Corvette

You are currently browsing articles tagged Corvette.

You Can Get An Active Rear Wing On Your C8 Corvette For $3.5K

October 28, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

Rumors have swirled around the Corvette C8 adopting some form of active aerodynamics for quite some time but as of yet, such technology hasn’t been implemented into the mid-engined sports car.

That’s where Victor Racing comes in as it has developed an active wing that consists of a 70-inch carbon fiber airfoil which is operated by a pair of fast-acting actuators. Dubbed the ACT-C8 Smart Active Aero Wing, it needs to be plugged into a 12-volt power source and from there, its onboard sensors and software automatically fire up.

Read Also: 2023 Corvette Z06 Is The Ultimate C8 With A Furious Sounding 670HP Flat-Plane Crank V8

Victor Racing says the wing includes GPS, accelerometer, and gyroscopic sensors that can adjust it into five different positions, dubbed DRS, Downforce 1, Downforce 2, Downforce 3, and Aerobraking. Users can also define the speeds at which they want the wing to adjust and can also determine how much G-force is required under braking before the wing starts to act as an aerobrake.

The ACT-C8 Smart Active Aero Wing isn’t as subtle as some other active rear wings produced by leading OEMs and the silver actuators are clearly visible. Nevertheless, an advanced wing like this could be perfect for C8 owners looking to eke out as much performance on the track as possible. Moreover, it also includes a demo mode that allows the operator to adjust it for displays at car meets and events.

Victor Racing will showcase the wing at next month’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas and start shipping units from December 1, 2021. As for the price, it’s a cool $3,499.

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

Tags: , , ,

First Batch Of 2022 C8 Corvettes Sold Out In Australia Before The Cars Reach Local Shores

July 23, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

The first allocation of 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray models have been accounted for in Australia, even though the mid-engined sports car has yet to reach local shores.

General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has confirmed that all 250 examples have been sold, although it reiterated that this is only the first allocation and more are on the way.

Chevrolet’s Bowling Green assembly site will begin building right-hand drive Corvettes for Australia later this year before customer deliveries begin in late December or early January. Those who missed out on the initial allocation will still have a chance to buy a 2022 example, although GMSV failed to reveal how many more 2022 models are earmarked for the country. It did confirm to Car Advice that 2023 models will also be available at a later date.

Read Also: Chevrolet Launches Right-Hand Drive C8 Corvette In Japan

Local pricing for the Corvette 2LT Coupe starts at AU$144,990 (US$106,756) before on-road costs and increases to AU$160,500 (US$118,000) for the 3LT Coupe and AU$189,990 (US$139,889) for the flagship Corvette Carbon Edition. Convertible variants of the 2LT and 3LT are also available, each with an AU$15,000 (US$11,044) premium over their coupe counterparts. It remains to be seen how many buyers have actually managed to lock in an allocation for these prices, however, as many GMSV dealerships are said to be charging between AU$20,000 (US$14,726) and AU$40,000 (US$29,452) in delivery fees to boost their profits.

GMSV isn’t concerned with this, though, simply stating that “delivery fees are at the discretion of the dealer.”

Tags: , , , , ,

Corvette Lineup Set To Expand With Five Variants Including A 1000+ HP Zora And An EV

February 9, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

The Corvette C8 is a hot commodity and it will reportedly be joined by five additional variants in the next few years.

According to Automobile Magazine, the first to arrive will be the 2022 Corvette Z06. It’s slated to feature a 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 similar to the one used in the C8.R.

While that’s been expected, the publication says it will produce between 615-625 hp (459–466 kW / 624–634 PS) and have approximately 480 lb-ft (651 Nm) of torque. They go on to say the naturally aspirated engine will rev to 9,000 rpm.

Pricing could start around $80,000 and the model is slated to be offered with optional carbon fiber wheels.

Also Read: 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Prototype Spied With Aggressive Wing, Covered Wheels

One year later, Chevrolet will reportedly introduce the new ZR1. It’s slated to have a twin-turbo version of the aforementioned 5.5-liter V8. This will reportedly enable the roughly $120,000 sports car to produce around 825–850 hp (615–634 kW / 836–862 PS).

