Showing posts with label Corvette. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corvette. Show all posts

Monday, January 24, 2022

Chevy Website 2023 Corvette Z06 70th Anniversary Model Portrayed in Brief Listing in the online Z06 Visualizer

Leaked images of what could very possibly be the 2023 Corvette Z06 70th Anniversary Edition came directly from Chevrolet on the Motor1.com blog last week, as a mystery user shared multiple shots of a very donned-up C8 with 70th-anniversary badges. The post that all of us here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis got our hands-on digitally portrayed some information regarding the special model listed as well. 

The over-the-top stripes are optional, but red trim for brake calipers and Carbon Flash wheels will be included, and the mirrors and spoiler have unique 70th Anniversary badging outside and inside. Other interior touches include white GT1 seats with red seat belts and a suede steering wheel. Since many various delays took place over the past year, it’s not yet known if the Z06 production will begin next year but is most likely to start churning out on the line during May. 

You’ll be able to snag up this package with the coupe or convertible, but even without it, every single 2023 Corvette will have 70th Anniversary branding directly imprinted on the rear window and center speaker grille. There are also unique wheels thrown in the mix with red edges and anniversary center caps with red brake calipers, a rear bumper protector and trunk cover, and a red engine cover on the 2023 Stingray Coupe model. There’s a special type of anniversary-branded luggage along with Suede seat inserts and a suede steering wheel, with the full package’s hue available in Carbon Flash Metallic or all-new White Pearl Metallic Tri-Coat. 

Even after 70 years, passion for Corvette runs deep, with the very first available C8 Z06 slated for auction at Barrett-Jackson for a most likely and appropriately high price tag! Even after 70 years, Corvette still can make hearts race and kids daydream in major ways about conquering the open road. The Z06 has one glorious and well-defined purpose, and that is to dominate the track, with a flat-plane V8 capable of 670 horsepower making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in production, propelling you from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 very short seconds. 

Everyone that comes in any form of close contact with the Z06 is going to immediately love its signature growl and longstanding testament to the best auto craftsmanship in existence. It even hits a redline of 8600 rpm- 2000 rpm higher than the legendary Stingray, and a car this capable requires some of the most serious braking ability on the globe. The standard 6-piston/4-piston rear brakes are designed to give you the best stop you’ll find anywhere on the street, with state-of-the-art performance for the various demands the track doles out. The exterior of the Z06 features wider fenders, quarter panels, and fascias than the Stingray, with a result and finished form as wicked and high-performing as they come. 



Thursday, January 6, 2022

“Bring A Trailer” and the Hard-to-Miss Yellow 1991 Chevy Corvette Callaway Twin-Turbo for Sale

Everyone here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis has heaps of post-holiday love for the classics. As the years keep passing by, what was once nearly modern has moved up the calendar a bit into the nearly antique category! The 1991 Chevy Corvette Callaway Twin-Turbo Convertible finished in yellow is one of the sensational numbers currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer, featured by Connecticut-based Callaway Cars. 

These phenomenal re-tuners of the ‘Vette have built their reputation on modifying the most high-powered models in the business such as the 1988 SledgeHammer. The SledgeHammer had topped 250 mph during testing. This convertible doesn’t quite possess that grade of “high-octane insanity”, but it still boasts a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V8 which was rated at 402 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque when the listing was brand-new. Power is delivered rapidly to the rear wheels with a ZF 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, and this car also sports upgraded brakes and mufflers that came with the factory Z5G Package along with unique Callaway exhaust tips. 

The illustriously curved appearance and deserving recipient of one of 25 Callaway twin-turbo C4 Corvettes to receive the company’s Aerobody body kit. This is the only one in existence painted yellow. The AeroBody includes a revised front fascia that showcases the unique Callaway Corvette air vents, logo, front-fender, rear quarter-panel vents, and hood scoops. You’ll also be rolling into pristine summer day-dream asphalt with 17-inch wheels, a body-color removable hardtop, and a soft black top. With a mere 18,000 miles on the odometer, this is a prime example of how Callaway takes an already monumental machine and spins pure magic into existence. 

Callaway has now also officially announced a partnership with Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, which has resulted in a new Camaro and Callaway Corvette Track Delivery option. It is facilitated and privileged owner access to Thompson facilities and other promising marketing opportunities. They have also done an amazing job with the Silverado: America’s favorite truck is now offered with the GenThree supercharging and TripleCooled intercooling systems, providing breathtaking power for very aggressive acceleration and heavily boosted hauling and towing stats. The brand-new Eaton TVS R2650-based supercharger boasts matte Callaway Carbon mid-covers which do a great job of covering up the engine wiring, plumbing, and coil packs. 

Inside on the very sweet Silverado rework you’ll find an Alacantara horn cover with debossed logos, billet accelerator, brake pedal pads, and hard-anodized aluminum door sill panels. Both 20 and 22-inch Callaway lightweight alloy wheels come included as standard and give the truck a unique appearance while reducing heavy rotating inertia along with wear and tear. These seasoned experts and pros of the “added touch” also have constructed amazing versions of the Tahoe RST, Yukon Denali, Escalade, and even our prized track-contending pony in the form of the Camaro!



