suspension and bare aluminum chassis, and check out this link for more.

Continue reading Korres Project 4 is an on- and off-road Corvette-powered juggernaut [w/video]

Korres Project 4 is an on- and off-road Corvette-powered juggernaut [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next Chevy Corvette to offer small-displacement turbo V8

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Corvette

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to TheDetroitBureau.com, General Motors is planning to alter its strategy with the next-generation Corvette to appeal to a wider range of customers. Traditionally, the Corvette has always been offered with high-displacement eight-cylinder powertrains, but according to sources within GM, the C7 Corvette may also offer a small, turbocharged V8.

Just how small, exactly? TDB reports that the next Corvette’s European-style V8 could measure in at just over 3.0 liters, using an overhead-cam setup and dry sump oil system. With the aid of turbocharging, unnamed GM sources expect that this engine will deliver “in excess of 400 horsepower,” or about 125 hp per liter. What’s more, the smaller V8 could be of the extremely high-revving nature, with TDB citing that engine revs could handle up to 10,000 RPM.

GM’s North American president, Mark Reuss, previously told The Bureau that the C7 Corvette will “target a very different sort of buyer.”

However, traditional V8 enthusiasts need not worry, as the story states that a full range of engines will be available, including the classic larger displacement units that have traditionally found a home in the Corvette.

Of course, the rumormill about exactly what’s in store for the C7 Corvette continues to swirl. We’ve heard everything from a mid-engine layout to a split rear window design that pays tribute to the 1963 ‘Vette. Whatever the case, GM just invested $131 million in the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant that builds the Corvette and the all-new model is expected to arrive within the next two to three years.

Next Chevy Corvette to offer small-displacement turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Friends videotape man “trapped” inside C6 Corvette with dead battery

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Humor

trapped inside a c6 corvette

How NOT to get out of a C6 Corvette – Click above to watch video after the jump

Are sixth-generation Chevrolet Corvette coupes attempting to take out their owners? After one man recently became “trapped” inside his ZR1, another driver, captured above, also believed he was stuck inside his ‘Vette. The real issue here, however, isn’t folks being outsmarted by their cars; it’s that vehicle owners don’t even bother learning how their cars work.

When the battery dies on a C6 Corvette, the door-release buttons stop working. General Motors isn’t in the business of creating sports cars that turn into traps, so it installs (very obviously marked) levers on the floor that, when pulled, manually open the doors. Not rocket science, guys. No need to panic. But hey, when you do freak out, and your friends are kind enough to find it hilarious and videotape it, well, we’re happy to share.

Click past the jump to watch. Just be advised: the language is not safe for work.

Continue reading Friends videotape man “trapped” inside C6 Corvette with dead battery

Friends videotape man “trapped” inside C6 Corvette with dead battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 May 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mid-engine Corvette C7 reports surface yet again

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill, Design/Style

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

Chevrolet 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors of a mid-engine C7 Corvette simply refuse to die, despite a long string of denials that such a project is in the works from a number of General Motors executives. The latest such story comes all the way from the UK, as Autocar reports that statements from GM North America president Mark Reuss hint that the next ‘Vette may abandon its front engine for 2013.

As we’ve heard before, General Motors is also thought to be downsizing the engines used in the Corvette – possibly even switching from a V8 to a V6 – though tricks like turbocharging and direct injection would likely keep horsepower at supercar levels.

As far as styling goes, we have no idea what shape the 2013 Corvette may take. Autocar indicates the classic split-window design from the 1963 Corvette may make a comeback, and the interior, the design of which is being led by global design chief Ed Welburn himself, will be fully modern and “absolutely world class.”

In any case, we’re expecting big things for the Corvette C7, and we’re sure the ‘Vette’s German and Italian rivals are just as eager to find out the details as we are.

Mid-engine Corvette C7 reports surface yet again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM investing $131 million in Corvette factory

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, Luxury

2012 Chevrolet Corvette

2012 Chevrolet Corvette – Click above for high-res image gallery

There are plenty who feel about the Chevrolet Corvette, ‘may you live long and prosper,’ and General Motors is aiding that sentiment with a $131 million investment in the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant that builds the Chevrolet halo car. Apparently, though, the reason GM feels that way is because, in April, the state of Kentucky offered $7.5 million in tax incentives in order to hold on to production.

The investment begins this summer as the plant retools to produce the upgraded 2012 model line, and continues as it gears up to build the next-generation Corvette said to bow in 2013. Part of the funds will pay for 250 new workers to join the 400 that currently assemble the five different variants. GM’s press release is after the jump with more information.

Continue reading GM investing $131 million in Corvette factory

GM investing $131 million in Corvette factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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