None of us want to see GM shut down its doors and say farewell to the many great cars that they have produced. But we have to admit that for many years now they have been suffering due not only to the economy but also poor management. But again we can’t deny that there have been some great cars to roll out of their garage from time to time. One of the most famous being the Corvette.

The Corvette has become an icon to Americans and has been able to provide many consumers a chance to experience world class performance for an affordable price. So now people are asking themselves what will happen to the Corvette if GM were to fold?

We aren’t the only ones thinking about this. Many forum members that GM Inside are discussing this very topic and have come up with a few ideas. One of the more popular being that Toyota could take over the brand. We admit that it is an interesting idea – but one that we don’t think would help to improve the brand. As much as we appreciate Toyota we feel that their expertise does not lie with this very iconic and well deserved sports car. Do you think Toyota is a good choice or is there someone more worthy to take over?

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This classic car competed with Shelby’s Cobra roadsters before it was cancelled in 1964. Now a days it is extremely rare to find one of these Corvettes on sale today – but for the first time in awhile one is going to be auctioned off. Keith Martin – the publisher of Corvette Market Magazine and RM have dubbed the Grand Sport the most important Corvette that was ever on sale.

The Corvette Grand Sport to be auctioned off in January is chassis #002 and is only one of two roadsters that were made. It is equipped with its original unrestored body and was once owned by Roger Penske and George Wintersteen.

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Obviously it was a test that did not let anyone down – but a few people want a chance to test it themselves. This week Motor Trend tested the ZR1. They took it out on the Chrysler Proving Grounds where its 5 mile loop would allow them to reach the top speed that it boasted of.

They were able to crest to 200 mph and their MT computers showed that the supercar was able to reach the numbers that were reported earlier. The fact that it can reach up to 200 mph makes it worthy to compete with some of the top supercar. That and the fact that it can rev from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds make it almost exclusive to the market.

The MT testers reported that they were able to travel a quarter mile in 11.2 seconds at 130.5 mph. That is a total of 6.1 mph faster then the Dodge Viper.

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At first we thought that the current C6 Corvette would be receiving upgrades over the next five years and was expecting the C7 to arrive in 2014. That timeframe is now suspended and Autoweek claims that GM has no idea what the future will hold for this model or the rest of the Corvette lineup.

So will this be the end of the Corvette? The vehicle line executive – Tom Wallace – assures us that the coupe is not going anywhere. “We’re still working on future Corvettes,” Wallace said, and “there are changes, some neat stuff, coming for 2010 that I can’t talk about yet.”

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Car and Driver was able to record the lap around the ‘Ring using top of the line technical testing gear that they strapped on to the ZR1. It was able to use its 638 horsepower supercharged engine to rev from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds and worked its way from 0-100 in 7.6 seconds.

It was able to run the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds with a speed of 128 mph. These numbers are not yet verified. Chevy claims that the time was 11.3 seconds and they were not able to completely record the top speed because the team “ran out of room”. They claim though that it is 205 mph.

The Corvette set a new Car and Driver record when it braked from 70 mph in only 142 feet. It may not have been the best time – but it is still impressive none the less.

(Porsche GT2 – 7:32, Nissan GT-R – 7:29, and the Dodge Viper ACR – 7:22)

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The newest rumor was concerning the Corvette ZR1. According to a user on DigitalCorvettes.com the production of the Corvette ZR1 has been stopped and GM was considering cancelling it altogether. This is a big, dramatic step for GM that in our opinion isn’t necessary.

It seems that GM would agree with us. Autoblog used their connections and contacted Terry Rhadigan – who handles global communications for the Chevy brand – and said that the rumors were “not true”. Do I hear a sigh of relief? This is one rumor we are happy didn’t turn out to be true.

©2012 Cool Supercars. All Rights Reserved.

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O.K. lets be serious about what we are looking for when we are looking for that next special some one. I know this may seem shallow but, you really should consider your ride when it comes to dating. I know what you’re thinking for most people the first thing you look at when you meet some one probably isn’t their car.

