2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition : Taking track-to-street technology to a new level

Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

DETROIT : March 10, 2010 - When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.


“Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. “With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast.”

The Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.

“For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. “For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time.”

This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car’s Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.

The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06’s dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.

The Z06 Carbon’s ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.

An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.

The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models.

The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer.

[Source : GM-Corvette]

Corvette Racing to introduce next generation C6.R in GT2 class at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Corvette Racing Next-Generation C6.R

DETROIT : August 5, 2009 - Corvette Racing will open a new chapter with the competition debut of the next-generation Corvette C6.R at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on August 6-8. In anticipation of a single GT class in 2010, Corvette Racing will test and develop the latest Corvette C6.R in the GT2 category in the final five rounds of the 2009 American Le Mans Series. With the upcoming move to a unified GT category, the twin Compuware Corvette C6.R race cars will compete against rivals representing Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Viper, Panoz, and Ford.


Based on the Corvette ZR1 supercar, the next-generation Corvette C6.R has even stronger links to the production version of America's performance icon than its predecessors. The GT2 rules require the use of many production-based components, expanding the opportunities for the two-way transfer of technology between the race track and the showroom. The updated Corvette C6.R utilizes the ZR1's body design, aerodynamic package, aluminum frame and chassis structure, steering system, windshield, and other components. The race team has prepared the cars for the rigors of endurance racing with safety and performance modifications as permitted by the GT2 rules.

"One of the many benefits of the Corvette Racing program has been the opportunity to demonstrate the technology transfer between the race car and the production car," said Mark Kent, GM Racing manager. "The global movement toward a single GT class will allow us to compete head-to-head with more marketplace competitors while increasing both the production content of the Corvette C6.R race cars and the relevance of racing to our customers. This is a step that positions Corvette for the future of production-based sports car racing worldwide, and a move that is perfectly aligned with GM's marketing and business objectives in racing."

Previous versions of the Corvette C5-R and C6.R race cars have dominated the GTS and GT1 categories in the last decade, winning 77 races and eight consecutive ALMS championships. The GT1 Corvettes were retired following Corvette Racing's sixth victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14, 2009.

"In our decade in GT1, our primary focus has been on racing victories and the validation of the Corvette as a world-class sports car," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "As an authentic way to communicate to knowledgeable customers, nothing beats racing. As a cost-effective means to improve vehicle performance, nothing beats racing. These are the reasons racing is in Corvette's DNA.

"Behind the scenes, the race team and the production car team have grown closer together, finding numerous ways to support each other and to make both cars better," Juechter said. "Most automotive companies give lip service to claims like 'racing improves the breed' or 'race on Sunday, sell on Monday'. For team Corvette, it is a daily reality. It is now impossible to imagine one team without the other."

The upcoming GT regulations required a comprehensive redesign of the Corvette C6.R package. In place of the GT1 Corvette's steel frame, the GT2 version utilizes the production ZR1's hydroformed aluminum frame as the foundation for a fully integrated tubular steel safety cage. The GT1 version's wide, louvered fenders are replaced by production-based ZR1 fenders with wheel flares. In accordance with the aerodynamic regulations, the rear wing is reduced 25 percent in width, the diffuser is a flat panel without fences or strakes, and the splitter extends only as far as its production ZR1 counterpart. Steel brake rotors have replaced the carbon discs used previously, and the wheels are aluminum instead of magnesium. The adjustable steering column and steering rack are sourced from the street Corvette.

"Integrating a steel safety cage that meets GM Racing's stringent standards as well as the strength and durability targets required in racing is a challenge with an aluminum frame," explained Corvette Racing engineering director Doug Louth. "Working in conjunction with the structure and chassis engineers in the Corvette production group, we designed, built and tested numerous examples before we finalized the configuration. We went through a similar process with the production Corvette group on the body design and aero components. It was truly a collaborative effort between the production engineers and the race team."

In the remaining races in 2009, the Corvette race cars will be powered by 6.0-liter GM small-block V8s that are based on the 7.0-liter LS7.R that powered the GT1 version. This reduction in displacement was achieved by shortening the crankshaft stroke from 3.875-inch to 3.32-inch. The diameter of the series-mandated intake air restrictors was decreased from 30.6 mm to 28.6 mm, with a corresponding reduction in engine output from 590 to 470 horsepower. A 5.5-liter production-based GM small-block V8 is currently under development and will be introduced at the start of the 2010 season. The Corvette Racing team is continuing its commitment to green racing with the use of E85R ethanol racing fuel.

While much of the hardware has changed, Corvette Racing's roster of championship-winning drivers remains the same. Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen will share the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R, and Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta will drive the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6. R. They will be joined by Antonio Garcia and Marcel Fassler at Petit Le Mans.

Corvette Racing also has the continued support of its long-time sponsors and technical partners. Compuware is the team's primary sponsor, with Mobil 1 supplying low-friction lubricants and Michelin providing its world-class racing tires. Corvette Racing's sponsors also include XM Satellite Radio, UAW-GM, Genuine Corvette Accessories, Bose, Motorola, PRS Guitars, and BBS.

"Compuware leads the world in application performance solutions, and partnering with Corvette Racing gives us another high-tech, high-performance and high-impact platform for communicating to our customers and prospects," said Compuware Chairman and CEO Peter Karmanos, Jr. "The launch of the Corvette C6.R in GT2 is a great extension to our relationship with General Motors, Chevy and Corvette. We look forward to even more victories in the months ahead."

