No future for the mid-engine Corvette

With GM facing well-publicized challenges -- along with just about everyone else who needs a little thing called money -- certain high-profile and expensive programs are crowding up on the back burner. Even America's sports car, the Corvette, is not exempt, with CAFE regulations clouding the view inside the 'Vette Nation's crystal ball. Motor Trend, commenting on the C7 Corvette's delayed arrival, has said that the new coupe won't appear until the 2014 model year at the earliest. The mid-engined route has also been scrapped, since it would simply cost too much to re-engineer the entire car for the purpose of easier integration of fuel saving tech like cylinder deactivation. That means a six-cylinder is still being talked about -- by GM outsiders only, at this point -- as an option for the C7. If we take the Camaro as an example, that 2014 introduction date could mean late 2012, but that still only gives you four years to mentally prepare for a budget- and economy-minded V6 Corvette. Get cracking.

http://blog.niot.net/en/tag/sports+cars/2/

Corvette C6

The best selling sports in the world is now coming from the European taunt on their own land. With a lot of changes in stock.

A legend

The Corvette is a legend in itself. The mere reading of his pedigree reveals a world where reason is swept away by passion. An example? The architecture of the V8 tumbled, from the first generation appeared in? 1953 alongside the latest high-tech as the head-up display, borrowed from the world of military aviation! But as good wine, Corvette improves with age. Launched in May 2005, the sixth generation to enjoy the new vintage of change. And to better appreciate what most beautiful jewel that the Paul Ricard circuit at Castle!

A car or an airplane?

Slip into the cockpit of the Corvette is still a feast for the senses. At a time when engineers Ergonomists simplify everything to the extreme, the U.S. has a cockpit of fighter aircraft. There are buttons everywhere and it takes at least five minutes to understand what purpose they serve. This mimicry with aeronautics is reinforced by the famous head-up display. A command to set the interface of his choice, projected onto the windshield. The rpm and "km / h" float before the eyes of the driver. There is even the possibility of reading the number of G that we cash in every turn!
33 hp and more

Starting the car via a button on the center console. The roar of the V8 erupts. Yum! And it is under the hood that is the second amendment to our 2008 version. The architecture of the V8 flipped (two valves per cylinder, one camshaft central) does not change, but it rolled from 6.0 to 6.2, to win passage 33 hp (or 437 horsepower total). The couple also progressing from 41 Nm to 585 Nm That figures. But when cars reach such a power, it is above all the feelings that prevail. Ca tombe bien, the Paul Ricard available to us. First step: two laps to take the temperature of the track and see what the Vette was in the belly. Out of the stands.

Faster than the Mistral!

Provided, however, not to play with the basic laws of physics? In this case, the armada of electronic safeguards (all adjustable or disconnectable) said the order quickly. Optionally, the Corvette is equipped with a magnetic suspension selective (2450). Electromagnetic dampers are able to recognize any coating, the system adjusts its setting to provide an optimal behavior. So, on the trail of Castellet Corvette plays billiards, threading curves with an ease bordering on provocation. Output chicane. Line from Mistral. The head-up display flirts with 200 km / h. On paper, his peak speed exceeds 300 km / h with a 0 to 100 km / h in 4.5 s.

Unbeatable prices!

It is 0.7 s less than a Jaguar XKR for 416 hp and as much as a Mercedes SL55 AMG 517 hp. It must be said that the Vette weighs 500 kg less than the roadster to the Star! But no time to go higher: already have the technical profile of the circuit? and the end of turn. Confidence increases, as the pleasure and the Corvette always fulfills his contract with flying colors. Happiness! But back down to earth and approach the "painful." Burning in absolute terms (from 65,850?), The note remains a trifle when compared to its rivals, much more expensive (at least 25,000? More). And 10,700? Further, the same Vette rises up! As for the more fortunate (and daring), it is to the monstrous 512-hp Z06 they will turn. A different story?

Corvette Guys for Corvette Parts and Wheels

It's show season. And if there's one car that seems to love to win at shows, it's the classic all-American sportscar - the Corvette. Corvette owners across the country are gearing up and rolling out with both rare and mint 'Vettes, or highly modified tuned monster machines, to a show grounds near you.

