MotorTrend Pits the Corvette Z06, Shelby GT500 and Nissan GT-R Against Each Other

What weights ten tonnes and costs more than US$240,000? If you said, “a gold plated bulldozer”, you’d be close but no cigar. The answer is three sub-100k supercars: the Chevy Corvette Z06, Ford Shelby GT500 and Nissan GT-R. These three industry titans, with nameplates stretching as far back as the 1960s, were the recent subjects of an epic comparison test by MotorTrend. Here are three would-be-supercars – over 500hp and 3 second 0 to 60 mph times – that don’t command the supercar price tag.

The US$55,330 GT500, US$90,950 GT-R and US$98,010 Z06 are all within the budgets of most mid-life crisis suffers (providing you sell the house, the kids and the dog) and offer the sort of performance that was once the sole reserve of great Italians like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.

And they’re not stripped out racers either. The Z06, for instance, comes with such luxuries as heated leather seats, Bose audio, Bluetooth and sat nav. You can’t buy a second-hand Lamborghini with that sort of equipment for US$98,010.

If you want to find out who wins this legendary battle, you’ll just have to check out the video. Even if you don’t care who wins you should check out the video anyways for a sweet-as drag race between the Z06, GT500 and GT-R. Now that’s something you don’t see everyday...

Savage Rivale’s Roadyacht GTS gets a Racing Variant

Back in 2009 at the Top Marques Monaco Show, Dutch automaker Savage Rivale blew the lid off the Roadyacht GTS, an eccentric four-door, coupe-convertible supercar. While interesting enough to be worth a second look, one could’ve argued on the chances of the Corvette-based vehicle to become a hit. Still, it seems that it was successful enough to prompt the development of a racing version, aptly called the GTR.

The company says the competition model will have a limited run of 69 units and will make use of the same Corvette underpinnings as the civilian version. However, the road-going model's older LS7 V8 is ditched in favor of the more modern LS9 variant. It also loses 2 doors in the process of becoming a truly hardcore racecar.

The 6.2-liter powerplant is said to deliver around 700HP and is strapped to a steel tubular space frame chassis that tips the scales at just 115 kg or 254 lbs and is complemented by a flat underbody with “suction deck” for improved stability and car control.

Inside, the GTR offers only the bare essentials in the form of a seat, steering wheel and typical racing safety features, but customers can also ask for additional seating for a “multi-person experience”.

Hennessey Z700: Track-Ready 2010 Corvette ZR1 with 705HP, 775HP or 1000HP

Eager to satisfy those who believe that too much horsepower is never enough, Hennessey Performance Engineering has introduced an uber-Corvette in the form of the 2010 ZR1-based Z700. The American tuner claims that the track-orientated Z700 is to the Corvette what the GT3 RS is to the Porsche 911 and the ACR to the Viper. To be produced in a limited run of 24 units for the 2010MY, the Z700 features an array of performance enhancements including an upgraded version of the ZR1's LS9 V8 engine.

The upgraded supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems help lift output from 638 horsepower to 705 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and peak torque to 717 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm. The result is a zero to 60mph (96km/h) sprint time of just 2.9 seconds while the quarter mile is covered in 10.6 seconds at 134 mph. The standard 2010 Corvette ZR1's times are 3.4 seconds and 11.3 seconds at 131 mph respectively.

And if that ain't enough, Hennessey also offers two optional power kits that boost output to 775HP and a massive 1,000HP.

Additional mods on the Z700 include a set of lightweight carbon fiber wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, which Hennessey says reduce rotating weight by nearly 60 lbs, a lowered suspension and a new aero parts such as the carbon fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler that are said to add over 300 lbs of downforce.

Inside, the tuner has upgraded the ZR1's cabin with lightweight carbon fiber seats and Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.

The price for the basic Z700 including the 2010 ZR1 donor car has been set at $207,150 US or at today's exchange rates, €149,312. That's almost double the price of the factory 2010 Corvette ZR1 638HP that starts from $104,920 and four-times the cost of the basic Corvette Coupe 430HP V8 that begins from $49,515.

