May 2
2009 MODEL YEAR HIGHLIGHTS ANNOUNCED
Members – For those of you who had the opportunity to attend the Official C5/C6 Registry Bash on April 24-26 at the NCM, you had the opportunity to learn about the 2009 model year enhancements for the upcoming Corvettes. But member emails keep coming in on “What’s Up for 2009”?

Here is a summary of the 2009 C6 highlights presented to us:

2009 Model Year – All Corvettes

• Variable ratio steering (an additional enhancement of the 2008 improved steering system)
• Dark Titanium Custom Interior and the very well received Ebony Custom Interior (available late 2008 Model Year)
• New Exterior Colors include Blade Silver and Cyber Gray.
• Steering Wheel audio controls will now be standard on all models.
• Bluetooth phone connection included with 2LT interior packages and above.
• New C6 Corvette emblems with a bright surround.
• Bosch will be the supplier for the ABS, traction control, active handling hardware and brake related software as an overhaul of the 2009 Corvette brake system takes place.

2009 Model Year – Coupe and Convertible

• The Convertible C6 model will now include a 1LT Package added to the line up. This will allow Corvette to now have a Convertible at a reduced cost over the 2008 model year prices.
• The new Forged Chrome Wheels which became available in late 2008 and standard on the Indy Pace Corvettes will continue to be available.

2009 Model Year – Z06

• Designer Kirk Bennion brought to the show his latest creation for Z06; they are the outstanding newly designed Spider Wheels. They will be available in Silver, Competition Gray or Chrome.
• The original design Z06 wheel in Chrome (Q76) will be available at least one more year.
• The development of the ZR1 has carried over to the Z06 in that its dry sump oil tank will increase in size from 8 quarts to 11.5 quarts.
• Z06 interiors have new added colors as mentioned above.
• The acoustic package and power hatch pulldown will now be standard on all Z06s.
• The Z06s Ebony base seats, which are currently stitched in red, will be changed to a gray stitch.
• The Z06 will receive its own very unique Z06 sill plates.
  
   

  2009 New Spider design Z06 wheel - Chrome

  New Spider design Z06 wheel -  Competition Gray.

 

May 1
HERTZ FUN CLUB ADDS ZHZ CORVETTE COUPES
Members – Does the term “IT’S A RENTAL, DON’T BE GENTLE” mean anything to you? Well, it certainly will be to Hertz starting in June when they release to the renting public 500 very limited and specially equipped Velocity Yellow 2LT 2008 Coupes with an easily recognizable ZHZ fender badge on both sides.

These very special Corvettes will be rented through the Hertz Fun Club Program at various Hertz locations throughout the United States, including Hawaii. This wonderful Hertz program has been ongoing for the last several years. They received considerable attention two years ago with the re-introduction of the Carroll Shelby Black and Gold Mustang GT-H that they have been successfully renting, just like they did back in 1966.

Hertz’s soon to be collectible ZHZ Corvette Coupe will include the 2LT Ebony interior (193) package with a ZHZ embroidered logo on the console arm rest and floor mats inside of a Velocity Yellow (45U) exterior tint coat paint with a Black Stripe, from front to back, laid down the center of this C6. The transmission of choice will be the Six Speed Paddle Shift Automatic, along with the (NPP) Dual Mode Exhaust and (F55) Magnetic Select Ride Control, including the cross drilled rotors.

Genuine Corvette Accessories will play a big part in the uniqueness of this Corvette. Hertz is including the (VPL) GCA Ultimate Appearance Package which includes the screen mesh package (side coves, exhaust plate screen, grille mesh), body-color rear license plate frame, underhood blanket and lamp kit, graphics package (as mentioned above), full-width spoiler and body-color door handles. The wheels for this very unique ZHZ will be the Seven-Spoke Forged-Chrome Wheel which certainly will add a dramatic appearance to this already exciting ride.

Members, the best news of all is that Hertz will be offering a very special discount program to Registry Members. We will place this discount code in the upcoming Official C5/C6 Registry magazine and in our MEMBERS ONLY section as soon as it becomes available. We are finalizing with Hertz the list of cities that these Fun Club Corvettes will be available at and we will post this information as soon as it becomes available.

Indications are that this program will possibly run for a two-year period with 2009 C6s being brought into service early next year. Who knows, they may even add some Convertibles if this program turns out to be as successful as we all already know it will be!!!