If you're the lucky owner of one of these classic sportscars, you're always looking for a way to stand out from the crowd. Whether you're looking for high-quality aftermarket Corvette parts, like some sharp chrome Z06 wheels to take home the blue ribbon, or looking to pick up some style accessories, there are online merchants like CorvetteGuys that have the parts you're looking for at a price you can afford.

And being a showcar star doesn't have to cost a fortune. Whether your Corvette is a weekend cruiser and you go to shows for fun, or you own a garage queen that never sees the rain, a set of upgraded wheels will go a long way towards getting the head-turning appearance you want. Whether you want to upgrade your C4 Corvette wheels to a more modern look, or like the classic lines of C5 Corvette wheels, there's lots of affordable options that will make your 'Vette look mint without costing a mint.

Callaway C16 Convertible to debut in New York

Corvette specialist Callaway announced that it’ll introduce a convertible version of its Z06 based, C16 Coupe that debuted earlier this year, at the New York International Auto Show in April. Like its Coupe sibling, the Convertible will be equipped with Callaway’s 560-hp supercharged 6.0-liter V8. Optionally, the C16 Convertible will also be available with the optional Performance Package that delivers 616 Hp at 6,200 rpm and 582 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. According to Callaway, the C16 Convertible does 0 to 60mph (96 km/h) in 3.5 sec and a quarter-mile (0-400m) in 11.2 sec while top speed is estimated at just over 200 mph or 322 km/h. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: CALLAWAY C16 CONVERTIBLE MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT 2007 NEW YORK AUTO SHOW

World-Class Supercar Performance, Now Available in a Paddle Shifted Convertible

Callaway Cars announced it will unveil the C16 Convertible – the company’s latest variant in an impressive lineup of exclusive, hand-built ultra-high-performance automobiles – at the New York International Auto Show.

Based on the current Chevrolet Corvette platform, the C16 convertible takes performance, style and open-air motoring to the next level, giving buyers an opportunity to experience premium supercar performance in a convertible, complete with the ease of a 6-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission.

“Customers who want the exhilaration of a convertible and the daily driver convenience of a paddle-shift automatic without sacrificing the performance capabilities of a Z06 and beyond, can only get it here,” says company founder Reeves Callaway. “With this car we have maintained the C16’s class-leading performance, while creating a gorgeous convertible version, based on one of the best sports car platforms ever made. In true Callaway tradition it incorporates our race-proven technologies and superlative craftsmanship in an arresting and appealing style.”

The C16 Convertible, like the C16 Coupe, was drawn and modeled by designer Paul Deutschman, who has a twenty-year portfolio of Callaway designs. Architect of the Callaway look – from its 254 mph Sledgehammer and Corvette-based Le Mans race cars to the current C16 versions – he has masterfully remodeled the original design, redrawing every panel of the standard body to achieve the C16 Convertible’s integrated look while retaining the Corvette’s easy-to-operate power top.

Equipped with Callaway’s 560-hp supercharged 6.0-liter V8, the C16 Convertible is also available with an optional Performance Package that delivers 616 supercharged horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 582 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. The Callaway C16 Convertible does 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds, and a quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds. Top speed of the paddle shifted convertible is estimated at just over 200 mph. Equally impressive is its fuel efficiency rating of 18 city/28 highway. It is emissions compliant and backed by a 5 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

There are three transmission options on the Callaway C16 Convertible: two 6-speed manual transmissions (one incorporating the Z51 Performance Package’s shorter ratios in the first four gears), or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shift. The Callaway C16 Convertible, like C16 Coupe, delivers the feeling of a fully integrated driver’s car, maintaining the company’s legendary hallmark of easy-to-drive, super high-performance road cars, now available with the added pleasure of top-down motoring.

Inside, the C16 convertible’s cockpit is completely retooled in fine German leather and Alcantara, featuring seats with a choice of harnessing styles manufactured for Callaway by Recaro. Door sill panels, steering wheel and passenger dash area also carry signature Callaway badging. Each automobile is serialized and identified by its build plaque. Each C16 convertible is built to order. Clients choose body and top color and interior appointments to individual taste.

The car’s razor-sharp handling and comfortable ride are courtesy of newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro coil-over suspension. This advanced spring/damper system features ride height, corner weight, and pitch angle adjustability. The aluminum-bodied dampers feature 10-click-position compression and rebound adjustability and have remote mounted reservoirs, allowing the driver to customize settings for track or road conditions.

