Tag Archives: featured

Corvette Auction Preview: Four More Corvettes to Make You Drool at Mecum Kissimmee 2022

December 23, 2021 admin

Photo Credit: Mecum Auctions

Welcome back to our look at Mecum’s upcoming 2022 Kissimmee auction. The countdown to opening day is just about 14 days now. Perusing the Corvette docket, we currently see 360 Corvettes listed which is more than double the number of consignments from 2 weeks ago. Expect a few more to be added as the date draws nearer.

Past previews focused on the Corvette Super Sport, Gulf One, and the C2 Z06 equipped Corvettes from Mecum’s Once in a Lifetime Corvette Offering. This time we’re going to focus on a diverse quartet of first and second generation cars ranging from a pilot line 1966 L88 to an ultra-rare 1957 airbox fuelie.

Lot F158: 1960 Race Rat Tanker – When we think of big tank or “tanker” Corvettes, we generally think of C2’s. However, tankers were available to savvy buyers and racers on C1 Corvettes as well. In 1960, 10 big tank Corvettes were built. This 1960 fuelie was ordered through Nickey Chevrolet by George Reed to complete in the 1960 Sebring 12 hour race. In addition to the 315hp engine, Reed selected heavy duty suspension, heavy duty brakes, and a 4-speed transmission. Upon delivery to Sebring, Zora Arkus Duntov himself assisted with the final race prep. The car went on to win its class and finish 16th overall. Today the car is in excellent restored condition and has been displayed at top events such as the 2004 and 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the 2009 Los Angeles Concours d’Elegance, the 2010 NCRS 50th Anniversary display, and the 2013 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance. It’s also an NCRS American Heritage Award recipient.

Lot F164: 1957 Big Brake Airbox Fuelie – This well-known straight axle is one of 44 produced with RPO 579E, the fresh airbox intake. It’s also 1 of 54 with heavy duty brakes and suspension. Other options include a fuel injected engine, 4-speed transmission, and wider 5.5″ wheels. The car was raced in SCCA events across the country throughout its early life. Since that time, it’s been restored back to stock form and lays claimed to our hobby’s top awards including multiple NCRS Top Flights, Bloomington Gold, and 2 Bloomington Special Collections. It’s been featured in Vette Vues magazine and participated in the 75th anniversary Monterrey historics. It’s being offered from the John Justo collection with copious documentation, awards, and restoration photos.

Lot S113: 8,500-mile unrestored 1967 427/435 Coupe – We first saw the “Vault Find” 1967 Corvette at the 2017 Mecum Indy auction where it sold for $675,000 from the original owner’s family. The Marina Blue on blue 435hp coupe remains in unrestored, original condition with just 8,533 miles on the odometer. The option list includes the 435hp engine, M21 4-speed, F41 suspension, and 4.11 rear end. It’s never been shown or judged and comes documented with the window sticker, Protect-O-Plate, and car shipper.

Lot S237: 1966 Pilot Line L88 Coupe – This Sting Ray is one of the “Four Kings,” 1966 Corvette factory racers. It’s the first known Corvette factory-prepared for Luigi Chinetti’s NART team, the first built with shoulder harnesses, and the second to be fitted with the cowl-induction fresh air hood. The intent was to test aluminum cylinder heads and other racing bits in the 1966 Sebring 12 hours. Pedro Rodriguez and Mario Andretti were to be the drivers, but they ended up in one of Chinetti’s Ferrari’s instead. Future pilots included Harold Whims, Don Yenko, John Finger, and John “Sam” Henderson. They completed at many notable tracks such as Daytona, Talladega, Charlotte Motor Raceway, Virginia International Raceway, Marlboro Motor Raceway, and Road Atlanta among others. The L88 engine sports a 1965-dated intake manifold and January 1966 dated aluminum cylinder heads. Other track-spec options include heater and defroster delete, radio delete, F41 suspension, Positraction rear axle, heavy-duty brakes, transistor ignition, M22 4-speed, and a 36 gallon gas tank. It’s extensively documented and has been shown at numerous national events over the last decade including 2014 and 2020 Bloomington Gold Collections, 2016 MCACN Corvette Legends Invitational, and the 2014 Corvettes at Carlisle Race Car Reunion.

Mecum’s monster 2022 Kissimmee auction will take place January 6th-16th at the Osceola Heritage Park. MotorTrend TV, MotorTrend+, and Discovery will have live coverage Wednesday, January 12th – Saturday, January 15th. Approximately 3,500 cars are expected. Keep an eye here and on the Mecum website as new additions are being added daily.

