New Corvette Z06-Based Anteros Heading To LA Auto Show

Although we first saw n2a Motors' Anteros back at SEMA two years ago along with the 789 retro-rod. Well, the custom coachbuilder's got a brand new bag of C6-modified tricks up its sleeve. The custom carmaker's bringing the latest version of the Anteros to the LA Auto Show later this month. This new Anteros hotness is built on the 2009 Chevy Corvette, and as usual, it's got a carbon-composite body that again looks more at home in Cambiano, Italy than Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The new design looks to feature a ZR1-style side scoop design, but unfortunately, due to a lack of rear shots, we've no idea whether the rear gets the same googly-eyed taillights as the last model. n2a's bringing both a coupe and a convertible version of the Anteros, with the black convertible built using a stock 2009 Corvette donor car. The drop-top features the 430 HP, 424 lb-ft of torque LS3 V8 under the hood. The silver coupe, pictured above and below, goes a bit farther up the performance stream, thanks to the donor body — a 2009 Corvette Z06, modified with Lingenfelter’s 630 HP performance package. All base models include a carbon composite body, hand-stitched leather interior, three-piece aluminum wheels, and a custom cat-back exhaust system. The best part? Chevrolet’s 100,000 mile powertrain warranty remains completely intact and the Anteros can be serviced at any GM dealership. Pricing for the turnkey Anteros coupe starts at $149,500 and the Anteros convertible starts at $154,500. Want to go for the high-powered version? Anteros coupes built on the Z06 platform start at $176,500. Performance packages ranging from 525-1000+ horsepower are available for an additional cost. Full press release below.

SANTA ANA, California, November 10, 2008 – n2a Motors, Inc. announced today that it will debut its latest model, the Anteros, at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 21st.

Continuing a tradition of unique styling and impressive performance, the Anteros is built on the new 2009 Corvette platform and features a body reminiscent of iconic Italian designs. Built from modern lightweight carbon fiber, the Anteros is available with a variety of performance and appearance options. n2a Motors is taking orders for January 2009 deliveries.

n2a Motors will be displaying the first production convertible and coupe versions of the Anteros in their exhibit. The black convertible is built using a stock 2009 Corvette donor car, featuring the 430 hp/424 lb.-ft. torque LS3 V8 engine that gets 16 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The silver coupe is based on a 2009 Corvette Z06 and is modified with Lingenfelter’s 630 horsepower performance package. All base models include a carbon composite body, hand-stitched leather interior, three-piece aluminum wheels, and a custom cat back exhaust. Chevrolet’s 100,000 mile powertrain warranty remains completely intact and the Anteros can be serviced at any GM dealership.

Each Anteros takes approximately 12 weeks to build from the time of order. n2a Motors starts by removing the donor Corvette’s body panels and installing the new carbon-composite Anteros body, a process that takes nearly 800 hours for n2a’s coachbuilding craftsmen to complete. The interior is entirely new with re-contoured leather seats, leather dash, Italian carpeting, and leather-wrapped interior panels, while the wheels and exhaust are removed and replaced with n2a’s custom-made components. The turnkey Anteros Coupe starts at $149,500 and the Anteros Convertible starts at $154,500. Anteros Coupes built on the Z06 platform start at $176,500. Performance packages ranging from 525-1000+ horsepower are available for an additional cost.

The Anteros is the follow-up to n2a Motors’ 789 model that debuted to critical acclaim at the New York International Auto Show in March 2008. Inspired by the designs of the 1957, 58, and 59 Chevrolets, the 789 was hailed as “merely the coolest car…on the planet” by the New York Times. The 789 is also built on the C6 Corvette platform and utilizes a carbon composite body. Coupe 789 models start at $139,500 and the convertible base model is $144,500. A convertible 789 will also be on display at the LA Auto Show.

The LA Auto Show is held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from November 21-30, 2008. n2a Motors can be found at the LA Auto Show in booth number K-620 in the Kentia Hall.

Top Gear Builds Corvette Engine-Powered Blender

In last night's episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson put the show's engineering talents to work on building an answer to a question we never knew we had; Can you build a blender out of a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 Corvette engine? The answer, as you can see in the video below the jump, is yes. It's simply astonishing to watch a 436 HP, 424 lb-ft of torque metal monster rip up some meat. We all know Clarkson's got a thing for power, but who knew it extended from the track into the kitchen?

