In robot mode, the Corvette Stingray Concept will take the form of SIDESWIPE, who will reportedly be a skater with wheels for feet. The General doesn’t have anything in the way of new product to show off here in Chicago, so it’s using the blockbuster movie to drum up interest instead. It’s working… sorta

Someday? at Corvette of Naperville?

We know what you’re probably thinking and to be perfectly honest, we were thinking it too. This is not another commemorative package, nor is it a sticker package, instead the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport is a bonafide performance package that will help to distinguish the different Corvette models even more so.

Chevrolet’s plan is to rid the lineup of the Z51 package Vettes, instead replacing it with a uniquely designed new Grand Sport model. Everything that you know and love about the Z51 will be here, but now, with the help of new Z06-derived bodywork you won’t be confused with those driving lesser base-model Vettes.

2010 Corvette Grand Sport Makes A Grand Return

The 6.2-liter LS3 V8 remains, pumping out the same extremely capable 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft or torque (436 horsepower and 428 lb-ft with the optional two-mode sport exhaust) and is easily manipulated to do your bidding through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Sport’s calipers are distinguished by their silver with red lettering and the rotors have been enlarged to Z06-spec, 14-inch with six-piston calipers in front and 13.4-inch with four-piston grabbers in the rear. Also equipped are revised shock/spring settings and heavier duty stabilizer bars. The 2010 Grand Sport rides on unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels wrapped in sticky 275/35ZR18 and 325/30ZR19 tires, front and rear.

For those that opt to equip their Grand Sport with the six-speed manual transmission, Chevrolet will throw in a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. All-in-all, these improvements should net an enthusiastic 2010 Grand Sport driver with a 0.2-second improvement over the existing Z51-model.

The Grand Sport can be equipped in either Coupe or Convertible body styles, but regardless of which you choose, you’ll be rewarded with a wider Z06-style front fascia with a Z06 lower lip spoiler, the only thing missing is the scoop on the nose. Z06-width front fenders replace the stock Vette’s with a Grand Sport badge sitting atop dual vertical gills. The rear fenders have been replaced with Z06 units with functional brake cooling ducts. You can have your Grand Sport in any available Corvette color as well as all four different available trim levels (1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT). A heritage package is also available, adding a pair of dual stripes on the front fenders in either silver or red. The interior features special Grand Sport embroidery on the seat head rests.

Inferno Orange (currently available on the 010 Camaro), and a new “Super Sonic Blue.”

The Z06 Carbon was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of the Corvette at the 24 Hours of Le Mans when John Fitch and Briggs Cunningham won their class and finished eighth overall. The Carbon edition is essentially a Z06 with a ZR1 chassis and some of the carbon skin. When production starts this fall, only 500 examples will be made and they will only come in two colors, Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue. All examples get black-painted wheels and a black interior upholstered in leather and suede.

One element unique to the Z06 Carbon is its hood. The profile of the new carbon fiber hood is identical to that on the ZR1 but without a transparent window. That makes it the lightest hood ever on a Corvette and, according to chief engineer Tadge Juechter, it truly is a featherweight. ZR1 owners looking to swap out their hoods will be disappointed to learn that the Carbon hood will not fit their cars. Because of the absent window, the Z06 hood has different structure underneath that won’t clear the ZR1 engine’s intercooler.

The splitter, rocker extensions and roof of the Carbon are painted black instead of the super-expensive clear-coat used on the ZR1. The headlamp pockets and wheels are also painted a glossy black giving the Carbon a decidedly sinister appearance, particularly with the steel blue paint combination.

According to Juechter, the upgraded suspension and brakes give the Z06 a real boost on the track too. Even with the same powertrain, the Corvette circulates both Laguna Seca and the Milford Road Course three seconds a lap faster than a 2010 Z06. The addition of the magnetic ride damping system should also make the Z06 Carbon more livable on the road as well.

