This car better be faster than a regular Z06–and I would expect that it would be with an extra 95bhp–because it’s pretty flawed as a concept. Does GM honestly expect people to believe that their monstrous engines are “green” because they burn E85? Available in coupe and convertible versions, each commemorative edition car will be personally signed and numbered by Emerson Fittipaldi, who will also drive the E85 Z06 concept at Indy 500.
Engineers have bumped power up to 542hp (389kW) by adding a sports air-filter, custom exhaust manifolds, steel bed catalysts and remapped the engines ECU. The sprint time from 0-100km/h is reduced to about 3.7 seconds, while maximum speed is increased to about 327 km/h. Engine oil is usually carried in a deep pan that hangs on the bottom of the engine, but a dry-sump system uses a shallow pan and an external oil reservoir. Oil capacity is eight quarts for the Z06 versus 5.5 for the base car.
Ethanol is beneficial because it is environment-friendly, bio-degradable, non-toxic, water soluble and renewable. Ethanol does not harm drinking water resources. Ethanol is a truly unique fuel for its impacts on the environmental, engine performance and personal finances. Of the commonly available fuels, including gasoline, diesel and natural gas, it is the only one eligible for tax rebates. Ethanol also combusts at a lower temperature than gasoline, which means the engine, runs cooler. Thus, a smaller radiator and fan can be used, which will significantly reduce a vehicle's weight.
Pace car replicas will be available in both coupe and convertible models, and come standard with the 'Vette's 3LT trim level, Z51 performance package and a dual-mode exhaust. The usual six-speed manual and automatic are both available, but pricing for the replicas and their options won't be revealed until a later date. Pace car numero uno is a customized Chevrolet Corvette Z06 concept that runs on E85 ethanol and will be driven during the race's pace lap by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi. The second pace car will be the Corvette 30th Anniversary Pace Car featuring a black exterior with silver graphics honoring the 1978 model - no word yet on who'll be driving that one.
Not too 'green' though. The E85 Z06 is capable of changing colors from green, blue, gold and yellow and you can check it out in the 2008 Indy 500 which airs Sunday, May 25, 2008. Looks wise, the Corvette E85 Z06 Concept Pace Car has a unique Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint scheme that changes between hues of green and gold when viewed from different angles and in different light. A checkered flag pattern is also a part of the paint job.
This the first “green” car to lead off the Indy 500 race in the history of the sport. The car that gets the task of doing so is the new Chevrolet Corvette E85 Z06 sports car. It is distinguished by a unique Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint scheme that changes between hues of green and gold when viewed from different angles and in different light. A subtle checkered flag pattern also is part of the paint scheme.
The customized E85 Z06 concept runs on E85 ethanol fuel, a domestically produced alternative fuel similar to the E100 fuel that powers all of the race cars in the Indy Racing League. Using ethanol fuel to power high performance cars makes good sense. How’s that for strength on your street car! And the term “technology transfer” has never been more appropriate than when used to describe the matched set of Corvette C6.R and Corvette Z06. Chevrolet will produce 500 of the 30th Anniversary Pace Car in both coupe and convertible form.
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