Archive for the 'Corvette' Category
Vauxhall’s mighty VXR8 super-saloon gets a potent new V8 engine this summer, with even more power and improved performance. The new unit allows the VXR8 to raise the bar yet again among its rivals, optimising its sophisticated rear-wheel drive chassis still further and retaining its mantle as a driver’s car like no other in its class. New colour and equipment options further enhance this, the fastest car to wear the Griffin badge.
Known as LS3, the new V8 engine’s capacity grows from 5967cc to 6162cc, and thanks to various improvements over the outgoing LS2 unit, such as high-flow cylinder heads, new pistons and an enhanced valvetrain, power is up by 14PS to 431PS at 6000rpm.
This translates to a reduced 0-60mph time for cars with automatic transmissions (down from 5.0 seconds to 4.9) and improved in-gear acceleration for manual models (50-70mph in 3rd gear drops from 2.8 to 2.6 seconds; 30-50mph in 2nd gear drops from 2.0 to 1.9 seconds). And if you fancy smoking your VXR8 at a track day, you’ll see 80-100mph times fall from 4.3 to just 4.0 seconds in 4th gear.
Despite the VXR8’s enhanced performance credentials, its LS3 produces the same emissions and fuel consumption as the outgoing LS2 unit. In addition, the VXR8 automatic receives a transmission oil cooler as standard.
Buyers for the LS3-engined VXR8s also receive the choice of an all-new body colour – Heron White – at no extra cost, as well as the option of factory-fit 20-inch rims for the first time on this model.
Prices for both manual and automatic versions of the LS3-powered VXR8, which are on sale now, rise by £485 to £35,695.
For years the Corvette has been representative of the very embodiment of the quintessential sports car amongst true motorsport fans. Thanks to Corvettes newest models and their successful racing prototypes performing world wide – most notably in the legendary 24 hour race at Le Mans – the Corvette has evolved to rightfully inspire fear in the eyes of supporters of Porsche and Co.
The Corvette C6 ’s acquisition price of almost 75,000 Euro is one trait that is not to be underestimated. Relative to its features and talents it’s a good value for the money. Although it takes a little more than 10,000 Euro on top to attain the status of the fierce Z06, when compared to the Porsche 911 or the Audi R8 the Vette is a true bargain.
GeigerCars, the American car specialists situated in the Bavarian metropolis of Munich present their own Black Edition of the Corvette Z06. Its modification is not flashy nevertheless it embodies very striking customizations. The Z06 is powered by the familiar V8 block engine possessing a phenomenal 7 liters of capacity, 505 horsepower and an impressive torque of max 5638 lb-in (469.8 lb-ft) at 4,800 revolutions per minute. Thanks to Geiger’s own exclusive Tuning Kit the addition of an extra 78 horsepower is mustered up – increasing maximum performance up to an impressive 583 horsepower. The modifications include an exhaust header with high-performance catalytic converters, a stainless steel exhaust system with four 100mm size tailpipes, an airbox incorporating a 100mm size airflow meter. The v8 motor gains considerable fierceness due to the customized throttle valves, a modified intake system, new valve springs, valve heads made of titanium steel and not to mention the installation of a specially designed camshaft.
An overhauled engine management system ensures that the 8 cylinders generate its 583 horsepower performance smoothly. The total price for this impressive Tuning Kit lies at 13.999 Euro. Untypical for an American vehicle, the Geiger Corvette is outfitted with a 6 gear manual transmission, adding only more fun to the overall package. Thanks to a curb weight of only 1.48 tons a level of road performance is attained that would make any Porsche fan go pale in the face.
Driving pleasure is increased significantly by GeigerCars own low rider design with adjustable high performance shock absorbers. In the front, 10×18 black varnish alloy wheels with 275/35 ZR18 tires mediate contact to the road. In the back 12×19 black varnish alloy wheels with 325/30 ZR19 tires perform their task with pride. With so much torque to tame, it isn’t a problem in the least that the back tires won’t always have everything perfectly under control. Quite the contrary, the brake away tail end only prompts a little smile on your face if you’re one of the more trained drivers- besides; the Corvette Black Edition from Geiger also has a front spoiler as well as a modified rear end diffuser.
A legendary brand such as Corvette leaves plenty of traces. Traces which deserve to come under the spotlight. So now fans can order two very special limited edition models: one based on the Corvette Indy 500 pace car, and one as a salute to the unforgettable ‘big-block’ Stingray models from the 60′s.
Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car
For ten years – including the last five years in succession – Corvette has provided the official pace car for the world-famous 500-mile race at Indianapolis (Indy 500). To celebrate this milestone, the manufacturer is building five hundred pace car replicas based on both the C6 Coupe and the Convertible. Only twenty Coupes and five Convertibles are available for Europe, all black with a Titanium Grey interior and equipped with automatic transmission. The Convertible has a gray soft top.
The replicas are immediately identifiable from the striking stickers of the pace car, including the Indy 500 logos. What is special is that each one will carry a signature and serial number by former Indy winner Emerson Fittipaldi. Furthermore, each vehicle is fitted with the new polished five-spoke alloy wheels, a Z06 rear spoiler, a DVD navigation system and the Luxury Package. The latter includes heated seats, head-up display with G-force meter, a Bose® 7-speaker system and an automatically dimming rear-view mirror.
