So it's an all-new Vette, with nothing from the factory, sporting hi-po parts and custom bodywork. What's not to love? Well, nothing really, it just makes us feel icky. Call us traditionalists, but a 'Vette should look like a Vette (we still have nightmares about Corvette Summer, so don't get us started) and this business of mixing peanut butter into one's chocolate makes it feel like we're seeing something... unnatural. And then there's the problem of a fully functional trunk in the back — heresy! Now, if the question goes from "do you like the design?" to "would you drive the hell out of it?" the question becomes an emphatic yes, but these fiberglass Frankensteins are still freaking us out. [Street Rods Only, via Corvette Blogger]

Autoweek goes on to look into their crystal ball and imagine a time when the C7 will actually bow as early as 2014 — yikes. Unfortunately, this doesn't sound terribly far-fetched to us. Considering the madness happening in Detroit these days, this kind of thing has to be expected, but these kinds of rumors always come as a shock. We love the current Corvette, but that's a long time to wait for the next iteration. [Autoweek]

Is it a new Autobot logo? Is it a new Corvette logo? Nope, it's a stingray, baby. What this means — only time will tell, we're sure.

Some say he has a tattoo of a Saleen S7 on his rear end. Others tell us he was born with a penchant for oil rather than his mum's milk. All we know is he's called the Auto Insider and he's always ready to provide the scoop from the other side of Eight Mile.

The 638 HP 2009 Corvette ZR1's price of $103,000 (let's pretend for a moment vagaries such as dealer markup don't exist) has a cost per HP of $162. While not the best deal on price per HP, it's still a steal. But this pricing on the 2008 Corvette Z06 brings the cost per HP war to a whole new level — dropping the already amazingly value-rrific cost per HP down from $143 (already lower than the Nissan GT-R and Dodge Viper according to our official Jalopnik "By The Numbers" comparison chart ) to the staggeringly bargain level of $124 per HP!

The Z06 was already the over-used "value champ," (We need a quarter jar for every time we're using the word value in this post, don't we?) but this new deal truly offers the chance to bring high horsepower to the masses. There's simply no better deal out there. Even Suze Orman would approve.

KATECH PERFORMANCE UNVEILS LIGHTWEIGHT Z06 FOR THE TRACK
New ClubSport Package Shaves Pounds to Shave Seconds off Lap Times

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Katech Performance, ever attuned to the collective conscious of the Corvette universe, knew this – enthusiasts wanted a lighter weight Z06 tuned for the track. Now they have it.

The Corvette Z06 ClubSport package – available exclusively from Katech Performance and Les Stanford Chevrolet (Dearborn, Mich.) – incorporates an array of aftermarket products that, in unison, reduce curb weight to 2,915 lbs. (2,825 lbs. fully optimized) while improving grip, cornering, braking and downforce.

“The Z06 is already wonderfully light weight,” commented Jason Harding, performance parts sales, Katech Performance. “We knew, however, that we could improve the power-to-weight ratio with several select modifications. Lamborghini has its Gallardo Superleggera, Ferrari its F430 Scuderia and Dodge its Viper ACR. Now the Corvette Z06 has the ClubSport package from Katech Performance.”

What does one feed Chevrolet’s already well-conditioned athlete to shed pounds and improve its game? The ClubSport diet calls for:

Brembo® Gran Turismo Brake Kit
Two-piece cross-drilled rotors significantly reduce un-sprung rotating mass; front six-piston monobloc calipers squeeze 14-inch rotors; rear four-piston monobloc calipers pinch 13.6-inch rotors

Moton Clubsport Suspension
Double-adjustable coil-overs enhance power-to-the-pavement delivery while offering seven individually adjustable rebound and compression settings; system is specially tuned by Moton engineers and SCCA World Challenge professional driver Andy Pilgrim

Katech Performance ClubSport Wheels
15-spoke, single-piece forged aluminum wheels (18x9.5-inch front; 19x12-inch rear) further reduce un-sprung rotating mass; finished in attractive gray powder coat

Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Tires
Enhance grip and handling while reducing total mass (285/30R18 front; 325/30R19 rear)

