May
25
JD Power results are in.
In the Luxury Sports Car segment, the Cadillac XLR tied for third
place with the BMW 6 series. Each car scored 95 PPH, which is 18
points worse than our score last year. The XLR was beat out by the
Lexus SC 430 (54 PPH) and the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (86 PPH).
Corvette took fourth place in the Premium Sports Car segment with
100 PPH, which is 11 points better than last year. Corvette placed
behind the Nissan 350Z (59 PPH), the Honda S2000 (69 PPH), and the
Porsche 911 (85 PPH). Bowling Green placed eighth out of the Top
Ten North American Plants with 100 PPH
May
19
"TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is really proving to be a win for
everyone,"
The month of May marks the one-year anniversary of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline. In the past twelve months, six fuel marketers,
both large and small, have joined the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
program. They are: ChevronTexaco, QuikTrip, ConocoPhillips,
Shell, Entec Stations, and MFA Oil Company. Together
they represent about 35 percent of all the gasoline sold in the
U.S., amounting to about 48.5 billion gallons annually.
"TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is really proving to be a win for
everyone," said Tom Stephens, group vice president of GM
Powertrain. "Customers see optimum fuel economy and performance
and have fewer fuel deposit issues. Fuel marketers are able to
differentiate their product by advertising their gasoline meets
TOP TIER standards. Better fuel quality also equates to improved
emissions which are obviously good for everyone."
The U.S. EPA requires a minimal amount of detergent additive in
all gasoline. However, the level is often not sufficient to
prevent engine deposits from forming. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
helps keep engines cleaner than gasoline containing the minimum
amount required by government regulation, and, thus, helps provide
optimal fuel economy, performance, and reduced emissions.
TOP TIER standards were developed by BMW, General Motors, Honda
and Toyota and were aimed at reversing the national trend toward
lower gasoline additive concentration.
April
19
Long awaited Corvette C6 Convertible Tops
GM has resolved the issues and concerns causing the disappointing
and long delay in our ability to produce Beige (35T) and
Gray (37T) convertible tops. Both colors are now
immediately available for new orders or for modifying existing
orders where either of these two colors would have been your first
choice. Introduction of these two additional top colors provides
increased opportunity for you to stylize your convertible.
When ordering your new C6 Convertible, we encourage you to examine
the expanded C6 color and trim chart and seize the opportunity to
order one of the great looking, new color combinations now
available. We especially encourage you to check out the new Gray
top (37T) as it is a first time offering for Corvette and creates
a very distinctive and appealing new look.
April
17
Registry members in the Northeast, we are putting the word
out.. Sunday - May 22nd, we have all been invited to
attend the "Corvette
Show of the Century"
in Fabulous Atlantic City, New Jersey. YES
!,
"C5-Dan"
and "C6-Jake" will be
there! A Corvette
Happening so big it takes Acres and Acres of
the entire Atlantic City Baseball
Stadium Facility to Hold! Although this is the first time at this
"one day only" event for
the C5-C6 Registry, it sounds like it's going to be a
blast!
GM is bringing out some of their
best for this Event!
Corvette
Tour Vehicles Include Special Vintage & Late
Model
Corvettes from the GM Collection on display including the C5R
Corvette Race Car.
April 12
GM to add corporate badge to its
vehicles
Move reflects consumer confidence in "the brand behind the
brand"
GM adds corporate badge to its recently-introduced and all-new
2006-model vehicles
Detroit - In a move to link General Motors and its vehicle brands
more closely, the company today announced that its corporate
emblem will begin appearing on all recently-introduced and all-new
2006-model vehicles produced and sold in North America starting
this month. GM vehicle brands include Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick,
GMC, Cadillac, Saab, Hummer and Saturn.
"The
GM badge is a promise of trust to our customers, reflecting our
commitment to deliver the best value to them," said Mark LaNeve,
GM North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and
Marketing. "Our own studies show that consumers place a tangible
value on the General Motors name. They like knowing that the car
or truck they're driving benefits from GM's global expertise in
powertrain, design, engineering, and advanced electronics. Our
recent announcement that StabiliTrak (ESC) and OnStar will
gradually become standard features on all GM cars and trucks is a
tangible illustration of what GM adds to the individual and unique
character of our product brands. We believe the time is right to
capitalize on those impressions, starting in North America."
LaNeve noted that the GM badge conveys an important message to
consumers. "The name 'General Motors' speaks to people," he said.