 

April 25
Chevrolet Announces Certified Power Ratings For The New Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: 638 Hp From The Supercharged LS9 V-8
At the powertrain meeting this morning at the 2008 Birthday Bash at the NCM, GM announced the final, tested and official power numbers for the ZR1's LS9 Engine.

Horse Power: 638hp
Torque: 604ftlbs
Top Speed: 205 MPH

The LS9’s output is nearly 103 horses per liter, or just about 1.7 horses for each of the engine’s 376 cubic inches. It is unquestionably the most powerful automotive production engine ever manufactured by General Motors and enables the Corvette ZR1 to achieve a top speed of more than 200 mph (322 km/h).
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PRESS RELEASE

April 19
O'Connell and Magnussen Win GT1 in Long Beach Street Fight
O'Connell Conquers the Streets of Long Beach to Score Milestone 30th ALMS Victory
Johnny O'Connell celebrated the 30th victory of his American Le Mans Series career with an exuberant burnout that filled the streets of Long Beach with tire smoke. O'Connell and Jan Magnussen teamed up in their No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R to score a 1.374-second victory in the GT1 division over Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta in the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R. O'Connell became the third driver in ALMS history to score 30 wins, and today's victory propelled O'Connell and Magnussen to a four-point lead (66-62) in the drivers championship. Click Here For More !

April 15
Mr.Y2000, You Are My Last Hope!
Q: I have been a member since August 1998 and have owned several Corvettes over the years. I purchased my Torch Red Z06 in January 2003. I drive my Corvette as much as possible, as I live in east Tennessee near the Smokey Mountains. I’m fortunate that I live in an area where one can truly enjoy their Corvette to its fullest potential.

In January 2005, at about 30,000 miles, I started having an INTERMITTENT ‘failure to crank’ problem. My solution, when this occurs, has been to just hold the key over with the clutch in, and finally after 15-30 seconds (which seems like an eternity) for no apparent reason, it begins to crank and start. It is like the system is on a timer!      CLICK HERE FOR MORE !

April 5
Gavin and Beretta Repeat in St. Pete
Corvette Racing made motorsports history today, scoring the first victory with E85R ethanol racing fuel in American Le Mans Series competition. On a sultry, sunny day, Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta sailed to their second consecutive class victory on the waterfront street circuit in St. Petersburg, Fla. The reigning champions won the GT1 division in the Acura Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg with a 4.754-second margin of victory in their No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R over Johnny O'Connell and Jan Magnussen in the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R.

1. Gavin/Beretta, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 79
2. O'Connell/Magnussen, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 79
3. Borcheller/Ducote, Aston Martin DBR9, 48 (accident)

 More info at: www.corvettracing.com

March 15
CORVETTE RACING SCORES SIXTH SEBRING 12-HOUR GT1 VICTORY.
O'Connell Notches Record-Setting Seventh Sebring Class Win with Magnussen and Fellows.
After a long day's race into night, Corvette Racing scored its sixth GT1 class victory in seven years in
America's classic endurance race, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.  Johnny O'Connell, Jan Magnussen and Ron Fellows drove their No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R to an eight-lap victory over their teammates Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta and Max Papis in the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R.

Johnny O'Connell became the all-time leader in Sebring victories with his seventh career win on the historic circuit. His victory tonight broke a longstanding tie with motorsports legend Phil Hill, who tallied six victories on the Sebring course. Congratulations Johnny!

"We introduced two new cars at this event, and again demonstrated the hallmarks of Corvette Racing: meticulous preparation, great teamwork, and flawless pit stops," said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. "We've shown that we're ready for an exciting season in ALMS and we're looking forward to Le Mans."

Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring GT1 Results
Pos./Drivers/Car/Laps
1. O'Connell/Magnussen/Fellows, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 328
2. Gavin/Beretta/Papis, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, 320
3. Borcheller/Ducote/Garcia, Aston Martin DBR9, 299

GT1 Championship Standings (unofficial after one of 11 events) Manufacturer/Points
1. Chevrolet 26
2. Aston Martin 19

March 13
Indy Champion visits CORVETTE Assembly Plant!
Emerson Fittipaldi, two-time Indy 500 winner and Chevy’s 2008 Indy 500 pace car driver, visited Bowling Green Assembly on Tuesday, March 11. Emerson autographed the center consoles of the Indy 500 Pace Car replicas and then enjoyed a tour of the plant and museum. Below, you can see Emerson and a pace car replica at the end of the assembly line with a group of proud Bowling Green employees.

