Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The Corvette is a sports car manufactured by Chevrolet since 1953. It can be considered the first car in this segment made in the United States of America, becoming the quintessential American sports car. It is still in production.
With the philosophy that favored the mechanical simplicity compared to direct competitors it was a light car, small and relatively inexpensive. From 2005 to 2012, the Corvette has been sold in some countries, including Italy, under the brand of the same name and not under the Chevrolet brand.
It was Harley Earl, one of the most important American designers of automobiles, to convince the General Motors group to which belonged the Chevrolet brand, the need to achieve a two-seater sports car.
The prototype was presented to the Corvette Motorama show at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York in January 1953 and was signed as a project EX-122 (during the development phases of the study center within GM used the name to keep Opel Project secret).
The EX-122 differs from the Corvette went into production in the same year only for a few details: the written alongside the Chevrolet emblem on the hood; air intakes for the ventilation of the passenger wheel arch; door locks; the frieze and the position of the Chevrolet written on the sides; chrome engine Blue Flame Special.
The name, which was proposed by Myron Scott seems, stemmed from that of the Corvette, a small naval unit. The body of this car was made of a material at the time quite new: the glass fiber. This material was used to avoid the problem of quotas on steel still in force after the end of World War II. Were used for the mechanical part of standard parts already produced by Chevrolet, which at that time was the mark the entrance to the range of General Motors. Engine was chosen as the engine inline 6-cylinder Blue Flame 4.6 L (283 in ³) that was used on some commercial vehicles. Was used for the Powerglide transmission, an automatic transmission with two ratios. Even the drum brakes were standard Chevrolet components.
They worked on the engine to improve its performance by mounting a battery of three carburetors, a modification which was exclusive to the Corvette. Despite this, however, the car remained underpowered compared to similar cars Italian or British era. The brakes were pretty long while in their action was criticized the lack of a manual transmission.
In 1954 it became available as an option Paxton centrifugal supercharger. The sales, however, continued to decline so much that General Motors seriously considered canceling this model. To make it continue production were some major events that occurred during the same period. The first was made up of the introduction, which took place in the same year, the first Chevrolet V8 engine after about 40 years. The second was the influence exercised by Zora Arkus-Duntov technician on the office of General Motors. Finally, Ford introduced its model Thunderbird. Although Thunderbird is an orientation for the more luxurious end of the market, rather than to the sports, it was a two-seater like the Corvette.
In practice, the car was transformed by Arkus-Duntov mounting the V8 was mated to a three-speed manual transmission. With these changes, the Corvette was transformed from a car to sports car enthusiasts to.
The model was a great success making the Corvette, one of the most important cars ever made.
The Corvette has been in production for many years and has undergone a constant evolution. Most of versions that are referred to by the term generation to the different models. These generations are identified with the terms C1, C2, C3, and so on until the C6 now on sale. In addition to this end the various versions are identified also by mechanical particularities which characterize them.
The C1 is the first Corvette produced. Start with the model in 1953 and ended with the 1962 model. Corvettes of this period are also called solid axle (solid axle) because they were not available until 1963, the independent wheel suspension. At this time (1957) became available to request the engine with fuel injection system. With this system, the engine provided 290hp (216 kW).
In advertising, however, this value was reduced to 283hp because the car was sold with the slogan under which the Corvette featured ahp per in ³. Given therefore that the displacement of the engine, according to the customary system U.S., was 283 in ³ was adopted that value for the engine power.
In 1962 the engine Small-block of General Motors was brought to 5.4 L (327in ³). The power was now 360hp (268 kW). They were also introduced electric windows (1956), the soft top fitted with a motor for opening (1956), the four-speed manual transmission (mid 1957) and improved brakes and suspension (1957).
In 1957, the Chevrolette decided to build a racing version of the Corvette to compete at the 12 Hours of Sebring. The car was built by a team of engineers led by Zora Arkus-Duntov, and it appeared like a car weighing 1850kg in combination with an engine from 307hp. Although the day of the race, the SS did score the highest top speed of 183km/h, was forced to retire on the 23th lap due to mechanical problems. The project was then abandoned because of funding cuts by the Chevrolet.
The second generation of the Corvette began in 1963 and ends in 1967. This version was designed by Larry Shinoda, who was inspired to design the Q Corvette car ever produced, designed by Peter Brock and Chuck Pohlmann under the supervision of Bill Mitchell. Other sources of inspiration were the lines of the Jaguar E-Type and the so-called Mitchell Sting Ray, special car owned by the same Mitchell, who was inspired by the shapes and colors of the Mako shark.
