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( DJ ) 04/28 09:00AM PRESS RELEASE: Corvette Performance Reaches Higher in 2012
Interior enhancements, new performance packages highlight upgrades
DETROIT, April 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chevrolet announced today that it
will once again elevate Corvette's performance capabilities with a series of
improvements for the 2012 model year that improve on-track performance and
on-road comfort. They include enhancements to the high-performance Z06 and ZR1
models as well as interior upgrades across the Corvette lineup.
Sports car fans will get their first look at the 2012 models -- including
the racing-inspired appearance of the Chevrolet Centennial Edition -- at a
special event this weekend at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green,
Ky. Production begins in July.
"We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the
track," says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief
engineer. "For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance
level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to
several changes and new features inside the car."
Note to Editors: Videos, photos, and related information can be found along
with this release at
http://media.gm.com.
New Michelin Cup ZP tires elevate Z06/ZR1 performance
Corvette's greater performance for 2012 begins with the new, optional
Michelin(R) Pilot(R) Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which are available on the
two highest-performing models, the lightweight, 505-hp (377 kW) Z06 and the
maximum-performance, 638-hp (476 kW) supercharged ZR1. They are
competition-oriented tires, optimized for warm, dry conditions to increase
cornering and handling capability.
When combined with the Corvette's exclusive Performance Traction Management
(PTM) technology -- which manages torque delivery for maximum performance --
the tires are expected to help set new benchmarks for Corvette performance.
Engineers estimate an 8-percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration, to more
than 1.1g, and improved braking distance. Testing at Virginia International
Raceway has demonstrated improvement of approximately three seconds per lap.
The Cup ZP tires were developed by the same Michelin engineers who develop
tires for Corvette Racing in the American Le Mans Series and are essentially
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street-legal versions of a racing tire. They are included in the optional Z07
performance package on the Corvette Z06 and a new PDE performance package on
the ZR1. The 285/30-19 (front) and 335/25-20 (rear) tires are matched with
all-new aluminum Cup-style wheels in satin black or machined finishes. They
are about five pounds lighter (2.2 kg) and stronger than the 20-spoke wheel
offered in 2011.
Performance Traction Management (offered on the Z06 for the first time in
2012) is an advanced system that optimizes traction for greater and more
consistent on-track performance. The system also integrates traction control,
active handling and selective ride control systems to enhance race track
driving consistency and overall performance. When full throttle is applied
upon exiting a corner, it automatically manages acceleration dynamics.
A full-width racing-style spoiler for improved aerodynamics is also included
in both the '12 Z07 and PDE packages. The Z06 model will now offer Magnetic
Selective Ride Control, the world's fastest-reacting suspension technology --
an innovation Corvette pioneered several years ago. And as before, Brembo
carbon ceramic brakes will be a part of the Z07 chassis package (they are
standard on ZR1). Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires remain standard on the ZR1.
A carbon fiber hood will be an available option on 2012 Z06 models, while
the standard manual transmission for ZR1 will include taller gearing in fifth
and sixth gears, for a 2-mpg improvement in highway fuel economy.
Interior and feature changes
All 2012 Corvette models will include a new seat design and a new steering
wheel. The seats feature larger bolsters on the seat back and cushion areas,
which provide better driver support, especially in high-performance driving
while remaining comfortable for daily street driving. Microfiber suede seat
inserts are optional and improve tactile feel, as well as add additional
support.
The new seats are complemented by the revised steering wheel, featuring
model-specific badges, streamlined switch trim and wrapped spokes. Padded
center console and armrests for all models are now included for 2012. An
additional visual touch inside the car is contrasting color stitching -- in
red, blue and yellow -- which is available with the custom leather-wrapped
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interior.
Also coming in 2012 is a new Bose uplevel audio system, which includes nine
speakers (compared to seven in 2011) for improved audio quality that is more
precisely tuned to the cabin's acoustics. New tweeters located in the
instrument panel and improved Bose Nd next-generation bass performance is the
main benefit that Corvette drivers will hear.
A new Technology Package (2LT trim level) brings together many of the
Corvette's popular infotainment features and makes them available for more
models. The package's equipment includes the navigation radio, head-up
display, Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and
a USB port.
Wrapping up the new features for 2012 is the availability for customers to
select brake caliper colors, for more personalization of their Corvette. The
calipers are offered in the red, yellow, silver or gray.
About Chevrolet:
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global
automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than
140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and
reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited
performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance
cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs
such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and
crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also
offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt.
Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric,
gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new
Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies
including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen
Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at
www.chevrolet.com
SOURCE General Motors
/CONTACT: David Caldwell of Chevrolet Communications, +1-313-665-7252,
david.caldwell@gm.com
/Web site:
http://www.chevrolet.com
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