February 21
End Of 2008 Ordering And 2009 Production Ordering dates
Members, the registry has received the dates  the closing 2008 Timeline and the beginning of 2009 Corvette Production. They are as follows:

February 14
427 Limited Edition Z06 - Signed by Wil Cooksey !
Chevrolet announced the 2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06, a limited-production model that pays homage to the big-block Stingray models of the mid-1960s. The 427 designation refers to the cubic-inch displacement for the highest-performance engines offered between 1966 and ’69 – and is also the cubic-inch equivalent of the Z06’s 7.0L LS7 small-block V-8.

The 427 Limited Edition Z06 features a Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior, the first Z06 ever offered with a red metallic tintcoat paint. It also features graphics on the hood and fascia that evoke the style of the famed “stinger” hood design and graphics that were offered with 1967 models equipped with the 427 engine. Also unique to this model are “427” hood badges. Each example is numbered and signed by Wil Cooksey, the Corvette assembly plant manager who is retiring after 15 years on the job, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

January 28
MORE INFO ON THE MIGHT LS9 - with a CTS-V Sideline.
We've had the info on the LS9 from the start ( Click Here ), but here's some new information. It was just learned that the LSA engine, a detuned  ( 515-525 HP ) version of the LS9  that will power the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V will be built using normal production methods, in a conventional engine plant. However,  the LS9 that is to power the CORVETTE ZR1 will  be built by hand in the GM Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan.

The HOT new CTS-V, internally code named "GMX322 V S/C", will start production in September of 2008 and will be limited to 7000 units annually,  Both manual and automatic transmissions are expected with a possible, and optional  paddle shift. The new CTS-V will feature a completely re-done rear end, with an improved rear axle that our sources say has eliminated wheel hop.

January 21
MUSCLE CAR WARS REBORN AT BARRETT-JACKSON AUCTION
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - January 20, 2008 - A new generation of muscle cars took center stage last night when American automakers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler sold their latest performance vehicles at No Reserve and raised nearly $2 million for charities at the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz. The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR sold for $550,000, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 for $1 million and 2008 Dodge Challenger for $400,000. The Challenger was purchased by Barrett-Jackson CEO/Chairman Craig Jackson, with all proceeds benefiting the Phoenix-based charity Not My Kid, Inc.

Each manufacturer donated money from the sale of the cars to a designated charity. Ford donated the proceeds of the GT500KR to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; GM donated a portion of the proceeds of the Corvette ZR1's winning bid to United Way; and the proceeds from the new Challenger were donated to Not My Kid, Inc.

Among the stars present last night was "Tonight Show" host and avid car collector Jay Leno, who drove the Corvette ZR1 across the block. Automotive icon Carroll Shelby addressed the crowd during the sale of the GT500KR, along with "Grey's Anatomy" star Patrick Dempsey.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Events™" in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Click Here for movie, photos and details.

January 16, 2008
ZR1 and BARRETT JACKSON History IN THE MAKING.
MEMBERS: If your ever wanted to own a one of one kind factory special built Corvette, a 2009 ZR1 being auctioned off at the Barrett Jackson auction in Phoenix on January 19th this coming Saturday night will be the one to have. Chevrolet is auctioning this very special ZR1 off with all proceeds going to the United Way. The lucky bidder will be able to be present in Bowling Green when this one of one ZR1 is built. This ZR1 is loaded with the 4LZ package, and will be a factory produced Lemans Blue color, with the choice of Dark Titanium or Ebony interior, chrome or painted wheels, the winners choice.

The VIN Number of this special ZR1 will end in 5900001, the only ZR1 with the "9" designation in the VIN. The production ZR1's will be be in the 58 range, Chevrolet is keeping 5800001 so you will have a very unique CORVETTE. The buyer will receive a build book and factory documentation related to this very unique, one of one ZR1. As a bonus on the factory build documentation, you will find the RPO Code "BD1" ( Blue Devil One ) This will be the only Corvette to ever have this RPO "BD1"  code !

Saturday night, the Jet Stream blue ZR1 you will see on the stage is for representation only, the winners car will not be built until the third quarter of this year. Bid High the United Way will thank you!

Watch it Live! It is my understanding you will be able to watch this auction on Speed Vision Saturday afternoon,  ( the19th) at 2:PM Live and again at Mid Night. Schedule is at:
 www.speedtv.com/schedule/index.php timezone=0&d=&ts=&week=&wholeMonth=01&usecal=yes