2010 Corvette Z06 specs and price details

The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is the range-topping performance model in the Corvette lineup and is widely regarded as one of the best performance bargains on the market. Pricing for the 2010 Corvette Z06 starts at $75,235 which is an increase of $360 over 2009's MSRP of $74,875, but it remains incredible value and offers the kind of performance normally reserved for cars costing twice as much.

Power comes from the now familiar LS7 7.0L V8. Born out of Chevrolet's racing program, each V8 engine is hand-built at the GM Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan and features a dry-sump lubrication system, titanium valves and connecting rods, forged-steel crankshaft with six-bolt main bearings and a high-profile cam.

The result is a peak output of 505hp (377kW) at 6,300rpm and 470lb-ft (640Nm) at 4,800rpm, the potent engine in the Z06’s 1,440kg body sees the car sprint from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds, pass the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 125mph and reach a top speed of 198mph. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via six-speed manual. Massive six-piston front and four-piston rear disc brakes provide more than enough stopping power to haul the Corvette Z06 down from speed. Despite its massive amount of power, the Corvette Z06 does not incur a federal government gas-guzzler penalty.

The Z06 package also includes several other performance features. To keep weight down, the Z06's front fenders, wheelhousings and floorboards are made of carbon fiber. To further cut weight, Chevrolet gave the Z06 an aluminum body structure -- shaving off 136 pounds from a Corvette Coupe -- and a magnesium roof structure and engine cradle. The weight-savings measures give the Corvette Z06 a power-to-weight ratio of, besting the Ferrari F430 and Porsche GT3 RS.

Like the rest of the 2010 Corvette range, the latest Z06 comes with a new launch control system and side airbags as standard. Buyers opting for the top-end 3LZ package now get powered sports seats for both driver and passenger, while a new Cashmere interior with Corvette logo embroidery is also available.

The 2010 Z06 retains the 2,686mm wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long arm suspension and transverse spring design, but it rides on all-new wheels, tires and brakes, as well as its own rear spring and roll stabilizer.

The cast-spun aluminum wheels measure 18in up front and house 14in disc brakes and red six-piston calipers, while in the rear the wheels are 19in in diameter and house 13.4in discs with four-piston calipers. A four-channel ABS system is standard, as is an active handling system complete with a ‘Competitive Driving’ mode.

The 2010 Z06 is the availability of the full Corvette color palette, with eight colors including Arctic White, Crystal Red Metallic and the new Torch Red now offered.

GM bumps price of 2010 Corvette ZR1 up $2,910 to $107,830

The Corvette ZR1 is priced at just $104,920 for 2009. But just like fine wine, supercars have a tendency to cost more with age. In that spirit, Chevrolet has announced the 2010 Corvette ZR1 will cost $107,830, a rise of $2,910 over the 2009 model, reports CorvetteBlogger. Once you add in the $1,700 gas guzzler tax, the total climbs to $109,530 for the 3,333lb (1,512kg) 2010 Corvette ZR1.

That's still about half the price of its nearest performance rivals, and only about $20,000 over the 480hp (358kW), 3,800lb (1,727kg) Nissan GT-R.
Thankfully, the ZR1's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine carries over untouched. With 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb-ft (819 Nm) of torque, the ZR1 rockets to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

Aside from the modest 2.8% price bump, the 2010 ZR1 will also get launch control and the new Performance Traction Management (PTM) system, both worth the expense in their own right. According to GM, the PTM system "optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance" by modulating engine torque 100 times per second and automatically managing acceleration dynamics when exiting corners at full throttle.

Other updates include standard side air bags, a cashmere interior, several new exterior color choices, and optional competition gray wheels.

The standard Corvette also saw a slight price rise this year, up $365, though it also gets the upgraded launch control and traction management systems.

World's rarest Corvettes heading to Chicago for Bloomington Gold(R) Corvette Show

We reported that the 1.5 millionth Corvette is being built, and now, the rarest and fastest Corvettes in the world have been assembled into one remarkable collection for an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the 2009 Bloomington Gold Corvette Show scheduled June 25-28, 2009, at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill. It’s unmissable for Corvette lovers.

Taking place in two weeks, the 2009 Bloomington Gold Corvette Show will feature 60 of the most historically significant Corvettes in existence. Among the showings will be some stunning models from the echelons of history, including the 1953 Corvette EX122 - the hand-built concept car that represents the beginning of Corvette production as the oldest Corvette in the world. This model was first unveiled in January of 1953 to the New York public at a GM Motorama event, and according to legend this is the car that inspired Zora Duntov to join Chevrolet and work on the Corvette.

Speaking of Zora Duntov, the 206mph Corvette CERV hand-built by him will also be appearing in the collection. The CERV, which stands for Chevrolet Experimental Racing Vehicle, was used as the platform for refining the body, chassis and suspension systems - and considering that it was built over 45 years ago, its top speed is astonishing.

Other historic Corvettes appearing will be the 1960 Original Stingray Racer, the 1969 Grand Sport #001 Penske racer that has been valued in the millions and the amazing 1969 ZL1 Corvette - the only one documented to exist and hence one of the most valuable Corvettes in the world.

