HOT News

 

April 10
TAIL OF THE DRAGON ROCK SLIDE UPDATE  
The rock slide on US 129 is located between the Dragon and Happy Valley Road/Foothills Parkway. TDOT has announced in a press release that the 11 mile section known as the Tail of the Dragon will be open from 8 am to 8 pm beginning Monday April 12, 2010. The only access is from North Carolina US 129. THP announced that there will be zero tolerance for traffic violations, so travel the Tail with extreme caution. Please obey the traffic laws and report any undue harassment  to the Tennessee and North Carolina senators and representatives who worked so hard to get the road open. The only alternatives from 8 pm to 8 am are the Cherohala Skyway and US 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains. There are many great roads in North Carolina and the Cherohala Skyway is clean.

TN 73 Little River Road has reopened. Cades Cove Loop is closed until April 24 for repaving. US64 slide area will reopen on April 16. In north Georgia, a 7 mile section of Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway will be closed until late spring to fix road damage. More information can be found at: http://tailofthedragon.com/

Click on map for larger view!
 

March 24
2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon To Be Auctioned!
The first of 500 retail 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition coupes will go to the highest bidder at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach, Fla., on April 3The winning bidder will also be given the unique opportunity to tour GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., home of the hand-built LS7 and LS9 engines found in the Z06 and ZR1 respectively. The winner will also have the opportunity to watch the car going down the line at the famed Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Ky.

“The Corvette Z06 Carbon will surely be an instant collectible,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing.  “For that reason, we see Barrett-Jackson as the premiere venue to sell the first retail Z06 Carbon.”

The Corvette Z06 Carbon was designed as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans.  As such, it continues the technology transfer between the production Corvette and racing.

Notable features of the Z06 Carbon include Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Michelin PS2 tires, Magnetic Ride Control and enhanced cooling. 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.

This auction continues Chevrolet’s tradition of offering exciting cars at Barrett-Jackson. At the Scottsdale, Ariz., auction in 2008, the first retail production 2009 Corvette ZR1 sold for $1,000,000. The first retail 2010 Chevrolet Camaro was also sold for $350,000 at a Barrett-Jackson auction last year. Most recently, a limited edition Corvette Z06 (number 427 of 427 produced) garnered $200,000, all of which was donated to the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

The Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction runs from April 1 to April 3

March 10
2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition
Taking track-to-street technology to a new level !
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.
 

March 8
CORVETTE RACING REPORT
The ALMS' Petit Le Mans race on September 28, 2009 was the first true endurance test for Corvette Racing's new class participation in GT2.
Click here to read Matt Parker's  Corvette Racing Report on this race.

March 8
GM draws on global designers for new Corvette

Reprinted from Automotive News | March 8, 2010 - 12:01 am EST

GENEVA -- For the first time, General Motors Co. studios across the world have submitted design studies for the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette.

Late last year, Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of global design, invited GM's 10 styling studios to submit design proposals.

Some "were absolutely phenomenal," Welburn said. "There is a lot to pick from. The direction that we take is very important, and the decision has not been made."

Global input on the Corvette's design is one of several steps GM is taking to attract buyers in Europe, where the car has little appeal, and young U.S. buyers who favor imports.

"We have challenges in the States with the Corvette," Welburn said in an interview at the Geneva auto show. "The average age of the customer is really rising."

The current average age of a Corvette buyer is 54, according to the Power Information Network, a unit of J.D. Power and Associates.

Corvette sales are in a tailspin. Last year 13,934 were sold in the United States, down 48 percent from 2008.

The current Corvette debuted in the 2005 model year. Prices range from $49,880 for the base coupe to $107,830 for the ZR-1. Both prices include shipping.

A redesign is due in two to three years, industry sources say.

Corvette critics often cite the sports car's size, saying it looks big. They also point to what they say is a cheap-looking interior.

Welburn admitted the interior has a problem: "The execution, materials selection -- it's got to be a much better interior. Our customers desire that."

