It's not too often here in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania that we get the opportunity to see a new car from Detroit being tested in full camo. In Michigan, especially around Detroit it's even a rare sight. But today one of our readers spotted what has been confirmed as a Cadillac ELR being tested. What is the ELR? Well, it's going to be Cadillac's electric hybrid like the Volt. Based on the Cadillac Converj concept. And mechanically, it's going to be essentially the same as the Volt. "T" shaped lithium ion battery with full electric main drive and an extended range gasoline motor. A big Thanks to eagle eyed reader Kevin Kurtz for snapping these shots.
Showing posts with label Chevrolet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chevrolet. Show all posts
8:08 PM
It's not too often here in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania that we get the opportunity to see a new car from Detroit being tested in full camo. In Michigan, especially around Detroit it's even a rare sight. But today one of our readers spotted what has been confirmed as a Cadillac ELR being tested. What is the ELR? Well, it's going to be Cadillac's electric hybrid like the Volt. Based on the Cadillac Converj concept. And mechanically, it's going to be essentially the same as the Volt. "T" shaped lithium ion battery with full electric main drive and an extended range gasoline motor. A big Thanks to eagle eyed reader Kevin Kurtz for snapping these shots.
Spotted: Cadillac ELR!
It's not too often here in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania that we get the opportunity to see a new car from Detroit being tested in full camo. In Michigan, especially around Detroit it's even a rare sight. But today one of our readers spotted what has been confirmed as a Cadillac ELR being tested. What is the ELR? Well, it's going to be Cadillac's electric hybrid like the Volt. Based on the Cadillac Converj concept. And mechanically, it's going to be essentially the same as the Volt. "T" shaped lithium ion battery with full electric main drive and an extended range gasoline motor. A big Thanks to eagle eyed reader Kevin Kurtz for snapping these shots.
2:07 PM
California Highway Patrol switching to SUVs
When you think of a highway patrol car, you instantly think Ford Crown Victoria. And usually in California Highway Patrol black n' white trim. Since the Crown Vic went out of production last year, you see a few older models out on the roads that have been slowly replaced by the Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, or the Chevrolet Caprice (I know we haven't seen one yet either). But Ford also produces the new Explorer in a police package, and that's what the California Highway Patrol is leaning towards to replace their fleet and to keep it in the Ford family. The CHP maintains a fleet of 4,000 vehciles (give or take a few) and each year, they replace 1/3rd of that fleet with new vehicles.
Due to the ammount of gear that a trooper has to car with him or her on any given day is always increasing. And now with gear mandated by the Department of Homeland Security, the smaller patrol cars offered by the big three just won't cut it.
Of course they'll still be black and white....
Source: California Highway Patrol.
Due to the ammount of gear that a trooper has to car with him or her on any given day is always increasing. And now with gear mandated by the Department of Homeland Security, the smaller patrol cars offered by the big three just won't cut it.
Of course they'll still be black and white....
Source: California Highway Patrol.
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6:38 PM
2014 Chevrolet Trax Review
The 2014 Chevrolet Trax Review, an all-new small sport utility vehicle, will join the Chevrolet portfolio and make its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September.
"Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers require," said Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe.
With room for five passengers and generous cargo space, Chevrolet Trax will meet the needs of customers in over 140 markets. The small SUV will arrive at European Chevrolet dealerships in spring of 2013, following the introduction of the all-new Chevrolet Malibu and the Cruze station wagon in 2012.With the new Chevrolet line-up at showrooms across Europe, the coming years present an exciting opportunity for further growth.
Chevrolet Trax exhibits its SUV toughness and capability in a small package through a muscular exterior design and wide athletic stance. While its contemporary form evolves the global Chevrolet design aesthetic, Trax's interior will be executed to standards usually found in more expensive vehicles.