It comes up though, even if you don’t mean for it to and sometimes there are a lot of things you can tell about a person by looking at there car. In fact many people are able to determine the income level and personality of someone just by watching what they drive.

If you are an adventurous person and a danger seeker then you should consider the two Hummer H2 and the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The Hummer H2 is used for those who love to show off their ride to everyone on and off the road. It also shows that they have a higher level of income. The Toyota FJ Cruiser has tomboyish flare and is perfect for the guys looking for the perfect girl.

If your one that’s ready to slow it down and settle down then you should cozy into a Lexus RX 400h or a Toyota Prius. The Lexus RX 400h is the only luxury SUV that’s a hybrid. The Toyota Prius is probably not something you want to be seen running around town in if you’re a guy but it is quite cute for girls and great for the up and coming super moms that will be driving her family all over town thanks to its excellent gas mileage.

For the person looking to do the opposite and be on the wild side of life it is time to speed around in a Chevrolet Corvette or a BMW Z4. The Chevrolet Corvette is a Ferrari like car and is the way to go if your looking to be seen by the opposite sex.

For the classier person try an Aston Martin DB9 or maybe the Mercedes-Benz SL. The Aston Martin DB9 and the Mercedes-Benz SL are beacons of class with their luxurious and exotic aura. They show off intelligence, wealth, and refinement.

©2012 Cool Supercars. All Rights Reserved.

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This new discount helps to lower the high price of the Corvette Z06 down to a base price of $62,653. This is close to $10,000 below the normal price. It is rare that these deals include sports cars that have the ability to push out 505 horsepower – but it seems that GM will also be allowing people have this chance. You might just want to wait before you go out to get the 2009 Corvette ZR1.

The 638 HP 2009 Corvette ZR1’s price of $103,000 has a cost per HP of $162. While not the best deal on price per HP, it’s still a steal. But this pricing on the 2008 Corvette Z06 brings the cost per HP war to a whole new level – dropping the already amazingly value cost per HP down from $143.

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For the ClubSport, Katech adds a 14-inch, six-piston Brembo brake system, Moton ClubSport suspension, 15-spoke wheels, sticky Michelin tires, Katech appearance package, carbon fiber air intake, lightweight exhaust system and more.

Also on the options list are leather race seats, A/C and radio delete, roll bar, and six-point harnesses. When you put in one of Katech’s fully built motors, and the ClubSport will surely put down some pretty impressive numbers at the track.

PRESS RELEASE:

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Katech Performance, ever attuned to the collective conscious of the Corvette universe, knew this – enthusiasts wanted a lighter weight Z06 tuned for the track. Now they have it.

The Corvette Z06 ClubSport package – available exclusively from Katech Performance and Les Stanford Chevrolet (Dearborn, Mich.) – incorporates an array of aftermarket products that, in unison, reduce curb weight to 2,915 lbs. (2,825 lbs. fully optimized) while improving grip, cornering, braking and downforce.

“The Z06 is already wonderfully light weight,” commented Jason Harding, performance parts sales, Katech Performance. “We knew, however, that we could improve the power-to-weight ratio with several select modifications. Lamborghini has its Gallardo Superleggera, Ferrari its F430 Scuderia and Dodge its Viper ACR. Now the Corvette Z06 has the ClubSport package from Katech Performance.”

What does one feed Chevrolet’s already well-conditioned athlete to shed pounds and improve its game? The ClubSport diet calls for:

Brembo® Gran Turismo Brake Kit
Two-piece cross-drilled rotors significantly reduce un-sprung rotating mass; front six-piston monobloc calipers squeeze 14-inch rotors; rear four-piston monobloc calipers pinch 13.6-inch rotors

Moton Clubsport Suspension
Double-adjustable coil-overs enhance power-to-the-pavement delivery while offering seven individually adjustable rebound and compression settings; system is specially tuned by Moton engineers and SCCA World Challenge professional driver Andy Pilgrim

Katech Performance ClubSport Wheels
15-spoke, single-piece forged aluminum wheels (18×9.5-inch front; 19×12-inch rear) further reduce un-sprung rotating mass; finished in attractive gray powder coat

Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Tires
Enhance grip and handling while reducing total mass (285/30R18 front; 325/30R19 rear)

Katech Performance Appearance Package
Carbon fiber front splitter improves aerodynamics and is complemented by a matching carbon fiber rear spoiler that improves downforce; lift-off carbon fiber World Challenge hood vents the engine compartment, reduces weight by 50% and provides more downforce; ClubSport racing stripe on front fenders and rear fascia identifies vehicle as an exclusive Katech Performance creation

Halltech Killer Bee™ Air Intake
Carbon fiber intake designed specifically to complement Katech Performance’s carbon fiber valve covers

Katech Performance Exhaust System
Lightweight 18-gauge stainless steel design incorporating X-pipe, two lightweight mufflers, over-axle pipes and CORSA® quad tips; reduces weight and produces a deep, racecar-like tone while maintaining a civil pitch on public roads

Exedy Twin-Disc Clutch
Reduces drivetrain mass and makes for easy rev-matched downshifts

Braille Battery
All-season; reduces weight in the rear

Several optional supplements are also available including: Caravaggio leather race seats; A/C and/or radio delete as well as carpet delete to further reduce weight; roll bar or harness bar and six-point harnesses; and an ARE dry sump system.

So what’s the final verdict? A power-to-weight ratio of 5.45 lbs./horsepower (standard) or 5.28 lbs./horsepower (fully optimized).

Complete with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty, the Katech Performance Z06 ClubSport starts at $109,000 (standard) and is expected to maintain 50-state emissions compliance*. Power plant improvements – including an array of modified LS7 engine packages – are also available for customers who want to upgrade to a true Katech Performance “Street Attack” Z06.

To purchase a brand new ClubSport Z06 from Les Stanford Chevrolet – “America’s Corvette King” – call 800.699.VETT or visit www.lesstanford.com. Already own a 2006-2009 Z06? Bring your Vette to Katech to get started on the ClubSport plan. Call 866.KATECH1 or visit www.katechengines.com.

Katech Performance, the aftermarket performance division of Katech Inc., engineers and manufactures race-proven crate engines and components for LS1/LS6 and LS2/LS7 engines including solid belt tensioners, coil relocation brackets, cylinder heads, dampers, pistons, push rods, throttle bodies and valve covers, among other high-performance products for the street and track.

Katech Inc. was founded on the need to provide responsive service and skills to factory race efforts in all forms of racing, including the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), NASCAR®, SCCA SPEED World Challenge, American Speed Association (ASA) and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Today, Katech is an industrial leader in advanced racing and high-performance engine development, manufacturing, testing and assembly, and offers support services for the professional racer including boring, honing, fabrication, welding and prototype parts development.

Katech Performance is located at 24324 Sorrentino Court, Clinton Township, MI, 48035. Contact the company by phone at 866-KATECH1 or visit online at http://www.katechengines.com/katech_inc/.

©2012 Cool Supercars. All Rights Reserved.

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The original ZR-1 was built from 1990-95 and, as with the new model, its engine was the heart of the car. In the late ’80s when the ZR-1 was conceived, GM owned Lotus. The British sports car specialist designed the LT5 V8 specifically for the ZR-1.

Aside from sharing bore spacing with the regular small-block, they had nothing else in common. The LT5 was an all-aluminum, dual overhead cam, 32 valve V8. At the time of its introduction, the motor had an output of 375 hp (eventually bumped to 405 hp in the last couple years of production), which was huge for the day, though tame by today’s standards.

While the expensive ZR-1 never sold in huge numbers, it did spawn some interesting derivatives that GM keeps in its Heritage Collection. Among the ones brought to Milford were one of the active suspension prototypes. These used a fully active hydraulic suspension system with no springs, but the hydraulics reportedly consumed upwards of 40 hp.

One unique car from the collection is the DR-1. This was the only ZR-1 convertible ever built and was produced for Don Runkle, who at the time was chief engineer at Chevrolet.

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