With the second generation is introduced Sting Ray Coupe. This car had a rear window from the very particular form being divided into two parts and air vents, not to work on the hood.
In 1964, for security reasons, will be removed and the rear window, but this time for aesthetic reasons, the air vents.
With C2 were introduced independent suspension in place of the solid axle. Regarding the power of the engine was 365hp (272 kW) in 1963 and reached 375hp (280 kW) the following year.
In 1965, will be introduced as an optional disc brakes on all four wheels and engine Big-block 6.5 L (396 in ³) V8 engine that provided 425hp (317 kW). Also in this year, the Sting Ray model will be mounted with side exit exhaust pipes that will be maintained until 1969. Was introduced, on request, also an engine of 5.4 L (327 in ³) with injection. This engine carried a premium of $ 500, while the 6.5 L only 145. Moreover, the Provided 5.4 L 55hp (41 kW) less than 6.5 L. With the price difference and the power against him the option of the fuel injected engine was not very popular and only a thousand cars were equipped with it. This result led Chevrolet to cancel this program.
In 1966, to increase the performance of the car, the Chevrolet Corvette made available a model equipped with an engine from 7 L (427 in ³), which will be the largest displacement engine ever fitted to cars of this generation.
The following year it was introduced the L88, a version of the car equipped with 7 L engine with a power output of 430hp (321hp). These engines will be fitted but only twenty.
From 1967 until 1969, and will be mounted on Tri-Power, which is a bank of three twin-choke carburettors made by Holley.
The model 1967 was to be the last of this generation but due to the delays of the model that was supposed to replace the C3, remained in production until 1968.
Among other features of this generation of the Corvette include AM/FM radio (mid 1963), air conditioning (1963), the telescopic steering column (1965) and headrests (1966).
With regard to the commitments in this competition was created in 1962, the Corvette Grand Sport. This car, which was inspired by what he was doing with Carroll Shelby Ford Mustang, was a lightweight version. It was specially designed by Arkus-Duntov, and it was planned a production of about 100 specimens although in the end only 5 were actually produced the Grand Sport. Among the features of this version finds a special aerodynamic package. Dick Thompson was the only one to bring this car to victory by winning on the circuit of the Watkins Glen Sports Car of America.
The special preparation for the Corvette Z06 racing was launched in 1963, and was present only in coupe version. Among the improvements in this version, must be reported on the brakes and suspension reinforced, as well as a larger 36-gallon tank. The engine of the car is a L84-injected 360hp.
This sports package was sold to the remarkable figures of $ 1818, so that only 199 copies were sold.
The main objective of the Chevrolet with the Z06 was to establish itself in the championship SCCA Production and combat the new Shelby Cobra. To give a show of strength three Z06 are immediately recorded at LA Time GP Riverside Raceway racetrack that takes place in Los Angeles. The pilots hired by Chevrolet, namely Dave MacDonald, Bob Bondurant and Doug Hooper not only fail to win the first race, but you require the entire class A.
To groped to counter the Shelby Cobra GT championship also in 1963, GM gave Zora Arkus-Duntov to produce a new racing version of the C2. The result was called the Grand Sport Coupe. For approval for competitions, we had to ensure completion of at least 100 copies road. The five race cars were equipped with suspension and Girling us with a propeller 327 V8 485hp. Initially, the cars were made run in the class prototypes, but with poor results because they could not compete with the superior mid-engined cars. At the end of the season, however, succeeded in establishing itself on Shelby cars in the race, held in Nassau Speed ​​Week. For the season of 1964 several changes were made and two cars were reproduced in a roadster configuration. All frames were sold to private teams and one of them the pilot Roger Penske earned his victory in the GT championship, beating the Cobra again.
In 1967 was built a new racing version of the Corvette called L88. It was equipped with new disc brakes, improved suspension and a 427 engine operated by a manual M22 that paid the power of 600hp. So configured, the L88 Sunray DX that came with the team was able to get the class win at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1968.
The third generation of the Corvette is also known as Mako Shark, and was also designed by Larry Shinoda. The C3 began in 1968 and ended in 1982. The style of this car proved to be very innovative.
In 1969, General Motors brought the displacement of its engine Small-block 5.7 L (350n ³) was introduced and a new L46 350 V8 engine with a power of 350hp.