"It is a name people trust. We've been in business nearly 100
years and we're the global sales leader. Research tells us that
many of our most outstanding segment-leading vehicles are not
associated by the customer to be part of the GM portfolio. Seeing
that GM badge on vehicles evokes our heritage of leadership and
makes an easy connection between our great lineup of vehicle
brands and the company behind them."
The move reflects the growing trend, uncovered in GM's own
research as well as in surveys and studies conducted by private
firms, that consumers seek closer identity with the brands behind
their favorite products.
The GM badge will take the form of a small silver square, embossed
with the GM logo, placed on both sides of the vehicle on an
appropriate location between the front and rear wheels above the
rocker and below the glass belt line.
April
8
GM
Statement Regarding NHTSA Final Rulemaking on Tire Pressure
Monitors
General Motors is a leader in
installing tire pressure monitors and has more vehicles equipped
with the devices than any automaker. GM intends to be ready to
comply with the new federal requirement when it goes into effect
in September 2005.
GM has produced more than 4 million cars and trucks with tire
pressure monitors since 1987.
GM uses two systems - one that monitors tire pressure with the
antilock brake system (ABS), and one with separate sensors mounted
in each wheel. In both systems, a warning light on the instrument
panel or a message displayed on the driver information center,
along with an audible warning, alerts the driver to check the air
pressure in their tires.
"GM has focused on tire safety for almost four decades,
beginning in 1968 with the opening of our Tire and Wheel Systems
Laboratory," said Robert Lange, executive director of structure
and safety integration. "We have 70 engineers and technicians
working to ensure that original equipment tires perform safely and
effectively from the time that car leaves the dealership."
April
5
Colin L. Powell To
Drive 2005 Corvette Convertible Pace Car At The Indianapolis 500
INDIANAPOLIS - General Colin L.
Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State, will drive a 2005
Chevrolet Corvette convertible pace car to lead the field to the
start of the 89th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 2005.
Neither Powell nor the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a stranger
to Corvette. For a record seventh time, Corvette will pace the
Indianapolis 500, and Powell owns a 2005 Corvette coupe. This race
will be the track debut of the sixth-generation Corvette
convertible. It marks the fourth consecutive year and 16th time
overall that a Chevrolet has served as the official pace
vehicle-the most appearances by any brand.
"We're honored that such a distinguished American as Gen.
Powell will drive the Corvette pace car since honoring the
sacrifice of America's military heroes is such an important part
of the tradition of this event and Memorial Day weekend," said
Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief
operating officer. "It's also gratifying to continue the long
relationship between the Indianapolis 500 and Chevrolet with such
an exciting, performance-bred vehicle as the Corvette convertible
pacing the field for what should be a thrilling race."
As Secretary of State from January 2001 to January 2005, Powell
led the State Department in major efforts to solve regional and
civil conflicts. Prior to this position, Powell served as the
chairman of America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth, a national
crusade to improve the lives of the nation's youth, and wrote "My
American Journey," his best-selling autobiography. Before that, he
served as a key aide to the Secretary of Defense and as national
security adviser to President Reagan. He also served 35 years in
the United States Army, rising to the rank of four-star general
and serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-93).
During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including the Panama
intervention of 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991
Persian Gulf War. Powell is the recipient of numerous U.S.
military awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart. He
has received awards from more than two dozen countries, including
a French Legion of Honor and an honorary knighthood bestowed by
Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. Powell was born in New York
and grew up in the South Bronx.
"We're proud that this year's Indianapolis 500 will showcase
the new sixth-generation Corvette convertible and honored that it
will be driven by the highly distinguished and decorated Gen.
Powell at this Memorial Day classic," said Rick Scheidt, Chevrolet
executive director for product and brand development. "The 2005
Corvette is infused with technology derived from GM Racing and to
have it pace this important event acknowledges the significance
the vehicle has played in American culture for more than 50
years."
"I am very excited and looking forward to driving the Corvette
pace car to lead the field at the Indy 500. It is a great American
tradition and I am honored to be a part of it," said Gen. Powell.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the site of many
memorable events since the facility opened in 1909. Similarly,
Chevrolet has a rich heritage in racing that dates to company
co-founder and namesake Louis Chevrolet, a gifted engineer and
talented race car driver who competed in the Indy 500 four times.
More recently, Chevy Indy V-8 engines have won 103 open-wheel
races, including seven Indianapolis 500 victories.
The 2005 Corvette that will serve as the Indy 500 Pace Car is
virtually identical to the convertible models available today
through local Chevrolet dealerships. Because the production
Corvette is so racing-ready with 400 horsepower capable of 186 mph
and a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, class-leading aerodynamics, a
suspension that can handle .98 Gs in cornering situations and
large 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, few changes were made
to prepare it for this year's role.