Source:
Mecum Auctions

Racing Sport Concepts Has These Last Minute Christmas Gifts For Your Corvette!

December 22, 2021 admin

Hopefully at this point you have most of your Christmas shopping completed and now you can really get down to the nitty-gritty of finding that perfect gift for your Corvette. Some may laugh at this, but I am a firm believer in buying gifts for yourself to make sure you get exactly what you want. After all, you worked hard this year, and it’s time to reward yourself and your Corvette with these custom visible carbon fiber accessories for the C8 Corvette from Racing Sport Concepts.

If you were waiting for the perfect sale on last-minute Christmas gifts for yourself or a Corvette friend, Racing Sport Concepts is offering 15% off these carbon fiber Corvette parts exclusively for CorvetteBlogger readers. Just use promo code CB15 at checkout and you’ll be on your way to having the best-dressed C8 Corvette in the neighborhood with these savings! You better hurry though as this special sale ends on December 31, 2021

RSC C8 Front Intake Vents for Corvette C8

Your C8 Corvette will be the star of social media’s “#FrontEndFriday” posts with these C8 Corvette Front Intake Vents installed on your mid-engine Corvette. Made from the finest pre-impregnated carbon fiber fabrics and a beautiful 3K 2×2 carbon fiber weave that is coated in a premium UV inhibiting clear coat and then buffed to a mirror shine.

Racing Sport Concepts utilizes advanced laser scanning and 3D CAD engineering for the perfect fitment. These front intake vents offer an easy installation that is completely reversible, and they come with a two-year warranty and product support. Chevy sells these visible Carbon Fiber front intake vents for over $2,000 but you can get them from Racing Sport Concepts for $995 for the pair. These are in stock and ship in one business day.

RSC C8 Side Intake Vents for Corvette C8

It’s our opinion that if you are wanting to convert all the carbon flash metallic trim pieces on your C8 Corvette to beautiful visible carbon fiber, one of the first places we would start would be with Racing Sport Concept’s C8 Side Intake Vents. We’re not sure why Chevy is taking so long with their versions, so why wait when you can get these direct replacements with the same quality as an OEM for about half the price!

RSC has engineered these side visible carbon boomerangs with direct attachment points on the OEM and they are completely reversible with no modifications required. You can check out the installation guide for review.

Made from Pre-Impregnated Carbon Fiber and buffed to a show-quality finish, these side intake trim pieces will absolutely set your Corvette apart from the others at your next car show. The RSC Side Intake Vents for the C8 Corvette are offered as a pair for $1,495. There is currently a two-week wait time for these, but the sale price will be honored and RSC will ship in one to two business days once available.

RSC Carbon Fiber Mirror Covers for Corvette C8

Now that you’ve decided to go all-in on customizing your C8 Corvette, adding these Carbon Fiber Mirror Covers from Racing Sport Concepts are a no-brainer. Laser scanned and engineered in 3D CAD for the best fit, these visible carbon fiber mirror covers are a direct replacement for the factory covers. Made from pre-impregnated carbon fiber with a 3K 2×2 twill that will shine in the sun, the mirror covers will reward your Corvette for years to come.

Racing Sport Concepts offers the Carbon Fiber Mirror Covers for the C8 Corvette for $895 and they are sold as a pair. Installation is easy and completely reversible.

RSC Engine Hatch Vents for Corvette C8

Chevrolet describes the C8 Corvette Stingray’s LT2 engine as the “jewel under glass” when looking at it through the Coupe’s rear engine hatch. If that is the case, shouldn’t the “jewelry box” offer its own distinct showcase to onlookers? Racing Sport Concepts has re-engineered the C8 Corvette Coupe’s engine hatch vents in visible carbon fiber and the end result is simply stunning!

The engine hatch vents for the C8 Corvette were laser scanned and developed in 3D CAD software to ensure the perfect fit. These Engine Hatch Vents are created from the finest pre-impregnated carbon fiber fabrics for a beautiful 3K 2×2 twill. The hatch vents from RSC are cured in a state-of-the-art autoclave and then covered in RSC’s premium UV inhibiting clear coat. The final step sees the vents polished to a mirror shine.

The Engine Hatch Vents for the C8 Corvette are sold as a pair for $1,395.00 and come with a two-year warranty and product support from Racing Sport Concepts. These engine hatch vents are in stock and ship within one-to-two days.