The following year, the engine was brought from 7 L to 7.4 L (454n ³). Also in 1970, the LT-1 engine touched the 370hp (276 kW), while in 1971 came to 7.4 L 425hp (317 kW).
With these engines touched quotes maximum power. Then the engine became less powerful. This was due both to the adoption by the Chevrolet of the SAE standard, as a standard of measurement of this value, such as the introduction of unleaded petrol, the catalysts and the rules on the control of emissions. In 1975, the L82 engine it distributed 165hp (123 kW) while the L82 engine, available as an option, it produced 205 (153 kW). In 1982, the L83 engine that powered the C3 developed 200hp (149 kW). These values ​​remained substantially stable for a long period.
Aesthetically, the C3 Corvette represented the last with chrome bumpers. In 1973 it was replaced with a chromed front bumper fascia plastic material that could absorb shock up to fivemph (8km/h). For this characteristic was indicated as 5mph. Was maintained instead the rear bumper chrome metal, which, however, was removed the following year, thus making the model of 1973, the last equipped with this type of bumper.
In 1975, the model disappears Convertible (convertible).
In 1978 will be mounted in the rear window bubble.
In 1980 the Corvette will be subjected to a wide revisiting buying more of the lines in order to reduce aerodynamic drag, the value of Cx, the car.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Corvette production in 1978 was created a special version with the black and white two-tone livery used as the pace car for the Indy 500.
In 1968, Henri Greder and Bob Lutz involved Filipinetti George, heads the automotive team, to register two Chevrolet Corvette C3 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For the preparation of the cars in the race we turned to Franco Sbarro, which the assembled under the direction of Zora Arkus Duntov himself. The cars were equipped with a V8 engine from 500hp operated by an M22 four-speed gearbox. The braking system was made up of ventilated disc brakes with calipers equipped with four pistons. The front suspension was independent with arms and coil springs, while the rear was independent with transverse leaf spring.
During the race the two cars were leading the GT class in the early hours of the race, but then both were forced to retire. Nevertheless, were again used for other minor competitions (such as the Tour de France Automobile) and even one of them was registered six times in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, getting the absolute record of attendance of a car.
In 1974 the pilot John Greenwood, veteran racing Corvette, launched its own racing version of the C3 for the IMSA championship races. Unlike previous cars that were equipped with a chassis derived from the standard models, this version of the Corvette I rode one tubular built in collaboration with Zora Arkus-Duntov. The suspensions were equipped with double wishbones with coil springs and adjustable dampers. The engine was equipped with a V8 Chevrolet ZL1 designed to deliver the power of 700hp. The car body was enlarged to accommodate the new larger tires for the race and to manage the downforce was added a spoiler in the rear section of the vehicle. Between 1974 and 1976 the car ran several times (even in the hands of private pilots) and one of the major achievements included some victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona. The reliability undermined, however the performance of the Corvette in most of the races in which he took part (including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1976, where he recorded the record speed of 354km/h on the straight of the circuit).
The long-awaited fourth generation of the Corvette went into production in 1983 as a model year 1984, and remained in production until 1996. The model for the year 1983 was only released in 44 prototypes and was never mass-produced. One of these prototypes, 23 º, is exhibited at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
The C4 was a model very much appreciated for its style and for its clean aerodynamic design. This new generation was completely redesigned, with an emphasis on handling, and only the engine that was mounted on the previous series.
In the coupe model was incorporated into a rear window that doubled as a tailgate, which facilitated the loading and unloading of the vehicle. Were also added new brake calipers made of aluminum and it became a standard instrument panel with digital display of some tools.
From 1984 to 1988, the Corvette was fitted with an unusual 4 +3 transmission that is standard with four-speed overdrive plus three on the three higher ratios. This type of transmission was needed to meet the standards on fuel consumption. It proved somewhat problematic, however, and was eventually replaced (1989) by a ZF six-speed manual transmission. Another special feature of this device was given by electronic control, one of the first to come installed, which crashed through a solenoid, under certain driving conditions, the second gear. Although this device was necessary to comply with the EPA on consumption.
At the beginning of 1985, the L98 engine with fuel injection replaced the previous unit on many Corvette.
In 1992 LT1 engine was introduced which provided 300hp (224 kW) while significantly improving the performance of the basic versions of the Corvette. In the same year was introduced Acceleration Slip Regulation traction control. The system worked through the control of the brakes, the ignition of the engine and the throttle lock and was intended to prevent loss of grip of the rear wheels and then a possible loss of vehicle control. If the the driver wanted the system could be turned off.
