December
30 Z06
Production May come to a halt!
Members, as we informed you on December 3rd, Amcast Industrial
Corporation, the sole producer of C6 and Z06 production Corvette
wheels had filed for bankruptcy for the second time. They are no
longer producing Corvette wheels for General Motors after
December 31, 2005. Registry Members click here for
MOHN
December
6
Automobile
Journalists of Canada
put the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 in a Class of its Own Markham, Ontario (Tuesday, December 6,
2006)
-- It isn’t
often that a production car is made that is so clearly superior
that it is deemed to have no competition at all, but this year,
at its annual Car of the Year awards presentation, the
Automobile Journalists of Canada (AJAC) declared the Chevrolet
Corvette Z06 to be just such a car.
As a result, AJAC announced the creation of a
completely new award to recognize a ‘truly exceptional vehicle
that sets new standards’ and presented the inaugural “AJAC Most
Coveted Vehicle” award to General Motors of Canada for the
Corvette Z06.
December 3 Car wheel maker files for
bankruptcy again! The Associated Press
GAS CITY, Ind. (AP) — An auto parts supplier has filed for
bankruptcy for the second time in a year, citing a loss of
business from General Motors Corp.
Amcast Industrial Corp.
expected new and continued business from GM — the source of
about 80 percent of Amcast's revenue — after it reorganized and
emerged from its first Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last summer,
according to documents filed Thursday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court
in Indianapolis.
"Neither of those assumptions has proven to be true," Amcast
officials said in court documents. "Not only has GM cut back on
existing programs in some areas, but has also told Amcast that
no new business would be given to Amcast and existing programs
would be migrated away from Amcast in the coming months."
Amcast, based in the northeastern Indiana town of
Fremont, employs 727 workers at plants in Fremont, Franklin and
Gas City. The company makes aluminum wheels for cars and trucks
and aluminum castings used for automobile suspensions, brakes
and steering.
The bankruptcy filing allows Amcast to continue
doing business while resolving its issues with GM, company
officials said in a news release.
"In the meantime, employees will be paid their normal wages
and bonuses and all benefit programs will continue
uninterrupted," said Richard A. Lindenmuth, Amcast's interim
chief executive officer. "We have funding arrangements in place
with our existing lenders to continue operations during the
bankruptcy case. We hope to conclude the process as promptly as
possible."
In an attempt to restore its own profitability, GM recently
announced that it would cease production at 12 facilities within
the next two years and eliminate 30,000 jobs.
GM officials were aware of Amcast's bankruptcy filing but
would not comment on any loss of business, said Tom Hill, a
spokesman for the automaker.
"As a policy we don't comment on contracts with any
suppliers," Hill said. "I can tell you that Amcast is a GM
supplier and we are aware they filed for bankruptcy."
November
23
ALMS Venue Change
Here's the schedule for 2006... This coming year, the C5-R's
will be in Utah and Texas. Only one race in California.
3/18 (Sat)
The 54th Annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
Sebring International Raceway | Sebring, Florida, USA
5/13
Lone Star Grand Prix
Downtown Street Course | Houston, Texas, USA
5/21 (Sun)
American Le Mans at Mid-Ohio
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course | Lexington, Ohio, USA
7/1 (Sat)
New England Grand Prix
Lime Rock Park | Lakeville, Connecticut, USA
7/15 (Sat)
Grand Prix of Utah
Miller Motorsports Park | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
7/22 (Sat)
Portland Grand Prix
Portland International Raceway | Portland, Oregon, USA
8/20 (Sun)
Generac 500 at Road America
Road America | Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, USA
9/3 (Sun)
Grand Prix of Mosport
Mosport International Raceway | Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
9/30 (Sat)
Petit Le Mans
Road Atlanta Motor Sports Center | Braselton, Georgia, USA
10/21 (Sat)
Monterey Sports Car Championships
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca | Monterey, California, USA
October
26
David C. Hill ( our HERO
) Retires !
The
C5/C6 Registry has learned that David C. Hill, chief
engineer for Corvette has announced his retirement effective
January 1, 2006.