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Chevrolet
11:33 PM


Chevrolet Camaro SS 2010 Car Specs

The new Chevrolet Camaro looks like a sports coupe for the next century. SS features raunchier front bumper fascia with mail slot in the top, SS badges on rear and grille, comfort and technology and was made for a generation of enthusiasts, that honors the Camaro’s heritage with a thoroughly contemporary design. And the SS gets HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, spoiler, specific taillamps and 20-inch wheels.
Design Features
2010 Chevrolet CamaroWith a design that is very close to the original concept, the 2010 Camaro acknowledges its heritage from the first-generation Camaro, produced from 1967 through 1969. The two-door sports coupe features classic proportions over a 112.3-inch (2,852 mm) wheelbase. The overall length of the Camaro is 190.4 inches (4,836 mm); width and height are 75.5 inches (1,918 mm) and 54.2 inches (1,376 mm), respectively.
Interior Details
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS InteriorInside the four-passenger cabin, a well-executed balance of heritage, modern design and attention to detail conveys simplicity and refinement with contemporary details in the cluster, switches, dials and lighting. An available ambient light package, for example, offers advanced LED light pipe technology, giving the cabin a distinctive glow.
Deep, recessed gauges, located in square housings outlined in chrome, give a nod to the classic Camaro interior. The instrument panel gauges include both speedometer and engine rpm, with a driver information center located between the large gauges – its readouts and features controlled via a stalk on the steering column. An optional, console-mounted gauge package includes oil pressure, oil temperature, volts and transmission fluid temperature. The gauge package is included on 2LT and 2SS models.
Performance
The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Standard, manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, estimated at 422 horsepower (315 kW) and 408 lb.-ft. of torque (553 Nm). The LS3 debuted on the 2008 Corvette and uses high-flow cylinder heads based on the Corvette Z06’s LS7 engine to enable great low-end torque and high-rpm power. It is paired with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.

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Chevrolet
7:45 PM
2012 Chevrolet Colorado Concept (Nova S10)
Chevrolet has released more pictures of concept cars Colorado, which will be officially launched at the Salon of Bankok, Thailand, from this Wednesday (23). The concept expressed the view that almost all of the new pick-up in Brazil, will become the new Nova S10, which will hit the market in the second half of next year.
GM released few details of the Colorado Concept, limited only to inform you that the truck has a 2.8 turbo diesel engine (not even the power was revealed).
In Brazil, the expectation is that the New Nova S10 (which can earn another name here) to be launched in the second half. To face the current competitors such as Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Frontier and Volkswagen Amarok, for example, the new Chevrolet pickup truck will have larger dimensions and a new standard for embedded technology.
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Chevrolet
6:22 PM
2012 TIKT Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 Tripple X Review
The TIKT Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 First of all the performance was improved by using modified cylinder heads, camshafts, strengthened valve springs, modified compressor ratios, a larger throttle valve and a completely modified exhaust. After a fine tuning of the engine’s controls a peak of 769 PS and a top torque of 910 Nm was printed out at the performance test station.
In a second step PS and Torque were stabilised by regrinding and finely adjusting the valve seats.
Even greater adjustments were made to the cooling system of Z06, that thanks to numerous special modifications now push up to four times as much cooling fluid through the engine of this super sportscar.
In addition the cooler was encapsulated and installed in combination with a new front skirt. It sounds simple, but because of the targeted air flow to the side a real venturi effect is created. A real advantage for the Corvette’s aerodynamics.
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Chevrolet
4:20 PM
Picks from the Pittsburgh World of Wheels: Round 2
Fritz Holzer from RPM Hot Rods showed his 1954 GMC pickup which made its debut at the show. It's refreshing to see a GMC as opposed to the more common Chevrolet trucks of this vintage. This truck oozes cool.
Your fearless editor, Albert Heiles showed his 1959 VW Herbie the Love Bug. A rarity at any show, this car is car number 6 and was used in the filming of The Love Bug and its sequel Herbie Rides Again.