2009 Chevrolet ZR1: Jay Leno - “Greatest Corvette Ever”

Jay Leno says “This is the Greatest Corvette Ever” when he referrers to the new 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. It is the ultimate Corvette, the most powerful Corvette and the most powerful car GM has ever made. While people may dog out GM because they need a bailout to “survive” during our economic downturn, they really deserve some credit and jay Leno gives them plenty as he takes us for a ride in the new Corvette ZR1. Below is the video from Jay Leno’s Garage website.

The ZR1 = 638 hp, 605 lb.-ft. of torque, and 205 mph! Massive 15.5 inch carbon-ceramic Brembro brakes should last the life of the vehicle, and the 20 spoke alloy rims are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires, developed specifically for the ZR1.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Competition Sport Package Priced

About a week ago we told you about the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Competition Sport Package. According to Jalopnik sources, pricing for the new package starts at $55,655 for the Z51.

For the 1LT, the Z51 performance package adds upgraded brakes, a stiffer suspension, differential cooler and a limited slip differential along with a performance exhaust system. Engine output is increased to 436-hp.

On the Z06 output is unchanged at 505-hp and incorporates everything from the Z51 package. Pricing for that package starts $77,500.

The 2009 Chevrolet Competition Sport Package ‘Vettes will be available later this spring.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Competition Sport Package:

Source: Jalopnik

Corvette ZR1 vs. SL65 AMG Black Series, Murciélago LP640, Viper SRT10 - Comparison Test

Unnatural selection: With 600 horsepower (and then some), these supercars are at the pinnacle of the automotive food chain. Just like dinosaurs, they may be doomed.

It’s easy to diss old-fashioned people as dinosaurs, with their plodding resistance to change, but think about this: Those lumbering, small-brained behemoths ruled the earth for 165 million years, which is a lot longer than Homo sapiens have been in charge of messing up the planet.

Although Diplodocus had similar brain power to bankers who thought asset-backed securities were a sure thing, you’ve still got to be impressed with this 90-foot-long, 20-ton beast that perambulated the third planet from the sun all those years ago.

Like dinosaurs, the 600-horsepower beasts gathered here could soon become extinct, but they are also highly impressive. Machines that weigh as much as two tons and sport massive 12-cylinder engines aren’t exactly in tune with thezeitgeist, which is increasingly angst-ridden over global warming, dependence on foreign oil, and the greening of energy. Performance cars may soon become more fuel efficient—lighter and more compact, with smaller engines. No doubt they’ll be great to drive, but they won’t be as dramatic as a Dodge Viper or a Lamborghini Murciélago in full flight.

Chevrolet 2009 Corvette Competition Sport Package Revealed

Corvette enthusiasts who aren't lucky enough to have a new ZR-1 in the garage have some good news for 2009 as well. Even as General Motors turns its attention to electric cars, the performance side of the market hasn't been forgotten, and a 2009 Competition Sport Package is now available for 1LT and Z06 ‘Vettes.

The Competition Sport Package adds just the right amount of flash to finish off the Corvette's track-ready looks. Included are a set of racing stripes in Competition Gray, unique wheel and headlamp treatments and a collection of Corvette Racing "Jake" and CSR decals for the interior and exterior. Racing numbers that correspond to the individual owner's build number are also available. Inside, the Competition Sport Package adds an ebony interior with titanium embroidery and Corvette Racing pedals. A new engine cover is also a part of the package.

When combined with the Z51 Performance Package that adds a horsepower-boosting exhaust and differential cooler, the result is a seriously track-ready Corvette, especially in Z06 form.

2009 Competition Sport Corvette: At Least Look Like You Belong On The Track

Chevrolet will introduce a limited production Competition Sport package for both the 2009 Corvette coupe and the Z06, bringing the look of Corvette's racing team to their non-ZR1 offerings, if not quite the performance.

Both the Z06 and Coupe 1LT Vettes ordered with the Competition Sport package will get a track focus, which includes competition stripes, wheels and headlamps, an ebony interior, Corvette racing pedals and a special engine cover. As a special treat, the vehicle will also get the Corvette Racing "Jake" and CSR logos.

