Press Release:

Corvette Racing 2009 Review: Doug Fehan Q&A
The First in a Series of Conversations with Corvette Racing

DETROIT – Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan has seen it all in motorsports, and he had to rely on every element of that hard-earned experience to navigate through a tumultuous 2009 season. In the midst of a global economic storm, Fehan steered Corvette Racing to the team’s sixth win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the successful mid-year introduction of the GT2 version of the Corvette C6.R in the American Le Mans Series.

Corvette Racing’s 10th anniversary season was a year of transition. The championship-winning GT1 Compuware Corvettes secured a seventh win in the season-opening Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 21, and made their farewell appearance in the ALMS in Long Beach, Calif., on April 18. The curtain fell on the GT1 era on June 13-14 with a GT1 victory in Le Mans, France, as Johnny O’Connell, Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia stood on the top step of the podium. Seven weeks later, two new-generation Corvette C6.Rs made their competition debut in the GT2 class at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

As the team conducted a five-race test program in preparation for a unified GT class in 2010, Corvette Racing posted five podium finishes and notched its first GT2 win at Mosport International Raceway on August 30. In the series’ final five rounds, Corvette Racing scored more team and manufacturer points than any other GT2 entry, and O’Connell and Magnussen tallied the most points in the GT2 drivers championship. The season ended with fireworks at Laguna Seca as Magnussen walked away from his battered race car after a high-speed crash on the final lap of the season.

Under Fehan’s leadership, Corvette Racing has become one of the world’s premier production sports car teams. An ardent advocate for the Corvette cause and an icon for legions of faithful Corvette fans; Fehan received the ALMS “From the Fans” award in 2004, 2008, and 2009. In the following Q&A, he looks back at the 2009 season and looks ahead to 2010.

Q: Looking in the rearview mirror, what stands out in 2009?

Fehan: “There were really two parts to the season – our final races in GT1 leading up to Le Mans, followed by the debut of the GT2 program. Our focus was and will always be the 24 Hours of Le Mans. When GM was going through its restructuring, our greatest concern was that some might not understand the importance and significance of that event. It was a heartening moment when we were able to get past that point.

“In spite of many uncertainties, the team focused its energy on running the first round at Sebring, which we knew would be a great test of the engineering improvements we’d made in the race cars. And then going to Long Beach, we fulfilled the second half of our mission, which is marketing the Corvette and Chevrolet brands and representing our team sponsors.

“Everyone felt the importance of writing the final chapter of GT1 at Le Mans. They dedicated themselves to succeed, and it was absolutely amazing to see them embrace that idea. It fueled their fire because they knew the team was undergoing its most significant challenge, and concurrently they were designing, planning and building the GT2 cars. The preparation was almost as much fun as the race.”

Q: And the highlight of the GT2 portion?

Fehan: “The win at Mosport. Watching the new cars’ first laps at Mid-Ohio and knowing that we’d be competitive was certainly exciting, but the victory at Mosport was overwhelming. It happened much sooner than we expected, and it showed ALMS fans what they have to look forward to in 2010 with competition between Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW, and Ford.

“I think by any measure, the GT2 Corvette introduction was successful. Our objective was to focus on Corvette Racing’s core strengths: preparation, durability and reliability. We’ve learned that is what scores points – it’s not always the fastest car that wins races and championships. In five events, we had zero mechanical issues, and the cars were on pace. That was very encouraging.”

Q: Surely one of the highlights of 2009 was your stunning victory over Jan “The Flying Viking” Magnussen in the Tour de Road America Bike Ride to Fight Cancer?

Fehan: “That certainly ranks right at the top, but in a different category (laughs). We had some fun, and the race benefited a good cause, the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I challenge the pit crews to improve continuously, and the bike race demonstrated to our drivers that there is going to be continuous improvement in their level of physical preparation as well. I mean, they ought to be able to keep up with the program manager!”

Q: On a serious note, what were the lessons learned in Jan’s last-lap crash at Laguna Seca?

Fehan: “Unfortunately the hardest lessons you learn in this sport are always safety related. You never want to put your safety systems to the test, but when that moment arrives, it’s very reassuring to know that they are validated. That’s what we learned at Laguna Seca.

“Initially we had concerns about running an aluminum chassis, and we had concerns about how the roll cage was integrated into the chassis. The force of the impact exceeded 50 g’s, and yet Jan walked away. When we analyzed the chassis after the crash, the safety systems worked just as they were designed, and the aluminum chassis did a marvelous job of absorbing the energy and protecting Jan from serious injury.

“The extent of Jan’s injuries was a broken tailbone, which we attribute to the seat design. We have redesigned that part to prevent a reoccurrence in the future, so that is the upside of the incident. Despite the severity of the crash, the crew had the No. 3 Corvette repaired and fully operational within a couple of weeks.”