Katech Performance Appearance Package
Carbon fiber front splitter improves aerodynamics and is complemented by a matching carbon fiber rear spoiler that improves downforce; lift-off carbon fiber World Challenge hood vents the engine compartment, reduces weight by 50% and provides more downforce; ClubSport racing stripe on front fenders and rear fascia identifies vehicle as an exclusive Katech Performance creation

Halltech Killer Bee™ Air Intake
Carbon fiber intake designed specifically to complement Katech Performance’s carbon fiver valve covers

Katech Performance Exhaust System
Lightweight 18-gauge stainless steel design incorporating X-pipe, two lightweight mufflers, over-axle pipes and CORSA® quad tips; reduces weight and produces a deep, racecar-like tone while maintaining a civil pitch on public roads

Exedy Twin-Disc Clutch
Reduces drivetrain mass and makes for easy rev-matched downshifts

Braille Battery
All-season; reduces weight in the rear

Several optional supplements are also available including: Caravaggio leather race seats; A/C and/or radio delete as well as carpet delete to further reduce weight; roll bar or harness bar and six-point harnesses; and an ARE dry sump system.

So what’s the final verdict? A power-to-weight ratio of 5.45 lbs./horsepower (standard) or 5.28 lbs./horsepower (fully optimized).

Complete with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty, the Katech Performance Z06 ClubSport starts at $109,000 (standard) and is expected to maintain 50-state emissions compliance*. Power plant improvements – including an array of modified LS7 engine packages – are also available for customers who want to upgrade to a true Katech Performance “Street Attack” Z06.

To purchase a brand new ClubSport Z06 from Les Stanford Chevrolet – “America’s Corvette King” – call 800.699.VETT or visit www.lesstanford.com. Already own a 2006-2009 Z06? Bring your Vette to Katech to get started on the ClubSport plan. Call 866.KATECH1 or visit www.katechengines.com.

Katech Performance, the aftermarket performance division of Katech Inc., engineers and manufactures race-proven crate engines and components for LS1/LS6 and LS2/LS7 engines including solid belt tensioners, coil relocation brackets, cylinder heads, dampers, pistons, push rods, throttle bodies and valve covers, among other high-performance products for the street and track.

Katech Inc. was founded on the need to provide responsive service and skills to factory race efforts in all forms of racing, including the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), NASCAR®, SCCA SPEED World Challenge, American Speed Association (ASA) and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Today, Katech is an industrial leader in advanced racing and high-performance engine development, manufacturing, testing and assembly, and offers support services for the professional racer including boring, honing, fabrication, welding and prototype parts development.

Katech Performance is located at 24324 Sorrentino Court, Clinton Township, MI, 48035. Contact the company by phone at 866-KATECH1 or visit online at www.katechengines.com.

[Corvette Forums via eGMCarTech]

[More details at CorvetteBlogger]

In no particular order:

• Corvette Side Fender Styling Grilles, Perforated, Stainless Steel — $49.99 per pair
• Corvette Waterfall Emblem, Convertible — $64.99
• Corvette Rear Cargo Shade, With Embroidered C6 Logo — $79.99
• Corvette Grille, Polished Billet Aluminum — $159.99
• Corvette Rear Bumper Letter Set — $64.99 a set

Now, maybe we're just uncouth speed freaks, but for our dollar you wouldn't find us tacking these bits to our Vette. There's urethane bushings, cold air intakes, performance chips and all manner of what-have-you we'd be after well ahead of buying anything to upgrade the outside. Shoot, we see no reason to upgrade the outside anyway — well, unless we're talking hood windows. That's a whole 'nother story, though. [CorvetteBlogger]

GM's Corvette Centennial Design Concept coincides, as you'd expect, with GM's 100-year birthday party. The concept's meant to be a means of merging design elements of the past with the next century of GM design. As such, the concept car is expected to hearken back to a number of key design elements from GM power cars but not, as some have speculated, be a first-look at the design of a new C7 Corvette.

Although the concept will have long, sweeping Corvette-like lines, all it takes is one look at the front end's Camaro-like wide open mouth to see it draws inspiration from something more than just a Corvette Stingray. Coming around to the back, and the very non-Corvette-like rear end lacks any of the obvious cues you'd expect from a next-generation Corvette. The concept has a very distinct four-pipe exhaust in the center of the back end, and a sharp concave taillight housing — both are nothing like any Corvette ever seen.

