Camaro i42 with 500 horsepower by Irmscher

GM's European tuning partner Irmscher has devised its own Euro-iteration of the Chevrolet Camaro SS called the i42.

The model debuted at the Essen motor show a few weeks ago and features a supercharged version of the 6.2 liter V8 that is good for 509 PS (502 bhp / 374 kW), putting its output close to that of the upcoming Z28 which will feature around 550 horses.

With the help of fellow tuners Auto Magnus and Velocity Performance Parts, Irmscher added that supercharger as well as a sport exhaust system, performance brakes (380 mm with 6 piston calipers and 355 mm with 4 piston calipers, front and rear, respectively) and an adjustable sport suspension.

The Camaro i42 also comes with 22-inch alloy wheels in a black and silver design. The body is adorned with thick black racing stripes at each end over the top of the car and "Since 68" stickers; referencing Irmscher's heritage.

Performance figures on the i42: 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4 seconds flat and a top speed of 275 km/h (171 mph).

Prices in Germany start at €49,000 ($65,000), which includes the standard Camaro SS.

Black Cat Chevrolet Camaro SS by Speed Box

German tuner Speed Box has a new compressor kit and a few other goodies ready for one of the most iconic American muscle cars - the Camaro SS.

That compressor kit for the newly christened 'Black Cat' dials up the power rating on the Camaro SS to 625 PS (460 kW) on the 6.2 liter V8 - up substantially from the series 432 PS (318 kW). The compressor kits is priced at €8,999.

Performance is also boosted care of the BORLA stainless steel exhaust system (€999 without tailpipes). Speed Box also adds H&R coilovers (€1,272) and offers optional H&R stabilizers for €530 for an improved handling on those curvy German 'Landstrassen' (country roads).

The Herten, Germany-based tuner also borrows some 22-inch rims from retailer Schmidt Revolution for the 'Rhino' wheels which feature 265/30-R22 and 295/25-R22 tires, front and back, respectively, wrapped around the 10 x 22" and 11 x 22" rims. Cost for the wheels package is €3,999. Rims are also available in 9 x 20".

It's a performance-oriented package but Speed Box also offers that 'Black Cat' matte body paintwork for the Camaro SS priced at €3,500.

Geiger GTS with 710hp Based on Corvette ZR1

GeigerCars is based in Munich but American cars are its focus and have been for many years. At Frankfurt the tuner presents its latest high performance car in the form of the Geiger GTS. This supercar is based on the Corvette ZR1, one of the most coveted and respected sports cars of the past couple of years and a recognised slayer of the Nürburgring. Some of its well-documented handling credit must go to the electronically controlled suspension system dubbed Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

Describing the ZR1's engine as "primitive" Geiger set about to extract more out of the factory 6.2-litre LS9. Power has gone up to 522kW (710hp) at 6,600rpm and torque reaches a maximum of 918Nm at 4,200rpm. The 0 - 100km/h sprint takes a mere 3.6 seconds and top speed is 342km/h.

The list of mods includes a wide air vent on the nose, LED foglights, a massive rear diffuser and LED rear lights. The body paintwork is a pearl varnish that appears to change when looked at from different angles and lights.

Wheels measuring 285/30ZR19 at the front and 345/25ZR20 at the back are mated with 10x19 and 12x20 inch high-performance tyres respectively.

Motor Trend picks Hyundai Genesis Coupe over Chevy Camaro

Motor Trend received great attention when it ranked the Hyundai Veracruz above a Lexus RX350 in a comparison test. This time, the publication, whose parent company has recently filed for Chapter 11, has pitted the rear-wheel drive Hyundai Genesis Coupe against America's reborn pony car icon, the Chevrolet Camaro. Both test models were V6-powered and retail a hair under or over $30K. After strenuous testing both on road and on track, the editors at Motor Trend ultimately gave the nod to the Hyundai.

