A Chevrolet Corvette Z06 paced the field for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday, July 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A Chevrolet has performed pace car duties for all 14 editions of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, one of NASCAR's most highly anticipated events since the inaugural in 1994. Also, Chevrolet once again supplied event support vehicles, including Silverado pickup trucks, for on track activities.
It only takes a quick once over to notice there is something special and different about this C6. From the...
Throughout its tenure, the Corvette has been the recipient of numerous redevelopments and reconfigurations. As such, the iconic American sports...
Chevrolet had actually planned on making a family minded sports car at a rate of 40 per year, and to call it "Corvette America." It was designed by California Custom Coach in Pasadena. The one prototype and five production cars that were assembled were built by cutting two cars in half which, when mated together, extended the wheelbase of the vehicle by 30 inches.
Designed and built under the personal supervision of Bill Mitchell, the wild-looking XP-700 used many regular Corvette components (frame, chassis parts and engine). Bill Mitchell had a lot of “customs” built for himself. This XP-700 previewed the new tail of the upcoming 1961 Corvette.
The C7 Z06 enters supercar territory with race-proven design, advanced technologies and world-class performance. With track-focused Z07 performance package, 2015 Corvette Z06 delivers faster lap times than 2013 Corvette ZR1. It is the first Corvette Z06 to offer supercharged engine, paddle-shift automatic transmission and removable roof panel for coupes, and convertible model. New LT4 supercharged 6.2L V-8 SAE-certified at 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.
The Astro II was one of the most significant case studies of Duntov’s outright refusal to let his mid-engine dreams die, and as such, ultimately entered the history books as a precursor to the eventual mid-engine, C8 Corvettes of today. The Astro II was designed in a way that was more representative of the Corvette’s typical styling cues, than that of The Astro I.
The XP-755 was designed and the prototype was built in the beginning of 1961. Bill Mitchell was very excited about the double-bubble roof, the side exhausts and rear. It is equipped with a single four-barrel carburetor that produces upwards of 425 horsepower. The Corvette XP-755 Concept had a streamlined design, pointed snout and outlandishly future looking elements everywhere. The 1961 Mako Shark I (XP-755) was an early concept.
In 1977, GM chairman Thomas Murphy gave the Aero-vette the green light. It was approved for production, and slated to be released in 1980. Despite being greenlit for 1980 production as the upcoming C4 Corvette, Arkus-Duntov's replacement Dave McLellan decided for a number of reasons (cost and tradition among them) to stick with the Corvette's tried and true front-engine configuration
Sure we are only four years into the eighth-generation Corvette, but that doesn’t stop enthusiasts from talking and dreaming about...
The Astro II was one of the most significant case studies of Duntov’s outright refusal to let his mid-engine dreams die, and as such, ultimately entered the history books as a precursor to the eventual mid-engine, C8 Corvettes of today. The Astro II was designed in a way that was more representative of the Corvette’s typical styling cues, than that of The Astro I.
The Duntov Turbo was built as a partnership between American Custom Industries (ACI), a company known for building replacement Corvette body panels, and Zora Arkus-Duntov. It was developed as a highly-stylized convertible sports car based on the production model Corvette. Each of the special Duntov Turbo's also came with a turbocharged V8.
The engineers came up with a unit-body construction that relied on strength coming from the side sills of the chassis. These contained the exhaust which probably easily overheated the cockpit, especially in the coupe. Unfortunately, GM fitted fake V6 engines in both cars with a concept valve train that included dual overhead camshafts.
Nothing seems to generate more buzz (and angst) among Corvette enthusiasts than speculation about what the next generation will look...
The Corvette Z06 that served as the Daytona 500 pace car was mechanically identical to those available at Chevrolet dealerships. It was the fastest vehicle ever offered by Chevrolet and General Motors. With 505 horsepower (377 kw) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm) from its 7.0L all-aluminum, racing-inspired engine, the Corvette Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 198 mph. The Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 wears a unique paint scheme.
