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Be On The Lookout! Those Awesome Z06s To Be In Dealer Showrooms Soon

Matick Chevy Z06 Heads to Dealers
The new Corvette Z06 offers the most choice for customers in the model’s history..

Chevy News update Dec. 1, 2014

They’re finally on the way to dealerships!

Chevrolet began shipping the 2015 Corvette Z06 coupe from its Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky on Saturday.

That means some early customers could receive their supercars later this week.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to work on Chevy’s most capable model,” said Jeff Lamarche, plant manager of General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant. “It truly is an amazing car, and we’re thrilled to get them into the hands of our eager customers.”

The new Corvette Z06 offers the most choice for customers in the model’s history. It is the first Z06 to offer an available eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission and, thanks to a stronger aluminum frame, a removable roof panel.

In addition, it is the first time since 1963 that the Z06 is available as a convertible – which will arrive in early 2015.

Supercharged Engine

The new LT4 supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine is SAE-certified at 650 horsepower (485 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 650 lb-ft of torque (881 Nm) at 3,600 rpm – making the 2015 Corvette Z06 the most powerful production car ever from General Motors and one of the most powerful production cars available in the United States.

To balance performance and efficiency, the LT4 leverages a trio of advanced technologies – direct injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing –with a new, more efficient supercharger.

The LT4 helps make the Corvette Z06 the most capable car in the brand’s history. The Z06 accelerates from a rest to 60 mph in only 2.95 seconds when equipped with the all-new, available eight-speed automatic transmission – and achieves it in 3.2 seconds with the standard seven-speed manual transmission.

A quarter-mile sprint takes just 10.95 seconds with the eight-speed automatic and 11.2 seconds with the seven-speed manual. With both versions, the Corvette Z06 hits 127 mph at the end of the quarter-mile.

Matick Chevy Z06 Heading to Dealers
The Z06s are finally heading to dealer showrooms this week.

When it comes to braking performance, the Z06 can stop from 60 mph in only 99.6 feet. That’s the best braking performance of any production car GM has ever tested. Additionally, the Corvette Z06 achieves 1.2 g in lateral acceleration compared with the Corvette’s previous best 1.13 g.

Z07 Performance

All test results were achieved with Z06 coupes fitted with the Z07 Performance package, which adds Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

The Z07 package also features the most aggressive aerodynamic package available on the Corvette Z06, which delivers the most downforce of any production car GM has ever tested.

The Z06 also offers the industry-first Performance Data Recorder – or PDR – which enables users to record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track. The racing-derived system is included with the available navigation system.

Pricing for the 2015 Corvette Z06 starts at $78,995 including destination, while the convertible model will start at $83,995.

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Car & Driver: 10 Cars That Paved The Way For A Mid-Engined C8 Corvette

Car Driver C8 Matick Chevy
A mid-engined Corvette was closer to production reality than you might think.

It May Become A Reality As The 2017 Corvette ZR1

By Don Sherman from the October 2014 issue of Car and Driver

Two hours into the 1957 12-hour Sebring Grand Prix, driver John Fitch dove into the pits to abandon his Corvette Super Sport. Officials were told a failed rear-suspension bushing prompted the DNF, but the real reason behind the early retirement was that Fitch couldn’t take the heat. Literally. Exhaust pipes snaking through the experimental sports racer’s magnesium body had cooked his feet.

Pondering the demise of his Sebring project, Corvette patron saint Zora Arkus-Duntov concluded, “The heat source must be behind the driver.” From then on, Arkus-Duntov’s pursuit of a mid-engined Corvette never wavered. His legacy is this family album of experiments, prototypes, concepts, and stillborn production proposals.

To test his theories, Arkus-Duntov built the single-seat Chevrolet Experimental Research Vehicle with a 353-hp aluminum-block V-8 driving the rear wheels through a four-speed transaxle. CERV I served as a test bed for the production C2 Corvette’s independent rear suspension. After attacking Pikes Peak, Arkus-Duntov lapped GM’s Milford proving grounds at 206 mph in this car.

To read the rest of Don’s Car And Driver blog and to see these special 10 cars, click here.

Photography by Michael Furman and the manufacturer

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Auto News Reports On What Can Happen When GM And A Dealership Collaborate

Matick Chevy Mark Reuss Auto News
GM’s Mark Reuss talks with AutoNews TV about lessons learned at Matick Chevrolet.

