It looks like Chevrolet may be taking a page from Nissan’s how-to manual on keeping its GT-R fresh, having announced the second spat of updates for the Corvette Stingray in as many years. After the current, C7 Corvette debuted for 2014, it received a series of minor running changes—and a new transmission—for 2015; now, the Vette is getting additional minor changes for the 2016 model year, and most of the same updates are headed for the 2016 Corvette Z06, too.Besides adding the ultra-limited-production Z06 C7.R Edition to the lineup (at least until the 500 examples sell out), as well as a trio of new design packages, Chevrolet has brought new colors, trim colors, and tech options to the Stingray and the Z06. Buyers can now opt for Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat or Long Beach Red Metallic paint colors, a graphics kit that leaves part of the hood unpainted to display the carbon-fiber weave beneath, and a front-facing parking camera (only on the higher 2LZ and … [Read more...] about 2016 Chevrolet Corvette, Corvette Z06 Get Mild Updates, Are Still Aweseome
2016 z06 specs
FIRST LOOK: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible!
Now that the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro coupe has been unveiled, it’s time to assign at least a few brain cells to thinking about the first major spin-off, the convertible. Our artist has whipped up these renderings of what an RS-trimmed droptop would look like.The convertible should be available with the same engine trio as is the coupe, which means a 275-hp 2.0-liter turbo four; a 335-hp 3.6-liter V-6; and the stonking 455-hp 6.2-liter LT1 V-8. In the coupe, any engine can be paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, and that should be the case here, too.Also like the fixed-roof car, the convertible will feature GM’s excellent Alpha architecture, a chassis with adjustable drive modes, active magnetic shocks on SS models, an optional dual-mode exhaust, and significantly improved interior materials. The difference, of course, is the droppable top, the better to hear the various exhaust notes; we already know … [Read more...] about FIRST LOOK: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible!
Pace Jam: Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Gets Tapped for Indy 500 Pace Car Duty
To the surprise of absolutely no one, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has been selected to pace the field at the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500. As the long-reigning poster child for domestic performance, the Corvette Z06 being paired with the Indy 500, a storied and distinctly American celebration of all that is right in the world—at least for that one fleeting moment—is the stuff gasoline-marinated marketing dreams are made of.The Corvette has served as the Indy pace car more than any other single model in the race’s history; this year’s appearance will mark the 13th time that a Vette has been chosen for the honor. But unlike pace cars of yore that often required modifications for race-day duty, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 pace car will be leading the pack in showroom trim. In fact, the only things separating this version from a standard-issue Z06 are its hyperbolic Indy graphics package and safety strobe lights. When the field rounds Turn … [Read more...] about Pace Jam: Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Gets Tapped for Indy 500 Pace Car Duty
Officially a Thing: 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SuperVeloce Roadster
For as unsurprising as it was to see Lamborghini debut the all-new Aventador Superveloce roadster on the immaculate green lawns of the Quail Lodge at Pebble Beach weekend (rich people + money + easy production decision = expensive roadster, plus it was already confirmed), one aspect of the car did spark some surprise. This is the first topless Superveloce model the company has ever produced, and Lamborghini has been building Superveloces for a while.But back to the Superveloce roadster’s blasé, predictable spec sheet; it’s gifted with the same 740-hp V-12 engine, wild aerodynamic body addenda, and lightweight diet as the Superveloce coupe. Prepare to be bored further by the SV’s 217-plus-mph top speed and its claimed ability to hit 60 mph in less than 2.9 seconds. The SV’s meatier performance compared to sleepier Aventador roadsters also comes by way of losing 110 pounds, Lambo says.Bull Session: Maybe Lamborghini Might Build a Urus … [Read more...] about Officially a Thing: 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SuperVeloce Roadster
2016 Jaguar F-type S Coupe Manual
To exit the parking lot behind our local barbecue hangout, you enter a narrow lane between two brick buildings before emerging beside the restaurant’s outdoor patio. So, we tapped the console button to open the flaps in the Jaguar F-type’s exhaust system and revved it a bit in first gear just to hear it echo in this alley. As we pulled up beside the patio, the al fresco diners had all eyes on us. The Jag’s sculpted body didn’t disappoint the curious, who stared, their forks full of smoked meat poised halfway to mouths that formed the words, “What’s that?” Many want to drive cars like the F-type coupe just for such moments. Enticed by the design—which is very 21st-century and yet evocative of the 1960s E-type—and awed by the sounds it emits, they’d buy this car just for the attention. We’re hardly immune to the charms of style that sizzles and exhausts that crackle, but those attributes make us want to get away … [Read more...] about 2016 Jaguar F-type S Coupe Manual