To bring the Callaway C16 Convertible from 200+ mph to rest, the C16 utilizes a Stoptech brake system developed exclusively for Callaway using 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers gripping 355mm diameter rotors. Super-lightweight Callaway Dymag wheels - the lightest road wheel in the industry - measure 19” x 10” front and 20” x 12” rear. The Dymag wheel features forged magnesium centers surrounded by carbon fiber rims - another example of Callaway bringing their race experience to their road cars. Yokohama “AdvanSport” 285/30ZR19 (front) and 325/25ZR20 (rear) tires complete the package.

Pricing for a fully loaded C16 Convertible is $128,765 USD. All Callaway C16 Convertible components are available individually, for both new and currently owned Corvettes, through Callaway authorized retailers and installers.

Via: Wired & Callaway

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“You little devil, you!”-WindingRoad fools all with the faux Corvette Blue Devil

It’s amazing what 400$ worth of tape measure, box cutters and some electrical tape can accomplish these days. With these tools and a little ambition the guys at WindingRoad online mag were able to fool thousands of readers and hundreds of Automotiove journalists by creating the rumored, but unannounced, Blue Devil Corvette. Among those fooled not only included little and big blogs but also big shot automotive mags such as MotorTrend and Autoweek.

The secret was revealed in the latest online edition (01/01/07) of WindingRoad. During the past 24 hours many blogs and internet sites were forced to publish “retractions”. Some were pissed, some found it amusing, but most were left speechless.

Carscoop didn’t join in on the ring around the Blue Devil game not because we weren’t fooled but when the news came out, the corner bar had 99c drafts plus my girlfriend had PMS so I was indisposed for the weekend.

Anyway, in my personal opinion WindingRoad might have created a poor reputation as a reliable news source but I’m sure it has succeeded in increasing its site traffic…tremendously which is certainly what it set out to do in the first place. Big deal! It took a whole magazine staff to create a fake “something” that one person could accomplish on a photoshop in a damn internet café. Aside from the fact that faking news has been done in the past- remember the faux beheading video in Iraq a few years ago?

WindingRoad says that they did it to show GM how bad the public wants this Blue Devil and that the “Game is over” seeing as all the big mags fell for it “hook, line and sinker.” Carscoop says, you reap what you sow.

See what fellow bloggers say: Autoblog.com, Jalopnik, Corvetteblogger

SEMA Show : Outrageous Chevrolet C6 Corvette

Not exactly the epitome of styling, but on the other hand, this car won't go public in Paris but in Las Vegas at its famous SEMA show. The Outrageous C6 Corvette is the work of Corvette aftermarket parts distributor Mid America Motorworks, its in-house brand of products and parts, Performance Choice, Sony, and the designer, John Wargo of Custom Shop. Style apart, the Outrageous C6 gets a Pro Charger supercharger and Corsa exhaust system that boost power to a whopping 650 hp. Via: Autoblog

Technorati: Outrageous+C6+Corvette, Chevrolet+Corvette, tuning+news, tune, aftermarket+parts, SEMA, Specialty+Equipment+Market+Association, Las+Vegas, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos,Carscoop

First FIA GT3 European Championship races at Silverstone

Almost a year exactly since the idea was first put on paper, the FIA GT3 European Championship will take to the track for its inaugural races on Saturday, May 6th

With a grand total of 51 cars having signed up for the season, a grid of up to 46 cars is expected to line up on the Silverstone grid on Saturday, May 6th, for the first one-hour round. The remaining cars should be ready in time for the second event in Oschersleben.

Eight manufacturers will be represented in this first race : the Ascari KZ1R, entered by British team Damax, the Aston Martin DBRS9, entered by Barwell Motorsport and BMS Scuderia Italia, the Corvette Z06 GT3, entered by Carsport Callaway and Riverside, the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, entered by Racing Logistic, Racing Box and Pouchelon Racing, the Ferrari 430 Challenge GT3, entered by JMB Racing Ferrari, the Maserati GranSport Light, in the hands of GPC Sport and AF Corse, the Lamborghini Gallardo, from Reiter Engineering and S-Berg Racing, and last but by no means least, the Porsche 997 GT3 Cup, raced by Larbre Competition, SOFREV Auto Sport Promotion and Tech 9 Motorsport.