Welburn said today's Corvette is about the same size as the Porsche 911, but the styling makes it look bigger. "We have to develop a design that feels trimmer, meaner, to go along with the incredible performance that the car has," he said.

In addition to styling, content, pricing and marketing strategy are under discussion, he said.

"It is a key time in the development of the Corvette," Welburn said. "There is a lot of debate and a lot of study on the bandwidth of Corvette."

But, he added, "It can't mutate into something that gets so far away from Corvette that it is no longer a Corvette."

March 3
New Corvette Racing C6.R and Production Corvette ZR1 Represent the Culmination of More Than 10 Years of Technology Transfer. Updated C6.R to Race in 2010 Le Mans, 50 Years After Corvette’s First Appearance in Legendary Endurance Race.

Corvette Racing’s second-generation C6.R will be powered by a new 5.5L production-based V-8, to compete in the new unified GT class in the 2010 American Le Mans Series as well as the GT2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The updated C6.R and  the Corvette ZR1 on which it’s based represent the strongest link yet between a production Corvette and the modern Corvette Racing team. Both cars are well-equipped to compete on and off the track with showroom competitors including Aston Martins, BMWs, Porsches and Ferraris.

Corvette has a long history of production-based endurance racing, making its first appearance at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1956, and its first appearance at Le Mans in 1960. Then Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov leveraged the racing program to improve the production Corvette, as evidenced by the development of heavy-duty and high-performance components and the introduction of the race-bred Z06 option on the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray.

The transfer of technology between racing and production cars resumed with the start of the modern Corvette Racing program in 1999. More than a  decade later, it’s impossible to imagine one team without the other, according to Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer: 

“Simply put, without Corvette Racing, there would not be a Corvette Z06, much less the ZR1. And, without the foundation of the Corvette C6, Z06 and ZR1, the Corvette Racing team would not be the dominant presence in production-based racing.”  CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY!

March 3
Bob Lutz to Retire May 1
General Motors Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz will retire effective May 1, 2010, capping a 47-year career in the global auto industry that included senior leadership positions at four of the world’s leading automakers.

Lutz, 78, rejoined GM September 1, 2001, as the head of product development, and has led the company’s resurgence in developing great cars and trucks.  He also worked at BMW, Chrysler and Ford.

“The influence Bob Lutz has had on GM’s commitment to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles will last for years to come,” GM CEO and Chairman Ed Whitacre said.  “I, along with many other men and women in GM and throughout the industry, have greatly benefited from his passion, wisdom and guidance.”

Lutz said he decided to retire now in part because hot-selling vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Camaro, along with the growing strength of GM’s four brands, prove that a product-focused mindset inside the company is in place for the long term.

“I can confidently say that the job I came here to do more than nine years ago is now complete – the team I have been fortunate to lead has far exceeded my expectations,” Lutz said.  “Our product lineup is as strong as it has been in GM’s history.  The perception of our products and brands is beginning to catch up with reality. And most importantly, the absolute commitment to being a product-driven company is ingrained throughout the organization – from the top down – and I am confident that, under Ed Whitacre’s leadership, the straightforward, singular focus on product will endure.”

Lutz, a GM vice chairman, was appointed senior advisor in December 2009 and will continue to provide guidance on design and key product initiatives until he retires May 1.

March 3
WE NEED THESE NEW SAFETY MIRRORS!
Members - Check out this ZR1 mirror with a built-in turn signal that is being sold on all European-bound Corvettes. This mirror was designed to meet requirements that turn signals on automobiles sold outside of North America must be visible from every angle. We at the Registry believe this safety feature is well worth letting GM Corvette Management know that these European styled turn signal mirrors should be placed on all Corvette models built for North America. If enough of us let them know that this is important to us, we believe that Corvette Management will certainly consider it.