These carbon fiber accessories for the C8 Corvette are being offered with a 15% savings exclusively for CorvetteBlogger readers when using the promo code CB15. For questions or more information on these or any of the aftermarket visible carbon fiber upgrades from Racing Sport Concepts, you can email them at [email protected] or call their toll free number 1-800-815-3751. Racing Sport Concepts can be found on the web at www.racingsportconcepts.com.

Source:
Racing Sport Concepts

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Our Three Favorite Corvettes for Sale from Corvette Mike in December

December 21, 2021 admin

Photo Credit: Corvette Mike

If your New Year’s Resolutions include the addition of an investment-quality collector Corvette, or perhaps you’re looking for something fun to drive in 2022, our friends at Corvette Mike in Anaheim, California can help you find the perfect Corvette for the new year!

Corvette Mike is one of the top destinations for buying high-quality Corvettes! The knowledgeable staff is there to assist in finding just the right pre-owned or classic Corvette for you. Today we hit their website to check out the current online inventory and came up with these three Corvettes as our favorites for the month of December.

Maybe at this point, you’re more of a seller than a buyer? Corvette Mike skips the auto auctions and only buys premium cars from private enthusiasts and they purchase cars from across the nation so if you have a low-mileage or rare Corvette that you are ready to part with, reach out to Corvette Mike and let them know what you got.

1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe

For the collector who wants to own one of the most iconic Corvettes in the model’s 69-year run, the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe is it. Chevrolet redesigned the Corvette in 1963 and for the first time, it came from the factory as a hardtop coupe. Zora Arkus-Duntov offered three different transmissions and four different engine performance options with the fuel injected 327/360hp L84 option reigning supreme. But what made the 1963 Coupe truly unique was the split rear window offered only in the inaugural year of the C2 before Zora successfully lobbied GM Design to change it to a single rear window in 1964.

The original owner of this 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe must have been wanting to drive the ultimate street Corvette when he placed his order. Outfitted in Riverside Red and a Black interior, the original buyer made sure to check the box on the 327/360 Fuelie V8 as well as the four-speed manual transmission, while power windows, AM/FM radio, and whitewall tires rounded out the options. We can imagine it was quite at home cruising the boulevards back in the day.

This ’63 Fuelie Sting Ray has been meticulously detailed, undergone a frame-off restoration, and only 99 miles are showing on the odometer. This Corvette is still equipped with the original L84 engine as certified by Al Grenning’s C.C.A.S. service and the Trim Tag has also been verified. Further documentation includes the N.C.R.S. Shipping Data Report.

The Fuel Injected 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe would be the center point of any automotive collection. For details or more information, contact Tim at 714-630-0700.

1996 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible

When C4 production finally came to an end in ’96 after 12 years, Chevrolet knew they had to send it off with a bang, not a whimper. And since the ZR-1 was discontinued in ’95, there was definitely a void that needed to be filled!

The name “Grand Sport” had been used once before. It was for the fabled early ’60’s Corvette race cars helmed by legendary drivers such as Bob Bondurant, Roger Penske, A.J. Foyt, and Dr. Dick Thompson, among others. For this ’96 Special Edition, G.M. thought it fitting that the name should be brought back again!

We love the 1996 Corvette Grand Sport for what it offered to Corvette buyers – a limited edition Corvette with a unique engine to celebrate the end of a generation. Limited to 1,000 units overall, Chevrolet produced 810 coupes and 190 convertibles in Admiral Blue with a White full-length body stripe and Red hash marks on the front fenders. They also received a special black-painted version of the ZR-1 wheels with the coupes getting the import flares added to the body so the rear wheels would fit appropriately.

The Grand Sport’s LT-4 engine was rated at 330hp, which was 30 more than the standard LT-1 engine. However, the car’s performance feels considerably more powerful than the advertised increase would indicate!.

Corvette Mike acquired this ’96 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible by the original owner who only put 19,277 miles on the odometer. This GS is #117 in the series and is fully documented with all books, manuals, original window sticker, build sheet, and more. It also received a high score from the NCRS who awarded it Top Flight status. Celebrate the C4’s end of the line by adding this highly collectible Grand Sport to your stable.

This 1996 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is offered for $52,900. Call Tim at 714-630-0700 for more information.

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2016 Corvette Z06 Coupe

This 2016 Corvette Z06 with a seven-speed manual transmission, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, and the Z07 Performance Package was originally ordered from Legacy Chevrolet in Columbus, Georgia before it was acquired from the original owner by Corvette Mike in the fall of 2021. Powered by the 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 engine that was rated for 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, this Z06 Coupe has just under 6K miles on the odometer and is documented with the original window sticker, manufacturer’s literature, and a clean CarFax report.