In this news report, Mark Reuss, GM’s executive vice president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain, explains what can happen when the auto company and a dealership collaborate.

Click here to view the interview conducted by Tom Worobec.

Reuss specifically addressed how the team at George Matick Chevy in metro Detroit helped him deal with problems at GM and how to solve them.

Reuss and Alan Batey, executive vice president and president, North America, were on hand for the grand revealing of the renovated George Matick Chevrolet. Also attending to show their support of Matick’s ambitious expansion plans were Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet, and Steve Hill, GM’s vice president of U.S. sales and service.

Matick, one of the largest Corvette dealers in the Midwest, celebrated its $7-million renovation project with a VIP reception attended by the GM executives, community leaders, business partners, and friends Sept. 18 in the stunning new car showroom at the 13-acre dealership.

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Auto News: GM issues 2 recalls, stop-sale orders for 2015 Corvettes

 
2015 Corvette
2015 Corvette

About 2,800 cars being held back for airbag, brake cable problems.

From Automotive News, Sept. 11, 2014.

To visit Automotive News, click here.

By Nick Bunkley

DETROIT — General Motors is issuing two more recalls, both on the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette, according to stop-delivery orders sent to dealers today (9-11-14).

The recalls, GM’s first in more than a month, bring its total number for the year to 67. They cover problems with airbags and parking brake cables on a total of nearly 2,800 cars, though very few have been sold to customers, a GM spokesman said.

Neither recall has been announced publicly yet, and parts are not available for the airbag repair. They come amid strong sales of the redesigned Corvette Stingray, forcing dealers to turn down potential buyers until the problems are resolved. GM sold 2,679 Corvettes in August vs. 655 during the same month last year.

The airbag recall covers about 2,000 Corvettes, many of which are still at the plant in Bowling Green, Ky. According to the stop-delivery order, the driver’s side airbag in those cars could separate from the steering wheel in a crash, increasing the potential for injuries. Dealers will be instructed to replace the airbag module with a revised version.

The second recall covers about 800 Corvettes, 700 of which are on dealer lots. GM said the cars were “built without one of the rear parking brake cables fully seated and engaged.

That means the parking brake will only operate on one of the rear brake drums, reducing its operational capability and potentially allowing the car to roll away if parked on a steep hill. The defect means the cars would violate federal rollaway-vehicle standards.

Both problems were discovered in recent weeks, the GM spokesman said. They are the first recalls affecting the 2015 Corvette, though four others cover earlier model years of the car.

They come after GM CEO Mary Barra said during a visit to India that the automaker is substantially done issuing recalls on older vehicles as a result of a months-long comprehensive safety review.

GM has recalled more than 29 million vehicles this year, almost single-handedly setting a new one-year record for the auto industry.

The safety review began after GM recalled 2.6 million Chevrolet Cobalts, Saturn Ions and other small cars for faulty ignition switches, a problem tied to at least 13 deaths and 54 crashes.

GM dealers have replaced more than 1 million of the ignition switches as of Sept. 4, according to a GM website with information about the recalls.

Mike Colias contributed to this report.
You can reach Nick Bunkley at nbunkley@crain.com.

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Driver Kellermeyer Competes In Fierce Battles For Two Racing Titles

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Danny Kellermeyer maintains the lead heading into the turn. 

Our “Danny Boy” of DJ Racing Enterprise in Ortonville, MI, has been zippin’ busy these past few weeks.

Buzzing from event to event in his Matick Chevy- and Corvette Central-sponsored racecar ‘Vette, driver Danny Kellermeyer has been busy as a bee (and looks like one, too, in his honey-bee yellow shirt and car and always-black pants).

First off:

The C6 Corvette and its driver, Danny, are on target for not only one, but also possibly two championship honors for the 2014-racing season.

With two more Sports Car Club of American (SCCA) races to run, Danny is leading the Touring 1 (T1) SCCA Great Lakes Divisional Championship.

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Car handling and driver skills are what keep Danny Kellermeyer in the running for two T1 titles.

He is also leading the T1 Waterford Hills Road Racing (WHRRI) Championship in Clarkston, MI, which has three races yet to go.

T1 is the ultimate class for production-style cars. These cars do not resemble cars that come off the showroom floor. T1 is the stomping grounds for not only Corvettes, but also Porsches, BMWs, Vipers and other high-horsepower production cars.