As America's Original Corvette Show since 1973, Bloomington Gold offers flagship car judging, educational and restoration seminars, auctions, museum-quality displays of America's fastest and rarest Corvettes, road tours and more!
The magnificent Pheasant Run Resort plays host to the Bloomington Gold Corvette show. Tickets are available at the door for $20. For more information, visit BloomingtonGold.com, call 309.888.4477 or email info@bloomingtongold.com.

Chevrolet builds the 1,500,000th Corvette, prices 2010 Grand Sport

The Chevrolet Corvette has been going on for about 60 years as America's iconic supercar, spawning imitations in the past and inspiring allegiance from Corvette aficionados around the world over the decades. Yesterday, Karen Rafferty, Chevrolet Product Marketing Director, announced the recent production of the 1,500,000th Corvette at GM Bowling Green Assembly plant. This is a serious milestone.

"The 1.5 millionth Corvette is a great example of how Chevy is America's brand", Rafferty said. "For nearly 60 years we have built America's Sports Car and this milestone is a solid proof point."

The 1.5 millionth Corvette, built on May 28, is a white convertible 3LT with red interior and black top. Incidentally the first, 500,000th and 1 millionth Corvettes built in 1953, 1977 and 1992 respectively had similar features.

Along with the announcement of the sales landmark, Chevrolet released pricing for the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport. The standard coupe GS starts at $55,720 and the GS convertible starts from $59,530.

"The Corvette Grand Sport achieves a 0 - 60 time in less than four seconds, pulls 1.0g on the skid pad and still boasts an impressive 26 highway mpg," Karen Rafferty said. "These numbers are unmatched by any of Corvette's competitors." The 2010 Grand Sport was unofficially priced just over a week ago, but the official announcement today confirms those numbers.

Obviously, GM will be leveraging its most iconic products to help rebuild the company's image in the wake of its massive bailout and bankruptcy. The new Grand Sport sport is a step in the right direction, however, adding performance and value to an already impressive American sports car.

Two-mode Chevrolet Equinox hybrid coming in 2011

Before the economic downturn, General Motors had some major plans for its Saturn brand including the launch of a two-mode hybrid Vue and eventually a plug-in hybrid version. Although the development has been completed for both cars and production has already been set to start last November, declining sales and an inevitable bankruptcy forced GM to readjust its plans.

The biggest change is the sale of the Saturn brand to the Penske Automotive Group, the owner of the second largest dealership in the US. As for the hybrid vehicles, GM has already confirmed that the technology for the Vue plug-in hybrid will be retained and used in other brands, and now the automaker has revealed to AutoblogGreen that the Vue two-mode hybrid has been cancelled.

Instead, GM will use the FWD two-mode system for its Chevrolet Equinox crossover, which should arrive on the market in petrol-electric configuration in 2011. The system in the Vue was to use a 3.6L V6 engine mated to the two-mode hybrid drive system. Since the Equinox uses a different 3.0L V6 engine, GM will need additional time to redesign the system.

The two-mode system utilizes an Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) that GM developed together with Mercedes-Benz and BMW and currently uses in the Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado, as well as the GMC Sierra and Denali, and Cadillac Escalade hybrid vehicles.

2010 Corvette Grand Sport pricing

Chevrolet is planning a series of updates for the Corvette for the 2010 model year, with changes affecting the entire lineup, from the base model all the way up to the scorching ZR1 supercar. First and foremost is the introduction of the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport Model. While introducing at the National Corvette Museum in April, Team Corvette members Harlan Charles and Tadge Juechter both said that people will be pleased when the final price of the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport Model is announced.

Now here comes the result. 2010 Grand Sport Coupe starts at $55,720 including DFC, while 2010 Grand Sport Convertible starts at $59,530 including DFC. That’s a $6,205 increase over the price of the base 2009 Corvette Coupe and $5,360 over the price of the base Corvette Convertible, respectively, but you will be happy to see that the Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package which costs $1,695 and you are essentially looking at $3,665-4510 upgrade for the new wide-body design, complete with Z06 brakes, tuned suspension and a better 0-60 mph performance of 4.0 vs 4.2.

The LS3 engine’s output has been kept at 430hp (321kW) and 424lb-ft (575Nm) of torque, however, an optional two-mode exhaust system boosts output to 436hp (325kW) and 428lb-ft (580Nm). Furthermore, all manual Corvettes for 2010 receive a new launch control system.

Specific modifications include wider front and rear fenders with unique badging, a Z06-style front splitter and rear spoiler, new brake ducts, unique 18in wheels with 275mm tires up front and 19in units shod with 325mm rubber in the rear, Z06-spec brakes include 355mm rotors with six-piston calipers up front and 340mm rear rotors with four-piston calipers.

All of the Corvette's exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport and an available ‘Heritage’ package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The sticker price for this Z15 GS Heritage Package should be released when full pricing is announced for 2010 Chevrolet Corvette lineup in the near future.

Incidentally, a quick check on some of the forums shows that people are generally pleased with the pricing of the new model. The new Corvette Grand Sport should have a good sell.

