Corvette Stingray will have Z06 parts available as an option
New Z06 Parts Enhance Corvette Stingray Performance
Broad range of chassis, suspension and aero components enhance capability
2015-11-02
PAHRUMP, Nev. – Chevrolet today and drivers from the Ron Fellows Corvette high-performance driving school at the Spring Mountain track demonstrated Stingray models enhanced with components from a new lineup of Z06-based performance parts.
They’re designed for 2014+ Stingray models, including Z51-equipped cars.
“We’ve selected specific components from the Corvette Z06 and engineered them to fit the award-winning Stingray,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “These Z06 parts enhance the handling, braking, cooling and downforce performance of the Stingray.”
Ron Fellows, champion Corvette Racing driver, collaborated with Chevrolet Performance engineers on the all-new portfolio. Many will be used in cars in the new Michelin Corvette Challenge racing series, which was developed with Fellows and will run a 15-race schedule starting in February 2016.
“Here at Spring Mountain, we drive the Corvette Stingray and Z06 at their limits nearly every day, so we’re in a unique position to recognize the parts that are most effective,” said Ron Fellows. “The effect of the new, Z06-based parts on the Stingray’s track capability is dramatic. They take the Stingray’s already great stopping and cornering capabilities to yet another exciting level of stability and precision.”
Most of the Z06 parts are offered as direct replacements for the Stingray’s original parts.
“No one has spent more time developing Corvette performance parts than Chevrolet and this new range of components is the result of countless hours of testing that aftermarket companies can’t match,” said Mark Dickens, director, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports. “You can mix and match the parts to build your own ultimate Stingray track car – all with factory-engineered components customers can trust will fit and perform as expected.”
The new performance parts portfolio includes:
Corvette Z06 Level 3 Aero Package
This kit is an upgrade for Level 2-equipped Corvette Z06 models and adds elements from the Z07 Performance Package, including larger end plates to the front splitter, as well as an adjustable, transparent wickerbill on the rear spoiler.
Corvette Z06 600-Watt Radiator Fan
Developed to meet the Z06’s cooling requirements, this powerful, 600-watt radiator cooling fan increases the fan speed over the Stingray’s 500-Watt system for greater airflow and enhanced cooling capability. It is a direct replacement for the standard Corvette Stingray cooling fan.
Corvette Secondary Radiator Kit
This kit adds cooling capability to manual transmission Corvettes (base Stingray, Z51 and Z06). The engine coolant temperatures are lowered 25 degrees F along with lowering engine oil temperatures 15 degrees F. The addition of the Z06 grille further enhances the cooling performance of this kit.
Corvette Z06 Grille Kit
The Z06 front grille was designed to provide maximum airflow to the radiator, intercooler and brake cooling ducts for the 650-hp supercar, resulting in a 17-percent increase in front-end airflow, compared to the grille of the Corvette Stingray Z51. It’s a direct replacement for the Stingray grille insert. Additionally, the inlet ramps to the brake cooling ducts were optimized to balance the airflow demands of brake cooling and engine cooling.
Corvette Z06 Quarter Panel Vents
They offer larger openings than the Corvette Stingray, for increased airflow to the transmission oil cooler and differential cooler – an approximately 25-percent improvement over the airflow of the Z51 at speed, to help maintain cooling performance.
Corvette Z06 Rear Transmission Oil Cooler
The larger Z06 rear transmission oil cooler fits in the same location as the base Stingray and Z51 cooler and adds extra cooling capacity. It works best when paired with the Z06 Quarter Panel Vents to maximize airflow through the cooler.
Corvette Z06 Carbon Fiber Torque Tube and Prop Shaft Kit
The lightweight Z06 Carbon Fiber Torque Tube assembly saves almost 15.5 pounds (7 Kg) compared to the Stingray’s steel-intensive torque tube. The kit also includes higher-temperature rubber couplers in the prop shaft. Applications vary by transmission and model year. The torque tube is also available separately.
Corvette Stingray Heat Shield
This larger heat shield helps protect the prop shaft from higher temperatures. It is only required for 2014 Corvette Stingray models. It is included on 2015+ models.
Corvette Z06 Prop Shaft Assembly with High-Temp Couplers
The Corvette Z06’s internal prop shaft includes rubber couplers designed for higher temperatures and a larger heat shield. These couplers are included with the Corvette Z06 Carbon Fiber Torque Tube and Prop Shaft Kit.
Corvette Z06 Carbon Fiber Underbody Braces*
These carbon fiber underbody braces are 17 percent lighter than the aluminum braces on the Corvette Stingray, while also offering an improvement in overall torsional stiffness. They are a direct replacement for the standard braces.