The Z06 is finished in Arctic White with Kalahari leather interior and features a full-length Black racing stripe across the hood, roof, and rear deck of the car. It’s outfitted with the level three visible carbon fiber aerodynamics package that includes the aggressive front splitter and rear wickerbill across the rear spoiler. It also includes a painted and transparent roof panel. Inside you’ll find the carbon fiber trim package surrounding the center stack and instrument cluster.

The Corvette Z06 sits on staggered setup of 19″/20″ Chrome-finished aluminum wheels with Corvette logo center caps. The rubber is currently mixed with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires up front and Continental Extreme Contact tires (non-runflats) in the rear. With the Z07 Performance Package comes Brembo’s carbon-ceramic brakes and red brake calipers.

Corvette Mike is offering this low-mileage one-owner 2016 Corvette Z06 for $89,900. Are you ready to be its next caretaker? Contact Tim at 714-630-0700 today.

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To learn more about these three highly collectible Corvettes for sale or to view the other collector Corvettes offered by Corvette Mike, visit them online at CorvetteMike.com or give Tim a call at 714-630-0700 and let them know you found these Corvettes on CorvetteBlogger.com!

Source:
CorvetteMike.com

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ACS Composite Offers Rock Guards and 5VM Side Rockers for C8 Corvette and Their C7 Z06 Front Splitter Fits All C7 Models

November 2, 2021 admin

Congratulations to those of you out there that own the C7 or C8 Corvette. These Corvettes are among the best that has ever been made and we are sure that you’ll get years of enjoyment from them. While the front engine and mid-engine Corvettes are about as different as they can be, they share many things including the ability to be protected and customized by our friends at ACS Composite.

ACS Composite is a leader in the Corvette aftermarket for providing owners with the highest quality of parts and accessories specifically designed to fit your Corvette. Their current selection of parts and accessories for the C7/C8 includes a number of different spoilers, front splitters, and side rocker panels, plus they offer other enhancements that help protect your investment while you are enjoying your Corvette.

This month we are sharing some of the best-selling products from ACS Composite. We show off the ACS C8 Corvette Rock Guards which are one of the best ways to protect your Corvette from rock chips and road debris, as well as the ACS 5VM Side Rockers for the C8 which also protects your Corvette while making it appear more aggressive. Finally, the ACS C7 Z06 front splitter has been re-engineered to fit your C7 Stingray as well as the Grand Sport and Z06 models.

C8 Corvette Rock Guards

The C8 Corvette’s beautiful mid-engine design does offer a bit of the traditional “Coke bottle” shape as the Stingray’s rear end is wider to accommodate the larger rear tires as well as offer the ability for the side air intakes to capture as much air as possible. That design also lends itself for the front Michelins to pick up rocks and other road debris and launch it rearward against the side of your car. While costly solutions like paint protection film (PPF) can help minimize the damage to your exterior paint, these new C8 Corvette Rock Guards from ACS Composite offers the ultimate protection to guard your Corvette’s exterior against rocks and other debris.

Utilizing GM’s stock accessory splash guards as a starting point, ACS Composite’s C8 Rock Guards enhances that design for added protection with features that include a wider edge, a bladed shield that helps control rocks and road debris inside the wheel well, and an added downward extension that provides great stopping power front and back.

Manufactured from ACS Composite’s proprietary PC Composite material, your C8 Rock guards are designed to withstand extreme temperatures as well as rock strikes projected by the spinning wheels.

Installation is easy and takes as little as 30 minutes as the C8 Rock Guards use the stock OEM mounting points in the wheel wheels so no drilling or two-sided tape is required. ACS Composite also offers an install video that can be found on the company’s YouTube Channel. The C8 Rock Guards are sold as a set of four (2 front/2 rear) for $499 with Free Shipping included.

5VM Side Rockers for the C8 Corvette

If you are in the camp that loves the aggressive posture of the OEM 5VM C8 side skirts with the signature winglets in front of the rear wheels, ACS Composite has improved upon GM’s design with their ACS 5VM Carbon Flash Rockers for the C8 Corvette. Like the 1VM rockers, ACS has created an undertray extension to the side rockers which offers protection to the rolled painted body panel underneath the C8, and ACS uses a custom-designed rocker bracket that doesn’t require the side hole to be drilled as is the case with the dealer-installed OEM version.