Except for those rear haunches. They will be, as we've already seen in our exclusive spy photos, almost cartoon-like in their size. They're Corvette-like, but only inasmuch as they're caricatures of it. But, they'll be necessary to house the ginormous rear tires the Corvette Centennial Design Concept's sporting.

No, anyone thinking this design's a showcase of what the next-generation Corvette will look like needs to get their glasses checked. It's so much more than that.

Some say he has a tattoo of a Saleen S7 on his rear end. Others tell us he was born with a penchant for oil rather than his mum's milk. All we know is he's called the Auto Insider and he's always ready to provide the scoop from the other side of Eight Mile.

After the nine-foot-tall leggy models pulled the wraps off the GTR, buyer number one Rollie Purifoy pulled the car into the crush of an enthusiastic crowd, giving us an opportunity to spend a couple of minutes talking to company owner Jeff Nowicki. Understandably, Jeff was pretty happy with the end result of over a year of hard work. And why shouldn't he be? Instead of tacking on styling like most aftermarket niche builders, Jeff and his team took the approach of enhancing the Corvette shape with unique styling elements that have the effect of turning the 'Vette up to eleven.

Though many levels of engine tune are available, this first model is based off the Z06, and snorts out 535 HP with 530 lb-ft of torque breathing through a beautiful-sounding Corsa exhaust. It certainly does sound like an eleven.

Let's be honest here though for a moment — this is a $35,000 custom-built body option. You can drop it onto any C6 version of your choosing, making a car with a price range of $75,000 all the way up to more than $100,000. That's not exactly chicken scratch and certainly not an option Joe Sixpack will be taking, but for those few who know what they want and have the cash to buy it, this is a damn impressive-looking car.

The level of fit and finish points to the fact that this is more than just a rebodied car, and the level of design cohesion drew compliments from even the GM Corvette team members in attendance. It's the little touches — like the relocation of the electric door opener from the trailing edge of the door to the wheel well — that make this one of the most badass aftermarket Corvettes we've ever seen, and we congratulate the team at Specter Werkes for a job well done.

SPECTER WERKES/SPORTS UNVEILS C6 CORVETTE GTR #1   TROY, Mich. - Specter Werkes/Sports unveiled the first C6 Corvette GTR at Cauley Ferrari, in West Bloomfield, Mich. Wearing signature wide bodywork, suspension upgrades and equipped with a Matrix II LS3 V-8 rated at 535 emissions-legal horsepower, it was built for Rollie Purifoy, of Purifoy Chevrolet, in Fort Lupton, Colo.

The all-new, C6-based Corvette GTR retains the intrinsic character of the Corvette, augmenting it with appearance, performance and luxury enhancements. It is a distinctive and exclusive sports car with exceptional capability, whether on the street or track.

The GTR package is available on all C6 Corvette models, including the base coupe and convertible, the Z06 and ZR1. Orders are being accepted immediately, with product and ordering information available at www.spectergtr.com or 248-583-9559.
 
"We are very proud to launch the C6 Corvette GTR with Rollie Purifoy, from Purifoy Chevrolet, and Jeff Cauley, from Cauley Chevrolet and Cauley Ferrari," said Jeff Nowicki, Specter Werkes/Sports founder. "The new GTR offers enthusiasts everything they're looking for in a sports car - performance, great looks and guaranteed exclusivity."
 
The GTR's expressive, widened bodywork is complemented with the use of exposed carbon fiber details. Standard and optional GTR features include:
Unique GTR bodywork, including:
*Front fascia, carbon fiber splitter, extractor hood, front fenders, doors, rocker panels, rear fenders, rear fascia, carbon fiber rear diffuser, carbon fiber mirror caps, Cleartastic paint protection, paint and assembly
*Custom GTR headlamp bezels with exposed carbon fiber appearance
*Unique tail lamps and center high-mounted stop lamp
*Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires; 285/30ZR19 (front) and 335/25ZR20 (rear)
*Forgeline or HRE wheels; 19-inch in the front and 20-inch in the rear
*StopTech ST60 front brakes and ST40 rear brakes
*Carbon fiber fuel rail covers and carbon fiber, low-restriction air box
*Hotchkis stablilizer bar kit
*GTR-embroidered seats and serial-numbered dash plaque
*CORSA/Specter stainless steel performance exhaust system
*GTR badges
      
The Corvette GTR package carries a base price of $34,995, with a variety of high-performance powertrain options available for additional cost. Custom paint treatment is also available. Each vehicle is hand-built, numbered and fully documented for the customer.