Chevrolet knows their clientele, and with the 1996 Corvette Collector's Edition LT4, the automaker put together a special package that would entice hard-core 'Vette fans with a unique tribute to the outgoing C4 model. The $1250 option brought unique Sebring Silver Metallic paint, 5-spoke wheels, and, of course, special badges and embroidery. It also received the upgraded LT4 powerplant available in the Grand Sport, and with 330 horsepower on tap.
For the 2012 Grand-Am season, Chevrolet was the first to unveil it's new DPG3 bodywork. This Corvette body kit will be built by Pratt & Miller and will be sold to customer teams. These body kits will fit on any existing Coyote, Riley, or Dallara chassis. This Corvette DP will be powered by a 5.0L V8 making 530BHP @ 7,000rpms and 450ft-lbs at 5,500rpms.
The Chevrolet Corvette has served as the official pace car of the Indy 500 18 times since 1978. That accounts for half of the 32 times that Chevrolet has been given the honor since 1948, which only highlights the sports car’s endearing legacy. Interestingly enough, this C8 Corvette convertible is the first Indy 500 pace car to have a drop-top since the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro.
In August of 1955 GM styling created an exclusive Corvette for Prince Bertil of Sweden, who reportedly placed his order direct with Harlow Curtice, GM President. All modifications were confined to the exterior. Visible in the frontal view are an entirely new, larger grille assembly with flat black screen instead of teeth and the replacement of the front emblem by a large "V".
The Corvette skipped a year and returned to the Indy 500 in 2015. NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon drove the 'Vette for the first lap, and the car had a fairly simple body with the race decals on the doors and sponsor stickers at the front end. Gordon, who grew up in nearby Pittsboro, Indiana, is no stranger to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He won the first NASCAR race in the history of the famed 2.5-mile oval and has won four more times.
This one-off Corvette was custom-built by GM Styling under famed design chief Bill Mitchell, especially for the famed industrialist and Indianapolis racing sponsor Ozzie Olson of Olsonite fame. Among its special modifications including custom floor grates that were a trademark feature of the GM Styling specials
The Mako Shark Corvette was conceived and designed by Larry Shinoda under the direction of Bill Mitchell to provide GM’s...
For 50 years, Chevrolet Corvette has represented American performance. In 2002, Corvette also led the pack at two important racing venues: the Indy Racing League (IRL) and the 86th running of the Indianapolis 500. In its IRL pace duties, Corvette wore a two-tone white and Millennium Yellow paint scheme with checkered-flags graphics forming a V for victory.
I thought I had seen every unique and special Corvette out there, but despite nearly three decades as an enthusiast...
Limited to just 500 units for the U.S. market, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition is a unique tribute to...
The Callaway C16 was Callaway’s 16th major automotive project. It was a limited production, bespoke automobile, built to order, by what the Press called “the best specialist engineers in the business”. These cars are seriously fast, beautiful, and exclusive. The C16 was a direct competitor for the Porsche GT3, the Lamborghini Murcielago, the Ferrari 599 GTB. It was both faster and more capable than its competitors, at less cost.
The XP-819, developed in the mid-1960s, was an engineering exercise to test a rear engine concept for the Corvette. The body was designed by Larry Shinoda. You can see styling cues in XP-819 that later appeared in Shinoda's famed "Sting Ray" design. A GM marine engine powers the car so the two-speed transaxle would operate properly. The entire chassis, suspension, and steering are custom made components unique to this car.
To commemorate its quarter-century milestone, Callaway Cars collaborated with Chevrolet, arranging a production run of 25 uniquely prepared 2012 Corvette Grand Sport coupes and convertibles. General Motors supplied special parts and procedures on the Bowling Green production line to facilitate final assembly at Callaway factories. Then, the performance and identity components are installed by Callaway. The 25th Anniversary Edition produced 620 bhp and 555 lb-ft of torque.
2009 marked the 16th time that Chevrolet has paced the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and the fifth consecutive time Corvette has led the pack. Chevrolet's pacing tradition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway also extends to the Indianapolis 500 where Chevrolet has paced that esteemed race 20 times with Corvette leading the field 10 times.
Among car collectors, enthusiasts, even kids who’ve yet to master driving, the Chevrolet Corvette needs no introduction. Introduced in 1953,...
