No ISCA show is complete without at least one 1970s show car. This big block 1968 Corvette is a former championship winning car from 1972. Aside from one repaint a few years ago, this car is exactly how it was built. Complete with the fat McCreary tires, black and white Sony TV, and the wild flip nose front end. This one was originally built by show car builder Jerry Roman.
Your fearless editor, Albert Heiles showed his 1959 VW Herbie the Love Bug. A rarity at any show, this car is car number 6 and was used in the filming of The Love Bug and its sequel Herbie Rides Again.
No ISCA show is complete without at least one 1970s show car. This big block 1968 Corvette is a former championship winning car from 1972. Aside from one repaint a few years ago, this car is exactly how it was built. Complete with the fat McCreary tires, black and white Sony TV, and the wild flip nose front end. This one was originally built by show car builder Jerry Roman.
3:53 PM
Picks from the Pittsburgh World of Wheels: Round 1
This past weekend saw the 51st annual Pittsburgh World of Wheels come to town. I spent the weekend at the show as I had a car entered so I had the opportunity to spend a LOT of time looking at all the eye candy on display. Here's some of my choices of cars and trucks that were on display.
This 1965 Corvette was shown by Ron Champe. This car was a retirement project that took over two years to complete.
Bob Liberatore brought out this awesome 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 light weight replica. Gotta love the old factory racers and this one had all the looks, plus the punch thanks to a motor from Ford Racing. Bob had the 64 hooked up via a tow bar to his equally nice 64 Galaxie convertible.
Atomic Orange is one of my favorite recent GM colors, it's also a favorite of Jim McGruder from Ohio. He brought his mildly customized 2007 Corvette which is themed around Orange Crush soda.
Here's another food themed entry. This 1955 Chevy Pickup owned by Gary & Flo Garman of Mt. Wolf, PA. Called Home Grown. The color theme of this tasty ride is watermelon. And interesting touch is the slight patina purposely placed on a few raised edges and the tail gate. And you have to love the watermelon shaped and painted air cleaner cover.
Tammy Rayof Dahlonega, GA brought the 2011 Ridler Award winning 1933 Ford Phaeton to Pittsburgh. It's hard to hide that this is a Chip Foose designed hot rod. This one will be back in Detroit in a few weeks to defend it's title.
Dennis Mascari, owner of Mascari Auto Body brought two cars from his collection to the show. This 1957 Chevy Nomad carries factory fuel injection and genuine Corvette knockoff wheels.
Atomic Orange is one of my favorite recent GM colors, it's also a favorite of Jim McGruder from Ohio. He brought his mildly customized 2007 Corvette which is themed around Orange Crush soda.
Here's another food themed entry. This 1955 Chevy Pickup owned by Gary & Flo Garman of Mt. Wolf, PA. Called Home Grown. The color theme of this tasty ride is watermelon. And interesting touch is the slight patina purposely placed on a few raised edges and the tail gate. And you have to love the watermelon shaped and painted air cleaner cover.
Tammy Rayof Dahlonega, GA brought the 2011 Ridler Award winning 1933 Ford Phaeton to Pittsburgh. It's hard to hide that this is a Chip Foose designed hot rod. This one will be back in Detroit in a few weeks to defend it's title.
Dennis Mascari, owner of Mascari Auto Body brought two cars from his collection to the show. This 1957 Chevy Nomad carries factory fuel injection and genuine Corvette knockoff wheels.
6:46 PM
2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition Review
The 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition car is powered with 427-cubic-inch 7.0 liter LS7 engine from Corvette Z06 which is most powerful engine ever installed in production Corvette convertible. The car produces 505hp and 470 lb.ft. of torque and is connected with six speed manual transmission. The car is accelerated from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, quarter mile performance in 11.8 seconds and top speed of the car is more than 190 mph.
The Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition includes several carbon fiber elements that help to reduce weight, including a carbon fiber raised hood, carbon fiber Z06-style fenders, carbon fiber floor panels, a "CFZ"carbon fiber front splitter, and rocker panels. It is painted in a crisp white paint combined with optional full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top. It sits on standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires.
The model can also be combined with the new 60th Anniversary package that includes an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior and suede accents. Other features include a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers, and "60" logos on the wheel center caps, steering wheel, and seat headrests.
Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.
Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.
The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.
The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.
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Chevrolet
2:27 AM
2012 Chevrolet Captiva SUV Car Concept
Chevrolet Captiva - Front Angle, 2012 Louis Chevrolet would be proud of the entry of the latest SUV, the new Chevrolet Captiva. Bloody Chevrolet SUV have been given major makeover for 2011, including a fresh exterior design to give the presence of even more confident and dynamic, all new and looks more powerful and fuel efficient engine, chassis modifications and interior upgrades.
This compact SUV offers four new engines mated with a new six-speed transmission; a 2.4 liter petrol unit, a 258 hp 3.0 liter V6 and two variants of 2.2 liter turbo-diesel. The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva retains the advantages of its adaptable of becoming a mainstream player in the highly competitive European market. It is that kind of modern versatility and can-do attitude that encapsulates the spirit of a car like the Chevy Captiva, and why it is expected to appeal not only to family motorists but to anyone seeking an alternative to the conventional sedan or hatchback, a vehicle which says something about their lifestyle. Estimated price $46,000.
Exterior Design
Few can deny the handsome profile and confident stance of the current Chevrolet Captiva, still looking as fresh and modern as the day it was launched – until perhaps you see the new Chevrolet Captiva, an example of an already strong design being honed in all the right areas to ensure it has a more dynamic presence, but without losing any of the original Captiva design essence.
Taewan Kim, GM Vice President of Design, in charge of the Captiva project: “The key ingredient of the new design that you see with Captiva is confidence. The changes we have made to the front profile give the new Chevrolet Captiva an even more athletic stance and strong overall character. We wanted to ensure that we lost none of the spirit of the original model, while giving it a stronger and more sophisticated appearance. Captiva has presence but without looking overly big; it looks capable but also compact.”
A number of features are immediately noticeable when viewing the new Captiva from the front. The dual-opening grille has become one of the Chevrolet signatures, and there is no mistaking its intention on Chevrolet Captiva: significantly larger than on the outgoing model, it looks distinctive and progressive with its unique flattened honey-comb texture and chrome surrounds, lending the new model an almost high-performance car feel.
Sitting in the center line between each grille is the prominent family Chevrolet bow-tie, ten percent larger than before and finished with a grained, gold surface.
Just above the grille, Captiva’s aluminum hood is all new, its concave and sculptured lines also designed to make the front profile more aggressive and powerful. Working in tandem with the new hood, the headlamps take on a more purposeful shape while the cylindrical, prism-type lamps, housed inside the casings, look high-end and modern.
The area around the front fog lamps in the lower section of the front bumper has received a lot of attention, so that the fog lamp outline now runs seamlessly into the skid plate, which gives the whole front a more unified look.
The designers also refer to the ‘character lines’ incorporated into the new shape front bumper. They have been cleverly shaped so that they sweep into the body sides which not only adds to Chevrolet Captiva’s more aggressive character at the front, but also contributes to the overall stance when viewing the new car in profile as the line rises toward the rear of the vehicle.
Interior Design
Climbing aboard the new Captiva, the first impression is one of abundant light and spaciousness. It’s a quality that has always been there with the Chevrolet Captiva, but now and in tandem with the enhancements to the exterior design, the interior’s ambience has been taken up several notches in terms of quality and functionality.
It is still available with five or seven seats and with storage space that is among the best in class. The Captiva’s new upgraded interior now features an array of new finishes and textures, taking the new model up-market in feel and look.