David C. Hill is also Vehicle Line Executive for GM
Performance Cars, including the Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac
XLR luxury roadster, a position he has held since 1995. Vehicle
Line Executives have full responsibility for the success of
their vehicles in the marketplace, integrating and managing
functions such as design, engineering, manufacturing, finance
and marketing. We have learned Tom Wallace will move to the
position of VLE for Corvette, Solstice, and Sky on
November 1st, He and Mr. Wallace will work together during the
transition. Mr. Wallace will also serve as chief engineer
of C6 Corvette. Tom Wallace's back ground is with the very
successful Grand National Buicks of the mid-80's. Both he and his
son are both avid racers.
Born January 15, 1943, Hill earned a Bachelor of Science in
Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in
1965 and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the
University of Michigan in 1970.
Hill began his career with Cadillac Motor Car Division in 1965.
From 1965 to 1973 he served as senior project engineer in the
Cadillac engine lab. In 1973, Mr. Hill became a staff project
engineer for Cadillac engine design and release, holding that
position until becoming general supervisor of the body and
chassis lab in 1976.
From 1978 to 1981, Mr. Hill served as staff engineer for
Cadillac car development. In 1982 he became a Cadillac staff
engineer for emissions and transmissions. Later that year he was
promoted to vehicle chief engineer for the Cadillac Allante.
In 1988 Mr. Hill’s responsibilities were expanded as he was
named chief engineer for the Cadillac DeVille and Concours. He
became engineering program manager for Cadillac in 1992, before
moving to the chief engineer role for Corvette later that same
year.
Since the Registry's inception in 1997, Mr. Hill has been a
friend and strong supporter of the Registry and it's members. He
always said the Corvette under his watch was the "Best Corvette
Yet". We agree Mr. Hill, first, the C5, then the Z06, followed
by the C6 and the awesome Z06-C6.
Always a fan of Corvette and friend to it's owners, we look
forward to continuing to see Mr. Hill at future Registry and
Corvette. events. We wish you a wonderful and full filling
retirement David, and from all of us at the registry ..... THANK YOU!
David... Let us know where the
retirement party is... We'll ALL BE THERE!
October
14
Corvette Z06: Best Bang for the Buck
The duPont REGISTRY Exotic Car Buyers Guide 2006 has named
the505-hp Corvette Z06 the “Best Bang for the Buck” in the
annual special issue that’s focused on exotic vehicles from the
top manufacturers in the world.
Available on newsstands now, the edition introduces seven “Best”
awards for the sexiest and most desirable exotic cars for 2006.
The issue describes the Corvette Z06, which will achieve 0-60
mph in 3.7 seconds while still in first gear, as “the hottest
sports car of 2006 with its 7-liter V8 that delivers more than
500 hp and a top speed of 198 mph – all for just $65,800.”
October
5
Corvette is Listening to You F55 Magnetic
Selective Ride Owners!
Members, for months now we have been receiving email after email
about why F55 Magnetic Suspension Corvettes do not have the
slotted rotors available as part of their suspension option.
It’s clear that all the chatter on the C5/C6Net and emails from
all of you are being heard at the highest levels. Registry Members
click here for MOHN
September
28 Z51 Production for 2006
C6s has been REDUCED to a Snails pace!
Members, how is this possible, you ask, when last years 2005 Z51
production (15,345) was 41.1% of total (37,372) C6 Corvette
sales? This clearly indicates that 4 out of 10 buyers wanted a
true performance handling Corvette with the finest handling
package that Chevrolet can offer and are willing to pay a
premium for it. Dealers have contacted us to advise us that NO
Z51 orders are being processed at this time. The situation is
as follows: … Registry Members
click here for MOHN
September
27
You've ask for it... so we got it a little early for you
this year! The final Production numbers for the 2005 Model Year
Corvette are now on line, in the members only section
Click
here!
September
19
Chevrolet is sending you the last 2005 Corvette, job number 043794,
it rolled off the
end of the line on Thursday, September 8 at about 7:30 a.m. The
victory red coupe was bound for Atlantic City, New Jersey to Kerbeck Chevrolet. The car was VIN
1G1YY24U855137341, with a price tag of $51,615.
This is not only the last 2005 C6, but the end of an era! This
is the LAST 4 Speed automatic Corvette! There will
be no more!
The C6 is
one of the most well received Corvettes.
For a larger view of this last 2005
Click here
or click the image.
September
14 Consumer
Reports Rates Corvette in Top Three
In a competition among seven open-air sports cars performed by
Consumer Reports, the Chevrolet Corvette was ranked number three
overall, just behind the Mercedes-Benz SLK and the Porsche
Boxster.
