Chevrolet had just produced the 1.5 millionth Corvette.  It was a white convertible.  Congratulations GM on reaching yet another production milestone.

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For 2010 the big news is about the return of the Corvette Grand Sport.  The Grand Sport will replace the Z51 option and also offers the Heritage Edition that adds the distinctive hash mark graphics to the front fenders. However, I think while the software and computer updates that comprise the Z06 and ZR1 launch control system have more hidden performance value than would be apparent. 

I was expecting a horsepower boost for the Z06 this year, but remembered that most of the performance is wasted with an impressive burnout at launch. Getting the maximum horsepower and torque of the Z06 to the ground is a huge problem for the average driver, so this forumul should balance out the Nissan GT-R equation with an impressive 0-60 MPH and ¼ mile ET improvement for the Corvette.

The GrandSport Offers:

  • 6.2-liter LS3 V8 436 horsepower and 428 lb-ft
  • Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission
  • Manual Transmission also gets a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler, and a rear-mounted battery
  • 14-inch with six-piston calipers in front and 13.4-inch with four-piston
  • Revised shocks and springs with heavier duty stabilizer bars
  • 18-inch front  and 19-inch rear wheels  (Front: 275/35ZR18  Rear: 325/30ZR19)

Corvette Z06

Corvette ZR1

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GM to close 1,700 dealerships by June 1

by vccadmin on April 15, 2009

in Corvette News

General Motors Corp has told U.S. dealers it is accelerating its timetable for closing about 1,700 dealerships as it rushes to meet a June 1 deadline to restructure under U.S. government oversight, people with knowledge of the discussions said.

Source: Read the full story at Reuters

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GM sales down 49 percent last month

by vccadmin on February 4, 2009

in Corvette Media, General

Sales are have not improved for domestic automakers even with government help and steep discounts. Reports show that annualized US car sales slipped below 10m last month.

General Motors’ monthly sales of cars and light trucks fell by 49 per cent last month, Chrysler’s by 55 per cent and Ford Motor’s by 40 per cent, including vehicles made by Volvo, its Swedish premium brand.

The expectation is that we may be reaching the bottom soon, but I expect we still have a little ways to go before we start to see the market improve.

Source:Financial Times.

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If you’re in the market for coil overs, add another great option to the list.  Pfadt Engineering will be releasing Pfadt Featherlight Generation coil over series next month. 

The Featherlight Generation of coil overs from Pfadt have a lot to offer:

1.  Inverted design for lower unsprung mass
2.  Aluminum body
3.  Made in the USA
4.  Pfadt custom delrin spherical mounting system
5.  Hypercoil Springs (rates to be released soon)
6.  Single adjuster for both compression and rebound
7.  Adjustable body length allows ultimate ride height flexibility
8.  Non-emulsion design with separate gas chamber

The Pfadt Corvette-specific shock body design incorporates the delrin spherical mounting system.

Ultra-light weight like the name implies, the Featherlight coil overs from Pfadt will provide the ultimate in construction, design and easy track-day tuning.

The adjustment knobs are easily accessed by reaching behind the wheel so you won’t have to modify your car.  The really cool thing about the custom design of our adjustment knobs is that by Summer 2009 we’ll have available in-cockpit adjustability.  You’ll be able to tune your suspension damping from the comfort of the driver’s seat.  Stay tuned for the cool features and interface of this option!

This launch of the Featherlight Generation single adjustable coil over is only the beginning.  Pfadt’s next coil over launch in mid Summer 2009 will be the Featherlight Pro Series.  The Pro Series will feature an external remote canister and independent 2- or 3-Way adjustability.

Expect introductory pricing to be $2500 – $2600. 

As many member know, VCC BLU has been running the first generation Pfadt steel coil-overs and adjustable sway bar kit for 2+ years now.  It is great to see  output of the research and development going on at Pfadt Engineering.  

It does not surprise me that Pfadt Engineering is growing quickly and enjoying their hard won success  in both racing and the market place.  Pfadt’s products are both made of quality materials and are expertly engineered by Aaron. 

Having the benefit of both working with and meeting Aaron and Robin Pfadt  in person,  I can safely say they are good Corvette people.

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There is no question that the C6 Corvette Z06 brakes look impressive and provide increased clamping force, but are they worth the weight?

If you have been thinking about upgrading your C5 Corvette brakes with the C6 Z06 Corvette brakes you may want to consider the increased unsprung weight.

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Chrysler Financial gets 1.5B Government Loan

by Mike on January 28, 2009

in General

This article from 1983 brings up some interesting points on Chrysler’s last bailout.

Ford and General Motors would have taken over much of a bankrupt Chrysler’s market and produced cars more efficiently, reducing the cost of domestic automobiles.

I hope it will be different this time around.

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GM needs a new strategy to survive

by Mike on January 27, 2009

in General

For 76 consecutive years GM was the #1 selling vehicle manufacturer in the world.  Toyota took the top spot from GM in 2008 with three brands: Toyota, Lexus, and Scion.  As the US economy continues to deteriorate through 2009, GM must make significant changes to its product lines to survive.  As part of GM’s restructuring plan presented to law makers, GM plans to keep four brands.

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2009 Houston Auto Show

by Mike on January 26, 2009

in General

The 2009 Houston Auto Show was missing something this year. In my opinion the only two attractions are the ZR1 Corvette and the Nissan GTR. The show is still worth the time, but I had just wished for more excitement.

New Rule:
Never take automotive advice from a man wearing a fanny pack.

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Chevrolet introduces a new Corvette package available for a limited time  under option code (RPO CSC)

  • The Competition Sport package is for the Corvette purist and driving enthusiast
  • Perfect Corvette for the enthusiast who attends driving schools and track events
  • Focus on lightweight and performance driving
  • Serious track influenced design features
  • Excellent value pricing – Limited build scheduled for Spring ‘09 only

2009 Competition Sport Corvette

Included in the package:

  • Competition Gray Exterior Stripes, Wheels, and Headlamps
  • Corvette Racing ‘Jake’ and CSR logos on b-pillar, headrest, and center armrest
  • Ebony Interior with titanium embroidery
  • Corvette Racing Pedals from GCA
  • Special engine cover
  • Racing style numbers with number based on build sequence to be installed by customer

Available in either Coupe 1LT with 436 hp or Z06 1LZ with 505 hp versions

  • Z06 version available in 17U Blade Silver or 41U Black
  • Coupe version available in 17U Blade Silver or 10U Arctic White
  • Coupe version also includes in package:
  • Z51 Performance Package, NPP Performance Exhaust, Differential Cooler
  • Head Up Display
  • Red Painted Brake Calipers
  • Z06 tall spoiler

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