To the folks at Motor Trend, prepare yourselves for a blowing hit by expectedly irate GM aficionados. We've been a bit taken aback ourselves (with a sly smirk, of course).

Read the full story at the link below (verdict on Page 5).

[Source: Motor Trend]

550hp Chevrolet Matiz

General Motors has no idea that their baby Chevrolet Matiz is now capable of slaying their greatest giant the Corvette. It's not an officially-manufactured car but it will take care of some serious supercars in any straight-line battle. Created by Fourdin Auto Sport founder, Yves Fourdin, and a few friends, this Matiz was the result of 1,500 hours of hard work by people who are not even engineers but motorsport enthusiasts. Best of all they used no computers for their achievement.

Using the Matiz as a base, Fourdin and his team installed a 7.0-litre V8 straight out of a Corvette Z06. It makes 550hp (404kW) to blast the Matiz from 0 - 100km/h in a swift 3.7 seconds. The 0 - 200km/h time is 10.94 seconds while terminal velocity is 260km/h (162mph).

No details on its track performance were released so there's no telling how it takes to corners, bar a glimpse of it taking that long curve on the video. The car was finished in August 2008 and is currently being shown at the International Racing Show Liège in Belgium.

Tuning Package for C6 Corvette by Innotech

A new company out of the Czech Republic called INNOTECH has released a their new Corvette tuning package, and claims performance of up to 1,000 horsepower! Updates to the classic sports car include exterior body work, interior design, and performance upgrades.

Available through the company are modified Corvette C6 coupes and convertibles with engines reconfigured to crank out between 500 and 560 hp on a standard engine, and 600 hp with the supercharger.

But if you have the twin turbocharged Corvette LS3 6.2 litre engine engine, your C6 can rocket around a course with a blistering 1000 hp.

Numbers like that harken to the Bugatti Veyron supercar. And at 1400 kg, the INNOTECH Vette is lighter than the Veyron by over a half-ton.

Keeping the Corvette transmission choices - six-speed manual, or automatic - the C6 gets a choice of either 14" BAER brakes or 15" Brembos. With that much power, we recommend the biggest brakes possible. Rotors are drilled, slotted, and ventilated. Brake systems mate to forged aluminum 9x19" front- and 12x20" rear-wheels from brands like HRE and Forgeline. Dymag carbon-magnesium wheels are also available. The exhaust system is compltely overhauled to improve performance, and give the car a more unique appearance.

Around the car, INNOTECH is trying to make the car look a bit more Italian than American. New front and rear fascias make the Vette almost unrecognizeable, while maintaining a very cool look. New side rear window louvres and louvred hood is also available. They also have a wide body kit that, like the other body parts, is custom made from fiberglass or carbon fibre. Inside the car, upgrades include Italian or English leather, and carbon fibre seats covered in a matching leather.

Sadly, performance details have not been released, but the company did say that more performance and luxury options will become available later next year. The conpany is also working on customizations for the Z06 and ZR1 Corvettes.

INNOTECH Corvettes will be assembled in the US, despite the company's Czech Republic home base. Parts and complete cars can be delivered worldwide. The new INNOTECH Corvette C6 will be available beginning in January.

GM Daewoo releases Lacetti Premiere, America still waits

GM Daewoo has commenced sales of the long-awaited Lacetti Premiere compact sedan today in South Korea. Unveiled at the Paris International Motor Show this month, the Lacetti Premiere is a collaborative work of GM's global design and engineering teams as it will be also sold in other markets around the world, including the United States. In the U.S. and Europe, it will be called Cruze and badged as a Chevrolet.

Assembled at GMDAT's Gunsan plant, the Lacetti Premiere will initially be powered by an ECOTEC III 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that produces 114 horsepower. Coupled to it is a standard Hydromatic 6-speed automatic transmission. It is expected to achieve over 40 MPG. The Lacetti Premiere has a base price of 11.15 million Won (US$7600) in South Korea. Later models will be available with a 150 horsepower 2.0L turbodiesel engine.