Tuesday, November 23, 2021

2022 Chevy Corvette’s Power and Performance Bargain Secure Its Spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best List


Some of the Chevy Corvette’s most amazing traits are the high quality and performance that set it apart from so many other cars and trucks on the market. 

For the 23rd time, the Corvette has secured a spot on the Car and Driver 10Best List. It is quicker on a track than anything else on the list, including the Porsche Boxster and Cayman. It maximizes its abilities for speed and lap times with a world-class supercar flair. There are now more customization options for the interior, seatbelt choices, and brake-caliper paint hues.

Whether you are driving the convertible or standard targa, the roof can be quickly removed. Once you get into the low cockpit and absorb the power, the 490 or 495-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 combined and dual-clutch automatic can propel you to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. 


The 2023 model improves on the Corvette’s already supercar-caliber performance. Eventually, there may be an AWD hybrid Corvette E-Ray with the same legendary Corvette performance and a newfound penchant to powerfully protect the environment.

The 2022 Corvette has seen updates to its V8 engine calibration and direct injection fuel system, and a Z51 front splitter design is to be offered on non-Z51 models. You can choose to color your machine in Amplify Orange Tintcoat, Caffeine, or Hypersonic Gray hues, and this year also offers the choice of IMSA GTLM Championship Edition units. Based on the higher-end 3LT trim with the Z50 Performance Package, this model includes a high-wing spoiler in Carbon Flash trim, Black Trident wheels with yellow brake calipers, black side rockers, and a C8.R Special Edition themed plaque. 


Monday, October 25, 2021

Experts and Celebrity Enthusiasts to Usher in Corvette Z06’s 2023 Model


Professional basketball superstar Devin Booker and performance driver Emelia Hartford are starring in a reveal film highlighting the Corvette Z06. The 30-minute project premieres at 12 P.M. ET Tuesday, October 26 and will feature a panel discussion with experts who will outline how the Z06 promises to wow with its delivery, handling, and overall experience.

Motortrend saw a teaser video showcasing the flat-plane crank V8 revving up to 8,600 RPM. For those curious about what the ’23 Corvette Z06 will look like, the Corvette Instagram account is the place to look! 

A brand-new wheel design is evident, and much of the excitement has been centered around the 5.5-liter flat-plane crankshaft V8, which is expected to produce around 600 horsepower. The streets will never sound the same, and this car will be unlike anything anyone has seen or heard before. 


An overall wider stance is expected, with punched-out rear fenders above the massive 345 mm rear tires, and some of the prototypes having been spotted with 275 mm tires in the front. Two years ago, the Z06’s interior was teased brandishing two big red buttons on the steering wheel marked “Spec Mode.” There was also carbon fiber instead of leather on some surfaces. The digital gauge cluster in this sketch portrayed a racetrack layout, perfect for high-performance driving on the world’s best tracks. 

Car and Driver caught one Z06 testing its launch control system on GM’s proving grounds, and were all itching to try the exact same thrilling feat for themselves. Some fans will be excited about an audio clip leaked last year that showed off the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank V8 revving and accelerating with the cleanest and most distinguished sound yet!

Monday, September 27, 2021

2023 Chevy Corvette With Massively Powerful V8, 600+ Horsepower Output to be Revealed October 26


The mid-engine Corvette has long been the star of the show, and its testing at the world-famous Nürburgring has created fine-tuned excellence. Video from Motor1.com showed the 2023 ZO6 prototype testing on the roads close to the track and offered an up-close look at the incoming sports car. 

One of the first things that stick out is the obvious splitter visible from the front, and a view of the larger inlets present in the lower fascia. It rides on black five-spoke wheels with silver calipers behind them, and it features much larger visible side inlets to allow the engine to cool down. In the rear, there is a fully revised rear bumper that situates four exhaust pipes right in the middle. 


The Z06 will most likely be using a version of the V8 derived from the C8.R race car, which has 5.5 liters of displacement, a flat-plane crankshaft, and 617 horsepower. The shell for this amazing powertrain is a revolutionary Tremec-sourced gearbox with a magnesium case. Car and Driver claimed on their blog last month that the Z06 will sound unlike any Corvette that has ever existed before and will look fiercer than the mainstream C8.

The Z06’s aerodynamics are important when it comes to adjusting to high-speed downforce and cornering traction, and the model also boasts all of the best technology and features from the standard model. This is going to be a much more track-focused version of the standard Corvette, and it will have better acceleration and cornering ability than previous models.

The Z06's suspension tune will also be recalibrated to assure that it has every advantage in performance. The interior has had special treatment, and the square steering wheel along with the climate-control buttons on the center console present a vibe with a pleasantly unique appearance. The multilayered dashboard features an 8.0-inch touchscreen that supports Chevy’s Infotainment 3 Plus system, and you’ll have the choice of a 10 or 14-speaker setup courtesy of Bose professional audio. 


Tuesday, August 10, 2021

2021 Corvette Stingray Continues Head-Turning Tradition


When the mid-engine Corvette was first shown to the world in a large airline hangar in California, an instant tradition was born, and car fanatics worldwide had a brand-new modern marvel to swoon over. The 2021 model has been tweaked to make it even more appealing. It still derives power from a 6.2-liter V8 engine making 490 horsepower and 465 lb/ft of torque, and now comes with an available performance exhaust upgrade that bumps that up to 495 hp and 470 lb/ft.

