Category: Corvette News & Opinions

Corvette Timeline Tales: August 2004 – Motor Trend Magazine Splashes the Beautiful 2004 Commemorative Edition Corvette

Published on by Scott
Click the image to see the big version.

Dateline: 8.3.11
A Corvette Beauty and a Beast
It seems that in the last few years, the Corvette market is so hungry for cool new special editions that Chevrolet launches their latest special Vettes sooner and sooner. But it wasn’t long ago when that wasn’t the standard. Car companies traditionally previewed their new cars to the press in the Summer so that by the time Fall came around, the magazines would hit the news stands just before the new cars arrive in dealer’s showrooms. That allowed for some salivation time for fans.

When the September issue of Motor Trend arrived in early August ‘03, Corvette fans had a tasty treat! Could MT have made a bigger splash for the new 2004 Commemorative Edition Corvette? Yes, but no much more so. The driver’s side front fender was cropped slightly to better fill the cover and the Saleen S7 and Mosler MT900S got postage stamp-sized pictures in the lower left. For Corvette fans, this was a “gotta have and save issue.” I sure did!

The three-page spread spelled it all out. The ‘04 Commemorative Edition was a salute to the back-to-back class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A “Le Mans win” is like nothing else in the world of sports car racing. Someone once remarked, “You can win Daytona and only a few will remember. Win at Le Mans, and everyone remembers!” The Commemorative Edition was an option on all three Corvette models; the Coupe, Convertible, and the Z06. The package consisted of unique paint  and stripes, special emblems, and embroidery on the seat backs. Price for the coupe and convertible option was $3,700 and $4,335 for the Z06.

Click the image to see the big version

Why $635 extra for the Z06, you wonder? Since the Z06 was the performance version of the C5, packing the 405-horsepower LS6 engine, Corvette planners thought it was only right to help the Z06 along a little by replaced the 31.3-pound stock fiberglass hood with a 20.5-pound carbon fiber hood. Was a 10.6-pound weight saving worth $635? Well… when you consider that the Z06 package put the C5 closer to a race car in terms of suspension enhancements, plus an extra 55-horsepower over the base LS1 engine… ah it depended on how deep you pocket were. The Z06 option was already $7,850 over the base coupe, plus the $4,335 for the Commemorative Edition option. So a buyer was looking at a $12,185 OVER the price of a base ‘04 Coupe for the Commemorative Edition Z06.

And in an almost typical Chevrolet understated way, the only visual difference on the Z06’s carbon fiber hood was the space between the red and white stripe where the carbon fiber is covered in clear. Yes, subtle, but there it was for Corvette lovers to hunt for. Today, carbon fiber is its own “look” and typically flaunted. Continue reading “Corvette Timeline Tales: August 2004 – Motor Trend Magazine Splashes the Beautiful 2004 Commemorative Edition Corvette” →

SCORCHING 2012 Z06 Centennial Edition Corvette Video Road Test – WOW!!!

Published on by Scott

Dateline: 8.2.11
 WANNA take a RIDE in a SMOKIN HOT 2012 Centennial Edition Z06 Corvette???

The delicious Centennial Edition option is available on all 2012 Corvettes.

Looking at pictures of hot Vettes is great, but there’s nothing better than seeing them in action, or better yet, behind the wheel! The new Z07 performance package for Z06 and ZR1 Corvettes helps the cars squeeze more performance without any additional horsepower. BRAVO Corvette team!

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then this video must be worth a million. Enjoy and pass this on to your Corvette pals!

The Centennial Edition (code ZLC) will be available on all 2012 Corvettes and is arguably the juiciest special edition Corvette offer to date. Even though the basic package is the same, between the six Corvette variants (base Coupe, base Convertible. Grand Sport Coupe, Grand Sport Convertible, Z06, and ZR1), plus the variables of trim and options, there will be lots unique Centennial Edition Corvettes. “Collectibility” will be out the window, but there will be plenty of VERY nice ‘12 Corvettes. For the full rundown on the 2012 Centennial Edition option, CLICK HERE.

