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2009 Corvette GT1 Edition February 27, 2009

Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Auto Racing, Enthusiastic Commentary.
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GT1 Corvette overhead view

GT1 Corvette overhead view2009 Corvette GT1GT1 Racecar and 2009 Corvette GT1 Edition

Chevrolet had announced a new special offering for Corvette race fans several weeks ago.  It has recently been confirmed will be available in Canada.  These 2009 Corvette GT1 Editions will be built in limited numbers with only 100 units built in each of the colours and body styles offered, with a total of 600 units being built World wide.  The following is some of the details of this special Corvette

2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Editions (RPO GT1)

Chevrolet and Corvette Racing introduce a new limited edition

 

The GT1 Championship Editions Celebrates Corvette C6.R Racing Success

-         American Le Mans Series GT1 Manufacturers Champions for 8 years

-         5 time 24 Hours of Le Mans GT1 Champions

-         Over 70 victories in ALMS racing

-         2009 24 Hours of Le Mans race will close out this successful era

 

Included in the package:

-        C6.R livery inspired graphics feature Corvette Racing ‘Jake’, Championships, and driver flags

-        ZR1 style body color full width spoiler and chrome wheels

-        Custom Leather Wrapped Ebony Interior with exclusive Yellow accent stitching

-        GT1 embroidery on the leather seats, instrument panel, and center console armrest

-     Special Engine Cover with carbon pattern and yellow Corvette lettering

-     Windshield banner – owner installed

 

Available in either Coupe, Convertible, and Z06 (Canadian Pricing to follow)

 

-     Available in 45U Velocity Yellow (with black headlamps) or 41U Black

-         Specific VIN sequence 300001 series for 45U Velocity Yellow representing the #3 C6.R

-         Specific VIN sequence 400001 series for 41U Black representing the #4 C6.R

-         Limited production to 100 per each color and body style combination and 600 total in Spring ‘09

-         Coupe and Convertible versions also include:

Z51 Performance Package, NPP Performance Exhaust

-        Optional MX0 6-speed Paddle Shift Automatic on Coupe and Convertible

-        Optional C2L dual roof package on Coupe

-        Optional U3U Navigation System on all

 

The Chevy Enthusiast

2009 Corvette Competition Sport Package February 27, 2009

Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Auto Racing, Enthusiastic Commentary.
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Corvette Competition Sport Package

Corvette Competition Sport Package

Although we have known for some time now that the new 2009 Corvette Competition Sport Package had been created, we were waiting for the final word from GM Canada as to the availability of this option package in Canada.  This package is aimed at Corvette enthusiasts that have a desire to run the cars in Autocross events, High Performance Driver Education Days or even road race Lapping Days!

2009 Corvette Competition Sport Package

 

 

This much anticipated Special Edition is now available in Canada.  The Competition Sport package is for the Corvette purist and driving enthusiast with a focus on performance driving and serious track influenced design features.

Competition Sport Package (CSC) – Available on Coupe 1SA and Z06 1SA

 

Package includes:

 

Ø      Competition Gray Exterior Stripes, Wheels, and Headlamps

Ø      Corvette Racing ‘Jake’ and ‘CSR’ logos on b-pillar, headrest, and centre armrest

Ø      Ebony Interior with titanium embroidery

Ø      Corvette Racing Pedals from GCA

Ø      Special engine cover: Carbon pattern with red lettering

Ø      Racing style numbers with number based on build sequence to be installed by customer

Ø      Available colours:  Blade Silver (17U) and Black (41U) for Z06 and Blade Silver(17U) and Arctic White (10U) for the Coupe

Additional Options included with Coupe:

 

Ø      Z51 Performance Package, NPP Performance Exhaust, Differential Cooler

Ø      Head Up Display

Ø      Red Painted Brake Calipers

Ø      Z06 tall spoiler

Pricing:

Ø      Coupe Competition Sport Package (CSC) – MSRP $7945

Ø      Z06 Competition Sport Package (CSC) – MSRP $3415

Call your Wilson Niblett Performance Salesperson today to confirm your order placement

The Chevy Enthusiast

2010 Camaro SS Test Drive! February 17, 2009

Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Enthusiastic Commentary.
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Camaro SS Grille

Camaro SS Grille

You all know that I am a Chevy Enthusiast through and through, so the fact that I truly enjoyed testing the new 2010 Camaro SS 6 speed should not come as a surprise.  However, I have never been afraid to tell it like it is, especially about a performance car and it’s attributes.  This new Camaro is fantastic!

