Carlisle Event’s Lance Miller came across the 2012 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible painted in Carlisle Blue at GM’s Bloomington Gold display. Yes, we’re stalking the new color as it’s interesting to see how Carlisle Blue looks in different types of light. In these conditions, dare I say the new color looks quite alright!
Previously we’ve only seen Carlisle Blue on a 2012 GS Coupe so this Grand Sport Convertible is another one they got running around. The convertible is optioned with chrome wheels compared to the competition gray wheels that were seen on the Coupe. I can’t quite tell of the top is blue or black so if you see it, let us know.
Here is a picture of the 2012 Grand Sport Coupe from the Corvette Club of America show a couple weeks back.
When GM returned to the Nurburgring to validate the 2012 Corvettes, the ZR1 wasn’t the only car driven by test driver Jim Mero. Mero also drove a black 2012 Corvette Z06, outfitted with the Z07 chassis package, and posted a lap time of 7:22.68. The new lap time for the Z06 is just 3 seconds off the record-setting 7:19.63 time Mero recently recorded in the ZR1 while besting the previous Z06 record at the Nurburgring by nearly 20 seconds.
The lightest and most balanced Corvette model, the Z06 Corvette that ran the Nurburgring was equipped with the Z07 chassis package which features Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Performance Traction Control and Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The Z06 was also outfitted with the new optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires which did their job at keeping the Corvette firmly planted to the track.
The 2012 Corvette Z06’s lap time of 7:22.68 is an amazing feat for General Motors. Consider that the 2012 Z06 costs under $100,000 and yet it managed to beat the much celebrated 7:26.4 lap time of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 while coming within 3 seconds of the 2012 Corvette ZR1’s 7:19.63.
Here is the press release by General Motors:
Corvette Z06 Establishes Performance Benchmark
New content enables increased performance at Germany’s famed testing ground
DETROIT – Corvette engineers provided another exclusive peek inside the extensive testing that is instrumental in creating one of the world’s highest performing cars. During Corvette’s recent return to the world’s most-demanding testing ground – Germany’s famed Nurburgring — the Z06 model, as detailed on video recorded a lap time of 7:22.68.
The Z06 is the lightest and most balanced Corvette model, positioned below the range-topping ZR1 supercar model. The 2012 Corvette Z06 model shown includes the Z07 chassis package, featuring new optional Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Selective Ride Control, as well as carbon fiber components (hood, front splitter and rockers) and aerodynamic improvements. All of those features are regular production options for the 2012 Corvette Z06, and substantial enablers for the car’s elevated performance level.
The lap time is 20 seconds faster than the previous-best Z06 lap time, recorded in 2005, which was recorded from a standing start rather than the generally-accepted rolling start technique now used. The Z06 lap time is only 3 seconds behind the fastest Corvette lap time ever, the 2012 Corvette ZR1.
While lap times at the Nurburgring’s Nordschliefe (â€north loopâ€) are unofficial, these times are a frequent, if informal, benchmark for some of the world’s highest performing cars. The recent Corvette Z06 performance there is notable in that few, if any, production models in the sub-$100,000 range have recorded such a strong lap time.
“There’s a lot of legend and speculation about Nurburgring lap times, so we wanted to provide sports car fans with a video look inside one complete lap in the new Z06,†said Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer. “This is just one of a multitude of ways we test, but there’s nothing like the Nurburgring in terms of severity, speed and notoriety around the world. In this particular test in Germany, we were validating new content for 2012, doing many days’ worth of tuning and development work. As a small part of that effort, we had a brief opportunity for Jim Mero to record lap times with a clear track. We ran three of those complete and continuous laps, two in the ZR1 and one in the Z06, captured by on-board videos.â€
Measuring 12.9 miles (20.8 km) and including some 154 turns, the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife is widely considered the world’s most-demanding course. The test car was driven by Corvette engineer Jim Mero and was a full production model with no performance modifications.
Corvette’s improved performance for 2012 begins with the new, optional Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which are available on the two highest-performing models, the lightweight, 505-hp (377 kW) Z06 and the maximum-performance, 638-hp (476 kW) supercharged ZR1. They are competition-oriented tires, optimized for warm, dry conditions to increase cornering and handling capability.
When combined with the Corvette’s exclusive Performance Traction Management (PTM) technology – which manages torque delivery for maximum performance – the tires set new benchmarks for Corvette performance. Engineers estimate an 8-percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration, to more than 1.1g, and improved braking distance.