Sport and Track modes allow for increased, hyper-focused  performance. The Z51 Performance Package includes Magnetic Selective Ride Control, which eases any bumps in the road. The torque is sent to the rear wheels with a standard 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which can be manually controlled with paddle shifters. Getting from 0 to 60 mph takes just 3 seconds, and the Cnet.com staff were impressed by the way the Stingray can handle corners.

All of you out there that love to go fast are going to love the power and firm suspension. Once you are really traveling with momentum, the ‘Vette doesn’t become more difficult to handle.


Drive modes are selected with a twist of the knob on the center console or pressing a Z button on the steering wheel. The 1LT is the base model with an 8-inch touchscreen on board and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The 2021 model sees improvements in the wireless connection department, with an improved digital tachometer display option on the instrumentation screen, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay capability. 

The rear camera mirror is one of the most useful upgrades in the 2TT model, along with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which are excellent aides for keeping a driver safe. The 2LT also boasts a Curb View Camera to keep the 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels clear of the curb!

The 3LT model sees massive interior upgrades with leather and suede trim, Along with GT2 seats and carbon fiber accents. The Cnet.com drive team’s 3LT for testing came with a Rapid Blue exterior matched with a Tension and Twilight Blue interior that they loved. They were also immediately impressed with the front and surround-view camera activation buttons that are at the front of the console and just below the screen.

If you are a Corvette owner that has a steep driveway, you will love the Front Lift option: in a few quick seconds, it will raise the front suspension by 2 inches to help clear any raised pavement. This system even has the power to remember up to 1,000 GPS locations where you need the lift, so you don’t have to tap the button every time you pull into a familiar driveway. 

After getting a close look at the new Corvette Stingray, you’ll be firing up a top-tier sports car built with American pride and long standing dedication in no time.


Thursday, August 20, 2020

2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray Set To Lead the Pack as Official Pace Car for 104th Indy 500 Showcase

The very top level of American Championship Car Racing is an open-wheel, open-cockpit formula fondly known as “Indy-Car Racing”, awaited anxiously on every year by many of us and our customers here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis. The 2020 Corvette Stingray will handle the duty of taking the field to green for the 104th running this year, brandishing a specially-celebrated model for the occasion. It is a Torch Red coupe equipped with the optional Z51 performance package, accessory spoiler and ground effects package, Carbon Flash accents, GT2 bucket seats, and an Indy 500-themed livery.

GM President Mark Reuss himself will be behind the wheel, personally celebrating all that the Chevy namesake has contributed to the success of Indy 500 and other events. This Torch Red 2020 Corvette Stingray is definitely a world-class machine with the performance and speed that perfectly suits it to pace the “500” landscape. The Corvette has seen the honor of leading the Indy 500 field to green more than any other vehicle in history, seeing its first time at the Greatest Spectacle in racing was in 1978, since seizing the opportunity 17 times. 

The very first time a Chevy vehicle led the pack at the Indy track was in 1948 when a Chevy Fleetmaster Six convertible was given the honors. Situated just behind the Corvette is another Chevy masterpiece: the Camaro has also had its roots in motor racing and a close long-standing relationship with the Indy 500. Company co-founder Louis Chevrolet first met William C. Durant after being hired on by Buick as a racing driver and the two would later co-found the company together in 1911. Chevrolet himself went on to start in four Indy 500s, retiring in all but three of them, while his brothers Gaston and Arthur also made two Indy 500 starts each. 

Last year's Indy 500 was won by Chevy Team Penske driver Simon Pagenaud, and 11 times over the years has seen 9 drivers with Chevy engines combined to claim the title. The 104th Indy 500 will go green on Sunday, August 23, with coverage on NBSCSN at 1 P.M. ET. Last year the qualifying procedure was restructured a bit, as “Bump Day” and “Pole Day” were moved into the second day of qualifying and those who qualified in positions 10 30 on day one will be locked into the field. The weekend before the race, all cars are now entered into a blind draw to determine qualifying order. 

The fastest nine drivers from Saturday then take their own parts in the “Fast Nine Shootout”, and the qualifying order is based on the first run's slowest to fastest ranking. From here the quickest driver wins the sought-after “pole position”, and the remaining 8 lock in positions reflecting their times. We are thrilled to see the Corvette once again at the head of the line during such a spectacular event, and thankful to everyone out there helping make sporting events safe yet still sensational!


Monday, April 13, 2020

2020 Chevy Corvette C8 Base-Level 1LT's Features Examined Close-up on Motor1.com

This year's Corvette 2LT and 3LT trim levels have been closely examined on the many blogs and internet news sources that have a love for all things car-related, and for very good reason! This amazing mid-engined model that has seen so many years in the making has been reviewed as completely iconic, game-changing, and has been billed as having the best interior of any Corvette that ever existed. Adrian Padeanu of Motor1.com took a close-up look this past week at what the base 1LT offers and put this video on the blog laying out all of the details.