The 2023 model year is also expected to see the introduction of a plug-in hybrid Corvette that could be called the E-Ray. It will reportedly have two front-mounted electric motors and possibly a third one sandwiched between the engine and transmission.

Additional information is limited, but speculation suggests the all-wheel drive E-Ray will slot between the Z06 and ZR1. If that’s the case, we can expect performance specs and pricing to mirror its positioning.  In other words, around 700 hp (522 kW / 710 PS) and $100,000.

Roughly one year later, Chevrolet will reportedly introduce an electric Corvette. It’s expected to be based on the plug-in hybrid variant, but feature a larger battery pack and a rear-mounted electric motor or motors.

Last but not least is the long-rumored Corvette Zora. It’s slated to have the twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 from the ZR1 as well as the plug-in hybrid system from the E-Ray. This could give the model a combined output in excess of 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS). Despite producing four figures, the Zora could be a relative bargain as the publication suggests pricing could start around $150,000.

Tags: , , , , ,

Some C8 Corvette Owners Are Experiencing Condenser Damage

February 1, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

While the Chevrolet C8 Corvette has been extremely well-received by the press and customers alike, owners are starting to experience one particularly annoying problem.

Found at either corner of the front bumper are large openings for both the air conditioner and radiator condensers. For whatever reason, General Motors didn’t design any kind of grille to prevent damage to them. And now, with deliveries of the 2020MY Corvette wrapped up, owners are starting to report damage to these condensers.

Read Also: GM Halts C8 Corvette Production Again Due To Supply Issue

Images and videos posted to social media show that the fins of the condensers are being damaged and bent after impacts with small stones and other road debris. Of course, this isn’t a problem exclusive to the ‘Vette as many other cars (and motorcycles) experience similar damage to the fins of radiators, condensers, and front-mounted intercoolers. Pictures of the red C8 Corvette you see show how its condensers look like after just 689 miles of driving.

A C8 Corvette with a mesh grille protector

In a statement issued to The Drive, General Motors confirmed that damaged fins will not impact the performance of the sports car.

“What people are seeing is cosmetic,” GM said. “We have determined that it does not degrade the performance of the vehicle.”

While the damage doesn’t impact performance, it can be quite an eyesore, particularly since the condensers of the C8 are so visible.

Fortunately, a number of aftermarket companies, such as Custom Car Grills, RaceMesh Grilles and Radiator Grill Store, are offering grille mesh inserts designed to solve this problem. All of them are very affordable and appear to work effectively in preventing damage to the condenser fins. Makes you wonder why GM didn’t offer mesh covers in the first place, doesn’t it?

[embedded content]

Tags: , , ,

This Is NOT How You Do A Burnout In A C7 Corvette Z06

November 17, 2020 in Uncategorized | Permalink

Doing a burnout in a powerful car like the C7 Corvette Z06 is one way to show off. However, just because you can drive a Z06, that doesn’t mean you can actually do a burnout in one, as this video reveals.

This clip was shared online a few days ago and shows someone trying to light up the rear tires. While it’s unclear if it was the owner behind the wheel, the person driving maybe should have tried their skills on something cheaper before doing it in a car like the C7 Z06.

Read Also: Chevrolet Faces Second Class-Action Lawsuit Over Cracking C7 Corvette Wheels

That’s because, as they attempt to spin up the rear wheels, all they do is burn the clutch to smithereens. Smoke can be seen billowing out from the underside of the car for several seconds before the driver decides enough is enough and lets off the accelerator.

One would have thought that, once they tried to do a burnout and realized the rear tires aren’t spinning, they’d let off the accelerator. In addition, most drivers would immediately recognize the smell of the burning clutch and again, let off the throttle. This driver did neither of those two things and kept on trying, destroying the clutch in the process.

[embedded content]

Tags: , , , , ,

These Two C5 Corvettes Were Converted To Look Like The 1953 C1

November 8, 2020 in Uncategorized | Permalink

A pair of modified 2003 Corvettes will be available at the Las Vegas Mecum Auction event running from November 13-14.

Both vehicles were built by Advanced Automotive Tech (AAT) of Rochester Hills, Michigan, and were designed to make C5 Corvette models look like the original, first-generation Corvette from 1953. Just 200 examples are said to have been produced.