Like race cars, the duties of a pace car can be long and
strenuous. During the last three Indy 500 races, for example, the
Chevy pace vehicles led the field for a combined 140 laps (350
miles) of the total 600 race laps (1,500 miles) and ran an average
lap speed of 75 mph. Even during green-flag race conditions, the
pace cars patiently run at idle ready for action at a moment's
notice.
The 2005 Corvette convertible pace car features a "Victory Red"
paint treatment with a bright "Machine Silver Metallic" primary
stripe down the center flanked by titanium and black accent
stripes. The 2005 Indy 500 logo is on each door and is embroidered
on the headrests while the Chevy red racing Bowtie appears at the
top of the hood. The windshield also displays Chevy's "An American
Revolution" slogan, and the overall theme emphasizes Chevrolet's
pride and passion for innovation, its success in motorsports and
the energy surrounding the launch of 10 new car and truck products
in 20 months.
CLICK HERE FOR IMAGE
The race will be broadcast live on May 29 by ABC Sports and the
IMS Radio Network. The green flag drops at 1 p.m. EDT. Tickets are
available for the 2005 Indianapolis 500. For information, log on
to
www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com or call the IMS office at
800-822-INDY or 317-492-6700.
March
27
Formal Corvette
Z06 Introduction
General Motors will introduce three new performance vehicles,
the Pontiac Solstice, HUMMER H3 and Corvette Z06 at the SAE
Detroit Section Meeting on Monday, April 11, 2005. This meeting
is being held for the first time ever during SAE World Congress
in the Riverfront ballroom at Cobo Center.
Speakers will be David Hill,
Vehicle Line Executive, GM Performance Cars; Lori Cumming,
Vehicle Chief Engineer for GM Small and Midsize Trucks and Doug
Parks, Vehicle Chief Engineer for GM Small Cars.
The social hour will begin at
5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 and the presentations at
7:00. Reservations are required for the event. Tickets can be
purchased for $37 each for SAE members, $42 for non-members and
$15 for student members by calling the SAE Detroit Section
office at 248-324-4445 or online at
www.sae-detroit.org. Please note, ticket holders for the
section meeting will also receive entry to the World Congress
Exhibition on April 11.
March
23
Have A 2006 Corvette Paint
Color On Your 2005!
How is this possible you ask? Members, as you are aware,
Millennium Yellow (79U) and Magnetic Red (86U) exterior paints
have been discontinued for the 2005 current model year. But
don’t despair, because both colors will be replaced with paints
originally planned for introduction on the 2006 Corvette.
Registry members CLICK HERE for MOHN
UPDATE
March 25: We told you about the new colors and now you can
view them on line. We've obtained some comparison chips with the
Two Old and Two NEW colors for the C6.. You can view them online
in the members only section:
Registry members CLICK HERE for MOHN
March
22
BRING iPOD ALONG FOR RIDE . . . CORVETTE
and music lovers in the future will find it easier to take
their favorite tunes on the road thanks to a new family of
radios that will debut on the Chevy HHR and other GM
vehicles starting later this year. The new radios include an
auxiliary channel and front mounted auxiliary input jack, so
that an iPod or other audio source can be easily plugged
in and played through the vehicle audio system.
Radios featuring the new auxiliary input jack will debut
starting in late spring. They will be standard equipment on 2006
models of the Chevy HHR, Impala and Monte Carlo; Saturn VUE and
ION; Pontiac Solstice; Buick Lucerne; and Cadillac DTS. The
radios will be fitted to other new GM models over the next
several years.
Auxiliary audio inputs in the console of GM vehicles equipped
with DVD players also allow an iPod or other source
to be played through the vehicle sound system using a simple
adapter cord. "GM has a long tradition of leading with
technology that provides real benefits to our customers," said
Mark LaNeve,
GM North America vice president, sales, service and marketing.
"We are excited to be part of the iPod revolution by offering
our customers an easy way to play their favorite music in their
GM cars and trucks."
February
28
Upcoming
C6 Color Changes!