In 1996 he was inducted into the range of engines available and only for versions with manual transmission, even the LT4 Small-block engine that provided 320hp (238 kW). On versions equipped with automatic transmission, however, was mounted LT1 engine.
In 1987 it was possible to install directly from the factory, the package B2K. The price of this option, however, was practically equal to the cost of the car itself. The Callaway Corvette was a Regular Production Option (RPO) and was the first time in history that were inserted directly into the Chevrolet range of components from a preparer outside the Callaway Cars.
With this option, the power increased to 345hp (257 kW) in the first series to reach 450hp (335 kW) in the latest versions.
In 1990, the B2K began to be replaced by the ZR1 in the biennium 1990-1991 and the two coexisted options.
He was also made a version record, derived from the Corvette with twin turbos, the Callaway Sledgehammer, which reached thanks to the power of 880hp (656 kW) of its engine, the speed record of 410km/h (254.76 miles per hour) at the track of Trasportation Ohio Center Rersearch establishing the record of speed, although obtained under conditions not exactly standard for a road car.
The work began in 1986 when the ZR1 Corvette team contacted the Lotus, then part of General Motors, with the idea of ​​starting from C4 to develop a high performance vehicle. The Lotus designed a new engine with which to replace the L98 engine used in the Corvette Standard. The result was the LT5 engine. This was always a V8 that kept the bore dell’L98 but with the aluminum cylinder block, double overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. Was also created a unique extraction system that allowed, mid-range and close to half of the injectors and collectors while guaranteeing 375hp (280 kW) at high speeds. On the ZR1 was also added to the FX3 active suspension system, also developed with the collaboration of the English house.
The engine for its implementation required a lot of manual work, and not having the General Motor at its plants the opportunity to directly make this type of mounting, he turned to Mercury Marine for the construction of these units. For which the engines were made in the factories of Mercury in Oklahoma and then shipped to Bowling Green where they were mounted on the cars.
Sales of the vehicle began in 1990 and the ZR1 was distinguished by the wider rear section, the 11-inch rear tires, a rear fascia with four square-shaped lights and finally for the CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop Lamp) ie a rear light mounted on the top and center of the tailgate.
The ZR1 showed considerable acceleration capability and maneuverability. Also the price was in line with this performance and was $ 58,995, nearly twice that of a base Corvette. In 1995, this figure reached the $ 66,278 thus putting the Corvette in the same price range of cars such as the Porsche 911 series 964.
In 1991, all Corvettes received updates to the body, in the interior and new wheels. The rear end of the ZR1 was included in other versions of the car thus making it difficult to distinguish between normal and ZR1 versions.
In 1992 they were incorporated other improvements such as the coat of arms with the inscription ZR1 on the front fenders and became standard traction control.
The following year, Lotus redesigned the cylinder heads and the distribution system of the LT5 engine. The power came to 405hp (302 kW) and was also introduced a system that allowed the recirculation of exhaust gases thereby improving emissions.
The production of the ZR1 came to an end in 1995 after it had been made 6,939 copies.
In 1996, Chevrolet, commemorating the end of production of the C4, built the Grand Sport version. This was a repetition of the similar version made in 1963. Were only 1,000 (810 coupes and 190 convertibles) specimens were made and special chassis numbers. The Grand Sport was equipped with a LT4 engine that provided 330hp (246 kW) and was available only in Admiral Blue with a white central stripe. The wheel bolts were painted in black on the hood and driver’s side were placed two symbols in red.
The coat of arms Grand Sport, on the cover of the injection system, was also used on all vehicles equipped with the LT4 engine.
In the 1986 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car was used as a yellow corvette convertible. In this way, remarked the return to the Corvette range of this type of carrozzaria that had been abandoned since 1975. Was later put out a special version Pace Car Replica of which 7,315 copies were sold.
In 1988 he was put on sale the 35th Anniversary version of the Corvette. The car was only available with the two-tone white/black. The specimens were made of 2.050.
In 1993 he was introduced to the range of options the Corvette a special 40th Anniversary package. 6,749 were sold.
The Collectors Edition was the last version of the C4 and was introduced in 1996. Was available in Sebring Silver, had special finishes and its price was $ 1,250 higher. In 5,412 of which were built 4,031 coupes and 1,381 convertibles.
