Anticipating the global movement to a unified GT racing class next year, Corvette Racing retired its GT1 racing cars in June after notching another class win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Meanwhile, the team has been constructing a pair of Corvette C6.R GT2 racers, based on the production Corvette ZR1. The new cars have less horsepower but more production-based components, including an aluminum frame, power steering, windshield, fenders and other bits lifted from the ZR1.
Under the hood is a 6.0-liter V8 derived from the massive 7.0-liter LS7.R from the earlier GT1 cars. Narrower air restrictors and a shorter stroke have resulted in a significant reduction in output, from 590 to 470 horsepower. Next year, the team plans to introduce a new 5.5-liter unit based on the next-generation GM small-block V8 and built to run on E85R ethanol racing fuel.
After conducting track tests at Road Atlanta, Elkhart Lake and Sebring, the new GT2 Corvettes will compete this weekend in the Acura Sports Car Challenge at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington. From there, the cars will undergo additional development in the final five rounds of the 2009 American Le Mans series.
Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter said, "As an authentic way to communicate to knowledgeable customers, nothing beats racing. As a cost-effective means to improve vehicle performance, nothing beats racing. These are the reasons racing is in Corvette's DNA."
Inside Line says: Or, as the old-timers used to say, race on Sunday, sell on Monday. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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