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Danny Kellermeyer’s #37 Corvette.

Incidentally, this year, Danny’s Corvette was somewhat handicapped with the addition of more weight and an intake restrictor plate in an effort to equalize the class.

“It’s a tougher class this year,” Danny tells us. “We had a little more power last year that we could rely on, but this year we are equal with the other cars. It has produced tighter and closer racing.

 

At any race, you will see leaders change positions and lots of door-to-door racing. We have been running strong, taking the SCCA championship lead after Mid Ohio and taking the WHRRI points lead.”

What’s Next?

Danny and his cars will next be on display at the grand reveal of the completely renovated Matick Chevrolet in Redford Township, MI.

There’s an evening VIP event planned for Thursday, Sept. 18, and an open house for everyone from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. Danny will attend both events and will be on hand all day Saturday to talk about racing and his Corvettes.

“Back To The Bricks” 
The Matick Chevy-Corvette Central-sponsored DJ Racing Enterprise Corvettes do more than race.

Matick Chevy Danny Kellermeyer 4DJ Racing’s display at the Back To The Bricks show in Flint.

Driver Danny and his little yellow racers also show up at various auto events.  Recently, the DJ Racing team displayed its racecars at “Back To The Bricks” car show in Flint, MI.

Danny reports that event organizers were happy with their turnout of the thousands of cars on display and an estimated 450,000 spectators.

An event highlight was a “Corvette Reunion,” which drew some 800 Corvette lovers and their Corvettes during the same day as the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit.

Danny and his crew enjoyed a prime spot, displaying three of their racing Corvettes along with teammate Tom Janos’s C6 racecar.

A highlight of the display area was the beautiful 1954 black Corvette, owned by General Motors Executive V.P. Mark Reuss.

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Mark Reuss and Danny Kellermeyer talk about Reuss’ ’54 Corvette.

 â€œI signed our posters ’til my hand hurt,” shares Danny. “The day started with a 3 a.m. set-up, and we were busy ’til tear-down in the afternoon. These display-and-show days give us the opportunity to talk to a lot of our fans and let them see the Matick Chevy–DJ Racing Corvettes up close.”

Matick Chevy Danny Kellermeyer
Back To The Bricks filled downtown Flint with thousands  of cars and fans.

Have you seen Danny in action? Tell us about your experience with Danny and his little yellow wonder!

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Indy Speedway Laps and Churchill Downs Lunch Highlight Day 2 Of Michigan/Indiana Corvette Caravan

Michigan Corvette Caravan Matic Chevy Indy Track
Michigan/Indiana/West Kentucky Caravan participants take a lap around the Indianapolis Speedway on Wednesday.

“It’s been an absolute blast.”

Reports from the Michigan/Indiana/West Kentucky Corvette Caravan echoed Mark Madion’s enthusiastic response to his two-day adventure driving his Corvette to Bowling Green, Ky.

“Despite driving through monsoon-type rainstorms, and construction zones that seemed to last forever, it’s been a blast,” says Madion, of Chesterfield Township, Mich. “Arriving at the museum yesterday made the whole trip worthwhile. Check-in lines at the National Corvette Museum could have gone quicker, but it was all worth the wait. Corvettes of every kind are everywhere.” 

Michigan Corvette Caravan Matic Chevy Caron Lunch
Michigan Caravan Corvettes begin lining up at Caron Chevy on Tuesday for lunch.

After a Tuesday morning breakfast send-off at Matick Chevrolet in metro Detroit, the Michigan Caravan enjoyed lunch on Tuesday (Aug. 26) at Caron Chevrolet in Marshall, located in south central Michigan.

Michigan Corvette owners from east (departed from Matick Chevy), north (departed from Graf Chevy) and west Michigan converged on the Caron dealership to form the 160-plus Michigan Corvette delegation that would then snake south along I-69 intro Indianapolis, Ind., to meet up with the Indiana delegation.

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Cockpit view: Corvettes take a lap at the Indy Speedway.

Once there, one highlight of the delegation’s cruise to Bowling Green were laps around the Indianapolis Speedway. Sixty Corvettes at a time, all from the Michigan/Indiana/West Kentucky Caravan, were able to enjoy early morning sprints around the legendary track and have photos of their cars taken crossing the finish line.

“It doesn’t get much better than that for a Corvette owner,” said Larry Courtney, a Warren, Mich. resident and captain and coordinator of the Michigan/Indiana/West Kentucky Caravan. His group was one of 26 other caravans from around the country heading to the museum to party this week.

“Our Indy Speedway event was very unique. This is a memory they’ll never forget and the photo of their personal Corvette crossing the finishing line with the track background will be a memento they’ll talk about for the rest of their lives,” added Courtney.

Michigan Corvette Caravan Matic Chevy Churchill Downs
Corvette Caravan enthusiasts enjoyed lunch at Churchill Downs

After the Indy track experience, Courtney’s caravan raced to Louisville, Ky., where the 300-plus Corvettes, now the official combined Michigan/Indiana/West Kentucky Caravan, enjoyed lunch at the famed Churchill Downs horse-racing track. Louisville Corvette clubs hosted the luncheon.

Michigan Corvette Caravan Matic Chevy Larry Courtney
Caravan Captain Larry Courtney readied to lead the Corvettes from Churchill Downs to Bowling Green Wednesday afternoon.

The Michigan/Indiana/West Kentucky Caravan “arrived excited and happy,” according to Courtney, at the National Corvette Museum Wednesday afternoon. More than 4,500 Corvettes will cover the museum’s grounds to help celebrate its 20th anniversary.

“We’re a little tired, but thrilled with what’s to come over the next several days,” said Courtney. “It’s a Corvette lover’s playground here.”

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Corvettes at Churchill Downs.
Michigan Corvette Caravan Matic Chevy Lining Up
Corvette Caravan cars line up to enter the National Corvette Museum celebration complex.
Michigan Corvette Caravan Matic Chevy On the Road
Michigan/Indiana/West Kentucky Corvette Caravan on the road.
Michigan Corvette Caravan Matic Chevy Gift Shop
Finally, owners have time to enjoy activities at the National Corvette Museum.
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Dashboard View: On-The-Road In A C7 With A Corvette Caravan Rookie

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Michigan Corvette Caravan Captain Larry Courtney directs activities at the Marshall, Mich. meeting site.

“It was like watching a huge, colorful snake speeding down the highway.”

That’s how George Matick Chevrolet Owner Karl Zimmermann described the Michigan Corvette Caravan on its first interstate leg Aug. 26 of a multi-day adventure to the National Corvette Museum’s 20th anniversary celebration in Bowling Green, Ky.

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Michigan Caravan participants lined up at the site where east, west and north contingents met Tuesday afternoon (8/26/14).

While most of the 160+ owners in the Michigan Corvette Caravan sport veteran credentials from previous caravans of some type, Zimmermann, whose dealership is in metro Detroit and was a sponsor of the Michigan Caravan kick-off event, was the rookie – both to the caravan experience and driving the new C7 Stingray.

“I’m a driving enthusiast who loves Corvettes and I’ve been on road tracks and ovals at high rates of speed. But I’ve never participated in an extended Corvette caravan like this,” said Zimmermann. “The novelty of this caravan event and my exposure to such Corvette camaraderie is outstanding.”

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Michigan Corvette Caravan enthusiasts headed back to their vehicles.

“The experience was purely wonderful and enjoyable. I’ve now come to better appreciate the friendships that develop during these caravans … and being with fellow Corvette owners who have aspired to enjoy “America’s Sports Car” and being on the open road in them,” he added.

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Michigan Caravan Captain Larry Courtney’s U.S.-flag wrapped Corvette.

But Zimmermann made a rookie caravan mistake: running low on fuel.

Michigan Corvette Caravan Matick Chevy Karl Zimmermann
Dealer Karl Zimmermann (right) and Art Sprong.

“The fact is, that despite having a significant allocation of these beautiful new Stingray C7s in our dealership’s inventory, this is the first time that I have driven one. To personally participate in the caravan, I drove a new convertible home the day before the caravan was to begin so I could get a feel for the car,” he admitted.

 

“Problem is I didn’t check the gas gauge before I left because I was so excited to be involved in the caravan, especially since our dealership was hosting the send-off breakfast for Caravan Captain Larry Courtney and 100 Corvette owners.”

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Day-Two Update: The Michigan Corvette Caravan readies for photo laps around the Indianapolis Speedway Wednesday morning (8/27/14).

So before he reached the Caron Chevrolet staging area in Marshall, Mich. more than two hours away, where the east (Matick Chevy), west and north (Graff Chevy) Michigan contingents of the Michigan Caravan met up, Zimmermann had to pull off I-94 for gas.

