Corvette News Summary | May 2023
Welcome to the ACS Composite Corvette News Summary for May! The past month has been packed with thrilling updates for all you Corvette aficionados. This month's headlines include the awe-inspiring gathering at the 26th Annual Michelin NCM Bash and the revealing insights from Corvette bigwigs on the CORVETTE TODAY podcast.
We also bring you some eye-catching developments about the Chevrolet Corvette Z06's visit to the Carbon Revolution Factory in Australia. Corvette fans will be eager to learn about the latest additions to the 2023 Corvette Order Guide and the intriguing journey of the 2023 C8 Corvette on the Autobahn.
For those keen on technical insights, we delve into the advanced gauge cluster of the 2024 C8 Corvette E-Ray. Moreover, we address a common concern: the ticking noise in your C8 Z06, with Chevrolet stepping in to investigate.
Finally, don't miss our ACS Spotlight where we introduce the new 7VM Side Rocker for the C8 Stingray. Despite some color shifts and partial constraints, there's no dampening the spirits of the Corvette community!
All things considered, it's been a month brimming with exhilarating Corvette news. Stay tuned and fuel your passion with us!
26th Annual Michelin NCM Bash: A Corvette Enthusiast's Dream Gathering
The 26th Michelin NCM Bash attracted a global crowd of Corvette enthusiasts to the National Corvette Museum for an exhilarating three-day event. Highlights included thrilling road tours, engaging seminars, and stunning Corvette displays.
The Corvette engineering team delivered an engaging presentation, discussing the 2023 production stats, revealing 2024 plans, and offering a detailed preview of the forthcoming E-Ray. Attendees also got a sneak peek into behind-the-scenes of the E-Ray's appearance on The Today Show.
Beyond the seminars and showroom, attendees enjoyed museum tours, vendor stalls, and guided factory tours. Options also included road trips to local landmarks or an on-site screening of the Betty Skelton documentary and Women in Motorsports panel discussion.
The Motorsports Park offered attendees the chance to test their Corvettes on track laps, ride-along in an NCM Corvette, or drive a C7 or C8 NCM Corvette. A stunning array of Corvettes was on display for everyone's admiration.
The Bash also hosted two raffles for a chance to win a new C8 Corvette. If you have never been to the NCM Bash, then you should definitely add it to your bucket list. It's a great opportunity to immerse in the Corvette culture and build enduring relationships with fellow enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Visits Carbon Revolution Factory in Australia
The first right-hand drive Chevrolet Corvette Z06 recently made a special trip to the Carbon Revolution factory in Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia. This visit marked the strong partnership between Chevrolet and Carbon Revolution, a top maker of super-light carbon-fibre wheels for leading car brands worldwide.
"The Carbon Revolution wheel is proof of the skill of Australian engineers. They've managed to design and build one of the world's most advanced carbon fibre products. We're excited that the Z06 benefits from this high-tech wheel made right here in Australia."
The Corvette Z06 shows off Carbon Revolution's wheels, the world's widest OEM product with the highest load capacity the company ever made. According to General Motors (GM), these carbon-fibre wheels make the car lighter by 18.6kg compared to the standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear aluminum wheels.
GMSV director Gregory Rowe praised these wheels, saying, "The Carbon Revolution wheel is proof of the skill of Australian engineers. They've managed to design and build one of the world's most advanced carbon fibre products. We're excited that the Z06 benefits from this high-tech wheel made right here in Australia."
Chevrolet Updates 2023 Corvette Order Guide: R8C Museum Delivery and Custom Z06 Interiors Now Included
Exciting news for Corvette enthusiasts - the 2023 Corvette has just received some fantastic updates in the order guide by Chevrolet. Now, the R8C Museum Delivery and R6X Custom Interior Trim and Seat Combinations can be included right in your Dealer Stock Orders. This comes as a change in direction from Chevrolet, who had earlier decided to only take dealer orders for the 2023 Z06 Corvette, temporarily holding back on individual customer orders.
Initially, Chevrolet decided to limit the R8C Museum Delivery and the R6X Custom Interior Trim and Seat Combinations from Dealer Stock Orders, aiming to regulate the order process. But good news - in the updated 2023 Corvette Order Guide, these options are now available for the 2023 Corvette Z06.
Dealerships weren't instantly updated about these changes to the order guide, with the news only breaking recently. So, if you're dreaming about owning a 2023 Corvette Z06, don't forget to ask about the R8C Museum Delivery and the R6X Custom Interior Trim and Seat Combinations when placing your order. They just might be the cherry on top of your Corvette experience!
2023 Corvette Stingray Bids Farewell to Elkhart Lake Blue and Caffeine Colors
Chevrolet is introducing some fresh changes for the 2023 Corvette Stingray! April's order cycle ended with a vibrant twist, as Elkhart Lake Blue and Caffeine bid adieu to the available exterior color options. With the last of these shades now created, they won't be part of the 2023 model's color selection.