The first example featured is number 143 and is painted in Anniversary Red. It has a touch over 47,000 miles (~75,600 km) on the clock and has its seats and other interior components finished in Shale.

Read Also: What’s A Restomodded 1965 Corvette Stingray With A C5 Z06 V8 Worth To You?

Few details have been provided about the second Corvette AAT conversion that will also be sold at the auction. With that being said, images show that it is painted in white and features an exceptionally bright interior dominated by red leather with a handful of white leather accents, including across parts of the dashboard, steering wheel and gear knob.

AAT-modified C5 Corvettes are interesting, to say the least. The front includes headlights similar to those of the original C1 Corvette, as well as a classic chrome grille mimicking the look of the C1. In addition, there are curvaceous front wheel arches to add to the classic looks of the car.

As weird as the front of the ‘Vette is, it is the rear where things become truly bizarre. Much like other Corvettes, as well as other classic American cars from the same time period, there are large fins stretching out from the haunches, as well as circular taillights.

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

Tags: , , , , ,

A C8 Corvette, A Porsche 911 Carrera S And A 2021 Toyota Supra Walk Into A Drag Race

September 13, 2020 in Uncategorized | Permalink

If you were looking for the quickest-accelerating car out of these three, would you choose a C8 Corvette, a 2021 Toyota Supra, or a 992-generation Porsche 911 Carrera S?

Before we go any further, it’s worth mentioning that the Supra isn’t in the same class as the Corvette and the 911. Not only is it cheaper, but it is also significantly less powerful than the other two. Consequently, this is essentially a two-horse race.

Watch Also: This Rapid Blue C8 Corvette Convertible Is One Of The First To Be Delivered

Powering the current 911 Carrera S is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six pumping out 444 hp at 6,500 rpm and 391 lb-ft (530 Nm) of torque between 2,300 rpm and 5,000 rpm. It sends all of its power to the rear wheels courtesy of an eight-speed PDK transmission. With the available Sport Chrono package, independent testing has shown the car can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.0 seconds flat.

By comparison, the C8 Corvette Stingray is powered by a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 with 495 hp and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque, which gives it a clear advantage over the Porsche. It too uses an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives the rear wheels and tests have proven it can reach 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds.

So, in theory, the ‘Vette should have the upper hand, right? Well, the guys from Throttle House performed two drag races, as well as one from a rolling start, to see if the theory translated in the real world – but we won’t spoil the outcome for you.

[embedded content]

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

1.75 Millionth Chevrolet Corvette, A C8, Will Be Raffled Off In September

July 30, 2020 in Uncategorized | Permalink

The National Corvette Museum has announced that it will raffle off the 1.75 millionth Chevrolet Corvette to be produced.

The 1.75 millionth Corvette built at GM’s Bowling Green assembly line is a 2020 model and is set to be completed in August. It will be painted Arctic White and come complete with an Adrenaline Red interior. It will also sport the Z51 performance package, 3LT equipment group, 5-trident spoke machined-face sterling silver aluminum wheels, engine appearance package, and the adjustable front lift with GPS programming.

In a statement, the National Corvette Museum has revealed the car will be raffled off on September 4 as part of the museum’s 26th anniversary celebrations. The winner will take delivery at the museum and receive a VIP experience with up to three guests of their choosing.

Watch Also: See The First 2020 Corvette Stingray Get Delivered At The Corvette Museum

First Corvette built, 500,000th Corvette, 1 millionth Corvette, and 1.5 millionth Corvette

“We are appreciative of Chevrolet for aligning the production of one of our Corvette raffle cars so that it would become this milestone in production,” president and chief executive of the National Corvette Museum, Dr. Sean Preston, said. “It’s exciting that in just 11 years Bowling Green Assembly has produced 250,000 Corvettes. No other sports car can claim that kind of production volume or enthusiast following.”

Raffle tickets have been priced at $200 each and just 1,500 of them will be available.

As for the color choice, the very first Corvette, the 500,000th Corvette, the one-millionth Corvette, and the 1.5 millionth Corvette were all painted white with red interiors, hence why the 1.75 millionth has been specced to match them.

Tags: , , , ,