Even without the head-up display, wireless charging pad, front-facing camera, and heated steering wheel, many who have taken the plunge and took this breathtaking machine for a spin have thought it appears a bit cleaner this way. On the shown model there is no Z51 trim, no magnetic ride, and the still very striking number makes its appearance in placidly stark orange exterior paint. The host first describes in detail how there is 490 horsepower generated from the 6.2-liter V8 engine. The transmission does also come with paddles, and it is stressed here that it in all ways is “exceptionally quick!”

The tires flaunt 19-inch rims in the front and 20-inch in the back, and the base-level trim does come with a removable top that easily clicks in place. You do also score GT1 seats on the entry-level 'Vette, which the review team agrees are absolutely “more than just OK.” They do a good job of showing the viewer here how everything on the interior facing the driver almost feels like an awesome fighter jet, and the steering wheel is calibrated just as one for racing would be. 

The driving modes available are touring, sport, and track, and track is where this crew claims the most fun is had. It's where the steering and braking really stiffens up, and you get to open up and embrace every bump and corner in the road. The Motor1.com expert on duty also claims that the Bose 10-speaker audio system on board is one of the best he's ever heard and that he was able to get it sounding “absolutely perfect.”

This base-level does not come with a rear-view camera, and even though that is more of a family-friendly safety feature we recognize it adds a feeling of safety and security. Everyone here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis has been amazed by the raw performance ability and power of the new Corvette, and this video does a great job of laying out just what you get when exploring the entry-level purchase! For most of us in the automotive sales and service realm, the new C8 was a definitive moment in history, and we love to relish every chance out there to explore the way it feels to push its limits!

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Automobile Mag Test Drives 2020 C8 Corvette and Claims it “Glides Over Broken Roads Like a Hovercraft”

All of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis enjoyed a very intense level of excitement over the past year when we were awaiting the debut of the Chevy C8 mid-engined Corvette. The current model was such a fantastic machine that had seen so many exhilarating runs off and on the track, but it had reached a leveling-out point where performance was concerned. Nielson Ireson of Automobile Mag had previously encountered a few reviews about this wonder of engineering that surprised him. A few of his cohorts in the industry had been in his opinion quite off base when they did not fully approve of the steering and overall grip.

Spending the better part of an entire week with the new work of wonder, he concluded that they absolutely must have just had quite enough time to spend with it. He spent his precious time with the C8 both on the road and on the corners of the Willow Springs racetrack. They chose to spend the entire week in track-alignment mode, whether they were nailing down high-speed laps or careening in the mountains near Lake Hughes, California.
Surprisingly enough, the designers responsible for this car said if you are going to use the track setting to just go ahead and keep it that way for the duration, and it will NOT cause any premature wear on the tires. The crew's first response after a quick initial drive was “Holy cow, is this thing good!”. The nearly instant torque derived from the 6.2-liter V8 means that you are not left without thrust in the least, and the steering was the most communicative they had laid hands on in quite some time.

Like many others out there in the sea of car critics, Neilson concluded after just a few back-to-back runs in hardware just as exotic as what one would find in the Ferrari F8 Tributo and McLaren GT, the mid-engine Corvette is, by all means, something wildly special, especially at its current cost. Social media editor Billy Rehbock only had one complaint, and that was that the C8 was actually a bit quiet when it was really being pushed to the limit. He then added that he was sure that coming performance versions will probably remedy that issue down to the last detail.

This blog continues on to say that for Chevy to have done such an impressive job in its first go with the engine behind the driver and to have included so many improvements to the quality and luxury for a fraction of the price of the competing super-crowd is nothing short of startling. Contributing writer Arthur St. Antoine wrote in his notes that the new C8 “glides over broken mountain roads like a hovercraft, but still sticks like crazy”, and he also thought that it was overall more compliant than the scorching competition in the form of the Porsche 992. This is a car that ranks high on the “easy to live with” factor as a daily driver, and every single commentator was blown away by the interior that tightly wraps you in while giving you space to enjoy the raw power and handling you enjoy with every single turn and aggressive launch!

Monday, February 3, 2020

Chevy Announces 27 mpg as the 2020 Corvette's Official Highway Number


This is the weekend that the C8.R race car makes its exciting debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and when Chevy made the official announcement regarding EPA rating. The upcoming mid-engine car is slated on the books to nail down 15 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway which stacks up quite well to the likes of the C7 before it, and the competition in the form of the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S. The outbound 2019 C7 Corvette had an EP rating of 15 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission, and so the C8 fares better even with the extra weight.

The new model will do 490 miles on a single tank of gas in highway driving and outperforms the pricier McLaren 720 S on the highway, which is EPA rated at 22 mpg on the highway. Equipped with a mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8, the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray launched from zero to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds during official testing by the Car and Driver staff and can reach speeds up to 184 mph.  Cylinder deactivation plays a huge role in the fuel usage scenario, and the 6.2-liter V8 morphs into a V4 by completely shutting down the valve operation in both banks.