ACS Composite already offers their own version of the 5VM Front Splitter and these 5VM C8 Rocker Panels in Carbon Flash Metallic will compliment that look. Made from highly durable PC Composite material, the black molded side rockers are heat resistant and with a black substrate, scrapes or rock chips will not show through.

Similar to the RPO code 5W8, these 5VM C8 side rockers are finished in Carbon Flash Black or CFZ, and it will match all of the C8 Corvette’s exterior accents including the front grille, rear diffuser, the side intake boomerang, and more.

ACS Composite will begin shipping their 5VM Carbon Flash Black C8 Rockers on September 20th, and a dedicated install video will be coming shortly. The 5VM C8 Side Rockers are priced at $1,948 and free shipping is included.

ACS C7 Z06 Splitter

General Motors spent a considerable amount of time in aero-testing the C7 Corvette Z06’s aerodynamic kit for the Z07 Performance Package. ACS has taken that Z06/Z07 splitter and redesigned it in CAD and CNC machined it from the ground up with slight improvements over the original design and the end result is a clean-looking, durable, and functional aerodynamic splitter that will benefit the front of your C7 Corvette Stingray as well as the widebody Grand Sport and Z06 models.

The ACS Z06 Front Splitter is made from PC Composite which is a manufacturing process generally reserved for high-volume production parts. These black molded splitters offer high strength and durability, as well as resistance to heat and scraping which makes them perfect for mounting on the front of your C7 Corvette. If durability is important to you, the ACS Z06 splitter helps minimize curb rash and mild road hazards. ACS describes it as the last Z06 Splitter your Corvette will ever need!

The C7 Z06 Splitter also features an optional undertray for those track warriors looking for the ultimate aerodynamic performance from their cars. The integrated undertray option enhances the aerodynamics by keeping all edges smooth and directing air with a minimum amount of turbulence. The undertray also has revised brake cooling ducts and features extra mounting points with linear fins to keep the air flowing smoothly as possible

You can further customize the look of your C7 with the addition of the Stage 2 and Stage 3 deflectors. Mounted on the corners of the C7 splitter, the deflectors help to move and reduce the airflow off the ends of the splitter. The Stage 2 deflectors are smaller and more conservative than the larger Stage 3 deflectors, and the OEM deflectors can be used with the ACS C7 Z06 Front Splitter.

The ACS C7 Z06 Front Splitters are available for the C7 Corvette Stingray as well as the C7 Grand Sport and Z06 models with a starting price of $499.00 and shipping is free! An installation video is also available on the ACS Composite YouTube channel.

Source:
ACS Composite

Kansas Highway Patrol Seizes 1959 Corvette from ‘Innocent Owner’ and Now Wants to Destroy It

August 29, 2021 admin

When Richard Martinez bought a 1959 Corvette for $50,000 from an Indiana dealer in 2016, the Kansas man didn’t realize he still wouldn’t have possession of the vehicle five years later.

After buying the car, Martinez took it to a Kansas Highway Patrol station for a mandated inspection, but the KHP seized his classic Corvette because of vehicle identification number issues, including an issue with a VIN plate located in a non-public, “secret” location visible to the KHP only by looking under the car with a mirror.

The government concedes Martinez did nothing wrong, that he “was not aware of the [VIN] issues and defects,” and that there is “no question” he is “an innocent owner.” Instead of returning the car, though, the government has spent years trying to destroy it.

That’s where the Kansas Justice Institute, a non-profit, public-interest litigation firm committed to defending against government overreach and abuse, stepped in.

A trial in the case Kansas Highway Patrol v. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette started before a court instead of a jury on July 21, and KHI subsequently filed an amicus brief on Aug. 18 in the District Court of Johnson County, urging the court to protect the private property rights of a vehicle owner, someone recognized by the KHP as innocent.

“Asset forfeiture is when the government takes a person’s property without a criminal conviction. In some cases, the person is never even charged with a crime, as was the case with Mr. Martinez,” KJI Litigation Director Sam MacRoberts said.

MacRoberts says asset forfeiture is bad enough, “but it’s especially bad in this case because the government admits Mr. Martinez did nothing wrong.”

Even though the KHP acknowledges Martinez’s innocence, they still argue that the Corvette must be taken from him as “contraband,” based on Kansas laws.

“When the government knows someone is innocent, they shouldn’t use their power and resources to take their property. Kansas’ forfeiture laws are to blame. The United States and Kansas Constitutions do not permit the government to acknowledge a person’s innocence, on the one hand, and then with the other, declare the innocent person’s property ‘contraband’ and take it,” MacRoberts said.