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On the road!

While trying to catch up with the caravan, he ran into highway construction delays and decided to take a different route, passing his alma mater (Albion College) on the way to Marshall. “Another fun part of this adventure was seeing scenic Michigan in an iconic American car on old country roads and cruising by my old college.”

So how does he rate the new Stingray?

“It’s unbelievable. Its capabilities … its refinements, its touch points, its performance … its accommodations in five different driving modes is just exceptional. I enjoyed four of the modes and found them very nice,” he said.

“Plus, I was able to make several business calls along the way. The Bluetooth quality of experience talking hands-free with the top down while driving on the expressway is outstanding. And then the new large-screen navigation system is just fantastic.”

Matick Chevy’s multi-million-dollar renovation added to the excitement for Zimmermann. “Leaving our 13-acre campus all shiny and new as the caravan pulled out was a sight to behold. Everything looked beautiful as Redford Township Police escorted our leader, Larry Courtney, and the caravan onto the highway.”

“Looking forward and backwards in my rear-view mirror on the road … wow … what a thrill to see that extended column of Corvettes stretching out in the distance. The more than two-hour ride from Matick Chevy to Caron Chevy gave me time to think about how thankful I am for Corvettes, Chevrolet, our customers and a great staff back at the dealership taking care of business while I’m out here having some fun.”

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Michigan Corvette Caravan members gather for the second-leg meeting for their trip to Indianapolis.

The Caron Chevrolet gathering point for the Michigan Caravan also provided Zimmermann a chance to see Larry Courtney, the Michigan/Indiana/Western Kentucky Caravan captain, in action. “The staging site was exciting and it took more than 10 minutes to get all the Corvettes back on the interstate. I came to appreciate Larry and the affection so many Corvette owners have for this guy. He takes a thankless leadership position in the Corvette community, especially in organizing all these fun events for so many. He does it all so wonderfully and remains pleasant the entire time. Corvette owners just love him.”

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Larry Courtney detailed activities planned for the group’s overnight in Indianapolis.

What’s next for Zimmermann?

“I’m looking forward to spending more time in a Corvette … yea the incredible C7s  … and hopefully being involved in a longer caravan in the future. I’m enjoying this special Corvette community more and more!”

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The Michigan Corvette Caravan Winds Its Way To The National Corvette Museum Celebration

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It’s just minutes before some 100 ‘Vettes will roll out of George Matick Chevrolet and hit the highway, bound for Kentucky.

“Let’s roll,” shouted Michigan Captain Larry Courtney. With that, the Michigan delegation in the 5th National Corvette Caravan began its multi-day road trip adventure to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky.

Of the thousands of Corvettes from around the United States traveling to the museum today in the National Corvette Caravan, at last 100 departed this morning from the sparkling, newly renovated George Matick Chevrolet in Redford Township, Mich. ‘Vette owners from Michigan, Ontario and beyond converged here with friends, spouses, fellow drivers and others for a hearty send-off breakfast party. 

Michigan Corvette Caravan Matick Chevy 3
Mark Barton of Orlando, Fla., and Al Stone of Ludington, Mich., longtime friends, get ready to hit the highway in Mark’s beauty.

This 5th National Corvette Caravan celebrates the 20th anniversary of the National Corvette Museum, located near GM’s sole Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green. There are some 26 other caravans — totaling about 4,500 Corvettes — from states around the country participating in the big event.

Matick Chevy is a sponsor of the 2014 Michigan Caravan and one of the nation’s top Chevy dealers. The colorful kaleidoscope of zippy vehicles ribboned its way out of the dealership and onto I-94 to a gathering point at Caron Chevrolet in Marshall, Mich.

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Happy trails to these two from Ontario, rollin’ in a true classic!

There, the Matick Chevy delegation teamed up with more Corvettes from western and northern Michigan. The northern delegation started at Graff Chevrolet near Flint, Mich.

This combined Michigan Corvette Caravan, more than 160 cars strong, headed out to meet the Indiana contingent in Indianapolis tonight, where the caravan has special events planned at the Indianapolis Speedway tomorrow and at Churchill Downs, Ky., on Thursday. The Corvette owners will get a photograph of their car crossing the speedway’s finish line.


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Corvette Caravan captain and coordinator Larry Courtney and his wife, Verna, prepare for departure in their U.S. flag-wrapped stunner.