Corvette Z06 427 Limited Edition
The 60′s gave rise to many great memories. One of them is undoubtedly the ‘big-block’ Corvette Stingray. With the introduction of the Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06, Corvette is also awakening memories – in an exclusive way. It is building 505 of these limited edition vehicles, of which only 52 will be coming to Europe.
The number 427 refers to the cylinder capacity in the American unit of measurement, cubic inches. In the years 1966 to ‘69, the most powerful Corvette engines had this capacity – also the cubic inches equivalent to the 7.0 litre LS7 ‘small block’ in the current Z06.
The special limited edition of the Z06 is characterised by a number of unique 427 styling features, such as the Crystal Red Tintcoat metallic paint with ‘stinger style’ graphics, exclusive chromed rims, a leather interior with embroidered 427 logo on the seats and floor mats, ‘Z06’ inscription in the sill strips, and a centre armrest with serial number and signature by Corvette factory director Wil Cooksey.
Both special models are available for order now, with delivery scheduled for this summer. Please contact your local Corvette dealership for price information.
Pratt & Miller Engineering has designed and developed a new limited edition Corvette C6RS that provides an exceptional level of performance and refinement for enthusiasts. Inspired by the Le Mans-winning Corvette C6.R race cars, the new Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS supercar combines advanced racing technology with everyday driveability. The first production Corvette C6RS will be available in April 2008.
Powered by a Katech Performance 8.2-liter (500ci) all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. torque, the Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS employs a purpose-built carbon fiber body to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic efficiency. A computer-controlled adjustable suspension system, center-nut forged aluminum BBS wheels with Michelin tires, and massive Brembo monoblock disc brakes enhance vehicle dynamics. A two-tone leather interior and a comprehensive sound control system produce a quiet, comfortable environment for driver and passenger.
“Our goal was to create a Corvette supercar that delivers an extremely high level of performance with extraordinary comfort and reliability,” said Gary Pratt, co-owner of Pratt & Miller Engineering. “The Corvette C6RS was inspired by our Corvette race program, but it’s not a race car for the street. You can take the Corvette C6RS on a 300-mile road trip, or drive it to a track day and run fast laps.”
Conceived, designed, developed and constructed by the championship-winning Pratt & Miller team, the Corvette C6RS bristles with sophisticated materials and race-inspired technology. The aggressively styled lightweight body, made entirely of carbon fiber, measures 1.6 inches wider than a production Corvette Z06. The carbon fiber front fascia has integrated brake ducts and ram air induction. Aerodynamic enhancements include functional front fender louvers, a carbon fiber underwing and rear diffuser, enlarged front wheel vents and rear brake ducts, an integrated rear spoiler, and a front splitter.
“Every body modification has a purpose,” Pratt explained. “The features were modeled on the C6.R race cars, and there are no nonfunctional styling elements.”
The C6RS chassis is upgraded to complement the improved aerodynamic grip. A Dynamic Ride Height Control suspension system provides three driver-adjustable settings: Low, Drive and High. In the Low mode, the system lowers the ride height to improve handling, while the High setting increases ground clearance to negotiate steep driveways and ramps. The suspension is upgraded with Pratt & Miller-tuned dampers and heavy-duty wheel hubs and bearings.
The same manufacturers who supply tires, wheels, and brakes for the Corvette C6.R race cars also provide the rolling stock for the Pratt & Miller C6RS. The street car’s BBS forged aluminum wheels (18 x 11-inch front, 19 x 13.6-inch rear) have racing-style center nuts. The stunning black chrome wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires (P295/30-18 front and P345/30-19 rear). The Brembo Grand Tourismo brake system delivers impressive stopping power with six-piston monoblock front calipers with 14-inch rotors and four-piston monoblock rear calipers with 13.5-inch rotors.
With 600 horsepower on tap, the 8.2-liter C6RS engine rivals the performance of the restricted 7.0-liter engines that powered the C6.R race cars to five GT class victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and seven consecutive American Le Mans Series championships. Developed by engine partner Katech Performance, the 500ci small-block V-8 is based on a high-strength 6061-T6 billet aluminum Dart block with linerless Nicom-coated 4.205-inch diameter cylinder bores. The rotating assembly features a forged steel crankshaft (4.500-inch stroke), forged 4340 steel connecting rods, and 11:1 compression forged aluminum pistons. The custom-built CORSA stainless steel exhaust system employs the company’s patented Reflective Sound Cancellation™ (RSC) technology to optimize interior and exterior sound quality. An aluminum flywheel and twin-disc clutch transfer the engine’s torque to a blueprinted T56 six-speed transmission.
A luxurious interior is the counterpoint to the Corvette C6RS’s cutting edge technology. A Dynamat sound insulation system produces a quiet refuge, while the instrument panel, doors, console, steering wheel and seats are wrapped in premium quality leather with French seams.
“Our goal with the Corvette C6RS was to capture the soul and spirit of the Corvette C6.R race car in a premium GT car for the street,” said Pratt. “The C6RS is a car with a legendary racing heritage and an unrivalled engineering pedigree. Just as the Corvette C6.R race car has become the benchmark in production-based sports car competition, we believe that the Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS will set the new standard for sports car performance and luxury on the highway.”
Founded in 1989 by Gary Pratt and Jim Miller, Pratt & Miller Engineering & Fabrication provides automotive and non-automotive clients with leading-edge engineering and low-volume manufacturing solutions. For more information, visit the Pratt & Miller website at www.prattmiller.com.
Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS
Corvette C6
