Month: January 2010

Plain and simple:  last year’s Corvette sales were the worst since 1961.

Yes, this extensive drop may very well be attributed to the current state of the economy (and automotive industry) at large. But, is this decline completely reminiscent of the economy?

After much research, Edmunds’ AutoObserver.com thinks it’s a combination of two things: down economy AND loss of consumer interest in sports cars.

In 2008, the Corvette was one of the best selling sports cars around, consuming more than 6% of the sports car market share.

Just last year, the Corvette declined 43.8% in sales! Yes, the economy didn’t help, but should we also place blame on the close competitor – Chevy Camaro? Not according to Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Jessica Caldwell, who states, “Over 60,000 Camaros were sold last year, and many of the buyers are unlikely to have chosen another sports car in its place had it not been on the market.”

So, maybe this legendary American sports cars’ sales decline can be attributed to a loss in consumer “flair” after all?  What do you think?

[ Business Wire ]

Here’s another cool episode from “Vette Garage: The Series” where they go behind the scenes to check out Corvette Recycling’s operation in Farmington, UT.

Source:
Vette Garage: The Series

Related:
[VIDEO] Episode 3 of “Vette Garage: The Series”
[VIDEO] Episode 2 of “Vette Garage: The Series”
[VIDEO] “Vette Garage: The Series” Opens With Visit to Pfadt Race Engineering

 

The Corvette lineup gains a new Grand Sport model for 2010 that’s distinguished by special exterior styling and a stiffer suspension.

The devastation of the Haiti earthquake has left the country in great need. In response to this need, GM auctioned off a 2008 limited edition Chevrolet Corvette Z06 at this year’s Barrett-Jackson car auction.

The bidding closed at $200,000, leaving the American Red Cross with 100% of these proceeds to help with its relief efforts in Haiti.

Watch the LIVE footage as Kate Forbes from the American Red Cross addresses the Barrett-Jackson crowd before the one-of-a-kind Corvette is auctioned off to its lucky new owner after the jump.

The Corvette itself was the last of 427 Z06s ever produced within North America as well as the last 2008 Z06 available in Crystal Red Metallic. Under the hood stores a 7-liter V8 engine that can produce up to 505 horsepower.  It was also signed by Corvette plant manager Will Cooksey who retired in 2006.

To help donate to the Haiti relief aid, visit redcross.org or text HAITI to 90999.

[ AutoWeek ]

 

Need new tires?

Goodyear is providing drivers with a great opportunity to save money on tires this winter. From now until February 28, customers who purchase a set of 4 Goodyear tires will be eligible to receive up to $80 by mail-in rebate.

Not sure of what tires to purchase? Visit Goodyear’s Tire Selector site to help you make your decision.

After purchasing a set of 4, be sure to apply for this special rebate offer by going to the Goodyear Tire Rebate site to print out the attached document. Once the form is complete, mail it to:

Goodyear January/February Event
P.O. Box 54989
Cincinnati, OH 45254

The process of fulfilling your rebate check will take six to eight weeks. For additional questions, you can also call customer service at 1-877-777-9937.

Take this opportunity to spiff up your Corvette with those new tires you’ve been dreaming about… and save money at the same time!

Click here for the rebate form.

[ Goodyear ]

This is the big one. The Face-Off to end all Face-Offs. American versus American.

I just got a heads up from a friend that Lou Gigliotti, Corvette race car driver and founder of LG Motorsports is running for the 4th congressional district in Texas. Without getting too political on a car blog, Lou’s 30 years experience as a small business owner and his legendary competitiveness is just the kind of experience needed in Washington. Please take a moment to visit Gigliotti for Congress and let’s all wish a fellow Corvette driver lots of luck in this new endeavor.

Hat tip: Charlie

Source:
Gigliotti for Congress

Related:
Gus Grissom’s 1967 Corvette Listed on eBay

 

Magna International may have failed to purchase the Opel brand from General Motors, but the Canada-based auto supplier has landed at least one new GM contract.

One of the more popular fundraisers for The National Corvette Museum is their new Corvette raffles. I wanted to make sure to highlight this raffle coming up on Thursday as the entry price is something we can all afford. This 2010 Torch Red Corvette is being offered for just $10/ticket. And this isn’t some stripped down base model either. This Corvette features the 3LT package and includes delivery at the museum. Check out the Corvette’s specs after the jump and follow the links to order your tickets. [More]

The first ever public unveiling of the Corvette occurred in January of 1953 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Now with January 2010 upon us, we celebrate the Corvette’s 57th Birthday!

This favorite all-American sports ride has prospered through the years as GM continually changes and enhances its style, features and options to cater to consumer demands.

It’s quite remarkable to think back to when the first 300 Corvettes came off GM’s production line back in June of 1953… Check out a few of the minor modifications the Corvette has gone through during its 57 years of existence

	1953 Corvette Coupe	2010 Corvette Coupe
Wheelbase	102”	105.7”
Track	57” front/ 58.8” rear	62.1” front / 60.7” rear
Height	51.5”	49.0”
Length	167.3”	174.6”
Width	69.8”	72.6”
Curb Weight	2,886 lbs.	3,217 lbs.
Fuel Tank	18 gal.	18 gal.
Base MSRP	$3,498.00	$48,930
Available Features	Heater, AM Radio, Convertible	Everything!
Exterior Colors	White	Artic White, Blade Silver Metallic, Black, Velocity Yellow, Cyber Grey Metallic, Torch Red, Jetstream Blue Metallic, Crystal Red Metallic

Pretty astonishing, huh? What captivates you the most about the above chart? Blog with us here.