My, R’nt You Familiar: 2016 Audi R8 Winks Its Laser Headlights for the Camera
Audi wants you to look at the 2016 R8 pictured here almost entirely shrouded in a bed sheet and think: “Oh, cool, look at those laser headlights!” We’d like you to just look at the 2016 R8, that’s because this marks the next-generation mid-engine sports car’s first official teaser. Oh, and as Audi’s press release states in two different places, laser headlights are “currently not available on U.S. models” and, just in case we couldn’t read that, there’s an editor’s note reaffirming “Euro-spec availability.”So while Audi tangles with U.S. regulators (and BMW) over its fancy laser-headlight technology, let’s take a gander at the second-generation R8. Not much changes in the car’s rounded profile, but the headlights, grille, and lower intakes are harder-edged than before and there’s a downward sweeping crease across each door that overlaps with a more prominent rear shoulder line. … [Read more...] about My, R’nt You Familiar: 2016 Audi R8 Winks Its Laser Headlights for the Camera
2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition: The Closest You’ll Get to the Le Mans Race Car
the C7.R, at last year’s Detroit auto show, not only were we blown away by its sheer awesomeness, but we were impressed by the unprecedented level of co-development that took place with the roadgoing Corvette Z06. Corvette Racing partner Pratt & Miller operated in lockstep with Chevrolet’s engineering squad during the entirety of the Z06’s gestation, allowing them a head start on building the best possible Z06-based race car. Now, Chevrolet is reversing the Z06-to-C7.R inspiration flow with the race-car-emulating 2016 Z06 C7.R Edition. Consider us blown away again.Before anyone says a thing about how the C7.R Edition is merely a cosmetic upgrade kit, keep in mind that the 650-hp Z06, out of the box, is about as insane as a track-devouring four-wheeled beast can get, warranty or otherwise. Chevrolet will build just 500 C7.R Editions for 2016, spread across both coupe and convertible body styles. Every single one will come with the … [Read more...] about 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition: The Closest You’ll Get to the Le Mans Race Car
2016 Porsche 911 Spied Testing: Mild Facelift and Sub-Turbo Turbo Models Coming
Late last year, reports surfaced that Porsche was to expand the 911’s availability of turbocharged flat-sixes beyond the eponymous Turbo and Turbo S models—and soon. While we’re not exactly fans of the move, it makes sense in a world facing ever-more-stringent fuel-economy standards, and it seems that it’s time to wave goodbye (at least in part) to the 911’s revvy and delicious-sounding naturally aspirated engines. These spy photos, which we snagged in environs close to our Ann Arbor offices, depict what appear to be facelifted non-Turbo/Turbo S 2016 911s running turbocharged engines.You might be asking how a non-Turbo 911 can be turbocharged, and we admit the nomenclature is bound to be confusing. But one needs only to look to other Porsche products for guidance. The Macan crossover, for instance, comes in S and Turbo guises, and both models are twin-turbocharged. In this case of these 911s, they appear to be lower-spec … [Read more...] about 2016 Porsche 911 Spied Testing: Mild Facelift and Sub-Turbo Turbo Models Coming
Mean Mustang, Good Cause: First 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R Headed to Auction for Charity
Wanna be first in line to get a new 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R? Sorry, that seat’s taken. As is becoming tradition, Ford gave the very first of the track monster Mustang to diabetes charity JDRF. The charity is sending VIN number 001 across the Barrett-Jackson auction block tomorrow. And you can bet it’s gonna command a hefty premium.Ford’s relationship with JDRF reaches back years. Through auctions like this, Ford has helped the charity raise nearly $4 million, and the very first 2015 Mustang netted the organization $300,000 when Ford and JDRF ran it across the Barrett-Jackson block a year ago.Alongside the R model, Barrett-Jackson will also be auctioning off the very first example of the slightly-more-street-oriented GT350. In both cases, the auction isn’t exactly for a specific car: The winner gets to spec out their first-ever super-Stang with whatever color combination and option package they desire.Given the GT350R’s purposeful … [Read more...] about Mean Mustang, Good Cause: First 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R Headed to Auction for Charity
Lightning Lap 2016: Results and Historical Lap Times
Class Boundaries LL1 (Up to $34,999) Overall Results Rank Class Car Time 1 CONCEPT CAR 2016 Lexus RC F GT Concept 2:43.2 2 LL4 2016 Dodge Viper ACR 2:44.2 3 LL5 2016 Ferrari 488GTB 2:45.1 4 … [Read more...] about Lightning Lap 2016: Results and Historical Lap Times