And here’s the official Chevrolet 2012 Centennial Corvette video… Continue reading “SCORCHING 2012 Z06 Centennial Edition Corvette Video Road Test – WOW!!!” →

Is This The Future of Car Magazines?

Published on by Scott

Dateline: 7.27.11
Could digital magazines, like the RM Auctions Monterey’s 562-page event catalog, be the salvation of the magazine business?


This is a screen shot of the online version of the RM Auction Monterey event catalog.

If car magazines were digital, viewable on a PC, laptop, Kindle, iPad, etc, and cost just $12.00 for a one-year subscription, how would you feel about it?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

I got a really neat email from Kevin Mackay of Corvette  Repair this morning with an interesting link. I’m sure that most of you have heard that the John Greenwood 1969 ZL-1 Corvette race car is going on the block at the RM Auctions Monterey event, August 13 and 14. It’ll be interesting to watch this one because they are expecting between $750,000 and $950,000 for the car. So, we’ll see how hungry the market is for a beautifully restored piece of Corvette racing history. Kevin is also closely following this because he did the restoration work on the car.

So, if you go HERE, you can see what Kevin sent me. (The link to the left will open a new window) Kevin knows I’m a big fan of the early Corvette race cars and especially the Greenwood cars. So, enjoy the images, they’re beautifully photographed, But that’s not what this post is about.

When you go to the page, look in the middle of the page towards the bottom. See the gray forward and backwards arrows? In the middle it says, “110-11/562.” That means you’re looking at pages 110 and 111, of a 562-page document. What you have is the entire 562-page catalog of the cars that are up for auction August 19 and 20. Continue reading “Is This The Future of Car Magazines?” →

Corvette Wheels Pt 3 of 3 – 1997 to 2009

Published on by Scott

Dateline: 7.19.11
A Historic Look Back at the Wheels that Vettes Ride On!

After much anticipation, the all-new C5 Corvette was released as a 1997 model. The new design was truly a “modern” Corvette. However, many of the basic components can be traced all the way back to the ‘57 “Q-Corvette” proposal. Yes, forty years before, Zora Arkus-Duntov was thinking about advanced hardware that included and all-aluminum, fuel-injected engine, an aluminum-case transaxle, inboard-mounted rear drum brakes to reduce unsprung mass, a lightweight pan chassis similar to the 356 Porsche, and four-wheel independent suspension. Fast forward forty years and you have the C5 Corvette. Lightweight alloy wheels eliminated the need for the inboard-mounted rear brakes and the new hydroformed frame rails replaced the pan body structure. Other than those details, body styling, and a lot of computerized components, the new C5 Corvette was the realization of the ‘57 Q-Corvette proposal.


1997 – 1999 Wheel

As tire and wheel size grew to handle increased horsepower, it was now essential that the wheels be as light as possible for a production car. Additional unsprung mass from larger wheels and tires is the kiss of death for improved handling. The new C5 was riding on 17” x 8.5” front wheels and 18” x 9.5” rear wheels. In comparison, the ‘96 C4 Corvette Continue reading “Corvette Wheels Pt 3 of 3 – 1997 to 2009” →

Corvette Timeline Tales: July 14, 1985 – NBC Premiers Two-Hour Pilot for Steven Cannell’s New Series, “Stingray”

Published on by Scott

Dateline: 7.14.2011
Sometimes the “car as the star” just isn’t enough.

The NBC series “Stingray” only ran for two seasons and stared Nick Mancuso in the lead roll of “Ray.” No last name, just “Ray.” He’s kind of a Robin Hood, gritty urban “Pay it Forward” mystery man. Ray drives an awesome-looking black ‘65 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe with knockoff wheels, is an expert driver, martial arts master, a speed reader with a photographic memory, master computer hacker with very fast fingers, Vietnam Vet, possibly CIA, AND doesn’t charge for his problem solving services. Just a loose IOU, collectible by Ray… some time… some day in the future… maybe.

Who DOESN’T want to be this guy?