Perhaps the more significant news is the Cruze's impact in the U.S. and the world. The USDM Cruze will be assembled at GM's Lordstown facility, and will replace the aging Cobalt. The Cruze will also pack the 1.6L engine and will reach U.S. showrooms in, get this, 2010. GM stated that it took 27 months to develop the Cruze and is counting on it to make a very needed impact in the competitive C-segment market in America. The Cruze will arrive in Europe in spring 2009.

[Source: Trading Markets]

Continue reading to view more images.

Specter Werkes C6 Corvette GTR Revealed in Detroit

Following up on the teaser images Specter Werkes released earlier this year, the Federales (formerly the Policía Federal de Caminos) over at Jalopnik.com were present at the official unveiling last week in Cauley Ferrari in West Bloomfield, MI.

As the top-of-the-range tuning kit, the Specter Werkes C6 Corvette GTR is powered by Specter's emissions-legal Matrix II engine package for the LS3 engine. It is basically a "stroker" engine package that increases displacement from 376 cubic inches (6.2L) to 416 cubic inches (6.8L). Combined with stainless steel headers and a low-restriction air intake, the engine is rated at 535 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque.

The GTR's widened bodywork includes front fascia, carbon fiber splitter, extractor hood, front fenders, doors, rocker panels, rear fenders, rear fascia and carbon fiber rear diffuser. Other body components include carbon fiber mirror caps, carbon fiber headlamp bezels, unique tail lamps and center high-mounted stop lamp.

The Corvette GTR package carries a base price of $34,995. Each vehicle is hand-built, numbered and fully documented for the customer.

For a lot more pictures click the source link below. For more details see press release below.

Korea: GM Daewoo's Bupyeong plant idled for cut-off tire supply

GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. has announced that its main operations at the Bupyeong plant in South Korea have halted due to its tiremakers cutting off supplies for higher prices. "Domestic tire suppliers today stopped supplying tires to call for higher tire prices and the Bupyeong plant has been sitting idly since 1 p.m. (0400 GMT)," GM Daewoo spokesman Kim Sung-Soo told Dow Jones Newswires.

GM Daewoo has filed for a preliminary injunction with the Seoul District Court to end the hiatus. Both Hankook Tire and Kumho Tire are demanding 12% price increases due to higher costs for raw materials. They do not plan on cutting off supplies in GM Daewoo's other two plants in Gunsan and Changwon. The two corporations already increased prices by 5.5% last March. The Bupyeong plant produces the majority of GM Daewoo cars and rebadged worldwide models such as the Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Captiva.

[Source: CNN Money]

GM mulls selling Chevrolets in Korea

GM is considering launching the Chevrolet brand in South Korea to win more sales in the country's fast-growing imported-car market, a company executive said Friday. The comment was made by James Raymond, GM's Asia-Pacific executive director of sales and marketing, at a press conference in Seoul. GM entered the South Korean market with the Saab and Cadillac brands a decade ago.

GM cars, however, have remained unpopular in South Korea, despite the imported-car market's seven-fold growth over the past seven years, because of poor customer service and bulky design. Last year, Saabs accounted for a meager 0.59 percent of South Korea's 50,000+ market for imported vehicles. Analysts say that Chevrolet cars will cannibalize sales of GM Daewoo. If launched, Chevrolet plans to market models such as the Corvette, Tahoe, Camaro, and Malibu (pictured).

Many GM Daewoo models are sold around the world as Buicks (China), Pontiacs, Chevrolets, and Holdens (Australia). The Winstorm, for example, is sold as the Chevrolet Captiva in Europe and Holden Captiva in Australia.

[Source: Trading Markets]

GMDAT to move J300 production overseas

GMDAT (GM Daewoo Auto & Technology) announced plans to reduce productions in Korea and move them overseas. They said Monday that the production of the J300, code-name for the next-generation Lacetti, will be carried out in GM's San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico and its Shangai plant in China from the end of next year. Until now, the Lacetti - known in China as Buick Excelle and the US as Suzuki Forenza or Reno - was produced exclusively in GMDAT's Gunsan plant in South Korea.