The Kansas laws to which he refers say that every motor vehicle with a VIN that has been destroyed, removed, abused, or defaced is automatically deemed contraband and subject to forfeiture.

“The government should not get to destroy an innocent person’s car,” MacRoberts said.

In the brief, the KJI pointed out a warning to Congress from former U.S. Representative Henry Hyde that “our civil asset-forfeiture laws are being used in terribly unjust ways,” that Representative Deborah Pryce of Ohio “recognized that civil asset forfeiture laws, at their core, deny basic due process, and the American people have reason to be offended and concerned by the abuse,” and that in recent decades civil forfeiture has “become widespread and highly profitable,” with the practice becoming “a veritable addiction for federal, state, and local officials across the country.”

Source:
Kansas Justice Institute via WIBW.com

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[SPIED] Spy Video Shows the 2023 Corvette Z06 with a Magnesium Transmission Casing

July 25, 2021 admin

[SPIED] Spy Video Shows 2023 Corvette Z06 with a Magnesium Transmission Casing

Time and again we’ve seen that General Motors isn’t shy about utilizing advanced materials in the manufacture of automobiles, and when they are used, most likely that application was found on the Chevrolet Corvette.

Magnesium is one such material that has been featured on the Corvette before as it is lighter and more rigid than aluminum, so it makes perfect sense that automotive engineers would want to incorporate the metal alloy to help reduce weight when possible. GM estimates that a vehicle’s fuel economy improves 7% for every 150-kg reduction in weight, and to give you an idea of the potential weight savings, a part made from magnesium alloy is 30% lighter than those made from aluminum alloys.

In the past, the C5 Corvette featured magnesium wheels that helped to reduce the unsprung weight of the car while the C6 Corvette ZR1 saw the material used on the chassis with specific applications on the engine cradle and the roof.

But General Motors has come a long way since those examples. Fifteen years ago, GM was part of a coalition of auto manufacturers and the US Department of Energy to test the use of magnesium alloys for engine blocks, and in 2014, GM China began operations of a magnesium alloy Vertical Squeeze Casting (VSC) machine for developing next-generation magnesium castings which would allow mass production of the lightweight metal.

[SPIED] Spy Video Shows GM May Offer the 2023 Corvette Z06 with a Magnesium Transmission Casing

Fast forward to April 28, 2021 where a group of Chevy engineers was testing the C8 Corvette Z06/ZR1 Prototypes in Marietta, Ohio. Local Corvette enthusiast Dave Wesel was there and captured the engineering team starting up the prototypes and leaving the grounds for a full day of testing.

Another Corvette enthusiast saw that post and did something that many of us have always wanted to do. Driving from South Carolina to Ohio, he mounted a sneak attack on the cars in the middle of the night to gather data on the next-generation Corvettes. Brandon Byers of the Vette Titans Facebook Page recently began sharing some of what he found under the Corvette prototypes: the signature color of magnesium alloy on the case of the TREMEC dual-clutch transmission:

Spy Video Shows GM May Offer the 2023 Corvette Z06 with a Magnesium Transmission Casing

This isn’t the first time that the lightweight alloy has been used on a transmission casing. Vette Titans also shared a link to the Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic transmission that went into production in 2003 that utilized magnesium alloy for its casing.

As the DCT for the Corvette Stingray weights in at just over 300 lbs, utilizing magnesium to lower the weight of the transmission’s casing could pay instant dividends on light-weighting the track-focused Z06.

In an exclusive interview with Rick ‘Corvette’ Conti, Brandon explains why he wanted to see the cars up close and personal and how he was able to do so despite the fact that the security guard was very good at doing his job. From the footage he was able to get over several hours with the car, he notes that there were no turbos found on the car which deflates our theory of the center-mounted exhausts being the ZR1s. He also says that he doesn’t believe that Chevy designers have fully finished the rear fascia of the car. You can see the entire discussion here which features footage from Brandon’s night with the prototypes here:

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Source:
Brandon Byers / Vette Titans Facebook Page and Corvette Conti

[VIDEO] IndyCar Drivers Sebastien Bourdais and Dalton Kellett Take a Lap at Road America in the C8 Corvette Pace Car

June 20, 2021 admin

[VIDEO] IndyCar Drivers Sébastien Bourdais and Dalton Kellett Take a Lap at Road America in the C8 Corvette Pace Car

This weekend the NTT IndyCar Series is racing at Road America for the REV Group Grand Prix and the pace car for the event is a Red Mist 2021 Corvette Stingray. Over the last few IndyCar races, we’ve taken notice of the pre-race coverage by the IndyCar series on social media that features a veteran driver taking a rookie around the track in the Pace Car. While we believe the idea is that the drivers will be discussing the track, inevitably they end up having a conversation about how nice the new Corvettes are.