The top three were followed by the Nissan
350Z, the Honda S2000, the BMW Z4, and the Lotus Elise.
Consumer Reports gave the Corvette:
The Corvette provides abundant torque and
power on demand, and sounds invigorating when pushed. It’s both
a comfortable cruiser and an exciting sports car. It has a roomy
interior and the optional power top is simple to use.
The Driving Experience – On the track, the
Corvette is controllable at its very high limits. The standard
ESC allows for aggressive driving, particularly in competition
mode, but still keeps the car on course. The 400-hp, 6.0-liter
V8 performs effortlessly in any gear.
The six-speed manual has well-spaced ratios. Fuel economy is a
respectable 21 mpg on regular.
Inside The Cabin – The Corvette has a nice looking
interior. There is plenty of room, good pedal placement, and
view forward. The wide seats are comfortable for most. Side
bolsters can be adjusted for a snug fit, but some found the
seatback too soft. Gauges and controls are easy to read and use.
A heads-up display on the windshield can show both rpm and
speed.
August
21
Registry Members on TV !!! Thursday, September
1st at 7:00 pm on Discovery Times channel 143.
"Corvette: Rebuilding
an Icon" on channel
143 Discovery Times will feature Registry members at the Detroit
Auto Show with the unveiling of the Sunset Orange C6.
Several
registry members are interviewed at the end of the show, along
with our fearless leaders, Dan and Jake. Remember,
Thursday, September 1st at 7:00 pm on Discovery Times channel
143. You will want to record this!
August
21
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. - On a picture-perfect day at Road
America, Corvette Racing turned in another perfect performance.
A .132-second victory by Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta in the
No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6-R over their Corvette Racing
teammates Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell mathematically
clinched the GT1 manufacturers championship for Chevrolet and
the team championship for Corvette Racing.
Today's victory was the fourth win in five races for Gavin
and Beretta, including their victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The "two Ollies" moved to within three points of Fellows and
O'Connell (127-130) in the race for the GT1 drivers championship
with three races remaining.
August
19 A Moment of Adrenaline... A Lifetime of
Performance!
Billy Boat Performance Exhaust is the single source for high
performance exhaust components with a deep commitment to
customer service. You can rely on Billy Boat Performance Exhaust
for aircraft quality, T304 stainless steel headers and exhaust
systems for your C5 and C6 Corvette.
Whether you want an entire system, headers, or just cat back
components, the technical sales staff is ready to help you.
Members don't forget to support our Corporate Members! CLICK HERE for the Billy Boat Performance
Exhaust Press Release.
August
11
2006 - SPECIFICATIONS, CHANGES, AND
ADVANCEMENTS Information on all the changes, improvements, enhancements,
and the new six-speed paddle shift automatic transmission are
now on line! CLICK HERE
for the latest scoop!
August
9
2006 CORVETTE
ORDER GUIDE AND PRICING The pricing and options
for the 2006 Corvette have been announced and as usual, we've
posted them on line. Please notice the new Option MXO Six Speed
Automatic with "Paddle Shift" and the new Option QX3 Chrome
Aluminum Wheels. CLICK HERE for
the new Guide.
July
31
MEDIA TAKES Z06 TO TRACK ....
Journalists recently got a chance to get behind the wheel of the
ultimate Corvette - the Z06. They took this fastest-Corvette
ever out to two famed Formula One tracks - Nurburgring in
Germany and Spa in Belgium, and got some time on the
Autobahn as well.
While all this was going on.... England's "TOP GEAR" TV show
gave the Z06 a go.....
CLICK HERE
The Corvette
Z06 achieves 0-to-60 acceleration in 3.7 seconds. In addition to
boosting the engine to 505 horses, the Z06 differs from the
standard Corvette coupe in a number of ways including a
lightweight aluminum frame, a dry-sump engine lubrication system
like a racecar, a cold-air scoop on the hood, carbon fiber
fenders, and a taller rear spoiler. Articles on the Z06 will hit
magazines and newspapers in October.
July
22
C6 CORVETTE on TV
The one-hour "Rides" program featuring the launch of the 2006
Corvette
Z06 and our Le Mans winning C6-R will air on The Learning
Channel on Tuesday, August 16, 2005.