At the end of the 80s the Chevrolet Corvette C4 carried out several copies of the specially modified to compete in the Trans-Am championship in the GTO class. This version was equipped with a tubular frame with a V6 Turbo managed by a five-speed manual transmission Wieesmann. Disc brakes were supplied by Brembo. Under the sponsor Polyvoltac cars participated in the 1987 and 1988 seasons before being sold to other teams that took them up to 1993.
The fifth-generation Corvette was introduced in 1997 and ended with the model year 2004. C5 was a radically revised project compared to the previous generation. Highlights of this generation are the frame obtained with the new technologies and the transmission shifted into the back of the car, which formed a solid block with the differential. Automatic transmission was chosen as one of the previous series, the 4L60E, while manual transmission was chosen the T56 manufactured by Borg-Warner. The result was the best frame of the last two generations of the Corvette C5 and proved to be a better car in every aspect than the C4.
The Z06 replaced the ZR-1. The name of this version was taken from the homonymous Z06 C2 produced during the generation of the sixties. Engine was used as an improved and more powerful version called the LS6, the standard LS1 engine. The power developed by this unit was 350hp (287 kW), and was slightly lower than that of the propeller of the ZR-1. Despite this, however, the Z06 proved to be lighter and more agile of the ZR-1, which exceeded only in maximum speed. Were fitted larger wheels, enhanced suspension, air intakes for the brakes and a new manual transmission. Compared to the standard C5 Z06 was lighter than 48kg (106 lb). This weight gain was obtained by fitting tailpipes made of titanium and a lighter battery. Since 2002 the power of the Z06 went up to 405hp (302 kW) thanks to modifications of detail of the engine. It was also realized that a supercharged version was equipped with a hood in carbon and shock absorbers improved. The top speed is 295km/h.
To celebrate 50 years of production of the Corvette was a special version just called the 50th Anniversary. It was available with carrozzaria coupe cabriolet. The only color available for the body was red metallic with leather seats in two colors. Also the rims were special aluminum also were made a coat and finish exclusive to this model. The engine used was version LS1 and remained all the options available in the range of Corvette.Raggiunge 246km/h
The C5.R was the racing version of this generation, and was built by Pratt & Miller on behalf of GM Racing. The base was made up of the road but the C5-R had a greater wheelbase and a body without pop-up headlights. The engine was 7 L V8.
The car has taken part in competitions such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the ALMS, included in the GTS class.
In 2001, he dominated by winning 8 of 10 races including the win at the 24 Hours of Daytona and getting, always in the GTS class, the first two places in the Le Mans race. The following year the C5.R regained the first and second place at Le Mans in its class dominating even in the ALMS. In this period it was used a transmission in which the differential and transmission were separated.
In 2003 was the start of the new rules which restrict, in an attempt to reduce the rate of 10 percent engine power. Despite this, the Corvette won the first race at Sebring and again won the championship at the end getting a total of 8 victories. To celebrate 50 years of the car the color of the car passed from completely yellow to a red-white-blue paint.
In 2004 he added a new victory in the GTS class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2005 while the C5.R only won races at Imola and Zhuhai winning several podium finishes in other races. With C5.R the Pacific Coast Racing team achieved some podiums in the ALMS behind the C6.R official.
The tuner Callaway created in 1999 its own version of the C5, namely the C12. The mechanics of the car is an elaboration of the basic version, with the type LS1 engine boosted to 439hp. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual. The suspensions were redefined to adapt to the new structure, while the diameter of the tire is 19 inches in the past, essential measure to accommodate the brakes supplied by Alcon.
The police department in the fictional town of Bloomfield Hills appropriates in their own car park a Chevrolet Corvette C5-date with all components supplied to the traditional patrol cars.
The sixth generation, or C6, is the version created in 2005. The car is inspired by a design philosophy that aims to refine and improve the previous C5 rather than to make further changes.
The C6 features a new suspension geometry, a high level of finish, a body with no pop-up headlights – the first Corvette in 1962 – and a more spacious interior. The C6 is shorter than 13 cm (5.1 in) and a reduced width of 2.5 cm (1 in). The spacing, however, was increased to 12 cm (3 in). The reduction of the external dimensions of the car was the response of the House to the criticism of those who saw the C5 as too imposing for which you have sought a line of the current car as clean and sporty. This revision has also been made in the hope to meet more potential buyers to the tastes of Europe.