As Car and Driver also said, the creation of the C8 was “pulling the pin and blowing up 65 years of history and heritage”, as the C8 made its debut to very large promises. One promise made to the auto-loving masses was that moving the engine back a few feet, adding around 35 horsepower, and putting to use a dual-clutch transmission would deem the 495-hp C8 Corvette quicker to 60 mph than the 755-hp C7 ZR1, even with the less favorable power-to-weight ratio.
During official testing, the C8 Corvette Z51 got to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds on its way to the 11.1-second quarter mile at a top speed of 123.2 mph. All of us here on staff at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis are here to tell you that the quickest factory Corvette ever is the new base model with a sport package and that fun fact is amazing, exhilarating, and groundbreaking to boot! The GT2 seats onboard the test model for Car and Driver offered excellent support under hard-driving, and comfort during the mellower moments of the drive. This is the most premium-feeling Corvette ever made, and we are all excited about its future, fantastic performance, and fun-to-drive functionality.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Motor Authority Takes an Ann Arbor Back Road Spin With the New C8


Last week during a sunny fall day near Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Motor Authority test crew were gathered happily to pen their thoughts regarding the new and very powerful beast they get to test. The new C8 mid-engined Corvette was the bounty they had their eager hands on, and it is surely a vehicle that we have all been excited about here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis. Mike Hurley is the vehicle dynamics engineer who was along to supervise as well as advise, and he was on deck to tell driver Kirk Bell to get the mode selector dial to “Track” and fire up the Performance Traction Management System directly before the run.
 

While he tethered his foot just perfectly over the brake, Kirk then pinned the throttle and the 6.2-liter V-8 revved up to 3,500 rpm while remaining there for a split second. Then he was able to hold on tight to the new C8's square steering wheel as the 305-mm wide Michelin Pilot Sport 45 rear tires budged a minute amount, and then took off sporting a heightened power level that previous factory 'Vettes have not come close to. As he took pleasure in rocketing forward, he claims that there was zero pause in power supply between gears and seconds the well-published notion that 0-60 mph takes place in 3.0 seconds or less.

When the new C8 first came out one of the most exciting qualities it brandished besides the mid-engine placement was the perpendicular force exertion factor. It now sees 60 percent of the weight on the rear tires, which means that the C8 can put down more bare-knuckle factor on the road with the drive axle capabilities at hand. Once you are competing with the likes of cars that cost double and triple your entry point, being able to handle daily drive duties as well as fast and furious antics on the track are essential.
All parties behind the wheel felt at all times that the steering had true purpose and was always direct and that the interior takes a very noticeable leap forward from the outgoing C7's. They were driving the 3LT package that adds to the mix a 14-speaker Bose audio system, front and rear vision cameras, a head-up display, top-line heated and cooled GT2 bucket seats,a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and the Chevy Performance Data Recorder that lets you relive every step of the journey by means of high-tech data gleaning.
As this testing crew realized that the day was waning and their time was slowing to a halt, they wished first and foremost that they could take the new 'Vette down a California canyon road where it belongs to open it up properly and get at some cornering. The rumble of the pipes is not quite the same as it was on the C7, but engaging in Track mode helps with the return of the symphonic bliss. Every time a new set of experts gets their hands on the new Corvette we get more excited, and the Motor Authority team deemed the new release a worthy and exhilarating example of what can transpire after decades of patience!

Monday, August 19, 2019

Loving The New C8? Motor Trend Weighs in on Faster Variants Coming Soon


Every year attendees can feast their eyes on the many different types of 'Vettes as they participate in the Woodward Dream Cruise: it is the world's largest one-day automotive event, drawing 15 million visitors and 40,000 amazing cars from around the world. This annual caravan to Detroit scrolls past some of the sites of Michigan's very first classic drive-ins, such as the Totem Pole that opened back in 1954. Motor Trend caught up with the C8's chief engineer Ed Piatek at a Dream Cruise event, where they were able to nail him down on just what may be in store for the future of the C8.

 

The base Stingray now sports a pushrod 6.2-liter small-block V8, and the updated LT2 makes 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Adding on top of that the performance exhaust with the Z51 package stacks five more horsepower on the galley, as well as 5 more pounds per ft of torque. Launch of the base car itself for starters was very exciting for him, because it has been more than 60 years since Chevy began to closely study the physics of shifting the weight of the engine to the rear axle. The outgoing C7 was a phenomenal car, but had recently reached a tapped out state and had achieved its maximum performance level on all fronts.

With the engine in the rear, Piatek detailed how the use of horsepower can be much more efficient and gives the 2020 Corvette “more bandwidth” right out of the gate. Taking a close look at the current generation car with 460 hp and the 0-60 time, you can add 300 horsepower to that number, and the 0-60 time does not improve that drastically. With the new C8, you start with a somewhat lower 0-60 tie, but also sporting 20 percent more of the mass on the rear axle and wider tires in the rear, so the opportunity to have an astonishingly high powered car exists.

When asked if he had any concerns about the potential of the C8 completely maxing out, Piatek did claim that he felt it was “a long way”, and reminded us that the outgoing 2019 Corvette ZR1 with the LT5 supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is rated at 755 horsepower, and 715 lb-ft of torque. The Eaton supercharger for the 2019 ZR1 is situated at 2.9 inches taller than the blowers that were in the 2009 ZR1, or the 2015 Z06.

Don't forget to ask us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis about extra goodies for the C8 such as the front suspension lift system, which can hike the nose of the car hastily up when you reach a low curb or steep embankment. The release this year was so exciting because it offered up a prime chance for Chevy to innovate while pushing the envelope and the arrival of the C8 will forever mark 2019 as a game-changing milestone in auto history! The low entry-level pricing point, onboard arsenal of available power, and newfound stance with the engine's location have been key components during this groundbreaking release of a long-awaited champion.