The initial manufacturing of the J300 will commence in the Gunsan plant from October this year with an estimated production number of 150 000 units. Next year, it will be shared by GM's plants in Mexico and China.

The cars produced in Mexico will be sold in North America as a Chevrolet. It will play a possible role as the replacement of the Chevrolet Cobalt Sedan (pictured). The cars produced in China will be sold in China. The two plants combined are speculated to produce 150 000 units annually.

[Source: Chosun Ilbo / Image Credit: Brenda Priddy & LeftlaneNews]

Spied: 2010 Chevrolet Beat/Daewoo Matiz (M300) undisguised

Sent in by "KCM", I received two exclusive images of the production Chevy Beat/Daewoo Matiz out in the buffs. The eye candy here is the fact that, albeit showing only the front fascia, the prototype spotted is undisguised (not fully, but close). Due to go on sale in various markets by 2009, the upcoming subcompact car designed by the folks at GMDAT will retain nearly all the prominent cues of the Chevrolet Beat Concept - its precursor.

The immense headlights of the mule that bring up thoughts of the second-generation Honda Fit indicate that the production version will remain faithful to the Beat Concept. The grille is not the bisecting Chevy grille that we've come familiar with on the Concept, but rather the two-bar chrome grille that GMDAT is known for. This is an indication that the Beat will be sold as a GM Daewoo in Korea, and possibly play the role as the long-awaited successor of the Matiz.

We're unsure as to whether the Beat will be also available with five doors. As of now, we have yet to see a shot of one. We're also unsure as to whether the Beat will cross over to North American shores - possibly replacing the Aveo. Nonetheless, the Beat sure looks promising and continue after the jump to view more shots.

Corvette Z06 Black Edition by Geigercars

Geigercars loves American cars in all shapes and sizes, ranging from Hummer to Ford. The German tuning house work their Euro tuning magic on the American cars with great success, like the world's fastest police Hummer, Cadillac Escalade and the anything but regular 'Vette Z06.

And when you thought that Geigercars managed to sqeeuze the Z06 engine for what its worth, then you will be happy to know that the Germans have done it once again. Where the stock Z06 comes with a very respectable 512 hp, the Geigercars Z06 manages with 542 hp. But the new range topping Geigercars Black Edition Z06 extracts 592 hp from the LS7 7.0-liter V8 engine.

The body kit is all black-out, including 18 or 19 inch black wheels, for extra appeal and makes us wonder whether this should have been the new KITT.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Chevrolet has announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with exceptional driveability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

“Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed,” said Peper. “It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1’s is exceptional – better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph.”

Supercharged LS9 Engine

The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1’s performance capability. The enabler of the LS9’s performance and refinement is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.

A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helps the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band – the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine’s confident high-rpm performance.

The LS9 engine is backed by a new, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth gear – a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.

Ride and Handling

The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car’s steamroller-wide front and rear tires.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. The system’s ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.

Exterior Details

The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine’s intercooler, with the legend “LS9 SUPERCHARGED” embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.

The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fiber-weave. Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.

Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.

Interior Details

The ZR1’s interior builds on the brand’s dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the premium-quality experience promised by the car’s performance. The “base” ZR1 (RPO 1LZ) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The uplevel interior package includes unique, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colors; navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

Specter Werkes Corvette C6 GTR Package

Tuning specialist Specter Werkes, a company founded 18 years ago by Jeff Nowicki, is offering a fearsome GTR package for the Corvette C6 which is aimed at enhancing not only the car’s already cool looks, but also its performance potential. All C6 models can be fitted with the package, including the hair-stylists’ choice, the convertible. The cosmetics include unique tail lamps, Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero tires at 335Z R2520 at the rear and 285Z R3019, GTR-embroidered seats, serial-numbered dash plaque, great GTR bodywork on fenders, doors, rear fascia and other areas of prominence. When it says GTR you’ll know it is.