Chinese-built Chevrolet Spark, Aveo and Lova could hit U.S. showrooms by 2011

Finding ways to get cars to market with less expense and more profitability is the name of the game. General Motors is going to build more and more cars overseas as part of its restructuring plans, and that China was one of the first places they'd look.

As reported, General Motors is considering bringing its low-cost, high-volume vehicles from China to the U.S. in order to bolster its sales in the segment. Currently, the carmaker is looking to sell around 17,300 Chinese-made vehicles in the U.S. by 2011 and over 50,000 units by 2014. Until now, however, it was uncertain just what type of vehicles the carmaker would be bringing to local showrooms.

Speaking with the Detroit Free Press, a senior Global Insight market analyst in Shanghai predicted that GM would likely bring Chinese-built versions of the Chevrolet Spark and next-generation Aveo, as well as another small car called the Lova. Under such a plan, the cars would be produced by GM’s partners in China, Shanghai Auto Industry Corporation (SAIC) and Liuzhou Wuling Auto.

While the predictions about these cars comes from a reputed market intelligence company, other analysts are not quite so sure about GM's overall plans to import cars from China, however. One analyst from a Shanghai based company stated that GM's "export aspirations are a marketing tactic, not a real solid opportunity", but that they were "certainly a possibility in the future."

Furthermore, the news has angered local unions which believe that taking government support but then outsourcing jobs to China is an underhanded move. However, remaining competitive is GM's ultimate long term goal, and should it pursue Chinese imports then it will likely be the first major carmaker in the U.S to do so.

Along with the rise in Chinese-made vehicles for U.S. sale, Mexican-made cars and trucks would increase significantly as well, from the current 317,000 to 501,000 by 2014, while cars made in South Korea for the American market would increase almost five-fold from 36,000 to 157,000 by 2014.

GM’s financial troubles won’t impede Chevrolet Volt development

The much anticipated Chevrolet Volt, the car pegged with rescuing GM from impending financial doom, is about to start the next phase of testing despite threats of bankruptcy looming on the horizon. Development work on the Volt is continuing uninterrupted and the first fleet of prototypes with actual Volt bodies and interiors will begin testing by the middle of the year. Until now GM had been using Chevrolet Cruze bodies to test the upcoming Volt powertrain.

At the moment, the car is slated to hit dealerships in late 2010 and this goal appears to be on track. "At this point in time, I know of no reason why we can't be in production by November of 2010," GM product development chief Tom Stephens told Automotive News.

Something that has been delayed, however, is which of the three other surviving GM brands - Cadillac, Buick or GMC - would get a vehicle with the Volt's hybrid powertrain. The most likely option will be Cadillac, which reportedly is planning to produce a version of its Converj plug-in hybrid concept.

GM is also working on the second-generation Volt already, displaying the high hopes that upper management is pinning on the car.

Meanwhile, making the Volt as efficient as possible is of key concern to GM - this means examining every aspect of the car for any points where energy consumption can be reduced. Following this tack, GM is even putting a more frugal stereo in the car to make the Volt's electric-only range as high as possible, among other things.

Along with its current financial troubles, another thorn in the side of GM lies in the expected take-up rate on the Volt, and whether consumers will embrace it as much as upper management is hoping. One of the key concerns in this area is the infrastructure needed for the Volt, such as charging points. Incentives such as free parking in certain places may be put in place to entice customers more readily to the Volt.

Conversely, concerns about infrastructure far outweigh any concerns about the effect on the electrical grid - in fact, the largest problem for the Volt lies in the lack of charging facilities in urban areas where the Volt is most likely to be used. Whatever solution GM comes up for this, it'll have to come quick if the Volt is to be as big a success as they are hoping.

Corvette Grand Sport is back

The Grand Sport name last appeared on the Corvette in 1996, commemorating the end of the C4 era. Only 1,000 copies were built, all painted Admiral Blue. It also pays homage to five hand-built racing Corvettes from 1963 ordered up by chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov .Now, the Corvette Grand Sport is back!!

Set to roll in later this year as a 2010 model in both coupe and convertible bodystyles, the new Grand Sport combines the standard Corvette LS3-based powertrain with widebody styling and a race-bred suspension, and gives Corvette fans a new performance option between the standard model and sexy Z06.

The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires, revised shocks, new stabilizer bar and spring specifications and new gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of up to 1.0g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60mph acceleration versus the standard LS3-powered models.

The engine’s output has been kept at 430hp (321kW) and 424lb-ft (575Nm) of torque, however, an optional two-mode exhaust system boosts output to 436hp (325kW) and 428lb-ft (580Nm).

Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. The manual transmission also comes with specific gear ratios, while automatic models get a modified rear axle ratio.

Specific modifications for the Grand Sport coupe and convertible include wider front and rear fenders with unique badging, a Z06-style front splitter and rear spoiler, new brake ducts, unique 18in wheels with 275mm tires up front and 19in units shod with 325mm rubber in the rear, Z06-spec brakes include 355mm rotors with six-piston calipers up front and 340mm rear rotors with four-piston calipers.

All of the Corvette's exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport and an available ‘Heritage’ package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery.