Friday, January 31, 2014

3.8 Million Dollar 1967 L88 Corvette


What made this L88 Corvette so valuable?


To understand that, you first have to understand what the L88 Corvette was, and that was a pure breaded race car. Rated at 430Hp, dyno test proves that number was underrated. Some where around 560Hp was more like the real horsepower rating. The underrating was a deliberate attempt to keep with-in safety regulations imposed by the government.


There were only 20 L88s built in 1967, making them some of the rarest production Corvettes every made. But the one that rolled across the block at the Barrett-Jackson Auction was a one-of-kind. Ordered by a GM executive for his sons friend, it is the only documented '67 L88 with Red-on-Red (Red Exterior - Red Interior) to come off the assembly-line.

What makes it even more rare is the original condition of the vehicle and the condition of the documents. The tank sheet (order copy) which is accessible by dropping the gas tank is surprisingly legible and had all of the correct information that indicated its true L88 fully optioned status.

The GM/NCRS Document Validation Service approved of the documentation and awarded it the prestigious "Top Flight Award" in 2011. It also went on to collect three other prestigious accomplishments: "Duntov Mark of Excellence," "Bloomington Gold Hall of Fame" and was approved in the "Bloomington Gold Special Collection."

This particular Corvette was a two owner car. It spent the first two years of its life racing at Dragways like Detroit, Motor City, and Lapeer in Michigan. And then in 1970 it was sold to its second owner, a teacher who thought he was just getting a regular Corvette. But while doing a brake job one day he realized that the car had unique dual-pin calipers only found on the J56 option which came with the L88. This discovery promoted him to drop the gas tank and seek out the tank sheet where he discovered he had purchased one of the rarest Corvettes that was every made.

After a few more owners, this car finally made its way to the auction block on Saturday afternoon. The Corvette will have a new home, probably a garage somewhere where it will be put on display. Due to the rarity and the amount of money it cost to own this car, I doubt it will ever see the road or any racetracks, but it will probably see a lot of car shows.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

2014 Cadillac ELR: Winning Awards and Giving Away Merchandise

The new stylish look of the Cadillac ELR has spent the last few months sitting in the back row when it comes to what is trending in the the automotive industry. It's edgy and cool look just hasn't seemed to be something that has caught a whole lot of attention.

But what better way to make headlines than receiving the 2014 Green Car Technology Award from the Green Car Journal and giving away something free along with a purchase of a Cadillac ELR.



Jan. 22, at the Washington Auto Show, the prestigious Green Car Technology Award was presented to Cadillac after beating out plenty of worthy domestic and foreign competitors. Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com said, "Cadillac has cleverly evolved a common electric-drive efficiency system into an intriguing feature that adds a new dimension to the driving experience,"

But if that award wasn't enough, that's no problem. Cadillac has also up the ante by offering early buyers a free charging station with their purchase and free professionally installation as well. This would save buyers at least a few hundred bucks on a car that is already priced on the upper-end of the sedan market.

The Cadillac ELR can go 40 miles on pure electric, but can keep going with unlimited power by using the outboard gasoline motor that it comes with. As with most Hybrid cars do, they take the access energy (kinetic energy) that the vehicle creates upon breaking and stores it back into the battery. But what's special about this hybrid is something that Cadillac calls the Regen on Demand system. This system gives the driver control at the steering wheel via a lever to automatically control when he/she wants to use the extra energy that the system stores.



This system also offers another unique feature that most other Hybrids cars do not have. It can create something that is called Regan drag and that drag can help slow down the car without applying the brakes. This can help the driver – depending on the situation – with the possibility to go in to a turn or slow down with traffic without repositioning their foot.

The Cadillac is hoping for some big sales with their Regen on Demand technology, but they are also concerned of unexpected low sales of the EV Chevy Volt and hope to do better then that. Their hoping that the recognition of the Green Car Journal Award and their offering of a free charger will help sales.

The Cadillac ELR will not be sold at ever Cadillac dealership, only location that are certified to sell and service the car will have the honors of having the EV car grace their showrooms.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Chevrolet Makes a New Record at North American Auto Show

 


This year at the North American Auto Show in Detroit, Chevrolet walked way a big winner. Their Silverado toke home the Truck of the Year Award, while Corvette stood tall with their Stingray taking home the Car of the Year Award.

This is the first time in the Detroit Auto Show history that two brands from the same company brought both awards home.

I guess if there was any question if General Motors was getting back-on-track, the answer could rest solely on the slew of accomplishment they have made in the past two-to-three years.

The Cadillac ATS walked away with the Car of the Year Award last year at the North American Auto Show and this year Motor Trend honored the Cadillac CTS with their Car of the Year Award. Also, the 2014 Impala is the first American-branded car in at least 20 years to be rated the top new sedan by Consumer Reports Magazine, the Chevy Malibu got an all-new redesigned look earlier then normal with great reviews, and that's just to name a few of GM's moves to get back on top of the industry.

Alan Batey, Chevrolet's  global boss said, “Chevrolet is in the midst of the most aggressive product transformation in the brand’s more than 100-year history ......  It is a distinct honor for the entire Chevrolet team to have both the Corvette and Silverado recognized with the prestigious North American Car and Truck of the Year awards.”

Chevrolet is also looking into making a Lingenfelter Silverado Reaper that can compete with Ford's F-150 Raptor. The truck is expected to be built on the same frame as the Raptor and will make an appearance Sunday Jan. 26 at the National Automotive Dealers Association, where I'm sure a lot more pics and info will surface.

Chevrolet and Cadillac seem to be taken the auto industry by storm, with hugely popular product-lines and sales and recognition to match. ZO6s, Z/28s, Escalades, CTSs, Stingrays, and Silverados are all probably dancing around in Ford's worst nightmares.

Friday, January 24, 2014

The 2014 Z/28.R Debuts at Daytona

 

Jan. 24th, in Daytona, the much intiacpated Z/28.R will make its debut on the track in the GS class of the IMSA Continental Tires SportsCar Challenge, a 2 ½ hour endurance event raced before the 52nd Rolex 24 at Daytona. As it competes, it will be the only car on the track that shares so many components as it's street version.



The two cars were built right next to each other making it no surprise they share so many similarities.
Campaigned by Stevenson Motorsports and CKS Autosports, the race version Z/28.R uses the same engine (505hp and 470lb. - ft. torque) and also users the same helical-gear limited-slip differential on the rear axle as the street version. They also share the same aerodynamics with the same rear-spoiler, hood vents, side sills, wheel and arc extensions and belly pan.

The Camaro was born for this type of racing. Just like the new Z/28's, the Z/28's of the muscle car era were built for the track. The original '67 Z/28 was built for the purpose of racing in the SCCA Trans-Am Series. 

Mark Kent, director of racing for Chevrolet says, “the original Camaro Z/28 was designed for racing and became an iconic performance car through its hard-fought victories.”

One can only hope that this Z/28 does the same. The Camaro will be racing against cars like Aston Martian Vantage, Ford Mustangs, Nissan 370Z, Porsche 911, all of which will bring competition to the table, but none of which will represent their brand better than Z/28.R. As a consumer, you can look at what is racing on the track and say to yourself, “hey, I can go down to the dealership and order one of these things.” And that you can do, just about the only thing that would be missing is the graphics and the mandated safety equipment required to race in these competitions. 

Thursday, January 23, 2014

2015 Corvette ZO6: The Ultimate American Supercar








When Chevrolet dumped the ZR1 supercar out of their car line-up, it made everyone a little skeptical of what was going to take its place. The ZO6 has always been known as a great sportscar, just not a supercar. But for 2015, that is all about to change. Boasting the most aerodynamic sports car with the most down force that Chevrolet has ever produced, the ZO6 has now been bumped from a sportscar to a sure powerhouse supercar.


Starting with an intercooled supercharged 6.2liter OHV 16-valve motor, the ZO6 is capable of producing 635hp+ and 645 lb.-ft. torque. The engine includes: Titanium intake valves, a dry slump oil pump system, direct injection, and continuously variable valve training.

The power of the motor is matched to a choice of a 7-speed manual with rev matching technology to help make shifting more efficient, or an 8 speed automatic transmission with a paddle-shifter designed to give the driver good fuel-economy without sacrificing performance. From there the power is distributed to an electronic limited-slip differential with three different calibration modes, all of which helps promote 0-60 times around 3.4-3.6 seconds; quarter-mile times not yet recorded.


Exterior Aerodynamics
The aerodynamics of the ZO6 is another huge part of the very impressive performance the supercar can accomplish.

The Corvette has three different options when it comes to aerodynamics.
The first option: The standard Z51 option that comes on the 2014 Stingray - a good set-up and very practical for the average driver.

The second option: A more aggressive front splitter, rocker panel extensions, and a larger rear splitter with fixed Gurney flap aero tabs, all of which are made from carbon-fiber.

The third option: (a ZO7 option) Looks much like the second stage, but in the trunk you will find some interesting components. A larger front splitter with extra-large winglets, and a clear center Gurney flap segment that bolts to the rear spoiler. To improve rear visibility the center piece is clear and can be adjusted up-and-down creating down force that test drivers say even a small four-inch difference is noticeable while on the track.

Other exterior highlights that benefit performance are the larger fender vents and brake cooling ducts that funnel more air to the transmission and differential. Also a mesh front grille is implicated to shuffle more air to the intercooler.

 

Driving Modes
There are five different driving modes that can be effected by twelve different variables. These five modes are: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and, Track. All five of these different modes can be changed with a touch of a button right from the driver's seat, and the twelve different variables can be adjusted there as well.

The five different driving modes made capable by their legendary Electronic-Magnetic Ride Control speaks for themselves. Depending on the drivers driving conditions and the drivers preferences, there is a mode that will likely fit whatever the situation you put the Corvette in.



 

Frame and Structure
The frame will be constructed in-house at the famous Corvette factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The structure of the frame and the car itself are actually 60 percent stiffer than its predecessor, the ZR1. The ZO6 even has a removable top that when removed is still 20 percent stiffer than the ZR1.



Brakes and Tires
Chevy sticks with the huge carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes system while also sticking with 19 inch rims in the front and 20 inch rims in the back. But there was some adjustment to the width. The ZO6 receives slightly wider rims and tires than the ZR1: 2 inches wider in the front and 3 inches wider in the back to help get better grip when cornering around the racetrack.

Two sets of tires are offered, Michelin Pilot Sport tires which are the standard on all Corvettes, or the track proven Michelin Sport Cup Tires that will come standard if you order the ZO7 performance package. The Michelin Pilot tires are a very well-rounded set of tires for all driving conditions. But if you are looking to put down some amazing track times, the Michelin Sport Cup Tires are what you will need. They're sticky and made just for racing purposes; although street legal, they're made for the track.



The Interior
It is much of what you would expect from a specialized Corvette. You will receive two options for seats. An all-around comfortable set of GT seats and for those who are looking to race, a competition set of seats are offered that is designed to help support the body and keep it stably while engaging in high-performance activities. All of the interior can come wrapped in high quality Napa leather, sueded microfiber, aluminum and carbon-fiber.

With all of the top technology and comfort of a luxury car you could almost forget that you are driving the fastest American made production car.

And just in-case you did forget, the ZO6 can be ordered with an integrated recording system that can record your driving experience from a on-board camera and collect data to be stored into a memory card that is hidden in the glove box. That data then can be played-back on a computer and shared with friends or simply just used to better yourself at the track. And if you don't want to wait for a computer, all of the info can be displayed on the 8-inch screen that comes with the Vette.

Again, Chevrolet does it with Americas only American made supercar. 
 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

2015 Cadillac Escalade: Price Tag Starting at $72,690

The new 2015 Cadillac Escalade is undoubtedly the most luxurious SUV GM has produced. Boasting 420hp and 460lb.-ft. of torque, the almost 3 ton sled has plenty of get up and go. Gas mileage will still suffer a little bit, but a cylinder deactivation system will help by shutting down 4 cylinders while at a cruising speed.   

Horsepower is always great, but the real story here is the interior. The CUE (Cadillac User Experience) system that is impacted on all other Cadillacs will now be implicated on the Escalade. This system will allow you to adjust everything from your Bose radio system and climate controls all the way to the suspension modes. As the driver, you will enjoy a 12.3" digital gauge cluster that can be altered in four different ways to best suit the driver.

When it comes to space, the front seat passengers will enjoy 4 more inches in legroom and 1.5 more inches in headroom. For the first time second row passengers will enjoy relining, heated seats. The third row won't get that treatment, but it does have a motorized function allowing it to fold up-and-down in just four seconds.

Cadillac also offers for the first time a standard Magnetic-Ride Control system. It's world class technology was brought about by Ferrari and first tested on the ZR1's, and is now a standard on just about all of GM's high-end vehicles.

The outside looks as up-to-date as the inside. New stylish body-lines all the way around. The headlights and taillights are all LED equipped and have glow in the dark Cadillac emblems emulated in them.

The ideal behind this Cadillac Escalade is to take back the authority in the luxury SUV market, and with the nice price tag, top notch technology and the new styling, they have a chance to do just that.

Other Highlights
20" rims (optioned 22" rims)
Sound Proofing Technology for a Quieter Ride
Hands Free Life Gate
LED Interior Lights
Back Seat Entertainment System
Cut-and-Sewn Stitching and Four Different Wood Grain Choices


Monday, January 20, 2014

2014 Barrett-Jackson: 4 Chevrolets End Up Top Ten Best Sellers

A place where the most prestigious vehicles in the world are sold: The Barret-Jackson Auction held in Scottsdale Arizona took place this passed week. And some of the top sellers just happened to be four different Chevrolets. 


1967 L88 Corvette


1967 chevy corvette l88 2014 barret jackson

This is one of the rarest Corvettes every produced by Chevrolet. It is the only documented Red-on-Red Corvette known to come off the assembly-line. This rare muscle car boasting 430Hp but really was pushing out something more like 560Hp. Before the hammer dropped it brought in the highest price of the week at 3.85 million.



1969 L88 Corvette Rebel

1969 corvette l88 rebel  








 
 



This Corvette manged to fetch $2.6 Million, making it the 2nd highest selling car of the week. This Corvette brought in so many potential buyers by its appearance and its appearances at so many winner circles throughout the years. It could very-well be the most recognizable Corvette of all-time. 



2014 COPO Camaro


2014 chevrolet camaro copo 


Every since the COPO Camaro first came around in 1969 there has been somewhat of a cult following behind it. The 2014 COPO is no different and that is probably what helped this bad boy sell for $700,000. That's a good price with proceed going to
the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans. 



2015 Chevrolet Z/28
 

2014 chevrolet camaro z/28 














Chevrolet did not stop with their charity, using the proceeds of this Camaro to help Detroit public schools. This VIN #001 Z/28 left the auction block with a price tag of $650,000. Between the anticipation of this Z/28 and the funds going to a great charity, this Camaro like the COPO went for well-over their sticker prices. 


 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

The New Cadillac Emblem Here to Stay

The all-new crest will accompany every model come mid-2014. It's a little bit wider, it's missing the wreath and some complain it's too plain. Cadillac's move to change the crest was a move that was brought on to fit the look of the new vehicles. The hopes were to make it look more futuristic or at least match with the new style of the new Cadillacs.


Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive design director says, "the Crest remains a consistent symbol of Cadillac and our core values...Our goal was to evolve the emblem design to integrate with the new vehicle form while maintaining the core graphic elements that preserve its strong brand recognition."
 

The crest may have changed a little bit, but anyone who knows or has recognized the old crest with Cadillac will still be able to do so.

The new bigger, wider crest should fit well on the new Cadillacs -- which some of them such as the ATS share new wider and bigger body-styles. Regardless if you like it or not, the new crests will be in full force by the middle of this year. 


Wednesday, January 15, 2014

2014 Barrett-Jackson Gets the First 2014 Z/28

 

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 Vin #0001 - to be sold at the most famous car auction of all time, the Barrett-Jackson.

On January 18th the Camaro will roll across the auction block. The bare bones race-ready track-car will have the $1,550.00 option that includes a 6-speaker audio system and an air-conditioner. Both of which are not standard on the car unless specified when ordered due to the weight saving program by Chevrolet.

This Camaro is expected to bring some pretty big bucks. The Z/28 is the brand that made Camaro the powerhouse that it is today. It was born in 1967 with the Camaro, it was originally designed to run in the Trans-Am circuit. After over 35 years of service the Z/28 was put on the back burner, only to come back stronger than ever.


When the ZR1 made it's return, Chevrolet auctioned the very first production (Vin# 001) redesigned Corvette off at Barrett-Jackson as well and they managed to pull in a million dollars for it. So the intensity for how much this rare Z/28 will bring is there.

Although the ZR1 was considered a super car and the Z/28 is not, it has been able to clock times at the Nurburguing race-track in Germany, the toughest track in the world, better than it's bigger brother the ZL1, the Porsche 911 Carrera S, and the Lamborghini Murcielago.


A million dollars, probably not, but there will be some high-profile bidders with interest, that's for sure.

Friday, January 10, 2014

2014 Chevy Z/28 (No Air Conditioning)?



The New Z/28 is one of the fastest road course cars of its it kind. The Camaro went under major reconstruction to shave weight and boost performance times at the track. With a $75.000.00 price tag, most people would claim it is well worth what you pay for it.

Unfortunately there is a lot of squabbling on the Internet about how it is so disappointing that for that much money you don't even get an air conditioner with the purchase.

First-off, the Z/28 can be ordered with an air conditioner. Although it does come without one, if you specify that you want one they will put in on at the factory. Anyone, including dealerships has this option.



Lets say you buy one used and it never came with one from the factory. An aftermarket air condition can be bought and installed pretty easy. In fact, if you have some semi-knowledge of auto repair and have some tools, you could install one in your own driveway.

What's the logic behind no air conditioning?
It's simple: it cuts weight and it frees up horsepower. And for a car that is race ready, Chevy just doesn't see the reason for the air conditioner.

And for all of you Ford fans out there that enjoy pointing out the missing air conditioning, as if it was some kind of flaw. Let us not forget a special Mustang that Ford came out with in 2000. A Cobra R with a huge, ugly, senseless wing, no radio, no A/C, and a lot of space behind the front seats; that's because it came with no back seats. You could receive all of that for a price tag of $54,995.