Transformer's Corvette Stingray Concept Replica from Custom Hell

Chevrolet's 2009 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept that made its way into the Transformers movies is one of those love-it / hate-it cars. On the one hand, it was sleek and muscular and pointed to the next generation Corvette. On the other hand, it owed a bit too much design-wise with the 2003 Cadillac Cien and the nods to the original Corvette Stingray appeared a little forced.

Still, I'd find it hard to believe that anyone, even lovers of the '09 Concept, would consider putting down over US$40 grand on this so-called replica. It's even harder to believe that underneath all that fibreglass is a 2005 C6 Corvette; it could just have easily been based on a twenty year old Mazda Miata / MX-5 like so many other eBay customs.

So what does the US$42,500 "Buy It Now Price" get us? For starters, the underpinnings from the C6 Corvette including its 440 hp LS2 V8 and 6spd automatic transmission. You get a clear title and 29,111 miles on the odometer to boot.

So, what else? Well, the bodywork, exhaust, air intake and interior decals are all new. And an ECU tune is good for a purported, though still unconfirmed, 430 hp. Jet stream blue paint. There's also Jet Stream Blue Paint, LED headlights (which surely can't be road legal) and "adjustable ride control" with "electric tilt front end". Is this a car or a sex toy?

Better still, is trying to choose a favorite quote from the seller's description. My two picks are:

"BUILT BY A PROFESSIONAL CAR BUILDER..... NOT SOME KID IN HIS GARAGE... And take a close look and you will see the difference."

And:

"Now with most "Replicas" you can tell from ten feet away that they are a replica's... We are proud that this "CONCEPT" car looks like a FACTORY BUILT CAR. NO one would ever know that this was not build by Chevy."

Oh, and the capitalization and grammatical errors are all the seller's own doing, not ours. Honest.

There are at least three of these replicas roaming about the Pacific Northwest, one of which allegedly appeared in Vette magazine. Oh, and there's a video too. We'll leave it up to our readers to properly "dissect" this abhorrent mutation, in the comment's section below.

By Tristan Hankins

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Chevy Showcases Z-Spec Line Concepts of Volt, Cruze and Spark at SEMA

General Motors' Chevrolet division unleashed three prototype models fitted with bits and pieces from its forthcoming Z-Spec line of accessories at the SEMA Show today. The cars chosen to showcase the new dress-up parts were the 2011 Cruze compact, the new Volt extended-range electric vehicle and the soon-to-be-launched Spark minicar.

The Detroit-based automaker has not yet released details on its Z-Spec concept models, but from what we can tell by looking at the photos, all three cars receive similar upgrades including unique alloy wheels wrapped in chunkier tires, exterior graphics, mild body modifications and numerous touches inside like the sports steering wheel and niftier materials and colors. Photo gallery after the jump.

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SEMA Show: Corvette Jake Edition and Z06X Track Car Concepts

After the two Camaro concepts (see here), it's Corvette's turn to show up in style at the SEMA Show. Behold the Corvette Jake Edition and Z06X Track Car concept models.

First up is the Jake Edition Concept featuring the skull mascot known as Jake, which started off as a discrete logo on Corvette racing cars back in 2005. GM considers that it embodies the determination and triumphs of the Corvette Racing team, so it built a special concept vehicle to honor it.

With Z06 wheels, painted in Competition Gray, the Jake Edition also features a matte Jake hood graphic, alongside a host of other accessories, meant to discreetly enhance its appearance.

Most of the accessories used are already available for purchase, while others (Jake-logo floor mats, console lid, wheel center caps) are planned for future release.

"Jake is more than the mascot for Corvette Racing, he personifies the Corvette spirit," said Dave Ross, design manager.

The Z06X Track Car is the second Corvette concept that General Motors will showcase at SEMA, in order to highlight performance parts that enthusiasts can use to transform their stock cars into full-blown track weapons. For this purpose, Chevrolet teamed up with Pratt and Miller, its American LeMans Series partner.

A thoroughbred track car needs to be as light as it can be, so the Z06X is packed with professional racing gear, such as carbon ceramic brakes and carbon fiber body parts. Handling is improved by the Magnetic Ride Control, aerodynamic kit, with new front splitter included, and the addition of lightweight wheels, shod in Michelin's finest racing tires.

Boasting a low-gloss Icy White Metallic color, the exterior also gets some exposed carbon fiber body components to contrast with it.

"This concept car represents a mid-point between our GT race car and the production Z06, prepared by the team responsible for the Corvette Racing C6.R race cars, and featuring many performance parts owners can choose today" Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter said.

By Csaba Daradics

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Corvette Jake Edition Highlights

Exterior:

• Black color
  
• Corvette Z06 wheels in Competition Gray
  
• "Corvette"-logo windshield header graphic (concept)
  
• GT1 Championship Edition Jake-logo hood graphic
  
• Jake-logo wheel center caps (future)
  
• Jake-logo fender badge (concept)
  
• Jake-logo underhood blanket and lighting package (future)
  
• Chevrolet Accessory full-width rear spoiler in Cyber Gray
  

Interior:

• Ebony leather with titanium stitching and red accents on the seats
  
• Chevrolet Accessory interior trim kit
  
• Chevrolet Accessory racing pedal kit
  
• Chevrolet Accessory "Jake" floor mats (future)
  
• Chevrolet Accessory "Jake" console lid (future)
  

Performance:

• LS3 6.2L V-8 with Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission
  
• Chevrolet Accessory Tech-pattern engine cover

Corvette Z06X Track Car Highlights

Exterior:

• Low-gloss Icy White Metallic color with exposed carbon fiber and red accents
  
• 2011 CFZ-option carbon fiber package, including splitter and rockers
  
• Adjustable carbon fiber wing
  
• ZR1 carbon fiber roof panel and B-pillar panels
  
• Carbon fiber raised hood (from the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition)
  
• Carbon fiber headlamp housings from Specter Werkes/Sports
  
• Weight-saving and shatter-resistant polycarbonate rear window
  

Interior:

• Base Z06 1LZ trim
  
• Radio, carpeting and sound-deadening material removed
  
• SCCA-spec roll cage
  
• SCCA-approved window net
  
• Racing seat with five-point safety harness
  
• Fire suppression system
  
• Driver's drink system
  
• Video camera system mounted on the roll cage
  
• Genuine Corvette Accessory racing pedal kit
  

Performance:

• LS7 7.0L V-8 engine and Tremec six-speed manual transmission
  
• Low-restriction air intake system
  
• High-capacity radiator and enhanced cooling system
  
• New-for-2011 Z07 Performance Package, feature Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors and special brake pads
  
• Lightweight racing wheels in black; 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear)
  
• Michelin racing tires
  
• Mono-ball control arm bushing
  
• Adjustable stabilizer bars
  
• Coil-over struts with adjustable camber plates