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04-28-2011, 08:08 AM | #1 |
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Corvette Performance Reaches Higher in 2012
The following story was published on Thomson ONE:
( 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 The following story was published on Thomson ONE: For information on Thomson ONE go to www.thomson.com/financial 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 The following story was published on Thomson ONE: For information on Thomson ONE go to www.thomson.com/financial 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 The following story was published on Thomson ONE: For information on Thomson ONE go to www.thomson.com/financial Click here to go to Dow Jones NewsPlus, a web front page of today's most important business and market news, analysis and commentary: http://www.djnewsplus.com/nae/al?rnd...Q1qlZCww%3D%3D. You can use this link on the day this article is published and the following day. (END) Dow Jones Newswires 04-28-11 0900ET GM US37045V1008 I/AUT I/XDJGI I/XDJLC I/XNYA I/XSLI N/DJIN N/DJN N/DJWB N/CNW N/DJPN N/DJWI N/PDT N/PRL N/TPCT N/WEI M/NCY M/NND M/TPX P/PSH P/TAP P/WMMI R/MI R/NME R/US R/USC The following story was published on Thomson ONE: For information on Thomson ONE go to www.thomson.com/financial
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"But resist we much; we must; and we will much; about that be committed." ~Rev. Al Sharpton 2010 E92 M3|Silverstone II|M-DCT|NCSW|2MT|ZCW|ZPP|ZTP|302|507|Gas Guzzler Tax |
04-28-2011, 08:48 AM | #2 |
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After reading articles like this, and after seeing the new releases at the Jacob Javits auto show, I realize more and more that BMW is falling behind every year.
For example, I swore all the "bmw-haters" were wrong by saying the interior of the M3 is garbage (mine is fully loaded with fr extended leather and cf trim), but when I went to the auto show and sat in the isF and new C63, I realized that they were right and it really is nothing special BMW has to step up, and step up without turbos but rather bigger displacement ! |
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04-28-2011, 09:05 AM | #3 |
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Chevrolet's Corvette division is not playing games. I always felt that if they ironed out the whole interior thing, you could put 'em up against almost anything.
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"But resist we much; we must; and we will much; about that be committed." ~Rev. Al Sharpton 2010 E92 M3|Silverstone II|M-DCT|NCSW|2MT|ZCW|ZPP|ZTP|302|507|Gas Guzzler Tax |
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04-28-2011, 10:52 AM | #4 | |
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One of my friend from our cul de sac is getting a Z06 carbon. Will be some nasty war at the track! He He He. |
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04-28-2011, 05:25 PM | #5 |
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If GM does only one thing right, it is the performance of the Corvette. Nothing comes close the money in my opinion if you are looking for the best performance for your dollar.
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04-28-2011, 05:58 PM | #6 |
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I was in the same run group as someone with a new ZR-1. That car is a beast! The first session (Laguna Seca) was a bit damp and every time he gave it some gas, the rear struggled for grip. Massive power.
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04-28-2011, 08:25 PM | #7 | |
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You should not be discouraged by the M3 interior. I just took delivery of my 2011 Grand Sport Vette with the 4LT interior and while the 4LT is as nice as you can get from GM (and acceptable to me), the M3 still has a slightly better interior. I knew that going in and am 100% fine with it....., just saying it (M3 interior) ain't bad. I am 100% content with the decision I made. I love the styling of my Grand Sport and the performance is fantastic. The 4LT interior is just fine for me for a weekend/fun car. I know a DD is a different story in terms of interior but man the M3 isn't bad at all. Love it for what it is...one of (if not THE) best DDs out there IMO. Last edited by alms211; 04-29-2011 at 05:13 AM.. |
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04-28-2011, 10:16 PM | #9 |
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Gm really stepped things up with the new interior in the 2012, looks very exotic'ish now.. Of course I'd have to see it in person first. Still, good job GM!
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04-28-2011, 10:52 PM | #10 | |
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Personally think GM is capable of making great interiors. Look at the CTS-V but of course you will pay extra for finer materials.