Distinctive design
Styling that accents the Corvette's design is a hallmark of Specter Werkes/Sports and the C6 GTR takes that philosophy to the next level, with a completely redesigned body. Like the original C5 GTR, the C6 version is based on widened bodywork that supports the larger wheel/tire combination. It also gives the car a more aggressive stance - as do the racing-inspired front and rear fascias.

"The GTR's design sharpens and embellishes many of the Corvette's design cues, but doesn't eliminate them," said Nowicki. "It is a design that respects and celebrates the Corvette's design heritage, but builds on it to suit the interest of our customers - enthusiasts who are looking for a unique and exclusive product."

At 77 inches, the GTR's bodywork is 4.5 inches wider at the rear fenders (2.25 inches per side) than a regular-production C6 Corvette and 1 inch wider than the Corvette Z06. The physical difference may seem small, but the overall effect, along with a slightly longer overall body length, creates a unique proportion to the GTR that is aggressive and suggests speed even when stationary.

Specter Werkes/Sports replaces the front and rear fenders; front and rear fascias; doors, rocker panels and hood - everything except the roof panel and rear hatch - with special, hand-formed GTR panels. Each car is completely repainted and re-assembled with the new bodywork at Specter Werke's Troy, Mich. facility.

GTR standard equipment also includes a number of exposed carbon fiber details, including:
*Front splitter
*Rear diffuser
*Outside mirror caps
*Headlamp surrounds

A bold, LED-lit rear center-mounted stop lamp is integrated in the rear fascia. It was originally designed for the Cadillac CTS, and gives the GTR an unmistakable rear appearance.

GTR #1 details
C6 Corvette GTR #1 is powered by Specter's emissions-legal Matrix II engine package for the LS3 engine. It is a "stroker" engine package that boosts displacement from 376 cubic inches (6.2L) to 416 cubic inches (6.8L). That is achieved with a Callies 4340-forged crankshaft that delivers a 4.00-inch stroke. Forged rods from Manley and forged pistons from Mahle round out the rotating assembly.

The camshaft is a special grind from Comp Cams and the LS3 heads' combustion chambers were enlarged from 71cc to 72cc in order to maintain an 11:1 compression ratio. With stainless steel long tube headers and a low-restriction air intake, the engine is rated at 535 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. The engine also features carbon fiber fuel rail covers and a yellow-painted intake manifold.

The Matrix II LS3 channels power to the pavement via Forgeline VR3P wheels, measuring 19 x 11 inches in the front and 20 x 12 inches in the rear. They wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires (285/30ZR19, front, and 335/25ZR20, rear). Behind the wheels are StopTech brakes, featuring ST60 six-piston calipers and 15-inch slotted rotors in the front and ST40 four-piston calipers and 14-inch slotted rotors in the rear. The calipers' yellow color contrasts with the HRE wheels' black center sections. The GTR also features Hotchkis adjustable stabilizer bars.

On the outside, C6 GTR #1 is painted a gorgeous BASF liquid silver color, the richness of which appears wet to the touch. It is a premium color choice and represents the nearly unlimited paint options available to customers. Inside, GTR-standard embroidered seats and Spinneybeck leather trim details contrast elegantly with the Corvette's black interior. A Specter Werkes/Sports production plaque is mounted on the center console.
 
GTR legacy
The Specter Werkes/Sports GTR was first launched a decade ago and saw the creation of nearly 30 specialized cars that were delivered across the country - including the two most notable GTRs, which were created for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr., in 2001.
 
Specter Werkes/Sports is an automotive prototype and fabrication facility based in Troy, Mich. It specializes in race-proven engine performance enhancements and creating specialty accessories for C5 and C6 Corvettes, the Cadillac CTS and more. The company's flagship project is the Corvette GTR.

Since its founding in 1990, Specter Werkes/Sports has been recognized internationally for unparalleled achievements of excellence, helping automotive industry leaders design, model, and prototype innovative, top-of-the-line products at competitive pricing.
 