Monday, July 29, 2019

2020 Corvette Stingray's Earth-Shaking Engineering: The Science of Zero to Sixty in Three Seconds


Due to the mid-engined layout alone, many car professionals knew that the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray was going to offer mind-blowing performance and aggressive acceleration in standalone form. Even fans we had kept close touch with here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis that had been in the loop for years regarding development were astonished by its 0-60 mph time. When equipped with the Z51 package and performance exhaust, this 495-horsepower mid-engined marvel gets there in a mind-blowing 2.92 seconds. To gain the proper perspective on the matter you have to realize that today's 755-hp Corvette ZR1 can accomplish this, but the price tag is nearly double.
Engineering expert Jason Fenske dedicated a full episode of Engineering Explained to provide the inside scoop on just how Chevy got there, and at such a lower cost factor. A car needs a pretty massive amount of power to achieve a 0-60 mph time, and the 6.2-liter V8 situated in the middle completes the horsepower task. Next, the car needs a transmission that shifts quickly, and the C8 Corvette tackles this problem with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. It shifts lightening-fast and has rations that keep the engine properly within its power band, but the most prominent advantage of the DCT is that power delivery between gears doesn't halt, and the car is always acceleration with the throttle at fever pitch.

Tires are another huge factor when it comes to track times that smoke and sizzle with a frenzy, and this is where the calculator is busted out. The frictional coefficient of the tires that are mounted on the new Corvette, Michelin PS45 rubber, at a rate of 1.336 gs. This helps solve the puzzle of the force equation, being the absolute top of the rim for maximum force that the car can accelerate. Force is the result of the frictional coefficient of the tires multiplied by the weight pushing down on the tires.

Under the guise of a 40/60 front/rear weight distribution, a center of gravity similar to that of the C8's, and taking into consideration factors regarding the car's new wheelbase, there's a solution for the quickest possible acceleration time. That figure sits at 2.76 seconds with a max acceleration of .99 Gs. The outgoing base Corvette model sits at 3.31 seconds, with the max acceleration at .826 Gs. Jason also claims here that the quickest possible acceleration with stickier tires is an astounding 2.5 seconds, which could be accomplished with a future Z06 or ZR1.
The 2020 Corvette's brand-new layout could also pave the way for a braking distance even shorter than the Porsche 911 GT2 RS's 87 feet from 60 down to 0 mph. There is something to be said for a car that is so entirely all-American, laced with raw power, and is as visually stunning as the new mid-engined 'Vette. We have to admit that it's almost unthinkable to ponder what would have happened if the go-ahead for this design would have occurred years ago: track enthusiasts and would have been at the edge of their seat, and heavily devoted to the cause. There's been a lot to be excited about this summer regarding the C8: this is one display of engineering expertise and prime patience level that is off-the-charts and stunningly poised to make a memorable mark in automotive history!

Monday, July 15, 2019

Pre-Debut Sneak Peek Display Via Car and Driver: C8 Corvette's Steering Wheel


Since the debut of the new mid-engined C8 Corvette is coming “right around the corner” July 18th, we can attest here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis that every little last detail has been wondered about, and kept appropriately under wraps. Spy shots that are passed around from blog to blog are great and all: they are one of the only ways that auto dealers like us can get any idea whatsoever about upcoming models and the way they look. Situating the engine behind the driver was a change that will resonate through the auto industry for quite some time, and Car and Driver just released on their blog this week some photos of the steering wheel.
We're pretty sure that the squared-off shape will make it more comfortable to hold, and greatly improve visibility. The top sports a leather centering strip, and the proud Corvette logo is displayed on the hub. There will be no manual transmission for the C8, and paddle shifters are situated for the one-choice-only dual-clutch automatic. On the two spokes and around the hub you can clearly count 17 different buttons and predicted controls are cruise control, voice command, audio volume, and radio presets.

On the left spoke there appears to be a mystery silver button with the letter “Z”, and we all wonder if it is for a type of drive-mode selection. Z is actually the trailing letter of the alphabet that held much special meaning in the 'Vette realm, being previously used in names like the Z51 Performance package, and the high-performing and track ready ZR1 and Z06. Many out there in mainstream America do not yet thoroughly understand that this is by no means a new concept. This ingenious idea has been kicking around the desks and design tables of engineers for decades. We particularly love the 1964 Mid-Engine XP 817 prototype shown here, with its intensely-curved front end and way in which the pipes pop up behind the driver.
Directly below it, you see the 1976 mid-engined XP 882 AeroVette: even though some claimed it looked more like a paperweight then a capable and commanding track car, the similar curve seen in both the front and back was surely defining and very unique. After its star-studded reveal in California, the C8 will also grace the Concours d'Elegance of America in Michigan from July 26-28, along with the likes of other classic cars from Cadillac, Bentley, and Ferrari. It won't be long before the inner and outer details of the C8 are made public for all to see, and there will be some very lucky car aficionados with their hands wrapped around said steering wheel for good!