We got a message from our friends at Corvette Central that Chris Petris and the Cutaway C4 Corvette will be attending Bloomington Gold this week. Today, you’ll find Chris and the Cutaway Corvette doing seminar duty as part of Bloomington’s Gold Cubic Knowledge series. Petris will be answering your questions in the seminar entitled “C4-C5-C6 Maintenance Tips”.
Much like the GM cutaway Corvettes that were displayed at car shows over the years, we’re sure you’ll find Corvette Central’s C4 Cutaway Corvette to be an interesting conversation piece for sure.
Following the Cubic Knowledge Seminar, you’ll find the Cutaway Corvette on display at Corvette Central’s booth. Come by on Friday and Saturday for a meet and greet with Chris Petris who built the unique ‘88 Corvette.
Following the ALMS win at Petit Le Mans last October, Chevy purchased a full page ad in USA Today to celebrate the victory. So we’ve been wondering how Chevrolet would celebrate the #73 Corvette C6.R’s Victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Well this morning, Chevy tweeted out a link to a new commercial on its youtube channel called “Listen | Corvette Victory at Le Mans” which showcases Corvette Racing’s win at the 24 hour race.
Like the recent Corvette television ads Still Building Rockets and Just to be Fair, Listen features Tim Allen doing the voice over. But the real star of the commercial is the sound made by the Corvette’s LS5.5R V8 engine.
So far we don’t have confirmation on where this commercial will air, but we are betting that Barrett-Jackson watchers may see it in rotation on SPEED this weekend. If you catch a sighting of the new commercial, let us know!
Chrysler finally gets a compliment from Consumer Reports Explorer. However, they score well below rivals like the Toyota Highlander and the Chevrolet capacity is generous, making it a good alternative to a large SUV like a Chevrolet Tahoe.
We continue our look at Mecum’s upcoming Bloomington Gold Corvette auction now by focusing on some of the race-ready cars being offered this weekend. Among the 400 or so cars for sale Friday and Saturday in St. Charles, IL are 4 rare birds that were born with the track in mind. These include a 1962 big brake fuelie, a 1970 ZR1, a 1971 ZR2, and 1990 R9G. You can check out all of them after the jump.
Corvettes with racing backgrounds are always in demand. The 4 examples below are certainly no different. If our money tree wasn’t already plucked bare, we’d definitely be in line to bid on these significant cars this weekend at Bloomington.
Lot #S84 1962 Corvette Roadster Big Brake Fuelie
This gorgeous Tuxedo Black on Fawn Beige car is equipped with 2 of the most desirable options for collectors. RPO 582 is the powerful 360hp fuelie 327. The heavy duty brakes and steering included in RPO 687 help keep this beast on the track. Only 246 (1.7%) of the 14,531 vehicles born in 1962 got the big brake option. Inside those finned brake drums are a set of RPO 386 metallic brakes. Couple all this with 15.5 inch wheels and the 4 speed and you’ve got one very highly prized car for collectors. They’ll get their chance to own this one about 2:20pm CST on Saturday.
Lot #S103 1970 Corvette ZR1 Convertible
Chevrolet first used option code ZR1 in 1970. The first iteration of the option package would run just three years and total only 53 units built. The 25 cars built in 1970 with that package received an LT-1 motor, M22 transmission, 4:11 rear gear, and heavy duty suspension among other special items. This stunning white on blue car is one of the 8 ZR1 convertibles built. It’s earned both Bloomington Gold and NCRS Top Flight awards. The auction listing also states that it’s fully documented and has had just 3 owners since new. Great colors, rarity, awards, and documentation all add up to make this a car that will quickly bid into the 6 figure range.
Lot #S99 1971 Corvette ZR2 Convertible
The ZR2 package was the big block equivalent of the ZR1 package for small blocks. By checking the RPO ZR2 box owner the received the 425hp LS6 454, M22 transmission, heavy duty brakes, transistor ignition, and heavy duty springs and shocks. Like the ZR1, the ZR2 was built without a radio, air conditioning, or a fan shroud. This Ontario Orange on black example is one of just 3 convertibles known to exist. One of the others is green and the last one was delivered from the factory in primer. Lot S99 is documented with it’s original Corvette Order Copy (tank sticker) and has earned prestigious Bloomington honors such as Special Collection and Hall of Fame. This ride most recently sold at auction for $550k in June of 2008. It was bid to no sales of $500k and $345k in June and August of 2009 respectively. Even though this is a well documented car we don’t expect the seller to see anywhere near that $500k anytime soon.
