Monday, May 8, 2017

Undercover Notes from Nurburgring: Sneak Peek at the 2018 ZR1 Corvette

Hearing engines roar raucously while they are being put to the test is always exciting, and a legendary setting next to age-old forests and castles is about as awesome as it gets. The track at Nurburgring is a 150,000 capacity motorsports complex that features a Grand Prix racetrack completed in 1984, and was originally constructed during the 1920's. Views of the Eiffel mountains and Nurburg castle are abundant while zipping around the various courses here, and scores of motorists have dreamed of one day seeing this world-famous location and proving ground for themselves. During the early 1920's, DAC Eifelrennen races were held on public roads, and the dangers that ensued were part of the reason why Nurburgring was eventually constructed.

Designed by Gustav Eichler, construction of this iconic track began in 1925. Two years later the job was completed, and the ADAC Eifelrennen races continued there. One of the most notable events to ever take place at the Nurburgring was during 1961, when Phill Hall became the first driver to ever complete a lap of the Nordschleife in under 9 minutes. Just over the past few weeks, an incredibly exciting sighting has occurred here: a lightly camouflaged 2018 Corvette ZR1 has been making its rounds around the track. One of the most noticeable features is the huge rear wing: It rides incredibly high and has huge end plates. A bit reminiscent of what you can find on the Dodge Viper ACR, we suspect that it is put here for downforce, an aid to helping the car with as much potential for speed and agility as possible.

There is ample space on the front air dam to keep the V8 in question cool, and the very high power dome on the hood makes one suspect that is going to be a high-performing version of the 6.2 liter. Wheels on the 2018 ZR1 are reported to be on the large side, and shaved aggressively for superior handling. Some say that this spectacular addition to the Corvette fleet will be unveiled at an IMSA race, or the Corvette Museum itself. If the latter is the case, a trip to this one-of-a-kind shrine may be in order: it features over 80 Corvettes in periodic settings, as well as mint classics on display. You can also browse the 8,000 square foot exhibit hall, that rotates between 3 top-of-the-line Corvette displays during each fun-filled year.

The Corvette is a car that has been produced through seven generations. Originally built right here in St. Louis, we still have deep ties to every single model that comes off the line in Bowling Green. In 1988 when the look overall was revolutionized by the coupe, many enthusiasts understandably coveted the telltale curvature and signature sound of these upper-end playthings. The production of the ZR1 was formally announced in December 2007, and the premise of the 6.2-liter engine was the most powerful to be put into a GM production sports car ever. A model that some buyers were lucky enough to go to the Michigan Performance Build Center and give their own assisting hand with, this release is sure to blow the doors off the Corvette fan club, and remind us all how and why legends are cultivated!

Jim Butler Auto Blog Extreme: Corvette Grand Sport Once Again Paces the Indy 500 Domain


This year on May 28th, the Corvette Grand Sport will be the official pace car for the biggest and most-anticipated annual racing event of the year: the Indy 500. This inspirational and one-of-a-kind auto creation will be poised to show drivers the way to the green flag, when the date marks the 101st running of this legendary contest. It comes as no surprise that it is the 14th time that a 'Vette has served as the official pace car, beginning just two years after the bicentennial in 1978. This is the car that has lead the way during the epic event more times than any other, and it is a symbol of just how strongly heritage and pride can drive a brand. The current 'Vette can complete the 0-60 MPH jump test in just 3.6 seconds, and can conquer the 1.4-mile in a mere 11.8.

There are several stand-out features that place this landmark vehicle in a category of its own, and guarantee it many dominant performances in the future. The 460-hp LT1 direct-injected V-8 engine roars under the hood proudly, while maximizing dry-sump oiling and active exhaust to properly get job done. The automatic transmission is utilized to its fullest potential with 8-speed paddle-shift function, and the car is equipped with available carbon-fiber ground effects package. The specific Grand Sport wheel design is a 19x 10-inch in the front, 20 x 12-inch in the rear, and standard magnetic ride control gives the driver a very unique spring and stabilized feel.

The limited-slip differential is electronic on the Grand Sport, and you can come talk to us at the dealership about the available Z07 package: with carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors, and 285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear high-performance tires, it dominates anywhere from the Indy 500 itself, to the local two-lane stretch of your choice. The Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system with 15.5-inch rotors and six-piston calipers are going to assure that you are able to stop with seamless grace, and that you won't ever have difficulty braking on any form of a dime or its counterparts. You can even select a unique Indy 500 graphics package, to be your own personal testament and memory of just how awesome this machine is.

The Chevrolet brand was founded in 1911, which was the year of the inaugural 500-mile race, and the company co-founder Louis Chevrolet was a competitor in early Indy 500 Races decades ago. Gaston Chevrolet actually won the 500 in 1920, ten years before the nation slipped into depression, and during the time that flappers were all the rage. Chevy Motors and the Indy 500 literally share one of the richest and longest-standing relationships in all of the driving industry, and this is the sixth consecutive year that Chevrolet is pursing the IndyCar manufacturer championship. There is really no place as legendary and all-around electrifying in the car world as the Indianapolis 500, and the Corvette's ability to lead the way once again will no doubt mark this annual event as a worldwide winner once again!