"The GTR is the Corvette for enthusiasts who want an exclusive, distinctive automobile," said Nowicki. "It's an uncompromising combination of great looks and racetrack-capable performance."

Of aural interest will be the stainless steel performance exhaust system which should return thunder at the slightest prod. Specter Werkes, guys, we aren’t averse to such sounds so if a spare vehicle should become available, our test garage would be most honoured. We probably wouldn’t mind either.

Customers will be able to choose from a variety of power options available so different GTRs should not only look different but they will also perform separately. Each vehicle is hand-built and orders will start delivering in the coming US spring, at a ridiculous USD34,995/ €24,013.

Chevrolet HHR E85 Runs Ethanol

General Motors has significantly increased its brownie points as far as environmental lobbyists are concerned, by announcing a Chevrolet HHR SUV that runs on E85 FlexFuel too.

GM’s strategy on FlexFuel models has been to run a combination of 15 percent petrol/ gasoline and 85 percent ethanol. This marriage of fuels results in a saving of up to 23 percent in CO2 emissions as far as HHR is concerned. A number of countries, including Brasil, are already heavy on the use of ethanol as an alternative for gasoline/ petrol. SUVs have been the hardest hit in the battle against harmful gasses, so the HHR will be welcome.

The HHR will use two Ecotec engines, a 2.2-litre and a 2.4-litre, both of which can be run on E85. We are probably not at the state where E85 is a high-performance fuel yet, indeed the HHR is not likely to earn any speeding world records, but as the drag society already knows, the capabilities of ethanol as a performance-source cannot be questioned. So the future looks like this: cars that can think like humans, drink like humans (ethanol is pure alcohol) and talk like humans (K.I.T.T.)?

Press Release

The 2009 Chevrolet HHR small SUV will become the first four-cylinder model in General Motors Corp.'s North American lineup that can run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol.

GM North America President Troy Clarke unveiled the FlexFuel Chevy HHR today during a speech at the Midwest Automotive Media Association breakfast, which opened press days for the Chicago Auto Show.

"We will continue to make more of our lineup FlexFuel-capable because we believe ethanol, and specifically E85, is the best near-term answer to reduce our nation's dependence on oil as energy demand rises here and around the world," Clarke said.

"The focus needs to be on making E85 more available by developing cellulosic ethanol sources and dramatically increasing the number of stations that offer E85," he said.

GM is the auto industry leader in offering FlexFuel models - 11 for 2008 and more than 15 planned for 2009. The HHR, whose January sales of 9,650 were up 73 percent from the same month a year ago, will become the latest Chevrolet FlexFuel model when it goes on sale later this year. Chevrolet has more than 2 million of GM's more than 2.5 million FlexFuel vehicles on the road.

An HHR running on E85 - a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline - would emit up to 23 percent fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than if running on gasoline, based on a well-to-wheel analysis by the Argonne National Laboratory.

The HHR will be available with an Ecotec 2.2-liter or Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, both of which will be compatible with E85. For the first time, the Ecotec 2.2L is equipped with variable valve timing (VVT), technology that assures precise opening and closing of the valves and accurate control of combustion gases to improve engine performance and efficiency. The Ecotec 2.4L continues to offer VVT.

Corvette ZR1 Police Car

Imagine cruising in Michigan, going a smidge over the speed limit, when you see through your rear-view mirror a ZR1 with mars lights racing up behind you. If you're anything like us, you would probably need to change your Jockeys after such a sight.

Luckily for us, the Michigan State Police Corvette ZR1 Bob Lutz posted to the GM FastLane Blog earlier today is not exactly a reality. Lutz is the Vice-Chairman at General Motors. We called the Michigan State PD just to be safe, and they assured us that they are not taking possession of any $100,000 cars... no matter how fun it would be to drive.