A number of the elements found in the cabin have recently been introduced on other new Chevrolets, to ensure the best of the family DNA runs consistently through the model range, while one or two others, like the electric park brake for example, are the kind of premium feature normally reserved for higher end vehicle segments.
Of the characteristics that can be found on other new Chevrolet interiors, one of the key signatures is the dual-cockpit design and wrap-around front fascia, something that is well illustrated inside the Captiva. The Corvette-inspired dual cockpit lends the cabin a natural symmetry, while the wrap around fascia, which flows from the dash into the top sections of the driver’s and front passenger doors, gives the front of the cabin a seamless, unified look.
GM Vice President of Design Taewan Kim, explains what the design team wanted to achieve with the new Chevrolet Captiva’s interior environment: “In taking a fresh look at the interior the aim was to offer a blend of high end sedan comfort combined with the spacious ambience and practicality associated with an MPV. We have achieved this by use of superior textures and finishes combined with the distinctive Chevrolet wrap-around interior of the instrument panel; at the same time the abundance of storage and the versatile packaging offered by the five or seven seats emphasizes Captiva’s space and practicality.”
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Chevrolet
5:44 PM
Chevrolet Cruze First Drive And Performance
The Chevrolet Cruze is a good car, although at least part of its goodness comes from the fact that it isn’t really that small. It’s well-positioned against the Civic and Corolla. I believe that it beats both of those cars in significant, measurable ways. You are looking at the Cruze’s not-so-secret weapon: an interior that represents a Cloverfield-sized leap past the competition. It’s part Cadillac CTS, part Buick LaCrosse, part Chevrolet Malibu, and unmistakably GM in the way the exterior does not quite manage to be. Forget the Civic or Corolla. From the touchable dash panels to the big, comfy seats, the Cruze is fitted-out to compare directly with Accords and Maximas. The interior is spacious.
The interior Chevrolet Cruze if we go into the Cruze, you won’t need keys. If they are in your pocket, you just have to pull the door handle and voila, the doors get unlocked. GM has introduced what they call ‘Passive Entry Passive Safety’ which takes care of that. The Chevy sedan comes with sensors on the door; so, as long as you have the keys in your pocket and within the range of the sensors the door will open when you pull on the handle. This can also be programmed for only the driver door, or all the 4 doors through a setting in the console. To unlock just get out of the car, and gently pull the door handle that’s it – your Cruze is locked and safe.
Once inside, you are welcomed by the large round dials of the speedo, and the RPM meter which have a dash of chrome on them. There are buttons all over, and at night due to the backlight on all of these, one would easily feel like he is in the cockpit of an aircraft.
The centre console of the Chevrolet Cruze LTZ top-end variant that we drove has an in-dash 6 CD changer and FM radio. Sound quality is very acceptable, and the CD player offers a very user friendly setup option thanks to the MID display. The climate control which works and easily got rid of the Mumbai heat.
The large steering wheel has cruise control and stereo controls too. Buttons on the wheel are chunky and have a solid feel to them.
Steering is adequately-sized with settings available for height and reach. The AC vents can be closed/shut individually when not needed. A MID LCD display with cool blue backlight sits on the top of the centre console which reads out the Radio station, CD Track, AC settings outside temperature etc.
There is no keyhole for the ignition – instead you get a rather neat start/stop button towards the left of the steering column on the dash. The last car with the push button start feature that we drove was the Nissan Teana – a Rs 32 lakhs car. A gentle push of this button, and if you have the clutch depressed, the 2.0 VCDi diesel engine comes to life. It is easily one of the most silent and smooth diesel engine that we have seen/heard. The in-cabin sound insulation is awesome and no vibrations or road noise is enters the cabin.
After the Cruze is set on its way, the tiny Spark will be introduced in Europe in early 2010, followed by the next-generation Aveo to slot between the Spark and Cruze in mid-2010. Soon after the global passenger car lineup is complete, then comes the Delta 2-based Orlando crossover with available seven-passenger seating, arriving in North America at the start of 2011. Soon after that, the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Chevy Impala will be combined into one world car.