The GT2-spec Corvettes were designed, built and tested on a compressed schedule. The program was approved and announced in September 2008, and construction of the first chassis began in early December. The first track test was conducted at Road Atlanta on April 8-9, followed by single-car tests in Elkhart Lake, Wis., and Sebring, Fla.

"The Corvette Racing team had to take on several challenges simultaneously to execute this program," said Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing program manager. "We were preparing for our regular race season with the GT1 cars while designing the GT2 version. The cars were being built and tested in the midst of our preparations for Le Mans. The team was multi-tasking to the extreme, operating on a leaner budget and a faster timeline. It was a monumental effort to have these cars ready for the Mid-Ohio race."

Advanced technology tools enabled Corvette Racing to meet the challenge. "With the short development schedule, we relied on 'virtual' design and computer simulation more than ever before," said team manager Gary Pratt. "We made design, engineering and manufacturing simultaneous processes as much as possible. For example, while the first chassis was being built, we continued to run computer simulations on suspension geometry and refined the aerodynamics using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) because these areas didn't have to be finalized until later in the production timeline. We have developed the capabilities to do finite element analysis and composite fabrication in-house, which has accelerated our design and production cycle.

"We're not running for a championship this year, so we're looking at the upcoming races as preparation for 2010," Pratt said. "Our only testing from this point on will be at the races, and we'll be doing it in the public eye. Certainly we hope to achieve the same level of success that we did in GT1, but the caliber of the competition we will face in GT2 is very high. When we started in GT1 in 1999, it took a while to win; now we have 10 years of experience that should help us to become competitive in a new category. Everyone at Corvette Racing is looking forward to the challenge."

Fehan is confident but cautious about Corvette Racing's prospects in the GT2 category: "In the limited testing we've done so far, we've been very impressed with the car's durability, reliability and performance," he said. "We'll continue to focus on those three factors in the upcoming races. We view the rest of this year as a development cycle, and we believe that our experience as a team in preparation, race strategy, and pit stop execution should allow us to be competitive even if there is a slight performance disparity."

The GT2 version of the Corvette C6.R will make its debut in the Acura Sports Car Challenge at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. The two-hour, 45-minute race is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. EDT on Saturday, August 8. ABC will televise the race tape-delayed at 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 9.

Images : Corvette Racing Next-Generation C6.R

[Source : GM-Corvette]

Corvette C6 tuned by INNOTECH

2009 Innotech Corvette C6

Innotech‘s Corvette lineup, starting in January 2009 with modified C6 Corvette coupe and convertible (based on 2005-2009 models), is for sports car enthusiasts seeking exotic body styling combined with great performance.


Innotech Corvettes offer the best mix of unique styling, exiting performance and value for money.

Styling: Compared to a stock C6 Corvette Coupe or Convertible, Innotech´s approach results in a more distinctive looking, sporting, and elegant body design, evoking an Italian lineage.

Innotech Corvette features a new front and rear fascia which set it appart from competition. Combined with new Innotech rear window side louvres, the styling of the car stands out of the crowd.

There is a choice of stock or louvered hood, with other distinctive body parts coming in 2009.

A wide body kit will also be available for C6 Coupe and Convertible.

All new Innotech body parts are made in fiberglass or carbon fibre.

Corvette interior upgrades include fine Italian or English leather and optional carbon fibre seats with leather upholstery.

Innotech Corvette styling packages can be combined with various performance upgrades (from mild to wild).

Brakes: BAER or Brembo 14"(355mm) or 15"(380mm) ventilated, drilled and slotted rotors, 4 or 6 piston calipers.

Wheels: Forged aluminum 9×19" front and 12×20" rear, HRE or Forgeline (also with optional center lock hub), offered in several wheel designs. Dymag carbon-magnesium wheels option.

Exhaust systems: Modified headers, mufflers and tips for better flow, sound and appearance.

Engines and transmissions: Corvette engines : LS2 (6.0L) or LS3 (6.2L), performance modified to 500 hp – 560 hp if naturally aspirated, or 600 hp – 1000 hp supercharged or twin-turbocharged. The engines are mated with Corvette 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Performance: Innotech Corvette C6 Coupe (e.g. naturally aspirated 560 hp LS3 engine) with approx. 1400 kg curb weight has one of the best power/weight ratios available. Supercharged and turbocharged versions give extreme, but streetable supercar performance. Several distinctive Innotech Corvette Packages and Limited Editions, both performance and luxury oriented, will be offered to discriminating buyers in 2009.

During 2009 we will create an exiting Innotech C6 Speedster, as well as customized Innotech C6 Z06 and ZR1 versions (the above mentioned Innotech rear fascia and rear window side louvres already fit Z06 and ZR1 models). – With five distinctive bodies for the sixth generation Corvette, combined with many performance upgrades, Innotech will offer more attractive Corvette choices than anyone.

Images : 2009 Innotech Corvette C6

[Source : Innotech Corvette]

2009 Corvette ZR1: 0-60 in 3.4 seconds

2009 Corvette ZR1

The upcoming 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will reach a top speed of 205 mph, go from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and has an estimated EPA fuel economy of 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, according to new data released Tuesday by General Motors Corp. The base price is $103,300.

[Source : Detroit News]

2009 Corvette Z06 updated with new color and hot wheels

Several trim and content changes are incorporated on the Z06. 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).

[Source : GM via Autoblog]

Image Gallery : 2009 Corvette Z06