The best way to let them know is to go to the Bowling Green Assembly Plant site where they have a "Contact Us" link on their web site. So click here to go to the plant website, then click on "CONTACT US" and scroll down and select,  the "Customer Vehicle" category, and let them know you want this safety feature on your 2011 Corvette!

 

March 2
The Legend Goes On In Europe
During the Chevrolet press conference at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show, GM vice chairman Bob Lutz announced that the legendary Corvette sports car will continue to be available to European customers and more fully integrated into Chevrolet's European line-up.

"Our sales network will include select Chevrolet Europe retailers in addition to some of the current Corvette distributors, many of whom have been doing a fantastic job creating and serving a loyal and enthusiastic customer base," said Lutz.

The Chevrolet Corvette has been built and sold longer than any other sports car. Ever since its market introduction in 1953, the legendary American icon has been a dream car for generations of enthusiasts. In 2005, Chevrolet introduced the sixth-generation Corvette. In the following years, high performance versions, like the Corvette Z06 and the Corvette ZR1, were added to the line-up. Today, visitors of the Geneva motor show will find the new Corvette Grand Sport, another nameplate with great history, on the Chevrolet stand in hall 2.

"We are very proud to be responsible for the most iconic Chevrolet of all," said Wayne Brannon, Chevrolet Europe's president and managing director. "Like customers everywhere else in the world, European car buyers will see the Corvette lined-up alongside the rest of the Chevrolet range."

February 18
2011 CORVETTE TO ADD TWO NEW COLORS!
Members – Breaking News….All indications are that Corvette will be adding TWO new colors for the 2011 Corvette lineup. Super Sonic Blue is a brand new color not currently available, that we are aware of, on other GM models. The second color will be Inferno Orange (28U), which is currently one of the 2010 Camaro colors. No credible information is available on any interior or Convertible top color changes, but we will keep you posted.
 

February 17
GENERAL CODY'S SPECIAL DELIVERY: A VETTE FIT FOR A VET
Former U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff General Richard Cody is now in possession of his 10th  Chevy Corvette, but instead of driving the 2010 Torch Red Grand Sport Convertible off a dealership lot, he recently picked it up at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky.

The idea to watch his car being built came to Cody from GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, who suggested that seeing the build process would enrich Cody’s ownership experience. Cody made it a family affair, bringing along his son, Major Clint Cody, just back from Iraq where he was an Army Apache helicopter pilot; and his brother, Bob Cody, a Chevrolet dealer in Montpelier, VT.

Annually, hundreds of Corvette customers get up close and personal with the build process, visiting the plant and museum to soak in the Corvette culture.

“It was more than I expected,” Richard Cody said. “I really came here thinking I would see how the Corvette was made. Certainly the experience of watching Corvettes come down the line, the complexity as well as the orchestration of that assembly line was very, very unique.

“But what really impressed me the most was the American worker, the GM worker in the plant taking great pride every day in putting out what I think is the best sports car in the world.”

The retired general made sure the workers knew how he felt, stopping along the assembly line to greet workers and thank them personally for helping bring his car to life before picking up his car at the museum located across Interstate 65 from the plant.

“All of our deliveries are special,” said Gary Cockriel, delivery manager for the museum, which has handed off nearly 7,500 Corvettes to their new owners since 1996. “To have the general here and him being a Corvette guy, to us Corvette owners is really special.”

The general said he bought his first Corvette, a 1973 model, when he graduated from West Point
 

February 10
2010 C6 CORVETTE PRODUCTION IS RAMPING UP!
Members – The Registry has just learned from our “Friends in High Places” about the status and current production of our beloved 2010 Corvette. Across the country Corvette “In-Dealer Stock” has dwindled! This has led to our friends at Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant ramping up to an OVERTIME production schedule for the next several months. Our sources indicate there is an extremely low volume of Corvette Convertibles available, so restocking of this valuable “roadster” on many Dealer lots has become a priority.