The Michigan, Indiana and West Kentucky Caravan, lead by Captain Larry Courtney of Warren, Mich., will join with the other national caravans on Thursday for three more days (Aug. 28-30) of Corvette-related activities, speakers, competitions and tours at the National Corvette Museum.


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Ira and Billie Hill sign the commemorative Caravan banner, which will hang at Matick Chevrolet.

Some of the Corvette aficionados at Matick today included Ira and Billie Hill of Southfield. They pulled out in their dark metallic 2002 C5. “The C5 was the model that had increased horsepower,” said Billie. “I believe it’s the best made so far of all the Corvettes; it’s too early to see the results of the C7.”

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Matick Chevrolet GM Molly Williams directs the parade of ‘Vettes as they enter parking lot.

Meanwhile, Joe Sabelli and Tom Wissing, from America’s Corvette Club, are hitting the highway in a 1964 beauty. Florida’s Mark Barton joined his lifelong friend, Al Stone, formerly of Redford, Mich, and now living in Ludington, Mich. “The last caravan we did together was in 1999,” Mark said, after spending time with local newspaper reporters and photographers.

The pals are driving off in Barton’s second Corvette, which he purchased in 2008, opting for a special “Museum Delivery,” which meant he enjoyed all the bells and whistles when picking up his Velocity Yellow stunner. “They had our names in lights as we drove up to get it,” Mark recalled of the exciting pick-up day in Kentucky at the museum, right across from the plant where it was made. “The museum delivery was I think $500, and it was money well spent.”

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Les and Chris Langenderfer of Shelby Township wave hello as they arrive for the activities.

Les and Chris Langenderfer of Shelby Township, Mich., also attended, joining folks such as Claudia and Dan Warmus of Sterling Heights, Mich. The Warmuses were more than happy to attend the event in their brand-new C7 that they won in a Corvette Museum raffle on Aug. 14. “We entered for $150 and look what we won,” they said, beaming about their new vehicle. “We were number 503 in a total of 1,500 entrants.”

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Claudia and Dan Warmus of Sterling Heights, Mich., won this C7 on Aug. 14 in a Corvette Museum raffle.

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Pat Bean awaits her driver, Stephen Bean.
 
 

Pat Bean, who purchased her spiffy C7 from Matick Chevy, was also excited to get the “show on the road.”

Also in attendance was Police Officer Scott Ivey of Redford Township. A former ‘Vette owner (he was crazy about his 1996 Collector’s Edition Sebring Silver ‘Vette), he certainly understood the anticipation swirling about during the event. He joined four other police officers who all helped to usher and escort the lengthy, colorful caravan onto the highway.

“It’s a truly fascinating event,” said Caravan Captain Courtney. “We’ve put a lot of time into this and probably started the planning, well, back at least two years ago. We’re fortunate to have Matick as a sponsor; they put on a great event.”

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Ladies ‘n Gents … start your engines! 

Courtney had earlier been interviewed by legendary broadcaster and Corvette owner Frank Beckmann for a WJR-AM radio segment about the event.

As the various contingents joined each other, the revving pack grew larger, with anticipation growing by the mile. Check back here through Sunday (8/31) for updates on this exciting and memorable ‘Vette adventure.

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Anxious participants can’t wait to get behind the wheel for days of caravan-ing fun!
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Fill ‘Er Up: Dozens of drivers fuel up on a great breakfast at Matick Chevrolet before pointing their ‘Vettes in a westerly direction.
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The newly renovated Matick Chevy dealership hosted the 2014 Michigan Caravan for breakfast and a happy send-off.
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News reporters and photographers await the revving of the engines.
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Jessica Paciorek, who works with Chevy enthusiasts from all over, prepares to hand out gifts to Caravan attendees.
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Corvette lovers get ready for the Caravan send-off.

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They’re off! The Matick Chevy staff ensured that participants were well fed and ready to roll!

Photos by Robert Brodbeck Photography.

 
 

 




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“Corvettes On Woodward” Kicks Off Motown’s Woodward Dream Cruise

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Some 400 Corvette owners and friends participated in Corvettes on Woodward.

Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014 — What an awesome day for Corvettes to party in Motown.

Close to 400 Corvette owners and friends participated in the sun-filled 10th annual “Corvettes on Woodward” funfest Aug. 13 that kicked off the massive 20th annual Woodward Dream Cruise in metro Detroit.