For more information, contact Specter Werkes/Sports at 248-583-9559 or on the Web: www.spectergtr.com.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Dave Ressler, the new owner of the first 2009 ZR1 — the rights to which were sold at Barrett-Jackson, with proceeds going to charity — also happens to be the owner of the oldest known Corvette, a 1953 model. So what does Ressler do for a living? Why, he's a Chevy dealer, of course, and the owner of a large 'Vette collection in North Dakota. Ressler hasn't announced his plans for the new car, which has unique blue paint and a special VIN, but we hope he doesn't squirrel it away in his barn. North Dakota farm roads and ZR1s seem made for each other. [via VetteTube]

What It's Selling: C6 Corvette Z06

Where It's At: Middle East

What This Ad Literally Says: "You Do The Math"

What This Ad Intends To Say: 505 little horses + you = lots of fun

What This Ad Suggests: If you live in Qatar you probably already own a stable with hundreds of horses; how much easier it would be for you if you had the power of all those horses in one awesome car?

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: This actually reminds us of the "You Do The Meth" joke from 30 Rock more than it makes us think about buying a Corvette. It's a simple visual setup with a strong message, but the symmetry sort of reduces the impact. Overall, it's a "meh" to effete liberals with no desire for high horsepower. Good thing the large-walleted oil-men of the Mideast aren't known for being effete liberals with no desire for high horsepower.

[Ads Of The World]

7:29.03 - Nissan R35 GT-R
The calling card of the new Nissan GT-R is technology witchcraft. On paper, you wouldn't expect much from a 3800lb car with a V6. But on the track, the grip of the trick AWD system channeling 480 HP from the twin-turbocharged engine is pure magic.

7:26.40 - Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The instant legend. Keep in mind, there was reportedly a strong headwind on the main straight, which could have actually slowed things down a bit. Could the ZR1 possibly set an even faster time in the future?

6:55 - Radical SR8
With only about 360 HP, the Radical is not about raw power. Its strengths instead are a race-style chassis, complete with real downforce-generating spoilers. Or course, since the car only weighs about 1430 lbs, the Radical has an incredible power-to-weight ratio. A slightly less powerful 320 HP Radical SR3 Turbo has even run a 7:19 lap. Though we doubt you'll find one being valet-parked at the country club, the Radical is technically streetable. As such, it is the fastest road-going car around the Nordschleife.

6:11.13 - Porsche 956
If the ZR1 is fast, then this is warp speed. it's the fastest official lap time ever recorded on this configuration of the track. What makes it even more amazing is that this was 25 years ago, back in 1983.

[laptimes]

[General Motors]

The GTR is the natural progression of Specter Werkes existing product line, which was previously topped out with the Group 6 model. When we first saw the new GTR, the car had just finished primary sculpting, meaning one half of the car had been carved out of clay and the full design was given the green light. As might be expected, half a custom car would only raise the ire of enthusiasts, so duplicating the work for the other side was the order of the day when we visited. The working buck was raised on static stands underneath a 4-axis CNC machine designed to scan one side of the car and duplicate it on the other. This is the kind of stuff the big boys do — so there'd be no corners cut here. The CNC tech has the job of fiddling with the the surface model program, setting it to execute, and then making sure the machine doesn't gouge a huge hole out in the progress. It's calm and quiet work requiring an eye for detail, and the ability to tweak software when needed. Normally it's not.

The car emerging from that massive hunk of clay is looking pretty sick. We've heard complaints about the C6 Corvette that despite lacking the giant-rear-end syndrome of its predesessor, it's without a certain je ne sais quoi in the aggressiveness department. The Specter Werkes GTR certainly gets rid of any of those complaints. The crazy aggressively angular body work will be complimented by exclusive Michelin PS2 Zero Pressure tires as wide as your arm is long, at 335/25R20 mounted to 20x12.5" Forgeline wheels in the back and 285/30R19 on 19x10 wheels up front. In case you weren't paying attention right there, that's a crap load of rubber. Carbon fiber bits and pieces will be scattered around in such components as the diffusers and the headlights. We were impressed to find out Specter is working directly with the Tier 1 supplier, Visteon, on getting those headlights directly from the source. These won't be crap aftermarket products.