HENNESSEY Z700 SPECS

Power:

• 705 hp @ 6,400 rpm
  
• 717 lb-ft Torque @ 3,200 rpm
  

Performance:

• 0 – 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
• 0 – 100 mph: 6.4 seconds
• 1/4 mile: 10.6 @ 134 mph
• Skid pad: 1.08 lateral G
• Note: HPE VBox preliminary test data.

Z700 Package Includes:

• Supercharger Modifications (15 psi boost)
  
• Intercooler System Upgrade
  
• Air Induction System Upgrade
  
• Stainless Steel Exhaust Upgrades
  
• Hennessey Light Weight Carbon Fiber Wheels
  
• Front: 19 x 10.5 inches; Rear: 19 x 12.5 inches
  
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires
  
• Front: 265/35-YR19; Rear: 325/35-YR19
  
• Sparco Carbon Fiber Seats in Alcantara (Driver & Passenger)
  
• 5-Point Harnesses with Harness Bar
  
• Alcantara Steering wheel & Shift Knob
  
• Lowered Factory Suspension
  
• Corner Weighted with 4-wheel Alignment
  
• Z-Aero ™ Carbon Fiber Body Parts: Front Splitter, Canards, Rear Spoiler, Vented Factory Hood, Vented Front Fenders
  
• Hennessey & ZR700 Interior & Exterior Badges
  
• Limited Edition Serial Numbered Plaque
  
• 1-Day Driving Instruction at Lonestar Motorsports Park
  
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
  

Total Cost Including New 2010 ZR1: $207,150 US Dollars

Optional Upgrades

• Z750 – 755 bhp Upgrade
  
• Z1000 – 1,000 bhp Twin Turbo / Supercharged Upgrade
  
• Custom Exterior Colors
  
• Custom Interior Upgrades & Colors
  
• German Delivery - Nurburgring Delivery & Driving Instruction

GM Sues Corvette Replica Maker

GM's not thrilled that you can buy a $90,000 replica of the '63 Corvette Grand Sport, of which five were built. So they're suing Mongoose Motorsports, the replica maker.

Full story from The Detroit News.

Corvette C6

The best selling sports in the world is now coming from the European taunt on their own land. With a lot of changes in stock.



A legend



The Corvette is a legend in itself. The mere reading of his pedigree reveals a world where reason is swept away by passion. An example? The architecture of the V8 tumbled, from the first generation appeared in? 1953 alongside the latest high-tech as the head-up display, borrowed from the world of military aviation! But as good wine, Corvette improves with age. Launched in May 2005, the sixth generation to enjoy the new vintage of change. And to better appreciate what most beautiful jewel that the Paul Ricard circuit at Castle!



A car or an airplane?

Slip into the cockpit of the Corvette is still a feast for the senses. At a time when engineers Ergonomists simplify everything to the extreme, the U.S. has a cockpit of fighter aircraft. There are buttons everywhere and it takes at least five minutes to understand what purpose they serve. This mimicry with aeronautics is reinforced by the famous head-up display. A command to set the interface of his choice, projected onto the windshield. The rpm and "km / h" float before the eyes of the driver. There is even the possibility of reading the number of G that we cash in every turn!

33 hp and more



Starting the car via a button on the center console. The roar of the V8 erupts. Yum! And it is under the hood that is the second amendment to our 2008 version. The architecture of the V8 flipped (two valves per cylinder, one camshaft central) does not change, but it rolled from 6.0 to 6.2, to win passage 33 hp (or 437 horsepower total). The couple also progressing from 41 Nm to 585 Nm That figures. But when cars reach such a power, it is above all the feelings that prevail. Ca tombe bien, the Paul Ricard available to us. First step: two laps to take the temperature of the track and see what the Vette was in the belly. Out of the stands.

Faster than the Mistral!



Provided, however, not to play with the basic laws of physics? In this case, the armada of electronic safeguards (all adjustable or disconnectable) said the order quickly. Optionally, the Corvette is equipped with a magnetic suspension selective (2450). Electromagnetic dampers are able to recognize any coating, the system adjusts its setting to provide an optimal behavior. So, on the trail of Castellet Corvette plays billiards, threading curves with an ease bordering on provocation. Output chicane. Line from Mistral. The head-up display flirts with 200 km / h. On paper, his peak speed exceeds 300 km / h with a 0 to 100 km / h in 4.5 s.