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A Corvette cruiser.

“It’s a pretty amazing event” was a common theme the Corvette lovers used to describe two days worth of Corvettes on Woodward activities, which included tours, dinners and other special things to do.

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Corvettes on Woodward’s Larry Courtney.

“We have Corvettes from all over … California, New York, Florida, Ohio, Ontario and even one from Hawaii,” said event coordinator Larry Courtney. “This is another great event leading up the Woodward Dream Cruise and then the 5th National Corvette Caravan on Aug. 26.”

Courtney is the captain of the Michigan, Indiana and Western Kentucky caravan, with its delegation of 360 Corvettes, heading to the National Corvette Museum’s 20th anniversary celebration Aug. 28-30 in Bowling Green, Ky.

“I basically started Corvettes on Woodward back in 2004 as a Corvette club event to get more involved in the Woodward Dream Cruise,” he explained. “We switched to only Corvettes, moved to the Radisson Hotel grounds in Bloomfield Hills, and started the Open Hands Food Pantry (based at St. John’s Church in Royal Oak) food drive back in 2006. The first few years we had about 200 Corvettes. Now we’re enjoying Corvettes in the 400 to 500 range.”

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Checking out the Corvettes.

One plus of Corvettes on Woodward is the opportunity to see things you don’t normally see at a Corvette show. “We’re lucky to have such super Corvette players join us,” said Courtney, adding some examples that he likes to highlight:

  • Three decked out and modified Lingenfelter Corvettes and the opportunity to talk first hand with the Lingenfelter staff.
  • Jeff Nowicki and his 2014 Concept 7 Corvette with carbon fiber components, unique new stabilizer bars and a host of other amenities with a $90,000+ price tag. One of these Mobil1 designer cars will be auctioned off at the National Corvette Museum.
  • GM’s Corvette product and marketing manager Harlan Charles, several of his Corvette team members, and three stunning Corvettes. Charles mingled with the crowd, did interviews and answered Corvette questions.
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Harlan Charles from GM’s Corvette team mingled with the crowd.

“This is a great event … the food drive, everything,” Charles said. “The Woodward Dream Cruise is exciting for everyone, especially Corvettes. This is our hometown and we’re excited to be part of that. The turnout here for Corvettes on Woodward is fabulous … just to see all the Corvettes from every generation and year. It’s awesome.”

To participate in Corvettes on Woodward, Corvette owners are encouraged to bring a food donation for the Open Hands Food Pantry and pay a $5 admission. George Matick Chevrolet sponsored the food donation truck and, escorted by hundreds of Corvettes, delivered the goods to the food bank.

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Verna Courtney (center) and John Avery, an Open Hands volunteer, load food donations into the Matick Chevy van. 

“This all is now done to support Open Hands. They have 10,000 names on their needs list that they take care of. What really bugs me is that people are hungry. That’s why we do this. The pantry helps people locally,” said Courtney. “We can’t change the world, but we can help change the lives of a few people right here in our hometown.”

Courtney and his wife. Verna, also visit the food bank after the Woodward Dream Cruise to present more food donations and cash, which in the past has totaled in the thousands. The food pantry also is open during the Dream Cruise.

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Corvettes on Woodward attracted every year and generation of Corvette.

Alan Brown “loves the show and has been coming every year.” What makes it special? “It’s great fun with great Corvette friends. The best part is when we get all of these Corvettes revved up and head south along the Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise route. I’m driving my 2014 lime rock green C7. They don’t make them any more and they are hard to find.”

Said Bob Stoler: “This is my first time. Never got around to getting here before and now I’m hooked. I’m also going with Larry Courtney on the National Corvette Caravan. I’m taking my C6. Larry puts on a great Corvettes on Woodward event so I’m anxious to see what he does for the caravan.”

Corvettes on Woodward began with a Wednesday morning tour of the GM Heritage Center in Warren and then moved on to the Radisson Hotel in Bloomfield Hills from noon to 7:30 p.m. The Corvettes then escorted the Matick Chevy van filled with food donations to the Open Hands pantry.

Many participants enjoyed dinner at the Moose Preserve before heading out on Thursday for tours of the Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton and the Lingenfelter Engine Build Center in Wixom.

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What’s your favorite?