Q: What is the status of the GT-spec Corvette customer car program for 2010?

Fehan: “We currently have two customer cars under construction, but we don’t yet have confirmed buyers for them. There has been tremendous interest in the GT-spec Corvette C6.Rs, and we think with continued improvement in the global economy, the interested parties will be able to make a commitment. We’d be delighted to see more Corvettes racing in the ALMS or overseas.”

Q: While there will be a single GT class in the ALMS in 2010, GT1 will continue in the FIA series and at Le Mans. What’s your perspective on the two classes?

Fehan: “A year ago, there was general agreement regarding a unified GT class, which we will see in the ALMS in 2010. The intention at that time was to base the FIA GT1 class on GT cars, with limited modifications to the engine and aerodynamics. Since then, however, Europe has encountered the same economic issues that we have faced in the U.S., and many members of the racing community understandably wish to retain their current cars for financial reasons. Consequently some of the older GT1 cars will now be converted to the new regulations, including several privately owned Corvette C6.Rs, and the ACO has invited these cars to participate at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As the economic climate improves, I hope that the decision makers will recognize the benefits of running one GT class at Le Mans and other venues.”

Q: Corvette Racing will introduce a production-based 5.5-liter small-block V-8 engine in 2010 in place of the 7.0-liter and 6.0-liter engines used previously. What’s the outlook for the engine program?

Fehan: “GM Powertrain has completed the initial dynamometer tests of the 5.5-liter small-block V8, and the race team has conducted the first track test with the new engine. We are quite satisfied with its performance level at this point. We plan to continue development and introduce the 5.5-liter engine package in competition at Sebring.”

Q: What are Corvette Racing’s goals for 2010?

Fehan: “The ALMS GT championship and victory at Le Mans.”

Corvette Racing’s next event is the season-opening Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., on March 20, 2010. The classic 12-hour endurance race will be televised live on SPEED starting at 10 a.m. ET.

[Source: General Motors]

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PRESS RELEASE

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

Included in the package:

-Special Engine Cover with carbon pattern and yellow Corvette lettering

-Windshield banner – owner installed

Available in either Coupe 4LT ($65,310), Convertible 4LT ($71,815), and Z06 3LZ ($86,385)

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

* Optional MX0 6-speed Paddle Shift Automatic on Coupe and Convertible
* Optional C2L dual roof package on Coupe
* Optional U3U Navigation System on all

[Source: GM/Jalopnik]

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Chevrolet hat in der letzten Woche, die GT-1 Corvette Championship Edition, angekündigt! Diese wird anlässlich des Erfolges der Corvette, in der GT1 Klasse, auf den Markt gebracht. Das GT-1 Paket gibt es in Gelb mit schwarzen Rennstreifen oder in Schwarz mit gelben Rennstreifen und wird es Wahlweise als Coupe, Cabrio oder als Z06 geben. Als Zuckerl gibt es das original Windschutzscheibenbanner der C6.R und das “Jake” Maskottchen des Rennteams. Zudem kommen Fahrernamen auf das Dach des Fahrzeuges und die gewonnenen Rennen auf die unteren Hälften der Türen. Natürlich gibt es dazu Q9V verchromte Felgen im 5 Speichen Design, verdunkelte Scheinwerfer, lackierte Türgriffe, eine Motorabdeckung im Carbondesign und das Z51 Performance Paket, zusammen mit einer NPP Performance Auspuffanlage. Im Innenraum wird es grundlegend Schwarz bleiben, mit gelben Stickereien und diversen Gravierungen. Zu jedem Fahrzeug wird es ein Authentizitäts Zertifikat geben. Die Produktion soll bereits im Frühjahr starten, genaue Stückzahlen sind nicht bekannt.

January 26, 2009
GT1 CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION ANNOUNCED FOR 2009
Breaking News – Members, Tom Hill, Quality Engineering Manager of the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, announced on Saturday night, January 24, 2009 to the crowd present at the NCRS Awards Banquet in Kissimmee, Florida that a GT1 Championship Edition would be built starting this Spring. The 2009 GT1 Championship Edition would be available in Coupe, Convertible and Z06 models. They will include your choice of 45U Velocity Yellow or 41U Black exterior paint with C6.R graphics inspired by our victorious Pratt & Miller Racing Team. This striping package will have a familiar “JAKE” theme running through the Black and Silver design. A very unique feature will include graphics that will have the driver’s names on the roof just like the C6.R has. Of course the Championships that the C6.R has won will be displayed on a lower door script graphic. The uniqueness continues with Black headlamps on the Velocity Yellow models including Genuine Corvette Accessories use on the body with colored door handles and a carbon patterned engine cover.
All models will include the ZR1 full width spoiler in body color, Q9V Forged Chrome Wheels (export models will only have QG7 Polished Wheels), Z51 Performance Package and NPP Performance Exhaust for Coupe and Convertible. Each will receive a distinctive yellow windshield banner for installation.