We previously shared the drive prior to the Indianapolis 500 that had Juan Pablo Montoya and Felix Rosenqvist in the cockpit with JPM saying “I love this car” as they made their way around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Today’s Pace Car drive prior to the REV Group Grand Prix at Road America featured drivers Sébastien Bourdais and Dalton Kellett with Sébastien getting “the much more fun side of the car” according to Dalton as they make their way out on the track. The great thing about Road America is how fast it is with the sweeping corners and long straights, and the IndyCar driver doesn’t disappoint in allowing the Corvette Pace Car to stretch its legs on the track. Right away both drivers comment positively about the car with Sébastien commenting on the “nice grip.” Bourdais also comments on how the “mid-engine makes a big difference” and says “it’s a cool car…I like it,” while Kellet comments how he likes the Great Wall of Buttons and the layout of the cockpit.

As they wrapped it up, they talk about the sound of the Stingray as the engine is just behind them and what a “feisty” sound it made during the hot lap.

Source:
NTT IndyCar Series / Twitter

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Pre-Owned Corvette Prices Up Nearly 34% In the Last Year

May 31, 2021 admin

Pre-Owned Corvette Prices Up Significantly In the Last Year

To say that we have never seen the Corvette market prices like they currently are would be an understatement. First, we have a new C8 Corvette that has been sold out for two consecutive years and there doesn’t appear to be relief anytime soon as high demand for the new mid-engine sports car will most likely stretch into the C8’s third model year.

That, coupled with the worldwide pandemic and automotive parts shortages has also led to a run on pre-owned Corvettes with owners asking and receiving some of the highest resale prices we’ve ever seen.

Now there is a new study out from automotive research firm iSeeCars.com that shows just how much used Corvette prices have risen in the last 12 months.

In the repot, iSeeCars.com analyzed over 1.2 million used car sales in April 2021 which shows on average that used car prices have increased 16.8%, or $3,926 when compared to the same period in the previous year. Used car prices generally remain relatively constant year over year with 2019 having a 0.2% reduction over 2018, and 2020 had a 0.1% price increase over 2019.

iSeeCars.com shows that the Chevrolet Corvette is at the top of the charts with the greatest year-over-year price increase. Prices for the Corvette are up by 33.9% since April 2020 with the average used Corvette selling for $17,432 more in April 2021 when compared to April 2020.

Top 10 Cars with Greatest Price Increases

Karl Brauer, executive analyst for iSeeCars, sees the pricing trends continuing “The current used car price increase is unparalleled, and prices will likely remain elevated for the foreseeable future due to the magnitude of the global microchip shortage and restricted new car supply,” said Brauer. “We’ve identified the used cars with the greatest price increases, which can represent lucrative trade-in opportunities for their owners.”

Joining the Corvette on the list is the Chevrolet Camaro which is seeing its used prices up 26.7%. Brauer attributes the surge for sportscars as being a way that consumers are beating back the pandemic and looking to have some fun behind the wheel.

“These sports cars are aspirational cars for many consumers, and they surged in popularity during the pandemic as drivers sought fun cars to combat boredom,” said Brauer. “Sports cars aren’t practical purchases, so drivers are likely more willing to pay a premium for them, especially because they aren’t as common in the used car marketplace.”

The surge in the year-over-year pre-owned Corvette pricing is most likely due to the demand for the C8, with many new owners flipping their cars immediately upon delivery for huge returns. A search of the largest automotive sales websites shows the base 1LT C8 Corvette Stingray which retails for $59,995 is regularly being listed for $90,000 or more.

However, C7 Corvette owners are also seeing success in the market with low mileage and manual examples selling quickly. Many owners are also utilizing online retailers like Carvana, Vroom, and CarMax to find the best offer for their cars.

Source:
iSeeCars.com

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[SPIED] C8 Corvette Z06 Prototype Practicing Launch Control and Flat Out Acceleration

May 6, 2021 admin

Another spy video is making the rounds today and this one should excite those of you who have your name on a C8 Corvette Z06 sales list somewhere. The video features a camouflaged C8 Corvette Z06 prototype on a test track and it’s practicing some hard accelerations via the car’s launch control system.