Any Coupe 1LT ordered with the package will also get the Z51 performance package, performance exhaust, differential cooler, HUD, Z06 spoiler and other goodies, bringing the power to 436 HP and actually increasing the performance. The Z06 will maintain the same mechanicals, including the same 505 HP LS7 V8, making this primarily an aesthetic package.

Given the bad economy, offering these kinds of special packages is probably a decent way
to get customers to pay a premium on cars they're already interested in buying. Of course, just looking like you're ready for the track doesn't mean a 2009 Corvette ZR1 won't still smoke you on the track.

2009 Competition Sport Corvette (RPO CSC)
Chevrolet introduces a new Corvette package available for a limited time

The Competition Sport package is for the Corvette purist and driving enthusiast
Perfect Corvette for the enthusiast who attends driving schools and track events
Focus on lightweight and performance driving
Serious track influenced design features
Excellent value pricing - Limited build scheduled for Spring '09 only

Included in the package:
Competition Gray Exterior Stripes, Wheels, and Headlamps
Corvette Racing ‘Jake’ and CSR logos on b-pillar, headrest, and center armrest
-Ebony Interior with titanium embroidery
-Corvette Racing Pedals from GCA
-Special engine cover
-Racing style numbers with number based on build sequence to be installed by customer

Available in either Coupe 1LT with 436 hp or Z06 1LZ with 505 hp versions
-Z06 version available in 17U Blade Silver or 41U Black
Coupe version available in 17U Blade Silver or 10U Arctic White
Coupe version also includes in package:
Z51 Performance Package, NPP Performance Exhaust, Differential Cooler
Head Up Display
Red Painted Brake Calipers
Z06 tall spoiler

Don’t miss this special opportunity - Order the Coupe 1LT and Z06 1LZ with CSC

Barrett-Jackson 2009: The Corvettes

Barrett-Jackson 2009: The Corvettes

Corvettes have always been well represented at Barrett-Jackson, and with GM's Heritage Collection added to the list, there are plenty of interesting 'Vettes set to cross the auction block. Among the collection is a one-off 1997 Corvette Tiger Shark concept, a 1989 Corvette Snake Skinner that sold for $176,000 on Wednesday, and the very first ZR-1 built for 1992. If that particular ZR-1 doesn't suit your fancy, there are a few others available including a 1990 coupe and 1993 anniversary model, although they each have to be purchased with a corresponding 2009 model. Some other notable offerings include a C5 chassis display, a 750-horsepower Lingenfelter Corvette, and a beautiful 1967 coupe with a modern Z06 motor and transmission. Browse through the high-res gallery below and pick out your favorite. Note that the gallery is not a full list of the Corvettes at the auction, but does represent some of the better examples.

Barrett-Jackson 2009: The Corvettes

Corvette Centennial Transformer toy reveals robot mode

We haven't really heard a peep about the Corvette Centennial Concept since late last year, but that'll be changing in short order as hype about Revenge of the Fallen, the upcoming sequel to the wildly successful live-action Transformers movie, gets closer to its release on June 26th. We're expecting to see a real car from General Motors to go along with the movie roll, but it's not something that you'll be able to buy. This machine is meant as nothing more than a tribute to the Corvette, and it coincides nicely with GM's 100th anniversary.
The most current set of rumors suggest that the Centennial 'Vette will take the form of Transformers character Sideswipe, though there's no official word on that point quite yet. Regardless, the robot mode has been revealed via a new Transformers toy leak. Pay close attention (click on the image to enlarge) to the robot's feet -- he's a skater, and that should make for some interesting scenes in the movie. Just a few more months to go. Thanks for the tip, everyone!
[Source: Transformers Live Action Movie Blog]

Corvette-Engined Formula Le Mans LMP2 Racer Makes Angry Noises

GM’s venerable small-block LS3 from the 2009 Corvette/2010 Camaro SS has found its way under the rear bodywork of a new Formula Le Mans prototype. Click below to see and hear the beast in action.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has announced a new European race series called Formula Le Mans. The star of the series is a new Corvette LS3 V8-sourced racecar. Built by Oreca, of Viper motorsport heritage, the new racer is a carbon-kevlar open-cockpit LMP2 that looks (and sounds) to be a promising entry.