Lot #L50 1990 R9G Corvette Coupe
When we think of C4 racecars we automatically flashback to the Corvette Challenge series of 1988 and 1989. By 1990 that series had run its course, but the Escort World Challenge was just taking off. In response GM offered up the RPO R9G option for would-be racers. It was available for 1 week. The option package included the ZR1’s brake booster, a cloth interior, convertible wind deflectors, and heavy duty suspension. Just twenty 23 cars were built and only about 1/3 of them were converted for race duty. This R9G is one of those unconverted cars and remains in its as-new state. Last year it achieved Bloomington Survivor, Gold, and Benchmark awards. This a very rare C4 option that probably not too many people know about, but you can learn more about it at: showyourcorvette.com. The blue racecar in-waiting will cross the block just before 1pm on Saturday.
Mecum’s Bloomington Auction begins at 11am central time both Friday and Saturday. If you can’t make to this event, be sure to watch all the action live on Mecum’s website.
The 39th annual Bloomington Gold event runs from Thursday, June 23rd – Sunday, June 26th 2011 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Il. (about an west of Chicago). For complete show information check out www.BloomingtonGold.com.
This weekend will be a busy one for those hunting for a Corvette to buy as there are 2 big sales on the docket. The Barrett-Jackson crew rolls into sunny southern California while Mecum holds their annual Bloomington Gold Corvette sale in St, Charles, IL. Barrett-Jackson’s 2nd annual Orange County auction will run June 24th – 26th at the OC Fair and Event center in Costa Mesa, California. Nearly 2 dozen Corvettes will cross the auction block in addition to the hundreds of other classics, restomods and exotics being offered. Click below to see which Corvettes we’d like to put in the CorvetteBlogger fantasy garage.
The Corvette docket is filled mainly with C2’s and C3’s this time around. Midyear fans have 6 choices for bidding while shark enthusiasts get 10 flavors to pick from. Model years covered range from 1961 through 2001. SPEED will be providing 16 hours of live coverage of the event. Here are the cars we’ll be watching for:
Lot #339 1961 Corvette Roadster
Selling at no reserve from the Dave’s Garage collection, this frame-off restored red with white coves car can be shown or driven. A red interior compliments the exterior color pallet. The drivetrain features a 245hp 283Ci motor connected to a 4-speed. This car ran through Mecum’s Kansas City auction in 2006 where it was a no sale at $60k. We think the new owner will be spending a tad more than that this weekend.
Lot #373 1965 Corvette Coupe VIN #6
This maroon on maroon pilot car was the 6th Corvette to exit St. Louis during 1965. Motivation comes via the matching number 327/300 motor backed by an automatic transmission. We’ve seen 1965 coupe VIN #1 sell twice in the last 7 months for $75k and $66k respectively. Based on condition, low VIN, and great colors we expect this one to bid to roughly the same levels. It will be interesting, though, to see if the 300hp/auto drivetrain holds bidding back at all.
Lot #357.1 1969 L89 Corvette Roadster
This Riverside Gold on black vinyl convertible is one of the 390 L89’s produced in 1969. The 435hp 427 was topped off with aluminum heads when RPO L89 was checked off on the dealer’s order sheet. The seller’s description states â€This is the real dealâ€. The car is documented with the tank sticker, dealer invoice, and original finance contract. Other options include: M21 4 speed, side pipes, hardtop, and AM/FM radio. When it comes to desirable options, this car has them all. Rare L89, convertible, two tops, 4 speed, and side pipes. Although not the most desirable color for collectors, we can still expect this one generate some strong bids when it crosses the block on Saturday. We think the buyer won’t be getting much change back from his $100,000 bill.
If you can’t make it out to the OC Fair and Event center in Costa Mesa you can still watch 16 hours of live coverage on SPEED. They’ll be on the air Friday June 24th 2-8pm, Saturday June 25th 2-8pm, and Sunday June 25th 12-4pm.
![[PIC] 2012 Carlisle Blue Corvette Grand Sport at Bloomington Gold](http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/062311_16.jpg)
![[VIDEO] Corvette Z06 Laps Nurburgring in 7:22.68](http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/062311_15.jpg)
![[VIDEO] Corvette AdWatch: Listen | Corvette Victory at Le Mans](http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/062311_14.jpg)