Two new exterior paint colors are being incorporated ito the
2005 C6 Model year, and there will be an early build out on two
existing colors. Members, to find out what colors are affected
and when,
Registry members CLICK HERE for MOHN
February
26
RARE C6
Outside the CORVETTE assembly plant in Bowling Green is a white
C6. This is a RARE Corvette indeed. GMX245 C6 PROTOTYPE -
VIN 1G1YY24U55X7127EX, this early C6 coupe prototype or
“test mule” was handcrafted in a GM workshop in Michigan
known as the Warren Validation Center. Once assembled it was
shipped to the Milford Proving Grounds in March 2003 and put to
work.
Test mules serve
to prove the thousands of assembled parts for fit and function
under real-world driving conditions. Body panels need to be
scrutinized for fit, engine components are tested for performance,
and computerized electronics are fine tuned in the prototype
builds. Everything from glass to fasteners is analyzed and refined
into the best possible parts for production.
Now this workhorse
has a new assignment. It is used daily by Bowling Green Assembly’s
Manufacturing Engineering as a Dedicated Reference Vehicle (DRV).
The DRV is used to
audit the Final Line Vehicle Alignment System and is permanently
set aside for correlation testing only. It audits the front sum
toe, front individual camber, front individual caster, rear sum
toe, and rear individual camber for all of the plant’s alignment
machines.
Although this car
may be a little rough around the edges, it serves an important
purpose and allows Bowling Green Assembly to
continue to produce its world famous vehicles.
February
25
The
Registry is Proud to announce: "Cars at
Carlisle on Speed TV
"
The
national premiere of the "Cars at Carlisle" program
will air on Speed TV on Thursday, March 3, at 9 p.m.
Eastern time. Check local listings for other areas. The one-hour
television special features highlights of the 2004 Carlisle Events
show season.
“We are very
excited about our partnership with Speed,” said Chris Edwards,
Carlisle Events’ marketing manager. “Speed is the premier network
for car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts, and we look forward to
the exposure our events will receive. Speed produces quality
television programming with the same passion for the hobby that we
bring to our events that attract more that 500,000 visitors each
year. It’s a perfect match.”
See
the
press release for more information.
The special is scheduled to air on these dates:
-
Thursday, March 3 - 9 p.m., 12 midnight
-
Friday, March 4 - 3 a.m., 6 p.m.
-
Sunday, March 6 - 3 a.m.
-
Thursday, March 31 - 5 p.m.
February
20
Accessories Accessories Accessories
for the C6.
Members, we hear you! Your request for continual information
about C6 ACCESSORIES is becoming the number one email we receive.
Members, we contacted Genuine Corvette Accessories (GCA) for
the latest in available upgrades for your C6. According to GCA,
these accessories are now available at your Chevrolet dealer.
These are the
latest C6 available accessories:
-
Color-keyed front
license plate frame
-
Removable
transparent roof panel
-
Storage bag with
logo for removable roof panel
-
Convertible wind
screen with storage bag
-
Color-keyed
interior trim packages
-
Color-keyed rear
license plate frame
-
Color-keyed rear
spoiler
-
Color-keyed door
handles
-
Brushed aluminum
door sill plates
-
Behind the seat
stowage pouch
…and coming soon:
-
Side cove screen
insert (pictured below)
-
CD changer
-
Rear cargo
organizer tray
-
Chrome door handles
(pictured below)
GCA’s accessories offer the peace of mind of a GM limited warranty, either
36 months/36,000 miles on parts installed at the time
of NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY, or a 12 months/12,000 miles on
over-the-counter sales. The advantages of Genuine Corvette
Accessories are clear. They have the most tailored appearance,
OEM quality, and the GM limited warranty.
For a complete list of Chevrolet Accessories and to find out
about more ways to personalize your 2005 Corvette, please visit
http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/accessoriesjsp/subline.jsp?make=chevrolet&model=corvette&sid=4834082896159632
or www.gmaccessorieszone.com
All Genuine Corvette Accessories can be purchased at your
local Chevrolet dealership.
For a complete current listing of
Genuine CORVETTE Accessories,
CLICK HERE
February
11
1st Z06 crosses the final line
Bowling
Green welcomed the newest member of the Corvette family with the
birth of the first nonsaleable Z06 Corvette last week. It was
greeted with cheers by a large number of employees who gathered for
history in the making at about 2:30 p.m. Friday, February 4.
This was the first
of five nonsaleable Z06s that will come off line by mid-February.
Two additional non-saleable buckets are scheduled, with the next one
set for February 28.
Team Corvette
combines thenumerous attributes of the sixth generation Corvette
with the technology and winning determination from the C5-R program
to take the new Z06 to the next level in total performance.