Unbeatable prices!



It is 0.7 s less than a Jaguar XKR for 416 hp and as much as a Mercedes SL55 AMG 517 hp. It must be said that the Vette weighs 500 kg less than the roadster to the Star! But no time to go higher: already have the technical profile of the circuit? and the end of turn. Confidence increases, as the pleasure and the Corvette always fulfills his contract with flying colors. Happiness! But back down to earth and approach the "painful." Burning in absolute terms (from 65,850?), The note remains a trifle when compared to its rivals, much more expensive (at least 25,000? More). And 10,700? Further, the same Vette rises up! As for the more fortunate (and daring), it is to the monstrous 512-hp Z06 they will turn. A different story?

Corvette Guys for Corvette Parts and Wheels

It's show season. And if there's one car that seems to love to win at shows, it's the classic all-American sportscar - the Corvette. Corvette owners across the country are gearing up and rolling out with both rare and mint 'Vettes, or highly modified tuned monster machines, to a show grounds near you.



If you're the lucky owner of one of these classic sportscars, you're always looking for a way to stand out from the crowd. Whether you're looking for high-quality aftermarket Corvette parts, like some sharp chrome Z06 wheels to take home the blue ribbon, or looking to pick up some style accessories, there are online merchants like CorvetteGuys that have the parts you're looking for at a price you can afford.



And being a showcar star doesn't have to cost a fortune. Whether your Corvette is a weekend cruiser and you go to shows for fun, or you own a garage queen that never sees the rain, a set of upgraded wheels will go a long way towards getting the head-turning appearance you want. Whether you want to upgrade your C4 Corvette wheels to a more modern look, or like the classic lines of C5 Corvette wheels, there's lots of affordable options that will make your 'Vette look mint without costing a mint.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Review

The second car I ever tested as a professional TireKicker 11 years ago was the 1998 Corvette. Zero to 60 was 5.3 seconds. Top speed was 171 miles per hour. Price tag: $45,000 as equipped.

It was the fastest, most incredible thing I'd ever driven.

Well, 11 years can change a lot. I've driven 1,375 cars since then, for starters. But the Corvette has changed too...especially when you step up to the Z06. Try zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Top speed 198 miles per hour. And the price tag? $82,065 as equipped.

As Carroll Shelby used to say, speed costs money.

Actually, the base price of a Z06 is $72,405...but the one GM sent me for a week had a $6,515 "3LZ Premium Equipment Group" (Upgraded Bose audio system, power telescoping steering wheel, heated seats, memory package, universal home remote, side impact airbags, a luggage shade and parcel net, Bluetooth, and a custom leather-wrapped interior). There was also $1,995 worth of Z06 Original Chrome Aluminum wheels and $300 for Atomic Orange Metallic paint (which looked stunning in direct sunlight).

I'd love to tell you what this car is like at wide open throttle, but c'mon...half throttle is enough to jeopardize your future of a licensed driver in less than the time it took to read this sentence. Way less. Let's just say that this is Chuck Yeager jet jockey X-15 rocket stuff. Brute strength in a candy-colored wrapper.

It's also surprisingly livable for what began essentially as the track version of the 'Vette (standard Corvettes still start around $46,000 base price, though it will take you 4.1 seconds to get to 60 and you surrender 8 miles per hour of top speed...can you live with only 190?).

And, the factoid that I love to use to shock people with: It gets great mileage. The EPA says 15 city/24 highway. If you can square that with 505 horsepower in less than ten seconds, congratulations...that piece of data alone can usually launch a ten minute argument.

Look, Corvettes not only aren't for everybody, they aren't for most people. That's the point. It's an exercise in awe...executed precisely because they (the engineers) can (or at least could).

I have only two questions: How much more incredible is the ZR1 (630 horsepower)? And will GM be making these (or any) cars much longer?

We should all hope so.