For those who don’t manage to get one of the 500 Carbon editions, most of the good bits will be available as part of two option packages available for 2011 models. The Z07 package provides all the mechanical goodness of the Brembo brake system, wheels and tires and the MR suspension. The carbon fiber package includes the splitter, sill extensions and rear lip spoiler. Unfortunately, the hood is only available on the 500 limited edition cars. The Carbon and new option packages go on sale in late summer at prices that will be announced closer to launch date, so stay tuned. Contact Tim Olsen
At tolsen@chevroletof naperviile.com and stay tuned to corvetteofnaperville.com

2011 CORVETTE Z06 CARBON LIMITED EDITION
Taking track-to-street technology to a new level

DETROIT — When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.

“Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. “With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast.”

The Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.

“For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. “For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time.”

This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car’s Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.

The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06′s dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.

The Z06 Carbon’s ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.

An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.

The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models.

The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer

This evening during ESPN’s telecast of MLB’s All Stars’ Home Run Derby (8P – 10P, EDT); a new Corvette television ad will debut. The ad – titled “Rocket” – is a :30 second spot that concentrates on the ingenuity and hand-crafted expertise involved with creating the “2011 Corvette only from Chevrolet.”

The ad will appear a number of times over ESPN, MLB Network and Fox’s coverage of the 2010 All Star Game. After the game, the ad will appear in our rotation on other television shows. The ad will also be available on the Chevrolet YouTube internet channel starting this evening for enthusiasts to share.

The new ad features footage from both our Bowling Green Assembly Center (the home of Corvette) and the Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan. The Performance Build Center is where the LS7 and LS9 engines are assembled by hand for the respective Corvette Z06 and ZR1 models. The second big Corvette announcement of the day involves the Performance Build Center.

For many customers, a Corvette purchase is much more than just “buying a sports car” – it is a total, unique experience. Many of these customers travel to Bowling Green, KY, to visit the assembly plant, and take delivery of their new Corvette at the National Corvette Museum to personalize and commemorate their purchase.

If the purchase involves a Z06 or ZR1 model, the customer upon delivery will immediately open the hood and locate the engine builder’s name, recognizing their new Corvette engine was hand assembled by a unique team at the Performance Build Center. In the back of their mind, they probably wish they could be at the center participating in the assembly of their engine. Starting today, they could do just that – participate in the assembly of their Z06 or ZR1 engine at the Performance Build Center.

Effective this Thursday, July 15, 2010, a new option code PBC (Corvette Engine Build Experience) will be available for ordering on all 2011 Z06 and ZR1 models. Selecting this code provides the customer the opportunity to be directly involved in the assembly of the engine that will be installed in their respective Z06 or ZR1 model.

The MSRP of this option is $5800, and includes one night stay; meals and a driver who will transport the customer from a Detroit area hotel to the Performance Build Center for their engine build experience. Similar to the Corvette Museum option, the customer is responsible for costs associated with travel to and from the Detroit area.

Within two week of the order’s submission, the customer will be contacted by the Corvette Engine Build Experience concierge to make arrangements for the engine build. If the customer is interested, the concierge will also assist with making arrangements for other unique Corvette experiences, such as the Museum Delivery, Buyers Tour, and Corvette Photo Album; however, all these experiences are an additional charge, and in the case of the Museum Delivery (code R8C) must be included on the vehicle order at the time of submission.

Attached to this message are a letter and a set of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers that provide more details on the Corvette Engine Build Experience.

The new Corvette Engine Build Experience (CEBE) option will be shared with the public through a press release, and a new information tab on the Corvette Facebook page starting today. We expect word of this new option will quickly spread among the enthusiasts who will be thrilled to hear about this level of personalization only the Corvette from Chevrolet can offer.

If you like to preview the new Corvette ad (which should be available some time today), or find more information on “the Unmatched Experience of Corvette Ownership,” visit the 2011 Corvette page on the new www. covetteofnaperville.com

During your consensus discussions, please encourage your dealers to review all the activities announced today (a similar message will be sent to the dealers later today via GM Global Connect). Between the continued aggressive incentive play and the new advertising and marketing activities, Corvette should see increase inquiries which our dealers know how to convert into increase deliveries.