For now, we like what we see and hear and drive with the Chevrolet Cruze. We do hope, however, that a Cruze SS with the 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 arrives without too much delay. And maybe a Cruze Sport, with a turbocharged, 170-hp version of the 1.8-liter engine. There is a hatchback version in the plans for Europe as well, not to mention some talk about an electric Cruze based on the Volt chassis.
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Chevrolet
12:56 PM
An anniversary with a bang! Chevy announces 60th Anniversary Corvette
2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette, America's most loved sports car. Since 1978, Chevrolet has marked significant milestones for the Corvette. And for 2013, a new special edition will join those ranks. The 2013 Corvette 427 collector edition convertible will hit showrooms later this year when the 2013 model and final year of the "C6" Corvette goes in to production. However all 2013 Corvettes will be marked and badged as 60th Anniversary Corvettes, but there will be a separate 60th Anniversary Edition.
If you can't wait until then, you can head out to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ next weekend and bid for your chance to own the first one when the car makes it's public debut.
For the 427 collector edition, Chevrolet is blending elements of the Z06 and ZR1 in to one car and it will also mark the fastest convertible in Corvette history. It hasn't been announced exactly how many Chevy plans to build, but it will likely be a couple thousand.
Outside, the car will receive a carbon fiber hood, fenders, and floor boards as well as a carbon fiber front splitter. Several wheel choices will be available in 19 inch front and 20 inch rears.
Performance wise, the car will carry the 7 liter, 427 cubic inch LS7 used in the Z06. This motor will have 505 horse power with 470 lb. ft. of torque and will be backed by a 6 speed manual transmission. No automatic trans will be available, even as an option. All anniversary edition cars will be painted Arctic White with a Blue Diamond leather interior featuring suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top. And anniversary edition cars will have special badging and embroidery and a special stripe package.
Pricing for the 2013 Corvettes has not been announced yet, but the first 427 Collector Edition can be yours when it rolls across the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Saturday, January 21st with all proceeds from the sale going to Drive to End Hunger food relief program.
Source & Photos: General Motors/Chevrolet.
Official press release:
DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models.
“The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.”
The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer.
Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history.
Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.
The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.
Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.
The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including:
The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.
Corvette 60th Anniversary Package
All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package, featuring an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top.
Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers and the “60th” logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional graphics package adds full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof.
For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates.
Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program.
Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including Hendrick team driver and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon. Team owner Rick Hendrick helped launch the Drive to End Hunger program with AARP and the AARP Foundation.
The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger.
A legacy of 427-powered Corvettes
Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced.
The first 427-powered Corvette rolled off the assembly line for the 1966 model year. Two performance levels of the 427 were initially offered – an “L30” version rated at 390 horsepower and the “L72,” which cranked out 425 horsepower. Both were rated at 460 lb-ft. of torque.
The range of 427 engines grew in 1967, with the addition of the “L71” and “L88” options. The L71 added a unique triple-carburetor induction system that helped boost output to 435 horsepower. Known to collectors as “427/435” cars, these ’67 models – especially the convertibles – are especially sought-after collector cars.
The “L88” delivered 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor) thanks to racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who would immediately transform their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in just 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969.
In 1969, a special “L89” 427 engine combined the L71’s induction system with the L88’s aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with an approximately 100-pound weight advantage over the standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet built two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was essentially an all-aluminum version of the L88, with the aluminum cylinder block and heads offering a tremendous weight advantage for racing. More of the engines were sold as crate engines to racers.
By 1970, the big-block engine grew to 454 cubic inches, just as the trend in high-compression, high-performance engines was beginning to wane. The four-year run of 427 Corvettes was already established as the golden era of performance
Commemorative Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition models
Rare and low-production examples of the Corvette have been around since its 1953 introduction, but Chevrolet didn’t begin building commemorative models until 1978, when the 25th Anniversary model – also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette – was offered. The Corvette was in its third generation then and at the close of that epoch in 1982, a Collectors Edition was offered, as well.