All models will have exclusive GT1 embroidery on the seats and console lid. Ebony 4LT (Coupe and Convertible) and 3LZ (Z06) interiors and shifter will be accentuated with yellow stitching. Included will be a Special Console Trim Plate with specific VIN sequencing and a Certificate of Authenticity.
Options reportedly available will include C2L Dual Roof Panels for the Coupe, U3U Navigation on all models, and MX0 6-speed paddle shift automatic on Coupe and Convertible.
Our best guess at prices at release time are:
-Coupe $65,500
-Convertible $72,000
-Z06 $86,500
Expect limited production.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

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Mehr Infos gibts auf FourDoorMedia.com

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02-19-2008 – Bespoke Corvettes are some of our favorite cars. Performance benchmarks and price points setup by Chevrolet have enabled third party companies to make them even better. The newest and most dedicated of these is from Ugur Sahin Design out of the Netherlands.

Their ‘Corvette Z03 Concept’ is a carbon fiber supercar that leaves no area of the Corvette’s performance untouched. Beyond a new carbon fibre body, modifications are made to the engine suspension and interior.

This is the first project to come from Ugur Sahin Design which was founded in the summer of 2007 by Axel van Mourik and Ugur Sahin. They plan to position themselves in the high end market of limited edition vehicles utilizing existing manufacturer’s chassis.

Basis for the Z03 comes from the Z06 which is already an extremely potent package. Axel van Mourik, a working partner in the company, says “This is a chassis that has proven to be an extremely competitive package on public roads and even more so on the professional race circuit with victories in both the American Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans”

In regards to the design influence, the cars designer Ugur Sahin says “As a designer, the most important goal of this project was to be able to determine the correct balance between the past and the present design language of the Corvette brand. After studying the brand identity and the history of Corvette, I was able to create a definitive “feel” which obviously was the fundamental of the project.”

The ambitious pair are aiming to produce 100 examples of the Z03. This is made possible with partners including Flybrid Systems, Modesi Design, Fischer Motorsports, Kirkham Motorsports and former Corvette chief engineer Dave McLellan.

Performance benchmarks include a weight reduction of approximately 100 pounds and three engine packages which range from 500 to 750 bhp. The later of these will utilize a Tial/Garret turbocharger with liquid cooled ceramic bearings. Each customer will be able to choose personalized touches that include custom mixed paint, upgraded interior treatments including gauges, dashboard, custom created Recaro seats and more.

If the early design drawings are any indication, then the Z03 is going to be a gorgeous car. Details on pricing and availability will be made public in March and first production vehicles are set to be delivered to the US market late in 2008.

[Source:ugursahindesign/deviantart/supercars]

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[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

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PRESS RELEASE:

Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica Corvette Convertible

A 2007 Chevrolet Corvette convertible will pace the 91 st running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, 2007. As it was selected as the Official Pace Car, Chevrolet will supply several identically prepared and uniquely trimmed Corvette convertibles ñ in new Atomic Orange paint with distinctive gold ribbon graphics ñ that will serve in the official pace duties of the race, as well as supporting activities.

Five hundred production replicas of those official cars will be offered to the public ñ all of them convertibles. Theyíll be available beginning this spring.

The distinguishing features of the pace car replica convertibles include:

All of the pace car replicas are equipped with the Corvetteís standard LS2 small-block V-8 and Z51 performance package. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic optional. The navigation system with Bose audio, as well as OnStar, is standard.

Pricing for the pace car replica convertible is $66,995 MSRP, including destination. The paddle-shift six-speed automatic is the only option, which brings the price to $68,245.

The performance-bred Corvette handles its official pace duties in nearly factory-stock trim, with little more than race track-required safety equipment and strobe lights added ñ as well as, of course, the eye-catching graphics. In years past, many Indy pace cars required extensive modification to perform their on-track tasks. The 2007 Corvetteís powertrain and suspension, including the 400-horsepower (298 kW) LS2 small-block V-8 engine, are more than adequate to maintain the speed, acceleration and handling required to lead the pack around the famed ìBrickyardî race track.

This year marks the ninth time Corvette has served as the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500. The previous years were 1978, 1986, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. It also is a record fourth consecutive turn for the Corvette, as well as a record 18 th time for a Chevrolet, to be selected as the pace car.

Production replicas were not offered every time the Corvette was selected as the pace car. In fact, 2007 marks the first time Chevrolet has offered a regular-production replica since 1998. But along with the regular-production models, several dozen copies of all the pace cars have been used for official activities in support of their respective Indianapolis 500 races, such as parades. These cars ñ known as ìfestivalî cars ñ have become prized collectibles, along with the limited-edition regular-production replicas.

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