Oreca released a promo video that makes the hairs on our arms stand on end. The LS3 mill sounds absolutely devilish is this configuration.

Listen To The Roar Of That LS3

[Formula LeMans via YouTube]

Corvette ZR1 Braving Snowy Detroit Freeways

An illustrious reader captured this privately owned Corvette ZR1 slopping around Detroit's snowy I-275 just south of the infamous mixing bowl interchange. Considering the ridiculousness of this image, we thought you might enjoy captioning it.

The mixing bowl is the junction of I-275, I-96, I-696 and M5, and under normal conditions is actually a lot of fun to drive on. But combined with any amount of rush hour traffic or foul weather and it turns into a hellbroth of nightmarish traffic stagnation. This guy getting out of the bowl without losing it is a testament to how tame the big bad Vette can be. (Thanks for the picture Mason)

Innotech Chevy C6 Corvette lets you be more exotic with more power

So you feel that your C6 Corvette doesn’t look as exotic when standing next to a Ferrari at a red light? Well Innotech is here to change all that and starting January 2009 it will build modified versions of the C6 Corvette coupe and convertible .

Innotech’s body redesign for the Corvette C6 includes a new front and rear fascia, rear window side louvres, a choice of stock or louvered hood and other distinctive body parts coming in 2009. Innotech says that a widebody kit will also be available. A wide body kit will also be available for C6 Coupe and Convertible. All body parts from Innotech are made from fiberglass and carbon fiber. Interior upgrades include fine Italian or English leather and the option of carbon fiber seats with a leather upholstery. Wheels include 19-inches in the front and 20-inches in the back.

Innotech will also offer perfromance upgrades including Brembo brakes with 4 or 6 piston calipers and a new exhaust system. Engine upgrades for the LS2 6.0L or LS3 6.2L include 500-hp to 560-hp if naturally aspirated or 600-hp to 1000-hp with a superchargers or twin-turbochargers

Rendered Speculation: C6-based retro Corvette C3R

C3R renderings

While it can be argued that the current Corvette is the best ever built, there are those who would say the C6 is, well, homogenized. Safe. Boring, even, at least in the looks department.
Christian Cyrulewski would be among those who are visually disinterested in the current Corvette. But instead of grousing about it over a beer or six with the local Corvette club, he's taken matters into his own hands and come up with the C3R. In his words, that stands for "third-generation retro Corvette based on the sixth-generation (C6) platform."
Christian's website is short on details but rife with renderings of a curvaceous custom Corvette based on the latest platform out of Bowling Green. Top Speed says Christian plans to cruise the Woodward Dream Cruise next year in a C3R prototype, and if there's enough interest, could offer a kit version of the car. Like your retro-styled muscle cars with actual muscle? Top Speed says Christian also plans a 427-powered version of the kit complete with side pipes. No word yet on pricing, availability, or, heck, validity of the C3R, but we'll keep ya posted.

Rendered Speculation: The Corvette C3R

[Source: Top Speed]

STS Twin Turbo C6 Corvette a matte monster

STS C6 Z06

The Squires Turbo Systems twin-turbo C6 Z06 gives the former most-powerful Vette model a boost to 700 horsepower at a very reasonable 7 pounds of boost, which, depending on how sorted the Bilstein-shocked suspension is, could give it a good shot at sticking with a stock ZR-1. The most unique thing about this car is that STS mounts the turbos remotely, at the rear of the car. That placement keeps the engine bay freer and adds a host of technical perks like lower temps under the hood and cooler oil going to the turbo. And according to STS, some customers have even gotten better gas mileage. Strangely, though, for all of that new performance, the brakes look untouched. Check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

SEMA 2008: STS Twin Turbo C6 Covette

No Mid-Engine For Chevrolet Corvette C7

Cost Took Idea Off Drawing Board; New Vette May Not Arrive Until 2014 Model Year

Good news: Nobody at GM is talking mid-engine C7 Corvette anymore. Bad news: The C7 is on hold and now unlikely to launch earlier than the 2014 model year. Mid-engine boosters, including Bob Lutz, believed it would be easier to achieve gas-saving cylinder shutoff with a mid-mounted LS3 V-8, as it's hard to deactivate cylinders in the current front engine/rear transaxle setup without adding a clutch to deactivate the driveshaft.