Check your local listings for actual air times but the network
tentatively says the show - will run at 8PM (Eastern time) and
then repeat at 11PM .
July
21
CORVETTE "Blue
Devil" Fact or Fiction? Rumors
of a "Super Corvette" have been around for a long time! This
Super Corvette is to be like no other, a Ferrari beater, a world class
speedster, competition for the Ford GT! This super car has been given the
name
"Blue Devil". Lately, these rumors are
back, stronger than ever! Read more about it in the Member only section
CLICK HERE
June
19
LE MANS, France - Corvette Racing made history today at the
24 Hours of Le Mans, scoring its fourth 1-2 finish in the GT1
class in five years with the new Corvette C6.R. Corvette Racing
drivers Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta and Jan Magnussen reprised
their victory in last year's 24-hour endurance race, and were
again joined on the podium by teammates Ron Fellows, Johnny
O'Connell and Max Papis.
The
team celebrated Corvette's 45th anniversary at Le Mans in style,
finishing fifth and sixth overall. Corvette Racing turned back
the challenge of the Aston Martin team in a hard-fought battle
that often saw all four cars on the same lap. In scorching heat,
the twin yellow Corvettes completed 349 and 347 laps
respectively, scoring the 38th win for Corvette Racing in
international road racing and the team's 25th 1-2 finish.
24 Hours of Le Mans GT1 Results
Pos./Car No./Drivers/Car/Laps 1. (64) Gavin-Beretta-Magnussen/Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 349 2. (63) O'Connell-Fellows-Papis/Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 347
3. (59) Brabham-Sarrazin-Turner, Aston Martin DBR9, 333
4. (50) Goueslard-Dupard-Vosse, Ferrari 550, 324
5. (61) Fomenko-Vasiliev-Bouchut, Ferrari 550, 315
June
13
Chevy announces Corvette Z06 0-60 mph time and base price
DETROIT – The ultimate Corvette—the 2006 Corvette Z06—is
posting numbers at the track and on the window sticker that will
get attention. Chevrolet has announced that the fastest Corvette
ever—the 505-horsepower Corvette Z06—will achieve 0-60 mph in
3.7 seconds while still in first gear, and pricing will start at
$65,800, including destination and freight charges.
CLICK HERE for
FULL Press Release
June
10
CORVETTE C6.R PASSES
FIRST LE MANS TEST WITH FLYING COLORS
Last weekend, Corvette Racing introduced its new C6.R racecars
to Le Mans in a day of trouble-free testing on the Circuit des
24 Heures. The extended test session provided valuable
information on the new racecars for both Corvette Racing’s six
drivers and GM Racing engineers, and it was the only opportunity
for the team to evaluate the new cars before the start of
official practice and qualifying on June 15.
The No. 64 Compuware Corvette C6.R driven by Oliver Gavin,
Olivier Beretta and Jan Magnussen ran a fast lap of 3:54.183,
placing it fourth among the nine GT1 class cars on the course.
The No. 63 Compuware Corvette C6.R of Johnny O’Connell, Ron
Fellows and Max
Papis completed the 13.6- kilometer circuit in 3:56.174, placing
it sixth on the GT1 speed chart. The No. 63 Corvette ran a total
of 91 laps, the most by a GT1 entry, and its sister car
completed 89 laps.
Neither car had any mechanical issues as the team evaluated
tires, brakes, shock absorbers and aerodynamic settings.
Practice and qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled
on June 15-16. The race begins on June 18.
June
1
Employee discount available to America! DETROIT - For the first time in its history,
GM is offering its employee discount to everyone who takes
delivery of a new 2005 GM car or truck from June 1 through July
5, 2005. CLICK Here For
Details.
December
30
The
C5/C6 Registry has learned that David C. Hill, chief
engineer for Corvette has announced his retirement effective
January 1, 2006.
Consumer
Reports Rates Corvette in Top Three
The
team celebrated Corvette's 45th anniversary at Le Mans in style,
finishing fifth and sixth overall. Corvette Racing turned back
the challenge of the Aston Martin team in a hard-fought battle
that often saw all four cars on the same lap. In scorching heat,
the twin yellow Corvettes completed 349 and 347 laps
respectively, scoring the 38th win for Corvette Racing in
international road racing and the team's 25th 1-2 finish.