On Friday, Corvettes on Woodward enthusiasts had options to visit the Webber Wildlife Museum, the Katech high-performance engine plant, and Morley Candy Co., all in Clinton Township, and Stahl’s Automotive Foundation in Chesterfield Township.

Other event vendors included Corvette Central, Galli Sports Apparel, EyeCandyWraps, Cruis’ News, Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise, DJ Eric and the Radisson Hotel.

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Corvette enthusiasts get ready to hit Woodward Avenue to do a little cruising.

Standing in front of DJ Eric’s booming speakers, Skip Hartlerode and his wife, Donna, North Oaks Corvette Club members from metro Detroit, said they “like the show because everyone is so friendly and you can talk to anyone. We’re all Corvette enthusiasts and we all love our cars.”

Interjected Donna: “I love looking at all these cars and seeing what owners do with them, from the interiors to the vanity plates. It’s a real relaxed atmosphere. Everyone loves pulling out onto Woodward Avenue from the hotel and racing away.”

“Now if we could only run all those stop lights then it would be even better,” Skip said with a laugh.

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Larry Courtney leads the Corvettes on Woodward parade into early Woodward Dream Cruise traffic.

 

Harlan Charles on Corvettes

Charles attended the Corvettes on Woodward event and talked about what’s happening with the iconic car.

“Things are going great with Corvette. We’ve won the North American Car of the Year and all kinds of awards with the new Stingray … a great sales year with over 37,000 2014 cars built and we’re now getting ready to start with the 2015s … and getting the Z06 ready to go toward the end of the year, a 650 horsepower ultimate Corvette. So it’s been a very exciting time working for Corvette and being a Corvette enthusiast,” he said.

The all-new Z06 is the highest performance Corvette has ever offered at 650 horsepower with special packages. For the first time, Chevy also is offering the seven-speed manual and the eight-speed automatic.

“So it opens up that level of performance for a lot more people,” he added.  Production begins the end of 2014 and vehicles will be in dealer showrooms around spring.

“2015 is a big year,” he concluded. “It is the completion of our vision of our 7th generation Corvette line up.”

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Corvettes on Woodward 
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Corvettes on Woodward 
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Corvettes on Woodward escort the Matick Chevy van to the Open Hands Food Pantry.

Photos by Robert Brodbeck Photography
 

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Tech Thursday: Corvette Add-Ons

How do you get your Corvette to stand out in the crowd?

Customizable add-ons can help your Corvette look and ride better. Here’s a look at three options.

Spoilers

Did you know that spoilers are more than just a decorative kick?

Matick Chevy Corvette Rear Spoiler
Corvette Rear Spoiler

While they do make Corvettes look slick, believe it or not, they are also good if you’re looking to crank up the speed. Rear spoilers keep cars low to the ground, providing traction and stability.

If you’re the proud owner of a 2008-2013 model, consider C6, Full Width or Z06 rear spoilers. There are two types for 2014 Stingrays: a Z51 style spoiler and a High Wing spoiler.

All these spoiler options are available in a variety of colors.

Windscreens

Looking for a sleek, quiet ride in your convertible? Your answer may be a windscreen.

Matick Chevy Corvette Windscreen
Corvette Windscreen

They are manufactured to reduce air turbulence in the passenger compartment when you have the top down. In effect, they help reduce road noise that allows for better passenger conversation.

Windscreens are made from glass or polyester mesh, and can be ordered with a Corvette logo if you’re looking for some style points.

Car Covers

If you want your Corvette to maintain its great polished look, consider using a car cover.

Car covers keep that shiny coat of paint nice and fresh. They are designed to repel rain and moisture, block excessive sun and keep out dirt and debris. They are one of the most popular accessories Corvette owners choose to add to their purchase, especially for those in climates where the cars won’t be driven year-round.

In northern climates, for example, Corvette buyers prefer to cover their vehicle rather than leave it exposed to winter’s unforgiving elements.

When it comes to selecting which one is right for your car, there are benefits to going with a Genuine GM model that offers a professional fit and lots of color options, all with Corvette flag insignias.

How To Order

There are plenty of other ways to customize your Corvette, both under the hood and to the eye. For the whole lowdown, check out the 2014 Performance Catalog produced by Chevrolet.

GM Performance Parts Catalog
GM Performance Parts Catalog

You can download your personal copy here and also subscribe to GM’s FUEL Newsletter for car enthusiasts.

To order any of these add-ons, visit Matick Chevy’s online accessories store.