Friday, January 18, 2019

Consumer Reports Hails 6 Chevy Models in Annual “Best American Cars, Suvs, and Trucks” Awards


When you are on the hunt for the absolute best vehicle for your business or family, Consumer Reports has long been a benchmark for everyone in the industry to measure themselves by. The various ratings can be sorted and filtered many different ways to figure out which car is best for you in a price range or category, and all of us here at Chuck Hutton heartily admire those wanting to “Buy American” for 2019. To score the ribbon for the win as a Best American winner, the overall score factors in road tests, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. We were proud as ever that six Chevy vehicles made the list, providing a star-studded showing in this all-important test of reliability.



The Chevy Sonic hatchback and sedan took honors for the best subcompact car, as it offers a relatively comfortable ride, as well as a very quiet cabin. Extra features such as keyless entry and push-button start, as well as heated seats and steering wheel, are other first-rate selling points. A 7-inch touch screen as standard as well as compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are other reasons that this car is accessible, practical, and alluring.



The Chevy Cruze snagged the winning spot for the compact car category, and one of the main reasons why was the way in which it offers up big-car qualities. A very quiet interior and comfortable ride, as well as the stop/start feature that reduces fuel use during idling, are all reasons why the Cruze won over the Consumer Reports staff. The safety features available on the top Premier trim are where the Cruze really packs a punch, and offer the best in show for your protection on the road.



The Chevy Bolt took home the honors on behalf of Consumer Reports for the best compact Electric Car, and it is known as the first relatively affordable EV to have a robust driving range. The battery offers 250 miles of power, and where it resides underneath the car's floor adds to its planted feel, even though it has a relatively tall stature. A full charge takes ten hours while putting to use a 240-volt connector, and just about every single person who has test driven it wildly favors its aggressive acceleration qualities.



The Large Car sector is quite an interesting one: even though many wants and needs have shifted towards SUVs and trucks as of late, if a consumer really wants the benefits of a large car, they are going to strive to find exactly the right one for them. The Chevy Impala was no doubt the best choice for this category winner, as it is quiet, comfortable and always fun to drive. The Consumer Reports team billed the handling as “secure and responsive,” and it is truly amazing to see how the Impala expertly blends everyday functionality with high-end luxury accents.



The Chevy Corvette Stingray is robustly and loudly something special: it derives its power from a 6.2-liter V8 that generates 455 hp, and purists have fallen in love with the 7-speed manual transmission. It easily swooped up the winning slot for best sports car, and hardcore track hounds love the ability to step up to 650 hp by means of the Z06. All-aluminum construction plays an integral role in optimizing strength and weight savings, and handling of the Stingray has been rated as top-notch by many. Truly the continuation of nothing short of a legend, the Corvette trumps other sports cars playfully, and with a sense of foreboding and superior seniority.

The Large SUV category could quite well be billed as the most important to dominate in for any vehicle as of late. While easily offering up space for seven passengers and their gear, the towing capacity of the Suburban is ranked in a category that others simply can't touch. The touch-screen infotainment system is very easy to use, and one of the best features of the Premier trim is dynamic ride suspension, which greatly improves handling response, and overall comfort of the ride. Incorporate the higher-powered 6.2-liter V8 for more muscle, and get a taste of how you can really inject the roar of primo power into your daily driving regimen!

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

2019 Corvette Stingray Showcased in Autoweek as “Delivering Fun by the Bushel”




Managing editor of Autoweek Robin Warner once embarked on the thrilling journey to become a professional race car driver, and knows his way around many engineering scenarios, tried-and-true tracks, and elements of new car technology. This past week he took on the task of telling the in-depth tale of how the 2019 Corvette Stingray handles: this two-seater coupe that punches way above its weight in performance is the key competitor that is up against the BMW M4, Mercedes AMG C63S, and all-too-familiar Porsche 911.



All of us here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis were excited to read about the experience he had with the Stingray that arrived decked out with the Z51 package: it includes slotted brake rotors, an electronically locking limited-slip differential and cooler, higher performance summer tires, and a multimode exhaust. The exhaust system fulfills the task of bumping up power and torque by 5 hp and lb-ft respectively, and also sports the added benefit of the Performance Data Recorder. This additive is the true track nerd's dream: it fills you in on the status of lap times, engine rpm, gear speeds and wheel speeds.



For a car that delivers up this much amazing raw power, next year's Stingray is quite comfortable, and understandably can more than lend a small hand in livening up the regimen of the daily commute. In spite of the Z51 suspension, the dazzling and sporty new Stingray is also equipped with magnetic ride control, which keeps the car planted on the roughest stretches of road and absorbs sudden bumps that come with the turf. This is a 460 hp car, but even the most experienced of drivers needs to remember that it is only pulling around 3,300 pounds, which immediately renders it top-notch quick in any challenging scenario it is presented in.



After driving the new 'Vette around for awhile Robin lamented that we too often downplay the importance of fun in our lives, and next year's model “delivers fun by the bushel.” The folks at Autoblog avidly claimed that “You don't always need a supercharger” in regards to this model, and we admit that the high-powered Z06 and ZR1 are two of the most amazing and awe-inspiring vehicles ever created. Senior Editor John Snyder recognized that you have to work a bit to wring out all the available power, which is a fun and very driver-focused challenge. Crisp, aggressive, and staunch styling are qualities that make the Stingray a killer option, and we strongly encourage you to check out the car that Autoblog also claims instills more confidence than the Camaro, and is also the “best looking 'Vette since the 1960's!”