In the ‘80s TV producer and writer, Steven J. Cannell was on a roll with hugely successful programs including “The Rockford Files,” “The Greatest American Hero,” “The A-Team,” “Wiseguy,” Continue reading “Corvette Timeline Tales: July 14, 1985 – NBC Premiers Two-Hour Pilot for Steven Cannell’s New Series, “Stingray”” →

Corvette Odd-Ball: The One and Only, Falconer V12 “Conan the Corvette”

Published on by Scott

Dateline: 7.13.11 (Our 100th post!)
Circa 1992: Chevy performance R&D guys do some showing off. Oh, WOW!

Click the image for a MUCH larger image.

One of the fun things about running a blog is that you can see what people are searching for. It’s interesting to see topics come and go. Next to searches for C7 Corvettes, another common search is for the Falconer Corvette. I covered this car once before, but found some new info and neat things to share.

My wife is always saying to me, “Dude, you sure have the car magazines.” I don’t know how many there are (not 1,000s) but “enough.” Sometimes I even forget what I have. That’s why I was so pleased to find the below May 1992 issue of Motor Trend, with the cover story, “TOP SECRET CHEVYS!” Featuring something AWESOME-LOOKING on the cover. Oh, that’s “Conan the Corvette” AKA the Falconer V-12 Corvette, a 610-cubic-inch, 686-HP, 680-ft/lb of torque monster! In 1992 is was OH! MY! GAUD!!! Continue reading “Corvette Odd-Ball: The One and Only, Falconer V12 “Conan the Corvette”” →

Vintage 1969 Baldwin/Motion Performance Group Catalog

Published on by Scott

Dateline: 7.11.11
Wanna Drive With the Exotics in 1969? Bring a Boatload of Cash!

I stumbled upon the Baldwin Motion experience almost at the beginning. Actually, I couldn’t miss it! While the particular issue of CARS Magazine is long gone from my collection, I remember it well. A screaming yellow ‘68 Phase III SS-427 Corvette with deep-dish Cragar mags, ‘65-’67 Corvette factory side pipes, a ‘67 427 Corvette hood scoop parted on top of the ‘68 427 hood dome, and a Pontiac hood-mounted tach! WOW!!!

A car such as this had never been in my face before! I bought the magazine and my best friend, Steve Grasso and I POURED over every detail of the cover story for weeks. I took my week’s allowance and sent away for my Baldwin/Motion performance Group catalog and Motion sticker. Two buck, with postage! Worth all 200 pennies, AND, unlike that issue of CARS Magazine, I still have the catalog.

What I didn’t know was that I had been initiated into the high performance world of Joel “Mr. Motion” Rosen and Marty “Mr. VETTE Magazine” Schorr. Joel went on to build dozens and dozens of hyper- performance Chevys, and CARS Magazine editor Marty Schorr would not only produce those wonderful “in your face” Motion ads and catalogs, but he would later found VETTE Magazine.

                   
Click the above images to see the BIG versions

In June 2011 we launched www.BaldwinMotionReport.com and the first thing I posted was Continue reading “Vintage 1969 Baldwin/Motion Performance Group Catalog” →

Dude! Where’s the Rest of My C5 2000 Corvette?!?!?

Published on by Scott

Dateline: 7.8.11:
 Here’s What’s Under All the Pretty Fiberglass of a Typical 1997 – 2004 C5 Corvette

Click the images to see a larger version.

Now here’s something you don’t see every day. While researching my next Illustrated Corvette Series story for VETTE Magazine about the 1996 LT4 Corvette engine, I happened upon this interesting item for sale on eBay by F•Parts. The listing is not an auction, it’s a Buy Now or Make Offer offer.

If you’re looking for a complete engine, drivetrain, suspension, chassis, wheels, brakes, and tires for some kind of street rod project, for just $5,999.00 or better, you can be off to a good start. Continue reading “Dude! Where’s the Rest of My C5 2000 Corvette?!?!?” →

Cool New 2012 Centennial Corvette Pull-Out Ad

Published on by Scott

Dateline: 6.30.11

DNA of a Supercar – Chevy shows off their Z06 & ZR1 all-aluminum frame.

Click the images to see the REALLY BIG version.