We're eager to see the GTR #1 at its unveiling next month and we're pretty sure Rollie Purifoy Chevrolet in Lupton, Colorado is excited as well, considering their name is on the papers for that first car off the line. One of these days we might get out to the track to see just what these things will do. Fear not, we'll bring you along for the ride. [Spektor Werks]

Very hard to get ZR1 Corvette 2009 - $350000 yes i have guaranteed myself to get three but only selling two who wants one ?dont wait till this summer there are only 2000 being made price will go up SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY 3476727911

The first clue are those wheels, they stick out like an oh so sore thumb. Actually, half the problem is they don't stick out at all, they're practically lost in those wheel wells. Second and perhaps most impressive is the virtually intact digital dashboard so missed in modern vehicles. We almost thought that interior was certifiable there for a moment. We could go on and on about the specatacularness of the conversion, but we think we'll let the car speak for itself in the letter to the viewer that's posted in the gallery. Ah downstairs, the perfect mouthwash for the Ridler nominees.

The couch is crafted by furnituremaker Corbin. It comes in a variety of colors, and the upholstery is leather. The couch can also be plugged in for the undercarriage lighting. Yes, this '57 Corvette replica sofa actually has underglow. Ugh. It's available for $4,399 and would be a good pair with the Corvette BBQ. [1957 Corvette Couch via BornRich]

The BBQ Vette is a hand-crafted grill made out of the tail end of a Corvette. Each one is custom-built to the specs of the purchaser. The grill is chock full of welded 14-gauge steel construction, fiberglass, polished aluminum diamond plating and more. The craftsman will match colors to VIN numbers, and the taillights even work. The charcoal version of the grill will set you back $1,795, while the propane model goes for $2,195. [BBQ Vette via BornRich]

Chevrolet Unveils Two Unique '08 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Cars

Two-time Indy 500 Champion Emerson Fittipaldi to Drive Corvette Z06 E85 Concept Pace Car at 92nd Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS - Known for their charismatic designs and superior performance, the pack-leading pace cars share a special place in Indianapolis 500 lore. History will be made at the 2008 Indianapolis 500 when a pair of distinctive yet highly differentiated Corvette models will serve as the official pace cars - one highlighting Chevrolet's commitment to fuel solutions and the other marking 30 years of Corvette's pace car heritage.

Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials gathered at the Indianapolis Auto Show to make the historic announcement.

One of the pace cars is a customized Corvette Z06 E85 concept that runs on E85 ethanol fuel, a domestically produced alternative fuel similar to the E100 fuel that powers all of the racecars in the IndyCar Series. It will be driven during the race's pace lap by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi.

The other official pace car is a black-and-silver commemorative edition that marks the 30th anniversary of the celebrated 1978 pace car - the first Corvette to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet will produce a total of 500 pace car replicas in both coupe and convertible form, each signed personally by Fittipaldi at the Corvette's Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant.

"Although not a production FlexFuel vehicle, the Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is a high-performance example of Chevrolet's gas-friendly to gas-free initiative, demonstrating viable fuel solutions," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "As an ethanol refiner in his native Brazil, Emerson Fittipaldi is the fitting Chevrolet champion to help support GM's efforts with E85 and celebrate 30 years of the Corvette pacing the Indianapolis 500."

The 92nd Indianapolis 500 takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2008. It will be the Corvette's 10th appearance as the official pace car - a record unmatched by any other vehicle.

"It's only fitting that Corvette will be the first car to earn the distinction of having two models pace the Indianapolis 500 in the same year," said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. "Chevrolet and Corvette are a vital part of the rich history of 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,' and we're honored to have a great champion of the race and of alternative fuels, Emerson Fittipaldi, as this year's pace car driver."

Corvette Z06 E85 concept
The Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is based on the production Z06 - already one of the fastest and most powerful cars on the market - and blends its performance with the high-octane, renewable alternative fuel that is derived from a variety of crops grown across the United States.

E85 is blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Its benefits include reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and a reduced dependence on petroleum. GM is the leader in E85 production models, with more than 2.5 million E85-capable cars, trucks and SUVs on the road - with more on the way. Chevrolet offers seven E85-capable models in 2008.