Current 2010 TOTAL Production Exterior Colors to date are as follows:

• (41U)  Black dominates with 23%

• (70U)  Torch Red 19%

• (89U)  Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat 14%

• (57U)  Cyber Gray Metallic 14%

• (85U)  Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat 8%

• (17U)  Blade Silver Metallic 8%

• (10U)  Arctic White 7.6%

• (45U)  Velocity Yellow Tintcoat 5.5%

Current Leading 2010 Exterior Colors by Model:

• Base Coupe & Grand Sport Coupe – Black is the color of choice!

• Base Convertible & Grand Sport Convertible – Torch Red is the color of choice!

• Z06’s are dominated by Cyber Gray Metallic

• ZR1’s are dominated by Black

2010 Corvette Model Breakdown

The production of Corvette Coupes is running 50/50 with half of all Coupes being the Base Model and the other half are Grand Sports. Production of Corvette Convertibles is skewed to 70% being Grand Sport Convertibles and only 30% Base Convertibles.

The surprise to enthusiasts is that the Grand Sport Coupe with the Z52 Package (6 speed manual with dry sump oil system) is only 22% of all Grand Sports produced thus far. We expect this number to grow as summertime arrives and track activities begin. There is no finer package for an enthusiast to enjoy than the low cost Z52 Grand Sport Coupe.

ZR1 production for 2010 is currently at 950 “Beasts” sent to dealers with a slightly less number of Z06’s on their way. But these production numbers are growing daily as emphasis is being placed on producing Corvette’s finest and having them available on your dealer’s lot for spring.

For those of you attending the 12 Hours of Sebring event from March 17 – 20, 2010, the current plans are for the well publicized SEMA accessorized Corvette Grand Sport with Heritage Package to be on display for your viewing pleasure.
On our website ... Click Here

Thank you members for all the emails you sent us regarding the excellent Car & Driver magazine article about the 2009 Lightning Lap Event at Virginia International Raceway. The ZR1 was the overall quickest with a time of 2:51.8. Don’t miss how well the 436 horse Grand Sport Z52 Coupe (at less than half the price) performed with an absolutely respectable time of 2:58.8! Check out these wonderful Car & Driver links and the video of each of these Corvettes Lightning Laps!

•  Corvette ZR1 link from Car & Driver

• Corvette Grand Sport Coupe link from Car & Driver

On a separate note of importance, Chevrolet USA was the number ONE brand in total sales in January 2010, up 36% over this time last year. Ford was also up 26%, but Toyota was down 19% and Honda was down 5%.

 

GM ZR1 Video.. Wanna Be  A Race Car Driver?

February 9
Corvette Racing to Return to Le Mans in 2010
Corvette Racing Confirms Full-Season ALMS Schedule, Revises Endurance Racing Driver Lineup

Corvette Racing will take on its most formidable challenge to date when it competes in the GT2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in Le Mans, France, on June 12-13. The twin Compuware Corvette C6.R race cars are among the 17 entries in the GT2 class invited by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), organizers of the classic endurance race.

Corvette Racing has scored six wins in the GTS/GT1 class at Le Mans since 2001, including a victory in last year's race. The GT2 version of the Corvette C6.R, which is based on the production Corvette ZR1, made its competition debut in August 2009, competing in five American Le Mans Series events and scoring the team's first GT2 win at Mosport International Raceway. The list of invitees in the GT2 class for Le Mans includes two Corvettes C6.Rs, five Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs, two BMW M3s, a Jaguar XKRS, five Ferrari 430 GTs, an Aston Martin Vantage, and a Spyker C8.

"We are pleased and honored that the new GT2 Corvette C6.R has been invited by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest to compete in the world's most prestigious sports car race," said GM Racing manager Mark Kent. "Our objective is to carry forward Corvette's legacy of success as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Corvette's first participation at Le Mans. This year's race will certainly be a challenge because of the depth and quality of the competition in the GT2 division. The entries represent the world's most storied sports car brands and underscore the relevance and value of racing production-based cars."