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04-28-2011, 11:12 PM | #11 |
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04-28-2011, 11:23 PM | #12 |
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+1. whether you like the Corvette or choose to dog on it for its dismal interior, you have to respect it. it's a real meat-and-potatoes sports car that offers unbeatable performance at its price point. I'd love to get a Z06 as a second car.
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04-29-2011, 06:37 AM | #13 | |
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That comment was just idiotic and down-right ignorant. Not only does he think Corvettes are made in Detroit (duh) but I guess he didn't see the latest Consumer Reports Survey for predicted reliability (2011). Ford & (every division of) GM outscored Audi, BMW & Mercedes. I love my M3 but if suddenly I walked into my Garage and a new Z06 was sitting there in it's place?...no tears. What's more, look on YouTube and check out how often a Z06 or (haha) ZR1 get their ass kicked. Hardly ever.
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"But resist we much; we must; and we will much; about that be committed." ~Rev. Al Sharpton 2010 E92 M3|Silverstone II|M-DCT|NCSW|2MT|ZCW|ZPP|ZTP|302|507|Gas Guzzler Tax |
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04-29-2011, 09:47 AM | #14 |
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WoW! The Vette already has the supercar look and performance. All they were missing was the interior. Now, while it won't be in Ferrari territory interior wise, I would welcome an upgrade on par with BMW/Mercedes/Audi.
I have been thinking really hard about my next car....used GT3, 2012 GTR, Lotus Exige. If the rumor is true and the Vette has a revamped interior, I would definitely consider a Z06 Carbon (sitting next to the ///M of course)! -SZ |
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04-29-2011, 09:47 AM | #15 |
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The two most trouble-free sports cars I've ever owned were ZO6 Corvettes, both C5 and C6 generations. And both were solid and rattle free the day I sold them.The least reliable was my first E46 M3. The next one was better, but no match for the Vette. So far (only 8K miles), the E92 has been back to the shop three times for minor fixes. I would never discourage anyone from buying a ZO6. It's a great car, and will teach more about high performance driving than will ever be learned in an M3; just different cars. The ZO6 is much more challenging to drive well, but very satisfying when achieved.
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04-29-2011, 10:17 AM | #16 |
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When GM decides to do something right they really make it right. Our family has owned two GM trucks, they last forever! The interiors are not the greatest, but they function without problem and the engines just keep going like the energizer bunny. The corvette is GM's pride and glory, they really make that car work well. I would take a Z06 or even better a ZR1 over a Viper or any kind of mustang any day of the week. I love my M3 as well, its perfect for me, but it's not a perfect car by any means. Look at what the Z06 gets for MPG, there is no reason the M3 shouldn't have been able to do that. It's a 7 liter engine for crying out loud. GM made one awesome engine there!
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04-29-2011, 11:40 AM | #17 | |
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Z06 has a 7 liter and gets 15/24 with 505hp & 470lbft M3 has a 4.0 liter and gets 14/20 with 414hp & 295lbft Am I missing something? (I know, I know...high-rev concept)
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"But resist we much; we must; and we will much; about that be committed." ~Rev. Al Sharpton 2010 E92 M3|Silverstone II|M-DCT|NCSW|2MT|ZCW|ZPP|ZTP|302|507|Gas Guzzler Tax |
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04-29-2011, 12:41 PM | #18 |
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I had a chance to hot lap a Z06 with the Z07 package at Streets of Willow. The performance that this car offers is mind boggling. It's performance is so far beyond 99% of the drivers that will ever own one.
One thing I love about the magnetic suspension is that the car is very predictable when pushing it in the corners, where as the older version would simply snap into oversteer with no warning. I've got my eye on the Centennial Edition .
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04-29-2011, 12:51 PM | #19 | |
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04-29-2011, 01:33 PM | #20 |
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Of course you're correct, but consider the Camaro, which weighs a fair bit more than the M3, and still manages 16/24.
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04-29-2011, 04:02 PM | #21 |
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Also the compression ratio is less in the Z06. Basically the M3 engine is working harder to make the power.
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04-29-2011, 05:33 PM | #22 | |
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