As for the drivers, they are a mixed group, including familiar faces from the British and FFSA French GT Championships, such as Roland Berville and Raymond Narac, racing a Larbre Competition Porsche 997 GT3 Cup, or Demitri Deverikos, who won the GT3 category of the British GT Championship last year with Tech 9, and who remains with the team in the GT3 Championship. Gabriel Balthazard (Sofrev), Frederic Makowiecki (Racing Logistic), James Ruffier (Riverside) are also French GT regulars.

A number of younger drivers are also taking part, such as 19-year old Jonathan Cocker, who won the British GT Championship in 2004 and the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia last year, and who will be racing for Barwell in an Aston Martin DBRS9. Maxime Dumarey, racing for Tech 9 Motorsport, is only 17, and already an experienced Belcar driver. Dennis Retera, aged 19, will be racing for S-Berg in a Lamborghini.

Plenty have been regulars in the FIA GT Championship over the years, such as Lilian Bryner, Enzo Calderari and Toni Seiler, all racing for BMS Scuderia Italia in an Aston Martin DBRS9. Bernhard Müller and Michael Trunk return to Lamborghini competition with Reiter Engineering, having raced first a Porsche and then a Lamborghini in the FIA GT Championship. They will be joined at Reiter by former N-GT race winner Jürgen von Gartzen.

The field is not all masculine, with BMS’s Lilian Bryner being joined on the grid by Rachel Green in a Pouchelon Racing Viper.

With any drivers over the age of 55 authorised to take part, regardless of their careers, some extremely well-known names will also line up, such as 1998 FIA GT Champion Klaus Ludwig, racing a Carsport Callaway Corvette Z06 GT3. Or Anthony Reid, who has had a long career in touring and sports cars, and who will be sharing his Pouchelon Dodge Viper with paraplegic racer Gilles Duqueine. Tiff Needell, who raced as far as Formula One, and is now better known as a broadcaster, will be racing for Barwell.

All cars will be on Michelin tyres, and the performance of the cars will be balanced by the FIA, who have been running tests at Paul Ricard and Dijon over the past months.

FIA GT3 - THE BASICS

The Principles of the Championship :

* the most prestigious brands

* the most recent models

* limited racing preparation

* an original series concept

* prestigious meetings

* impeccable presentation

* an international environment with a welcoming atmosphere

SPORTING REGULATIONS

* two one-hour free practice sessions

* two 20 minute qualifying sessions, separated by 10 minutes

Each driver takes part in one session

The first qualifying session sets the grid for the first race

The second qualifying session sets the grid for the second race

The fastest driver in each car starts the second race, the slower driver starts the first race

Two one-hour races, with a compulsory driver change between the 23rd and 37th minute, with a rolling start.

TEAMS and DRIVERS

Each team must enter three cars

Each car has two drivers, who must not be ‘well-known’ drivers according to the criteria specified in the regulations

A maximum of three teams per manufacturer.

If there are less than six cars per manufacturer, no points will be scored

POINTS AND TITLES

There are three separate classifications :

* FIA GT3 European Champion for Drivers (scale : 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1)

* FIA GT3 European Champion for Teams (scale : 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 - all three cars score for the team)

* FIA GT3 Manufacturers Cups for Drivers (scale : 10 -6-4-3-2-1) - if at least six cars enter per Manufacturer

Technorati Tags: FIA+GT3, European+Championship, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive

Geiger Cars SC524 Kompressor –Chevrolet Corvette C6

German tuner company Geiger Cars which specializes in American autos, released the new SC 524 Kompressor model which is basically, a tuned up Chevrolet C6 that produces 524 hp -120 hp up from the normal version. The tune-up contains of an Eaton supercharger, a free-flow intake air guiding with sport air filter, special exhaust manifolds, steel bed catalysts, four large chrome exhaust tips and a special mapping for the ECU. The sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h is reduced to about 3.7 seconds while maximum speed is increased to about 327 km/h.

The designers also developed a front spoiler edge to fit on the standard apron which reduces the lift on the front axle. Its aerodynamic counterpiece is a diffuser to fit on the rear apron. Geiger Cars technicians developed a high performance brake system and a suspension tuning with custom spring struts that replace the standard transverse springs to achieve more dynamic handling. The Corvette also gets new multipart chrome alloys (front :255/30, rear 305/25)

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