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Please send all news and corrections to: scott.parker@sorc.com, or mail to: GM High-Tech Performance, 9036 Brittany Way, Tampa, FL 33619.C6.R Gets Redesign for GT2 Competition
In anticipation of a single GT class for 2010 in the American Le Mans Series, Corvette Racing has decided to get a head start and redesign the C6.R for GT2 competition. The GT2 rules make the race car even closer to the production model, using the ZR1's aluminum frame (not steel), production-based body panels, carbon rotors (not steel), aluminum wheels (not magnesium), and a production steering column and rack. A destroked LS7.R, now 6.0L, will power the Vette to comply with the rules and is built in GM Powertrain's Performance Build Center along side the Z06 and ZR1 production motors. Air restrictors will also keep a leash on the motor, said to reduce the Gen IV to 470 hp (from 590). For the 2010 race season, GM plans to have a new 5.5L combination, which will continue to run on E85R. These changes seem to have little effect, though, in its first GT2 outing, the C6.R took second and fourth at Mid-Ohio on August 8th.
While shooting the G8 GXP in our photo studio for this month's feature article, we snapped off this candid shot of photo extraordinaire and SIM Associate Editor Kevin DiOssi. We invite you to chime in with a humorous caption or fictitious news story to accompany the photo, and please don't hold back ...he deserves it. Email Associate Editor Justin Cesler at Justin.Cesler@sorc.com with your entry.
Drop-Top Fifth-Gen on the Way
Riding on the coattails of the coupe's success, GM has officially announced that not only is the Camaro convertible model a reality, but it should be available in the second quarter of 2011. This news was somewhat overshadowed by the announcement of the Volt's 230-mpg EPA rating. No, that's not a typo.
Nickey 427 Stage III Camaro Prototype
The historic dealer Nickey Chicago has teamed up with Comp Cams and Wegner Motorsports to produce the first 427-cubic-inch 2010 Camaro SS. Using a host of Comp products including the new FAST LSXR manifold, Wegner put the 427 motor together, which was dyno tested to make 707 hp at 6,800 rpm and 595 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm at the flywheel using pump gas. Wegner said the prototype uses an LS7 block and heads, but they are currently working on a new top end combo. Stage I and II versions are also available.