Those special models launched what has become a tradition for the Chevrolet Corvette, which has offered milestone anniversary and generational collector-edition models ever since. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible represents the first time a Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition are being offered in the same year – and available on the same car.
If you can't wait until then, you can head out to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ next weekend and bid for your chance to own the first one when the car makes it's public debut.
For the 427 collector edition, Chevrolet is blending elements of the Z06 and ZR1 in to one car and it will also mark the fastest convertible in Corvette history. It hasn't been announced exactly how many Chevy plans to build, but it will likely be a couple thousand.
Outside, the car will receive a carbon fiber hood, fenders, and floor boards as well as a carbon fiber front splitter. Several wheel choices will be available in 19 inch front and 20 inch rears.
Performance wise, the car will carry the 7 liter, 427 cubic inch LS7 used in the Z06. This motor will have 505 horse power with 470 lb. ft. of torque and will be backed by a 6 speed manual transmission. No automatic trans will be available, even as an option. All anniversary edition cars will be painted Arctic White with a Blue Diamond leather interior featuring suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top. And anniversary edition cars will have special badging and embroidery and a special stripe package.
Pricing for the 2013 Corvettes has not been announced yet, but the first 427 Collector Edition can be yours when it rolls across the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Saturday, January 21st with all proceeds from the sale going to Drive to End Hunger food relief program. Source & Photos: General Motors/Chevrolet.
Official press release:
DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models.
“The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.”
The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer.
Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history.
Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.
The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.
Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including:
- Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition)
- Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders
- Carbon fiber floor panels
- The “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package
- Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet – 6.90
- Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder – 7.58
- Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible – 7.82
- Ferrari California Convertible – 8.31
The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.
Corvette 60th Anniversary Package
All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package, featuring an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top.
Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers and the “60th” logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional graphics package adds full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof.
For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates.
Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program.
Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including Hendrick team driver and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon. Team owner Rick Hendrick helped launch the Drive to End Hunger program with AARP and the AARP Foundation.
The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger.
A legacy of 427-powered Corvettes
Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced.
The first 427-powered Corvette rolled off the assembly line for the 1966 model year. Two performance levels of the 427 were initially offered – an “L30” version rated at 390 horsepower and the “L72,” which cranked out 425 horsepower. Both were rated at 460 lb-ft. of torque.The range of 427 engines grew in 1967, with the addition of the “L71” and “L88” options. The L71 added a unique triple-carburetor induction system that helped boost output to 435 horsepower. Known to collectors as “427/435” cars, these ’67 models – especially the convertibles – are especially sought-after collector cars.
The “L88” delivered 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor) thanks to racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who would immediately transform their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in just 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969.
In 1969, a special “L89” 427 engine combined the L71’s induction system with the L88’s aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with an approximately 100-pound weight advantage over the standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet built two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was essentially an all-aluminum version of the L88, with the aluminum cylinder block and heads offering a tremendous weight advantage for racing. More of the engines were sold as crate engines to racers.
By 1970, the big-block engine grew to 454 cubic inches, just as the trend in high-compression, high-performance engines was beginning to wane. The four-year run of 427 Corvettes was already established as the golden era of performance
Commemorative Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition models
Rare and low-production examples of the Corvette have been around since its 1953 introduction, but Chevrolet didn’t begin building commemorative models until 1978, when the 25th Anniversary model – also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette – was offered. The Corvette was in its third generation then and at the close of that epoch in 1982, a Collectors Edition was offered, as well.
Those special models launched what has become a tradition for the Chevrolet Corvette, which has offered milestone anniversary and generational collector-edition models ever since. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible represents the first time a Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition are being offered in the same year – and available on the same car.





