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

ZR1 Corvette Hailed by Motor Authority As “Best Car to Buy 2019”



Every year, the seasoned editors of Motor Authority are lucky enough to place themselves in a brand new arsenal of sports cars and luxury sedans, and they are able to treat them as if they were theirs. This is a privilege that knows no boundaries: the chance to see the features of new vehicles and see how they perform on the various roads and tracks out there are invaluable to writers of this publication. This year they narrowed down their selection of strong contenders to five finalists, and the focus was ultimately on the Audi RS 5, the BMW M5, our beloved Chevy ZR1 Corvette, the Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 1, and the Jaguar I-Pace.

After hours of comprehensive testing, a winner was announced, and the decision had swung in the favor of the Corvette. Finding the 755 horsepower overwhelming in a good way, the ZR1 proved to be very capable on the track, and accessible on the street. When put in skilled hands, this is a car that is capable of breakneck speed, and is built on the very exciting C7-generation's frame. The upgrades for the ZR1 add more elements of goodness, beginning most importantly under the hood, where Chevy added the 6.2-liter V8 that features a supercharger.



There is also 52 percent more displacement than the 650-hp engine present in the Corvette Z06, and the startling 755 hp is the most ever for any vehicle crafted under the prized Chevy namesake. Direct and port injection both work overtime to help churn out 715 lb-ft of tire-scathing torque. The uniquely designed front fascia completes the task of bringing in more air to cool a total of four radiators, and a specially-designed carbon fiber hood completes the task of supercharger clearance. Many diehard 'Vette fans have been righteously fascinated with not one, but two rear wings, that help increase downforce to attain more speed on the track, and carbon-fiber brakes that can slow down this lightening-fast vehicle in a dire hurry.

The staff of Motor Authority claimed after driving that “the torque from the LT5 V-8 comes on like a hammer when pushed hard, but the engine will stay in the background with a light throttle foot.” The brand-new ZR1 provides a bellowing sound that is unlike any other from previous models, and everyone here on the sales and service staff at Chuck Hutton of Memphis has heard various rumors that this car is simply not the handful on a track you'd expect, given the massive amount of raw brute force derived from the ingeniously-designed engine.



This is a very intensely-honed machine that you can place avidly on a dime, punish at very high speeds, then quickly switch directions with, leaving behind the fear of the tires losing their valuable grip. Also equipped with an 8-inch infotainment screen sporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated and cooled seats, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, the 2019 ZR1 is a true supercar that is absolutely worthy of investigation. You won't find anything on the planet that can nail down track times like this at even twice the price, and we truly attest that “this is the stuff that high-speed legends are made of.”

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Chuck Hutton In-Depth Racing Report: Corvette Grand Sport's Indy Appearance

Everyone that works here in sales and service is always apt to get excited when the best of a car line is scheduled to make an appearance just where it deserves: at a world-class racing event. The Corvette Grand Sport is slated to be the official pace car for the 2017 Indianapolis 500, and will lead the way to the green flag on May 28, for the 101st running of this important event. This is the 14th time that a 'Vette has been selected to serve as the signature pace car; the first time was just two years after the bicentennial year of 1976. No other vehicle has put in the time for the job of pace car more often tan the Corvette, and Chevy is proud to once again pace the Indy 500. The race itself along with the brand have shared a rich and robust partnership since the 1920's, and this year's event promises to be exciting.


The Indy 500 truly is the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, with a permanent seating capacity of over 250,000. The 100th anniversary was celebrated 6 years ago, and Alexander Rossi is currently the defending champion. As many diehards know, drivers race 200 laps around the track counterclockwise, covering a total distance of 500 miles. Always scheduled on or near Memorial Day, this is one of the true tests of durability and agility for car and driver. During 1912, the purse for this event was $50,000... and limited to 33 as well as a mandatory mechanic. Technical specs for the Indy 500 are currently written by IndyCar, and the Corvette will once again proudly lead the pack for all of the participants involved.

There are many reasons why everyone here at Chuck Hutton feels that the Corvette is the best pick to lead the pack as far as the Indy 500 is concerned. Its 460-hp LTI Direct-injected V-8 engine under the hood is a great means of power for the vehicle, and 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission guides the way in terms of shifting. The Grand Sport is also able to be purchased with a carbon-fiber ground effects package, and has top-notch standard magnetic ride control as well as unique springs that help with suspension and ride. The optional Z07 package provides carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors, and the 285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 High-performance tires will provide you the best navigation possible in any location.

The Grand Sport's Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system has 15.5-inch rotors with six-piston calipers in the front, and 15.3-inch rotors with four-piston calipers in rear. You can also opt for the unique Indy 500 graphics package, which will allow you as the driver to aptly display your pride for this landmark event. When equipped with the Z07 Package, this Corvette can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in just 3.6 seconds, and cover the all-important quarter mile in just 11.8. One thing that we as a dealership are incredibly proud of is that Chevy was founded in the same year that the Indy 500 blazed its original path, over a century ago in 1911. We will be more than happy to show you the bells and whistles of any model made by a brand that sells more than 4 million units a year, and is destined to continue branching out as strong as ever.