Apart from the fuel system and powertrain controller revisions required to run E85, the Z06 concept pace car is mechanically stock. It is distinguished by a unique Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint scheme that changes between hues of green and gold when viewed from different angles and in different light. A subtle checkered flag pattern also is part of the paint scheme. Safety equipment and strobe lights are the only other equipment added to the car.

Emerson Fittipaldi: ambassador of racing and ethanol
After winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1989 and 1993 while driving for Chevrolet - and spending 30 years in his native Brazil as a refiner of ethanol - Emerson Fittipaldi is the perfect ambassador to lead the Indianapolis 500 in an E85-powered Corvette Z06.

"Most of the vehicles in Brazil are powered by ethanol produced from crops grown in the country, so I understand how a domestically produced renewable fuel can help the energy solutions of a nation," Fittipaldi said. "And the E85-powered Z06 concept pace car proves economic and environmental consciousness can be fun and exhilarating. I can't wait to get it on the racetrack."

Fittipaldi, whose personal cars include a Corvette Z06 and a Camaro awarded after winning the 1993 Indianapolis 500, resides in both Florida and Brazil. He has interests in several Brazilian ethanol companies and is an ardent champion of ethanol as a viable alternative to gasoline.

Brazil - the fifth-largest country in the world - is a global leader in ethanol usage in automobiles. Approximately 70 percent of Brazilian new cars are equipped with FlexFuel systems that allow the use of a gasoline/ethanol mix or pure ethanol. Ethanol production has grown tremendously during the last three decades and has allowed the country to practically wean itself completely from imported oil.

30th Anniversary commemorative edition
Commemorating one of the most recognizable Indianapolis 500 pace cars, the Corvette 30th Anniversary Pace Car features a black exterior with silver graphics that honors the 1978 model - the production replicas of which became instant collectibles and continue to stand as an iconic symbol of Corvette's heritage at the front of the Indy field.

In addition to the exterior color scheme, the anniversary models are equipped with a special, two-tone titanium-color interior, with the Indianapolis 500 logo embroidered on the seats. Coupe and convertible models are available. Each replica will be personally signed and numbered by Emerson Fittipaldi.

Both the coupe and convertible come equipped with Corvette's 3LT option package, Z51 performance package and dual-mode exhaust. Additional features include:

* Choice of six-speed manual or six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmissions
* LS3 small block V8 with 436 hp
* New-for-2008 forged chrome five-spoke aluminum wheels
* Corvette Z06 rear spoiler
* Silver checkered flag graphics
* Indy 500 logo fender badges

More information on pricing and availability will be announced a later date.

Corvette at Indy
The 2008 edition of the Indianapolis 500 represents Corvette's 10th time as the official pace car - and a record fifth-consecutive year - and Chevrolet's 19th time as the manufacturer selected to lead the field. Corvette's pace years and details include:

* 1978 - Driven by 1960 race winner Jim Rathmann; Chevrolet produced 6,502 production replicas
* 1986 - Driven by famed pilot Chuck Yeager; all 7,315 production convertibles were considered pace car convertibles and included official graphics (to be installed at the owner's discretion)
* 1995 - Driven by then Chevrolet General Manager Jim Perkins; 527 production replicas produced
* 1998 - Driven by 1963 race winner Parnelli Jones when an injury prevented golfer Greg Norman from performing the duty; 1,158 production replicas produced
* 2002 - Driven by actor Jim Caviezel; no production replicas produced but graphics were available through SPO - approximately 300 sets sold
* 2004 - Driven by actor Morgan Freeman; no production replicas produced
* 2005 - Driven by General Colin Powell; no production replicas produced
* 2006 - Driven by cycling champion Lance Armstrong; first Corvette Z06 pace car; no production replicas produced
* 2007 - Driven by actor Patrick Dempsey; 500 production replicas - all convertibles
* 2008 - Driven by Emerson Fittipaldi; 500 production replicas - coupes and convertibles

The Indianapolis 500 is the largest single-day spectator sporting event and the most prestigious auto race in the world. "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" has been run every year since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, except for the periods during the United States' participation in world wars in 1917-18 and 1942-45. The winner of the 92nd Indianapolis 500 will earn racing immortality, a spot on the famed Borg-Warner Trophy and a record winner's purse of at least $2.5 million.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

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