Corvette S-Limited: For Japan Only

GM’s Asia-Pacific arm has introduced a special edition version of the Corvette named S-Limited that will only be available in Japan. Production is limited to 30 units, 15 in black and 15 in white colour with prices set at ¥7,980,000 or about $74,700. As you’ve probably already suspected, the S-Limited’s differences to the standard Vette are… limited to the two-tone leather interior, the mesh inserts and the rear lip spoiler. -Gallery after the jump







Via: Autoblog.it

Why the Corvette Z1’s Nurburgring Time Shouldn't be Compared with the Nissan GT-R

We’ll give GM plenty of kudos for creating a sports car that officially lapped the famous Nurburgring in a mere 7 minutes and 26.4 seconds as it puts plenty of supercars costing double its price to shame, but ultimately, its somewhat unfair to compare the Corvette ZR1 with the Nissan GT-R. True, in our article on the ZR1’s Nurburgring time we mentioned that GM’s sports car beat the Nissan GT-R (7 minutes and 29.03 seconds), but we only did it to give you a comparable example of how good the Corvette is.

However, we must put things into perspective. The 640Hp Corvette ZR1 is priced from $103,300, the 480Hp Nissan GT-R from $69,850. That’s a huge price difference -$33,450 or nearly 50% more. Practically, the GT-R should be compared with the 505Hp Corvette Z06 that starts from $72,125. Although this is not an official time, various sites (including Motortrend) have stated that the Z06 lapped the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 42 seconds or 13 seconds more than the GT-R. -Continued

But to be totally honest, a sportscar’s Nurburgring time would be the last thing that would matter if we were in the market to buy one. Well before that we’d take into consideration a variety of factors including the emotional impact that the car has on us, the way it communicates with us on the road -maybe even on the track, and of course, the price tag. (Pic: Carscoop)

Corvette ZR1 Laps the Ring in 7:26.4, Beats the 2009 Nissan GT-R

GM’s 640Hp and $103,000 Corvette ZR1 has posted one of the fastest times ever recorded on the Nurburgring race track for a totally stock production car: 7 minutes and 26.4 seconds. And yes, the ZR1 has shaved almost three seconds off the 2009 Nissan GT-R’s official time of 7:29.03.

According to Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge J. Juechter, the ZR1 tested was bone stock with the exception of the communications and safety equipment. The tires were production Michelin Pilot Sport 2 which have been developed specifically for the ZR1 while chassis alignment and vehicle height were set to factory specs. -Continued

Likewise, Juechter said that the engine calibrations were absolutely stock, emissions compliant and the car ran on pump (not racing) fuel. In other words, it was the same vehicle as the ones that will roll off the production line in Bowling Green, Kentucky and sold around later this summer.

2009 Corvette ZR1 Pricing Announced: 640Hp for $103,000

GM’s 205 mph (330 km/h) Corvette ZR1 will arrive at Chevy’s dealerships carrying a price tag of $103,300 including $850 destination charge. Just to refresh your memory, the ZR1 is equipped with a 640Hp supercharged V8 engine making it the fastest Corvette ever produced. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in 3.4 sec while it covers the quarter-mile in 11.3 sec at 131 mph.

It sounds totally out of place, but GM’s official press release states that 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). But honestly now; who cares about EPA ratings when it comes to buying a supercar? -Continued

Corvette ZR1 Optional Equipment

The standard ZR1 comes with accessories based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The available uplevel interior package that costs $10,000 adds 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. Detailed pricing noted below.

• $103,300 Base MSRP including destination
• $1,700 Gas guzzler tax
• $10,000 Option package
• $2,000 Chrome wheels

Video: Awesome 1970’s Matte Black Corvette in Spain

A couple of days ago we showed you images of a custom made C3 Corvette painted in a menacing matte finish. Thanks to our vigilant audience, not only did we find out that the Corvette is from Spain, but one of our readers that goes by the nickname “Panic” was kind enough to forwarded us a video of the Vette on the road. Follow the jump to check it out and don’t forget to pump up the volume of your speakers…. -Continued

Thanks for the link Panic!