The August 2011 issue of Motor Trend Magazine arrived in my mailbox today with a special treat from Chevrolet. Starting on page 35, there’s a 6-page, fold-out, tear-out, double-sided ad for the 2012 Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition Corvette. You are first greeted with a passenger side front 3/4 view of the latest Special Edition Corvette at speed on a lonely road.

The flip side shows Corvette fans a view of the Z06 that we don’t get to see very often… Continue reading “Cool New 2012 Centennial Corvette Pull-Out Ad” →

C5 Corvette vs Toyota Prius in a Fuel Mileage Shootout!

Published on by Scott

This is NOT your grandfather’s 12-MPG Vette

“High performance” can be measures in many ways. While a “Corvette vs Prius” match up is truly apples and oranges for many obvious reasons rather silly, this competition is strictly a fuel efficiency contest.

(BOTH hands on the steering wheel, Prius “driver!”)

The video presents no background info on the two cars, so we don’t know the age of the Prius and since we never see anything other than the very front and rear of the C5, it could be anywhere from a 7-to-15-year old Corvette. After traveling 42.7 miles, the Corvette used just 1.402 gallons of gasoline, netting out 30.4 mph. The Prius drank only 1.083 gallons, netting out an impressive 39.4 mpg. Continue reading “C5 Corvette vs Toyota Prius in a Fuel Mileage Shootout!” →

NEW BaldwinMotionReport.com Website!!!

Published on by Scott1 Comment

After many years, we FINALLY made it happen!

I’ve been a big fan of Joel Rosen and Marty Schorr’s, Baldwin-Motion Phase III Supercars since 1968. While they were not the only tuners that were offering packaged supercars, they were the only ones to offer a money back guarantee that their car would run 11.50 in the quarter-mile, or YOUR MONEY BACK! Plus, Rosen and Schorr came up with a signature look for their cars that has been imitated by many.

In all the years that Phase III supercars were built and sold, not a single customer ever asked for a refund because their Phase III car didn’t perform!

I’ll be covering all the RED HOT Baldwin-Motion Phase III muscle cars – the Phase III Corvettes, Phase III Camaros, Phase III Novas, Phase III Chevelles, and the ultimate sleeper machine, the Phase III Biscayne. Continue reading “NEW BaldwinMotionReport.com Website!!!” →

Illustrated Corvette Series No. 170 – Corvette Stingray Concept

Published on by Scott

C7 Sneak-Peek, Or Just the Latest Corvette Concept Car?

Be sure to take part in our poll.

Although Corvette chief designer Tom Peters says that the Corvette Stingray Concept car is NOT the C7, would you like it to be?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Intro: Not since the Mako Shark II hit the nation’s car shows has a concept car caused as much excitement within the Corvette community as the Corvette Stingray Concept. It’s been two years since the low-slung, sexy silver Stingray hit the automotive press and fans right between the eyes. And thanks to fans with excellent Photoshop skills, there has been a steady stream of images that look, well, like real cars! What the panting public has been short on are details about the car – what’s it made of, what about that unusual front suspension, and what’s really under the car’s engine covers that say, “Hybrid Stingray”? Chevrolet was long on generalities and short on red meat details. When I decided to cover the new concept car in my VETTE Magazine column, I knew I would need some inside help. Thanks to VETTE’s senior associate editor Christopher Phillip, I had an interesting series of conversations with a few GM insiders. After reassuring the gatekeepers that I was NOT trolling for C7 details, I was able to get a phone audience with Corvette chief designer, Tom Peters to discuss what they were thinking when designing the concept car. So, special thanks to David North, David Caldwell, Nichole Carrier, and Tom Peters for their assistance with the story. – Scott

Like blood in a pool of sharks, there’s nearly a fever pitch of anticipation and speculation over the upcoming C7 Corvette. If you Google search the term “C7 Corvette” you’ll get nearly 600,000 results. Whenever I post a C7-related story at CorvetteReport.com, the page hits take a spike. C7 fever began in mid-’07 with reports of a possible mid-engine C7. From there, nearly every possible “what if” concept was pinned on the the C7. Unlike previous “future Corvette” times, computer-generated images only added to the confusion because some looked like real prototype cars! Continue reading “Illustrated Corvette Series No. 170 – Corvette Stingray Concept” →