The new Z06 is the
fastest, most powerful car ever offered by Chevrolet and General
Motors. It offers an unprecedented level of capability and
technology, making it one of the greatest performance values on the
market. And with an unmistakably muscular appearance, the ’06 Z06
has a visual attitude that always looks ready to demonstrate
Corvette’s winning attitude to any challenger around the globe..
The first
non-saleable Z06 basks in the sunlight after a rousing welcome by
Bowling Green Assembly employees Friday. always looks
ready to demonstrate Corvette’s winning attitude to any challenger
around the globe.
The new Z06
achieves 500 horsepower in an approximately 3130-pound (1419.7 kg)
package and is expected to deliver 0-60 performance of less than 4
seconds, eclipse the quarter-mile in less than 12 seconds and
deliver a top speed of more than 190 mph on a race track.
February
10
C6
paces at the Daytona 500
During the national
broadcast of “Fox & Friends” Tuesday, Chevrolet unveiled the
new 2005
Corvette that will pace NASCAR’s most prestigious event’– the
Daytona 500–– on Feb. 20.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.,
the 2004 Daytona 500 champion, was on hand to introduce the car.
“The pace car is based on the new 2005 production Corvette, which
brings more power and precision to drivers than any Corvette in
history,” said
Brent Dewar,
Chevrolet general manager. “The Daytona 500 provides a good
opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the Corvette.”
The
design of the Daytona 500 Corvette pace vehicle includes elements
that reflect the heritage and attitude of historic winning Corvette
racecars. It is painted in Millennium Yellow with a black racing
stripe centered across the hood, roof and trunk lid. The Daytona 500
logo is displayed on each door along with Chevy’s “An American
Revolution” slogan on the rear spoiler.
Like the production
version, the Corvette pace car is powered by a 6.0-liter V-8 LS2
engine that produces 400 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Both have a top
speed of 186 mph on a racetrack and reach 0-60 in 4.2 seconds.
February
9
2005 Corvette Constraint Update
The following is a status on Corvette constraints and projected
resolution (subject to change):
Corvette Convertibles and Power Top Ramp-Up: Weekly, we continue to
ramp-up convertible and power top production. Convertibles and the
power top option are scheduled to be at ramp-up by March 21, 2005.
Corvette Convertible Beige and Gray Tops Production: When tops are
in the down position, the structural force on the fabric causes
wrinkles which causes the light color tops to appear dirty, even
though they are not. There is a fix for this condition; however it
requires some new tooling which will not be in place until
approximately mid-June. Therefore, until the condition is corrected,
the beige and gray top color choices will be removed from the order
guide. Orders with either beige or gray tops that have already been
preferenced will be returned to the "placed" tab in VOM so that you
may change color and trim choices as necessary to best satisfy your
needs yet still allow the car to be produced. All top colors must be
changed to black. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by
removing these color choices but they will remain unavailable until
we are assured that the lighter top colors meet standards.
Corvette Coupe 1SX Package Production: The current manual passenger
side seat track is no longer available. There is a new manual seat
track that should be available sometime in April. Once again, we
apologize for having to remove this option until the new seat track
is available.
QG7 Polished Wheels: Demand for the polished wheel option continues
to exceed all expectation. Our wheel supplier is currently working
at maximum capacity, including overtime, to meet demand. At the same
time, we have been working diligently to add additional machinery
and improved processes to increase polished wheel output. We hope to
see the result of these improvements shortly. In the interim we
would like to remind you of the availability of the new QX1
Competition Gray wheel which presents an additional way that your
customers can personalize
their Corvette. The QX1 wheel is not constrained.
February
8
GM engineers
have achieved a feat many speculated was not possible.
The new LS7 7.0-liter OHV (overhead valve) V-8 engine for the 2006
ZO6 Corvette will not only achieve 500 horsepower but will be
capable of running up to 7100 rpm. The previous limit was 6600 rpm
in the 6.0-liter LS2.
Click Here for Press Release
January
29
Dealer Constraints:
The Registry
has posted some some additional
clarification on current Corvette constraints.
In the Members Only Hot News Section.
Registry
members CLICK HERE for MOHN and
for more information on:
-
Corvette Convertible (1YY67)
-
Power Convertible Top (CM7)
-
Dual Roof Option (C2L)
-
Beige Top (35T) and Gray Top (37T)
-
Polished Wheel (QG7)
-
1SX
Package; Navigation System (URB)
-
Z51 Sport Suspension Package (Z51)
2005
News Archive:
Current Hot News CLICK
HERE
Hot News
2004
CLICK HERE FOR
"HOT News"
2004 Archive