One Really Bad C3 Corvette

We’re not really comfortable with modifying classics like the C3 Corvette (1969-1982), but in this case, we’re forced to make an exception. Painted in a sinister matte black finish, this awesome custom-made Corvette is bad to the bone, full of sensual curves and pure muscle. There’s no note of the whereabouts of this Mako Shark Vette, but in one picture we see a Peugeot 205 in the background so we’re guessing its somewhere in Europe. If any of you can identify the origin of the license plates, leave us a comment below. -More pics after the jump

Via: Cardomain , Source: VWVortex

Corvette Pickup Truck Conversion

Last time we checked, there was no mullet hanging around the back of our heads so as expected, we kinda disagree with the pickup truck conversion of this Vette that was created by merging a 1984 Corvette front-end with the rear-end of 1991 model. And if you think that the $35k that ClassyAuto (how ironic…) is asking sounds a lot wait till you here what the original owner spent to create this Vettamino: $115,000 -what a brain-freezer! -More pics after the jump

Via: Jalopnik , Source: ClassyAuto

Speed Racer “Mach 5” Corvette Maker Turns C5s into C2 Stingray Replicas

Chattanooga Rod Design (CRD for short) is the company responsible for producing a drivable replica of the Mach 5 Corvette featured in the movie “Speed Racer” that premieres on May 9, 2008. Not that a Corvette Stingray lookalike is our thing, but with all the hype surrounding the Speed Racer movie we decided to check out CRD’s Classic 1 model which formed the basis for the Mach 5 replica.

The Classic 1 is in essence a turnkey conversion of a Corvette C5 Coupe or Cabriolet (produced from 1997 through 2004). The company begins with a C5 donor car and without touching the mechanicals, it disassembles the exterior of the Corvette and then grafts its own hand fabricated design that mimics the looks of the mid-sixties C2 Vette. According to CRD, the complete turnkey conversion costs $65,000. –Pictures and video after the jump

$70k: What Sportscar Would You buy?

In our latest poll, we’re trying to figure out what would you do if you were lucky enough to have about $70,000 (that’s approx €45,300 with the current exchange rates) lying around your bank account. The reason why we chose the specific sum is no other than the U.S. prices of Nissan’s highly anticipated 473Hp GT-R sportscar: $69,850 (€45,200) for the GT-R and $71,900 (€46,500) for the GT-R Premium model.

For about the same amount, U.S. buyers have the choice to include in their list the 505Hp Corvette Z06 ($72,125 or €46,650) and the entry-lever 325Hp, RWD Porsche 911 Carrera ($73,500 or €47,550). Though significantly cheaper, we also consider the $56,500 (€36,550) BMW M3 with its 414Hp V8 engine as a logic alternative – plus we’re pretty sure that BMW will find a way to get another $10k out of your wallet.

Have your say in the comment section and don’t forget to vote on the poll we added on the sidebar.

Powerblock to Recreate Corvette Mach 5 from Speed Racer

Even if you haven’t ever seen the 1960’s Japanese animated series of Speed Racer, we’re pretty certain that you’ve heard about the film adaption of the series that’s due to be released in theatres on May 9th.

About a week earlier though, on May 3rd, the guys and gals of Spike TV’s Powerblock series will transform an ordinary Corvette into the Mach 5 from Speed Racer. We don’t have the official details, but from what we’ve heard they intend to use a Corvette C5 as a base dressing it with a mid 1960’s Corvette C2 body. -More pics after the jump

Link: Spike TV

Corvette Indy 500 & Z06 “427” Special Edition Versions Launched in Europe

Following their release on US turf, GM Europe has announced the availability of the limited edition Corvette C6 Indy 500 and Corvette Z06 “427” models in Europe. In particular, only twenty Corvette Indy 500 Coupes and five Convertibles will reach the other side of the Atlantic.

As for the Corvette Z06 427 that pays homage to the ‘big-block’ Stingray of the 60's, from a total of 505 units that will be built, only 52 will be coming to Europe. Both special models are available for order now, with delivery scheduled for this summer. For details and images on the Corvette Indy 500, click here and for the Corvette Z06 427, click here.

Video: 2009 Corvette ZR1 Tops Out at 205 MPH - 330 Km/h

Imagine that; a Chevy achieving a top speed of 205 mph or 330 km/h! It goes without saying that this isn’t one of your “ordinary” Vettes but it’s the top-off-the-range 2009 ZR1. Interestingly, GM’s development team managed to video tape the new Corvette ZR1 topping out in early April at the test track in Papenburg, Germany.

Additionally, along with the release of the video showing GM also announced the official dyno numbers: the ZR1’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is rated at 638 Hp which is 18 Hp more than GM estimated when they first unveiled the supercar at the Detroit Show in January. As for grunt, GM said that the ZR1’s V8 delivers 604 lb.-ft. or 819 Nm of torque available at 3,400 rpm. –Video after the jump

Reckplica: 1962 Corvette Wannabe

Whilst the 1989 Chevrolet Corvette might not be the most sought after Vette of them all, that doesn’t mean that we have to agree with this ghastly attempt to create a 1962 replica out of it by bolting a front and rear-end on a '89 model. The eBay seller supports that all the hard work has been done but we’ll let you to decide that for yourselves. –More pics after the jump

Via: Jalopnik , Source: eBay