The engine used is the 6L LS2 V8 engine that delivers 400hp (298 kW) at 6,000 rpm. The maximum RPM of 6,500. The consumption of the car, based on the performance of the engine, are relatively good and were obtained by limiting the weight, improving aerodynamics and demoltiplicando to the maximum possible higher gears. As far as the transmission is to remain available automatic and manual, with the latter system electronic CAGS (Computer Aided Gear Selection – computer-aided gear selection) and in practice restricted in certain driving conditions, the use of low gears and makes you walk directly from the first to fourth gear. The top speed is 300km/h.
By 2008, the Corvette has a new LS3 V8 engine from 6.2 liters (103.25 mm bore, 92 mm stroke), fitted as standard on both the Coupe and the Convertible. It has an output of 437hp (325 kW) at 5,900 rpm and a torque of 586 N · but 4,600 rpm. The maximum rotation speed is 6,600 rpm. Among the other features of the engine, the new intake manifold recorded acoustically. Other new features include the Tremec T56 manual transmission that was developed for respond in a more direct and decisive during gear changes, with better accuracy in the grafts, while the automatic model/sequence has been improved and sped up to increase the sense of sportiness and control by the pilot. The outrigger suspension, arms, joints, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering model C6 2008 were all redesigned. The maximum speed declared is 306km/h.
Even for the C6 Z06 version is available (only in Coupe and the fixed roof). Introduced in the third quarter of 2005 as a 2006 model year car is equipped with the 7-liter LS7 that provides 505hp (376 kW). The maximum rotation speed is 7,000 rpm, remarkable for an engine with pushrods and rockers. The car has significant improvements in the ward shock absorbers/suspension and brakes, representing the history of the Corvette only version comparable in ride quality to the best European sports. The body presents some carbon parts, to further reduce the weight, as well as the choice of using only the fixed roof has been made to increase the rigidity of the frame. Of note, really unique feature that Chevrolet has chosen to use a rear suspension with a single transverse leaf spring assembly, to maintain a small footprint that preserves the trunk, thereby respecting the traditional practicality typical of American cars. This choice did not affect the qualities of grip even on uneven ground.
The ZR1, first called Blue Devil, when he still did not know the definitive characteristics, is in fact the most powerful Corvette ever produced. In Italy is imported in limited numbers. The engine used is the 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 V8 supercharged four-lobed, with a maximum power of 647hp (476 kW) and a torque of 819 N · m, making it one of the most powerful and fastest supercars available on the market. The purchase price is approximately around 140,000 Euros. The top speed of over 330km/h and 0-100km/h in under 3.4 seconds.
The C6.R was used in the race for the first time in the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2005. In this competition the car finished second behind Aston Martin DBR9 official. A week after the presentation was made, with the opposite Z06.R, at the New York International Autoshow. The C6.R has also participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2005 finishing in first and second place in the GT1 class and the fifth and sixth in the overall standings. In the same year he won all the races in its class in the ALMS.
The Corvette won again in the GT1 class, the famous French endurance race in 2006 and 2009.
Currently 4 C6.R, updated according to the new regulations, participating in the FIA ​​GT1 World Championship, while the official team focuses exclusively on the project GT2.
The Z06.R is a modified version of the Z06 series and is designed to participate in the competitions of the GT3 class. The main changes include the elimination of the interiors, installing a Roll-Bar, with central wheel hubs, front and rear spoiler and carbon fiber door. Engine and transmission are standard, while the mapping was modified to use 98 octane fuel. The maximum engine speed is 7,200 rpm and the power has been increased by 90hp.
In 2009 she was awarded the Grand Sport version of the C6. It was equipped with a 6.2 LS3 engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox that could be manual or automatic. With the insertion of a new exhaust system, the car had a power of 436hp with a torque of 428 Nm To improve handling the rims and tires were enlarged. It was built in roadster.
Release in 2007, the Corvette Z06 Ron Fellows Championship Edition is a celebration of Ron Fellows, Canadian driver who won a lot with the Corvette in ALMS GT1 championship. The changes are only in appearance, since Ron Fellows has a painting "Arctic White", bordeggiate red stripes of silver, an autograph of the pilot and chrome rims. The basic mechanics takes the Corvette Z06 (V8 small-block LS7 7-liter 505hp (376 kW) included). The production is 399 pieces.
Mechanically a normal C6 Corvette, Indy Pace Car Replica will be produced in 500 units, which reproduce faithfully the Corvette that will serve as the pace car at the Indianapolis 500 next.