Corvette Racing will also compete with two cars in the full nine-race ALMS schedule in 2010, starting with the 58th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 20.

"While Corvette is truly a global brand, our most important market is North America," said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. "Our participation in the American Le Mans Series is both a proving ground for our technology and a showcase to demonstrate Corvette's capabilities for our customers and fans."

Corvette Racing's driver lineup has been revised with the addition of Emmanuel Collard alongside Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta for three long-distance races (Sebring, Le Mans, and Petit Le Mans). Antonio Garcia will return as the third driver with Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen in endurance events. Canadian Ron Fellows, a charter member of Corvette Racing, will continue with the team in an ambassadorial role.

Collard, 38, of Champs sur Marne, France, has scored multiple victories in the Sebring 12-hour, Daytona 24-hour, Le Mans 24-hour, and Spa 24-hour races. He is a two-time Le Mans Series champion, and drove for the Cadillac LMP team in 2000-02.

"We are pleased to welcome Emmanuel back to the GM Racing family," said Fehan. "He has proven his ability at all levels of racing, and he understands the demands and discipline of endurance racing. He will be a valuable addition to our international lineup of championship-winning drivers."

"I'm very happy to join Corvette Racing for the 2010 endurance classics," said Collard. "Corvette has been the most successful car make and team in GT racing for over ten years now, so I'm obviously thrilled to be a part of this team. The Corvette C5-R and C6.R have been the absolute benchmarks in GT1 racing, and the new GT2 Corvette C6.R is already heading in that same successful direction. I hope my experience with GT2s from the past seasons can help Corvette secure class wins in the three endurance races."

Corvette Racing also is continuing its longstanding relationships with its sponsors and technical partners in the new season. Compuware is the team's primary sponsor for the eighth consecutive season, and Michelin, Mobil 1, XM Satellite Radio, UAW-GM, Genuine Corvette Accessories, Bose, Motorola, PRS Guitars, and BBS are continuing their support for America's premier production sports car team.

"Compuware software and experts ensure that our customers' most demanding business applications perform at their best," said Compuware Chairman and CEO Peter Karmanos, Jr. "Partnering with General Motors, Chevy and the Corvette Racing team gives Compuware another dynamic opportunity to deliver peak performance and winning results. Like the Corvette Racing team, Compuware stands for uninterrupted, optimal performance – whatever the environment – and we look forward to producing another great year on the track."

Corvette Racing’s next event is the season-opening Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., on March 20, 2010. The 12-hour endurance race will be televised live on SPEED.

February 8
Goodyear's Newest Eagle Flies on 2011 Corvette
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) is announcing its newest ultra-high performance tire, the Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2, and its arrival is boosted by the achievement of an original equipment position on the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

The new Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 builds upon a three-decade relationship between Goodyear and Corvette.  For Corvette owners and other enthusiasts who demand the most from their performance automobiles, the Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 is "street-refined, but track-capable," according to Bob Toth, Goodyear's director of new products.

An asymmetric, directional tread design with massive tread blocks on the outboard shoulder help enhance dry cornering grip, while sweeping Aquachannel grooves on the inboard side of the tread help enhance wet cornering grip.  An innovative multi-radius mold shape helps to offer precise handling and smooth, even wear.

Even the appearance of the tire is important; a serrated band sidewall styling and distinctive lettering add to the overall ultra-performance look.

"The new Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 is positioned as a race-inspired, ultra-high performance dry traction tire for select supercars.  With a left-side, right-side specific tread design, it offers superb dry traction and precise handling, complementing both the performance and appearance of sports cars," Toth said.

The tire, tested on some of the most renowned road courses in North America, will be available this summer in these run-flat sizes: P275/35ZR18 and P325/30ZR19.

Director Jake is standing by a 1959 Plymouth Suburban Wagon, just like one of TWO that his parents owned when he was six years old living in Miami, Florida.