The video comes from our friend Rick “Corvette” Conti who quickly added it to his YouTube Channel this morning. So make sure you subscribe if that’s your first time over there.

To capture the video of the launch control tests, the spy photographer was literally hiding in bushes as the car was being tested on what is said to be the North-South straightaway at GM’s proving grounds in Milford, Michigan.

We can tell that launch control is being used based on the elevated revs that flutter just before the car is launched.

The car shown in the video features the corner-mounted exhaust and there is no denying that the sound is the flat-plane crank V8 that is currently doing work in the Corvette C8.R factory race car. The racing engine is a detuned version that produces 500 hp for meeting the Balance of Performance marks, and it’s rumored to rev as high as 9000 rpm. We are expecting the power of the C8 Z06 to land somewhere between 600-650 horsepower once it is unleashed in the street car.

The preview of the video shows the unique rear spoiler on the back of the car that has been previously associated with the Z06. However, in the video, the car being tested is without a spoiler.

We keep hoping that a big announcement for the Z06 will be coming soon if there is any chance for it to be a 2022 model, but it’s really beginning to look like the Z06 will debut as a 2023 model. In the meantime, we can hear Chevy’s engineers testing the car with flat-out acceleration runs on the test track and that’s the best music we’ve heard all week!

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When the spy video first started, I thought to myself that I had seen this previously. Looking back in our C8 Corvette archives, I found a similar video from 2018 showing a camouflaged C8 Stingray being testing in the exact same spot. Although the Stingray didn’t sound like it was using Launch Control, the hard acceleration features the deeper V8 sound that we are all accustomed to. I grabbed that video as well so you can compare and contrast the exhaust sounds being emitted from the two different models.

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Source:
Rick “Corvette” Conti / YouTube

Is GM Actually Thinking About Dropping the Factory Corvette Racing Program?

March 6, 2021 admin

Photo Credit: Richard Prince for Corvette Racing

I can’t even believe that axing the Corvette Racing program is even under discussion with GM’s racing brass, but according to this article at Autosport.com, it appears to be one possibility as the manufacturer plots its future sportscar racing programs for both Corvette and Cadillac.

We know that the future direction of Corvette Racing is up in the air as IMSA’s GTLM class will be retired at the end of 2021 and a new GTD Pro class with GT3-spec racers will take its place. Meanwhile, Cadillac’s Daytona Prototype International (DPi) class will be replaced with the LMDh spec cars in 2023 which allows the same car to race in both IMSA and the WEC, including Le Mans. Acura, Audi, and Porsche have all signed on to develop cars for the LMDh class.

So there are different ways Corvette and Cadillac can go, although the path seems pretty clear to us. Corvettes go GT racing while Cadillac runs with the prototypes.

But Autosport claims in their article that GM racing (and engineering!) manager Laura Wontrop Kauser is even considering reducing participation to just one class, and as no one believes we would see both Cadillac and Corvette running in the same class, one has to go?

Autosport writes the following:

Klauser, who has taken over the reins of the Corvette Racing IMSA programme from long-time custodian Doug Fehan in addition to her previous role heading up the Cadillac DPi programme, said that the manufacturer is currently assessing whether to retain IMSA programs in both Prototype and GT classes or reduce its participation to just one class. [emphasis added]

However, reading her quotes in the story, I don’t necessarily see that take. Here is what she did say:

“We’ve taken a good look at the rules, and what we’re doing now is looking through where we want to place ourselves in sportscar racing in its entirety.

“It’s a package deal in our mind, where in the past it was a little bit separated – Corvette Racing was its own thing in GTLM, Cadillac was its own thing in Prototypes.

“Now it’s a different story, and LMDh has been very much part of the evaluation. Does it make sense to be there? What brand does it make sense to run?

“The good news is that IMSA’s GTD Pro is also going to allow a bit of factory backing going forward. So all of these things we’ve looked at to try and figure out where we want to be.”

We did hear her previously mention LMDh as a potential path for Corvette, where it could then contend for the overall win against Audi, Porsche, Toyota, and other hypercar participants. However, we also have to believe there would be enough interest to launch a GT3 program featuring both factory racers and customer cars built for the class.

My mind keeps saying GM couldn’t cancel the Corvette Racing program at this time when there is so much potential with the C8 platform, as well as having the most passionate fan base in motorsports. Hopefully, we still have someone who understands that racing is the lifeblood of the Corvette, and everything the Corvette does well is because of racing.

Maybe now we know why Doug was replaced.

Source:
Autosport.com

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