I always approach new products with a kind of “Okay, go ahead and impress me!” attitude.  The new 2010 Camaro was somewhat the same except that I have been in love with the idea since viewing ther concept in Detroit in 2006 and talking about the design with Tom Peters the Lead Designer.  Having owned several early Camaros myself, I could relate to Mr. Peter’s excitement as he explained many of the nuances of the new design and the lines that were to emulate the heritage of these cars without creating a simple “Retro Car”.

After a long wait, I had a change to test drive a 2010 Camaro SS last week.  I am blown away by the absolute quality of this vehicle.  The vehicle looks even better in real life than is does in photographs.  The fit and finish, body gaps and trim are excellent, the GM employees in Oshawa should be truly proud of their work on this new Camaro.  The lines truly capture the essence of the 1969 Camaro that has become a collective automotive icon.  Just walking up to the Camaro makes you want to see one in Trans Am trim in Penske/Donahue livery or a Bill Jenkins “Grumpy’s Toy” Pro Stock setup!  Don’t get me wrong, this is not a throwback design, it just evokes that era.

The interior is very comfortable and with the power drivers seat, can fit any size person perfectly.  The seat is very performance oriented with good bolstering and adjustability. They have raised the door/ window reveal line and the car feels like you are wearing it.  The controls are ergonomically placed for real driving.

The first clue to the 425HP under the hood is the great exhaust note that snaps on fire up and burbles at idle.  There is no exhaust resonance in the cockpit when driving.  The clutch is very smooth but far from mushy.  Pulling out onto the road the first thing you notice is that there are no rattles, cowl shake or excessive body motion.  This is a solidly built performance car!  Road joints and imperfections tell you that this car has a true performance heritage but the firm ride is not harsh and offers a very controlled ride.   Your first corner at any speed tells you that this is not your grandfather’s Camaro!  As with any other vehicle road test, there is the obligatory acceleration test and this one was impressive.  The first thing you notice is that there is no squat with the independent rear suspension.  The engineers have done a great job of designing handling and performance into this element of the Camaro.  There is no torque lean, the cars pulls flat and straight with no suspension hop or instability.  I am truly impressed!

The four wheel discs are smooth and very capable of reacting to all your impulsive needs on a spirited drive.  The one factor that strikes you as you reach highway speeds is that there is absolutely no wind noise in this car…none!  Well done Chevrolet.  The legend continues.

I want one. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get three cars in a two car garage! 

The Chevy Enthusiast

Corvette Racing Driver Lineup February 5, 2009

Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto Racing, Enthusiastic Commentary.
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Direct from our friends over at Corvette Racing.  www.corvetteracing.com They have announced the driver lineup for the LeMans race.  Instead of paraphrasing the article, I have inserted it below.  Be sure to bookmark their site for all the coming news and updates for the Corvette Racing Team.

Corvette Racing Announces 2009 Driver Lineup

Marcel Fassler and Antonio Garcia to Join Corvette Racing Roster for Three Endurance Events

DETROIT – Corvette Racing will have a new driver lineup for the 2009 American Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Antonio Garcia will join defending ALMS GT1 champions Johnny O’Connell and Jan Magnussen in the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R for the Sebring 12-hour, Le Mans 24-hour, and 1000-mile Petit Le Mans endurance races. Marcel Fassler will be teamed with 2005-07 GT1 champions Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta in the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R in the three long-distance races. Canadian Ron Fellows, a member of Corvette Racing since its inception, will continue with the team in an advisory and ambassadorial role.

The new additions to Corvette Racing’s driver roster have extensive experience in world-class GT competition. Garcia, 28, of Barcelona, Spain, has raced with distinction in the European Touring Car Championship, the World Touring Car Championship, and the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. He was part of the winning GT1 team in the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans, and recently shared in an overall victory in the 2009 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Fassler, 32, of Einsiedeln, Switzerland, has competed in the DTM, the European Le Mans Series, A1 Grand Prix, and the FIA GT championship. Driving a Corvette for the Phoenix Carsport team in the FIA GT series, Fassler won the prestigious Spa 24-hour race in 2007, and continued that success in 2008 with five pole positions and a win in Adria, Italy, finishing fourth in the championship.

“Antonio and Marcel have the ability, the experience, and the mindset that we look for in a Corvette Racing driver,” said GM Road Racing Group manager Steve Wesoloski. “We’ve seen their speed on the track, and we know they have the discipline and team-oriented attitude that’s essential for success in endurance racing. Our international driver lineup reflects the global marketing objectives of the Corvette Racing program.”

Corvette Racing will run in the GT1 class in the season-opening Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and the Grand Prix of Long Beach in preparation for its 10th participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Following its return from France, Corvette Racing will begin its transition to the GT2 category at the Mid-Ohio round of the ALMS as the team prepares for a full-season GT2 program in 2010.