Corvette Z06 Brake Kits (Iron Rotors) for Stingray with Z51*
Designed for Stingray models equipped with the Z51 package, they feature the Z06’s standard, two-piece and slotted iron rotors – measuring 14.6-in. x 1.3-in (370mm x 34mm) for the front rotors and 14.4-in. x 1-in. (365mm x 26mm) for the rear. The front kit uses aluminum monoblock six-piston calipers, while the rear kit features four-piston fixed calipers. The front calipers also feature vented pistons for improved pad and brake fluid cooling. They also offer differentiated piston diameters of 30mm, 34mm and 38mm (leading to trailing), for more even pad pressure for improved pad wear. These brakes will not fit under base Stingray or Z51 wheels. They require a minimum of 4mm wheel clearance between the outboard face of the caliper and the inner wheel spokes.
Corvette Stingray Z51 Brake Kit
Designed as an upgrade for the standard Stingray, this Z51 brake complete kit – front and rear – features slotted rotors measuring 13.6 inches (345mm) in front and 13.3 inches (338mm) in the rear. This increases the overall diameter in relation to the standard 12.6-in. (321mm) front rotors. Coupled with the new Z06/Z51 Brake Cooling Kit, this system will match the braking performance of the factory Z51 brake system.
Corvette Z06/Z51 Front Brake Cooling Kit
This kit includes brake ducts and deflectors that channel air from the front grille through the wheel wells to cool the front brakes and expel heat. On a standard Corvette Stingray, it increases airflow by 16 percent, enhancing stopping performance by reducing temperature and the chance for brake fade. For optimal performance, it should be used with the Z51 Brake Package and the Z06 Grille Kit.
Corvette Stingray T1 Suspension*
This suspension package was developed to improve the on-track handling capabilities of the Corvette Stingray, including Z51-equipped models. It includes more aggressive shocks, stiffer stabilizer bars and new lower control arms with stiffer bushings. It was developed for racing and the aggressive shocks were utilized to maintain eligibility to compete within the rules of most club racing sanctioning bodies. It is currently homologated in SCCA’s Touring 1 class.
Corvette Stingray Track Day concept
Chevrolet is showcasing the new parts portfolio on the Z51-based Stingray Track Day concept vehicle, which is on display this week at the SEMA Show, in Las Vegas.
In addition to the new performance parts, the Gloss Black concept includes a unique air extractor hood with red accents on hood vent grille, mirrors and rear spoiler. Additional visual distinction comes from Carbon Flash vents and rocker extensions, along with a carbon fiber roof panel, front fascia extension and door inserts. It also features edge-lit LED turn signals.
Inside, the black cabin is outfitted with the Competition Sport seats that are optional on the Stingray, along with suede inserts on the shifter and steering wheel. A rear crossbar was added for mounting a five-point harness, while the available Performance Data Recorder captures the car’s performance.
Performance is driven by the standard LT1 6.2L V-8, rated at 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque with the available exhaust system, and backed by a seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match.
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Michelin Corvette Challenge to Debut at Spring Mountain in 2016
Stingray-based spec-racing series launches with 15-race season
LAS VEGAS – Spring Mountain Motor Resort & Country Club announced a new spec-racing series based around the award-winning 7th generation Corvette. The Michelin Corvette Challenge race series kicks off its inaugural season, February 20, 2016 at the Spring Mountain facility, near Las Vegas.
Composed of identically prepared, track-ready Corvette Stingray models, the series will feature 15 races over 8 weekends, utilizing multiple configurations of Spring Mountain’s 6.1-mile racetrack. With a unique season-long payment plan, competitors will simply arrive and drive for each event and take delivery of their Corvette Stingray following the season finale on December 10, 2016.
The Ron Fellows Performance Driving School, based at Spring Mountain, will serve as the technical race partner for the series.
“The Corvette Stingray is one of the most track-capable production cars available and our enhancements simply augment the production specs to help ensure durability for a dedicated racing life,” said Ron Fellows. “With the cars mechanically on equal footing, driver skill will be the determining factor in the rankings, which should make it a very exciting series.”
The Ron Fellows Performance Driving School collaborated with Chevrolet and Michelin to develop the series, as well as the package of performance and safety equipment required for each participating race car.
Many of the performance components are derived from a new portfolio of Corvette Z06-based parts from Chevrolet. They’re designed to enhance the handling, braking, cooling and downforce performance of the Stingray. Chevrolet showed a Corvette Stingray Z51-based concept race car featuring the new Z06-based parts at today’s announcement. It is on display this week at the SEMA Show, in Las Vegas.
Additionally, all of the cars will run on Michelin racing slick tires in dry conditions or Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in wet conditions. Michelin tires are the exclusive choice on all Corvette Stingray and Z06 production models. Michelin also is a long-time partner of the Corvette Racing team, which in 2015 won the Triple Crown of endurance racing including the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
“Corvette owners have been competing in showroom-stock-type racing for six decades and the new Michelin Corvette Challenge extends that legacy,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette marketing manager. “With Michelin’s support and the direction from Ron Fellows and his team, the series offers Corvette racers a unique competition experience all their own.”
Below is the schedule for the 2016 series, with each race weekend featuring a pair of 30-minute races on the challenging Spring Mountain circuit:
February 20/21
March 19/20
April 16/17
May 21/22
Sept 17/18
October 15/16
November 19/20
December 10 (followed by awards banquet).