2007 Chevrolet Corvette C6RS Concept

Chevrolet has spent the last decade or so drastically re-inventing and re-positioning their Corvette flagship as something more than just a steroidal muscle car underneath a fiberglass shell. The C5 and C6 generations of the car elevated the vehicle to almost super car status, and the Z06 models especially captured the attention of sports car lovers all over the world.

Corvettes have also enjoyed great success in GT racing, capturing several titles and enjoying popularity amongst drivers and teams alike as excellent platforms from which to campaign. Pratt & Miller, the corporation which is partnered with General Motors to produce the C6.Rs, the racing version of the ‘Vette, has recently turned their attention to a more street-oriented project. At the behest of Jay Leno, the host of ‘The Tonight Show’ and a well-recognized car nut, they have worked to create what they are calling the C6RS.

Not too imaginatively named, this vehicle saves its innovation for under the hood. 2007 Chevrolet Corvette C6RS Concept is a complete beast of a vehicle. Based on the powerful Corvette Z06, the C6RS replaces the LS7 engine with an 8.2 liter aluminum V8 which is tuned to run on E85 ethanol fuel. This ‘bio-fuel’ is the product of the ethanol produced from corn, and with a mixture of up to 85 percent ethanol versus gasoline, it reduces the amount of fossil fuels actually used by an engine.

While some alternative-fuel vehicles display sluggish performance, that is not the case with the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette C6RS Concept. The vehicle produces a stunning 600 horsepower and 585 foot-lbs of torque. How did they manage to squeeze so much power out of the E85 engine? The motor was carved out of a single piece of aluminum, and completely custom internals designed specifically for this project allow the engine to take maximum advantage of the ethanol fuel mixture. A custom-designed Corsa exhaust system carries away combustion gases, and the standard Tremec 6-speed manual transmission normally found in the Z06 has been strengthened in order to handle the extra power.

Given that Pratt and Miller are used to engineering race cars, it’s not surprising that the exterior of the car was also altered in order to present a more track-ready appearance. The entire front end of the car is made out of carbon-fiber, and the aerodynamic properties of the air intakes and front fenders have been paid special attention to. The front fenders even contain special interior panels which vent engine heat out through integrated louvers, keeping temperatures down under the hood. The wider rear boasts both an under car air diffuser and a racing-inspired rear wing attached to the trunk lid. The car rides on BBS wheels with center-locking hubs, further adding to the racing image.

While it is unlikely that the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette C6RS Concept will ever see production, it is encouraging that a major auto manufacturer has taken an interest in promoting the use of alternative fuels. Given the controversy surrounding the sustainability of E85 ethanol, it is interesting to see whether General Motors will expand their E85 program over the next few years, or if they will instead explore other energy options. With the upcoming Chevrolet Volt electric car seeming like it will slide into production in 2010, it might be a bit of a stretch for the General to attempt to field more than one sporty alternative energy vehicle. However, the company has also announced that it intends to sell its Hummer division, long reviled by environmentalists as an anachronism in the age of $4.00 per gallon gas. Change is afoot in Detroit, and the Corvette C6RS Concept is one of its heralds.

Exterior

• Gloss Black with carbon fiber accents
• Rocker adjustment similar to C6R
• Pratt and Miller C6RS badging
• Widened front and rear quarters with brake ducts
• Carbon fiber hood with C6R waterfall
• C6R functional top fender louvers
• Widen rear fascia to blend with rear quarters
with carbon fiber rear diffuser and LEO backup lights
• Modified front fascia lower intake to resemble
C6R with integrated brake ducts
• C6R style 11/2W carbon underwing
• GMA color-keyed rear license plate frame
• BBS newly styled 18, front and 19” rear wheels with locking center nut and black chrome finish by hello coating
• Michelin 295 X 30 X 18 front and 345 X 30 X 19 rear tires
• C6R LED taillights

Interior

• Custom leather wrapped IP with C6RS arid leather wrapped steering wheel by Shelby Trim
• Custom red leather Lear designed seat
• Dynamat sound deadening package
• GMA two-tone shift knob and boot (concept)
• GMA parking brake handle and boot (concept)
• CMA Interior trim kit (17803020)
• GMA pedal covers (19155308)
• GMA premium rear cargo mat
(17802156)

Powertraln

• 8.2 liter E85 KATECH motor
• Blueprinted T-56 six speed transmlssio,
• Arvin Mentor dynamic ride control suspension
• Carbon fiber tam air induction with K&N filter
• Dewitt high capacity aluminum radiator with dual cooling fans
• Brembo mono-block grand tounismo brake package







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June 8, 2008, 9:16 am