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has a LS9 supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, getting 620 horsepower and 595 ft-lb of torque. With a race hardened six-speed manual transmission, gigantic brakes, suspension providing more than 1g cornering grip, and a dual-disc clutch, you would have a very difficult time outrunning the 5-0. 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds is nothing to take lightly.

"I think Lutz was just having fun," the police spokesman said.

Although it would be cool to see helicopter video of one of these ZR1 chasing down drug runners and human traffickers coming into Michigan after taking a shipment at the Port of Indiana, for now that type of thing will just have to play out on the big screen.

n2a Motors 789 - A Corvette with Impala touches

What can you expect from an automaker that calls itself n2a, or No Two Alike? A very exclusive vehicle, no doubt about it. And what could be more exclusive than an automobile built over the Corvette C6 platform, but inspired by the 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air and the 1958 and 1959 Chevrolet Impala? At this point, no answer would be easy, but we can provide the right one to you: look at the pictures on this article and consider yourself introduced to the n2a Motors 789.

The name of the car, 789, refers to the model years of the Chevrolet vehicles that inspired the creation of n2a. And you can spot the influences pretty easily. Check out the “hooded eyes” and the grille of the 1957 Bel-Air, the middle section and the tri-toned interior, typical of the 1958 Impala, and the rear end, a 1959 Impala key feature, with its”bird in flight” tailfins.

n2a promises its clients no car will be similar to any other, what will be easy to achieve, considering there are 10,000 different combinations for the interior, the paint schemes can be fully customized and that the company intends to produce only a limited series of 100 units. Although it appeals in a special way to classic car lovers, the 789 presents all the comfort and safety features modern vehicles offer. One of the most interesting ones is doubtlessly the V8 engine producing more than 400 hp. Since owners may choose whatever they want for the car, the LS9 engine from the ZR1 is also a possibility. What may not be accessible for most will be the price: US$ 135,000 for the “entry-level” turnkey 789.

Corvette ZR1 at Detroit

Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with exceptional driveability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The ZR1’s basic stats:

• All-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm)
• Six-speed, close-ratio, race-hardened manual transmission
• New, high-capacity dual-disc clutch
• Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube
• Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip
• Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
• Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires – P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear – developed specifically for the ZR1
• Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors – 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear
• Larger brake calipers with substantially increased pad area
• Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension
• Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual vents
• Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window – offering a view of the intercooler below it
• Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave
• ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections
• Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout
• Only two options: chrome wheels and a “luxury” package
• Curb weight of approximately 3,350 pounds (1,519 kg)

The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Performance estimates will be announced closer to vehicle’s summer 2008 launch.

“Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed,” said Peper. “It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1’s is exceptional – better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph.”

Supercharged LS9 engine

The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1’s performance capability. The enabler of the LS9’s performance and refinement is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.

A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helps the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band – the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine’s confident high-rpm performance.

The LS9 is hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich., and incorporates specialty processes typically seen in racing engines to produce a highly refined and precise product. For example, cast iron cylinder liners are inserted in the aluminum block and are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed. The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional variances applied to the block when the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy that promotes maximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.

Transmission and axle

The LS9 engine is backed by a new, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth gear – a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.

As the term implies, the twin-disc clutch system employs a pair of discs, which spreads out the engine’s torque load over a wider area. This enables tremendous clamping power when the clutch is engaged, while also helping to dissipate heat better and extend the life of the clutch.

The twin-disc clutch system also contributes to the ZR1’s exceptional driving quality, with smooth and easy shifting. The twin-disc system’s design enables a 25-percent reduction in inertia, thanks to smaller, 260-mm plates, corresponding to a pedal effort that is similar to the Corvette Z06’s 290-mm single-disc system.

The rear axle also is stronger in the ZR1 and features asymmetrical axle-shaft diameters that were developed after careful testing to provide optimal torque management. The axles are also mounted on a more horizontal plane that correlates with the wider width of the rear wheels and tires.

Ride and handling

The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car’s steamroller-wide front and rear tires.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. The system’s ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.

From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on broken or uneven pavement.

Brakes, wheels and tires

Commensurate with the ZR1’s engine output is the braking system, which is headlined by carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Found on only a few exotics and more expensive supercars, carbon-ceramic brake rotors are made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material . Their advantage comes in low mass and resistance to wear and heat. In fact, the rotors should never show any corrosion or require replacement for the life of the vehicle, when used in normal driving.

The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the ZR1 measure 15.5 inches (394 mm) in diameter in the front and 15 inches (380 mm) in diameter in the rear – making them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on any production vehicle.

Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, each painted a ZR1-exclusive blue. The front pads are equivalent in size to the largest on any production car with a single-pad design – double that of the Corvette Z06’s 70-sq.-cm. front pads.

The brakes are visible through the ZR1’s exclusive wheels: 20-spoke alloy rims that measure 19 inches in diameter in the front and 20 inches in the rear. They come standard with a bright, Sterling Silver paint finish and chrome versions are optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires developed specifically for the ZR1, measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear.

Exclusive exterior

The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine’s intercooler, with the legend “LS9 SUPERCHARGED” embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.

The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fiber-weave. Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.

Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.

Interior details

The ZR1’s interior builds on the brand’s dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the premium-quality experience promised by the car’s performance. The ZR1’s cabin differs from the Corvette and Corvette Z06 with the following:

• ZR1-logo sill plates
• ZR1-logo headrest embroidery
• Specific gauge cluster with “ZR1” logo on the tachometer and a 220-mph (370 km/h) readout on the speedometer
• Boost gauge added to the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display
• The “base” ZR1 (RPO 1LZ) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The uplevel interior package includes unique, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colors; navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

Chevrolet Major League Baseball Silverado at SEMA

One of five Chevy Silverado theme cars to be shown at SEMA, this latest custom pickup truck puts Chevrolet's sponsorship of Major League Baseball in the spotlight. Typically, concepts and vehicles presented at shows like SEMA are targeted to consumers interested in aftermaket products. But it appears with the MLB concept, the General is more interested in customizing vehicles for the sake of promoting agendas outside of the world of tuning and customization. Realistically, if this Silverado had the slightest intention of reaching the public, who would be interested in a baseball themed car that represented ALL of the teams in MLB as opposed to their favorite team?

Anyway, if you are a lover of all things baseball, then you'll love the exterior paint job which prominently shows the MLB logo as well as all MLB team logos. The centerpiece is a flat panel television which rises into view as the power-lifting flat bed tonneau covers raises and includes a Wii gaming console. Similar to the Audi TT, the interior incorporates baseball glove like leather with baseball stitching and real baseball bat ash wood trim.

The only thing missing from this home-run Silverado is the apple pie – because the baseball and Chevrolet are covered. The Silverado 1500 crew cab is decked out in a baseball theme – with a paint scheme that incorporates all major league team logos – to support Chevrolet’s ties to Major League Baseball. It is also a fan’s dream, with a power-lifting tonneau cover that rises to reveal a wide-screen television monitor that not only brings in the game, but is connected to a Wii gaming console. Inside, the Silverado features real baseball bat ash wood trim and uniquely trimmed leather seats that have the look and feel of a baseball – including the stitching.

Vehicle highlights:

• Silverado 1500 crew cab

• 6.0L V-8

• Multi-color, MLB-inspired paint scheme incorporating all team logos

• Power-lift tonneau

• Wide-screen TV with Wii gaming console

• Bose Surround Sound system

• Leather-trimmed interior with baseball stitching, color and feel

• Ash wood (baseball bat material) trim

GM Accessories features (production and concept):

• Chrome mesh grille

• Twenty-two-inch chrome wheels

• Hard shell tonneau cover

• DVD headrest system

• Ground effects kit