At the annual Corvette celebration - the NCM Bash at the National Corvette Museum - they revealed interesting stats about the 14 available exterior colors for the 2023 Corvette. Surprisingly, Elkhart Lake Blue made up 5% of Corvette orders, while the unique Caffeine hue was a rare choice, representing just 1% of orders.
Discontinued colors
Among the 14 most popular colors, Elkhart Lake Blue ranked 9th, covering 4% of Z06 orders. Interestingly, the Caffeine shade was a less common choice for both Stingray and Z06 models, grabbing only 1% of orders for each model.
The stylish Elkhart Lake Blue, a standard color option since the 2019 C7 Corvette, graced all 2020-2023 C8 Corvette models until recently. Caffeine, introduced as a unique color choice for the 2023 model, was even harder to find!
Looking forward, the 2024 Corvette Stingrays have something new to offer. Riptide Blue Metallic and Cacti are stepping in to replace Elkhart Lake Blue and Caffeine. Plus, White Pearl has gracefully stepped aside for the Seawolf Gray Tri-coat for the special 70th-anniversary models, finalizing the color choices for the 2024 models.
New colors for 2024
Is your C8 Z06 Making Ticking Noises? Chevrolet Investigates
Some Corvette Z06 owners have reported a ticking sound coming from the upper part of the 5.5L flat-plane crank LT6 engine. Chevrolet has acknowledged the situation and launched an engineering investigation to address these reports. So far, no Check Engine Lights or any other drivability issues have been linked to the ticking sound. Meanwhile, General Motors has reassured owners with a Preliminary Information Bulletin, explaining that there haven't been any durability issues detected and customers can continue driving their vehicles while a solution is being developed.
Once Chevrolet engineers determine a fix for the issue, the bulletin will be updated accordingly. The ticking sound has been documented by a couple of Corvette Z06 owners on platforms such as MidEngineCorvetteForum.com and the Corvette Z06 Owners Group on Facebook. Despite Chevy's assurance that the issue seems to be isolated, Corvette enthusiasts are closely monitoring the situation to see if it evolves into a major problem or is simply a characteristic of the Z06's performance.
2024 Corvette E-Ray Playbook Unveiled by Chevrolet
Similar to the launch of the 2020 Corvette Stingray, Chevrolet has released an official PDF playbook highlighting the features of the upcoming 2024 Corvette E-Ray. Coined as a "touring supercar," the E-Ray is equipped with an eAWD system, providing stability and adaptability on various road surfaces.
Surprisingly, the playbook uncovers the ZER Performance Package and discusses "chassis tuning." Previously, it was assumed that the Michelin Sport 4S tires were primarily for track use, but this package seems to add more depth to the performance of the Corvette E-Ray.
Expanding on the details, Chevy Rep Marcus Viega from Estero Bay Chevrolet shared more insights about the package on Facebook. According to Viega, the ZER Performance Package includes:
- Enhanced suspension, especially in the front stabilizer bar and front springs
- Advanced engine cooling
- Unique calibrations
May Order Cycle Updates: 70th Anniversary Corvette Models on Partial Constraint
Good news, Corvette lovers! The 2023 Corvette Stingrays are now welcoming orders for the May cycle. And here's a fun fact: this cycle is second to the last for the 2023 Stingray. The final round of orders for this fabulous model will be happening in June.
But, hold on to your steering wheels because there are some updates to keep in mind. As we mentioned aboved, the Elkhart Lake Blue and Caffeine hues have taken a bow for the 2023 model year. We understand that this change was a bit of a surprise for everyone, but rest assured, there are plenty of other vibrant colors to pick from for your dream Corvette.
Courtesy of LSXMag.com
Also on the docket for the May order cycle are some restrictions on Q9I Spoke Gloss Black Wheels and the Non-Z51 Stingrays. But, keep your engines revving, as there is a limited batch of the 70th Anniversary Edition models ready to be snapped up nationwide.
But that's not all. After we wrap up the Stingray orders, we're looking forward to the kick-off of the Z06 order cycle, set to commence in May. Then, in June, we'll be bidding farewell to the 2023 Corvette Model Year orders. But don't worry, Chevrolet is planning to keep the 2023 model year in the spotlight until September 1st, setting the stage for the unveiling of the 2024 models right after the Labor Day weekend. Stay tuned, Corvette fans!
Tadge Juechter, Harlan Charles & Josh Holder on CORVETTE TODAY
If you're a true Corvette fan, the buzz from the recent NCM Bash has likely reached your ears. Particularly, a special episode of the CORVETTE TODAY podcast left us all abuzz with excitement. This captivating episode, hosted by Steven Garrett, gave us an exclusive look into the world of Corvette through a lively chat with Corvette luminaries Harlan Charles, Tadge Juechter, and Josh Holder. They brilliantly answered a host of hot questions from the Corvette community, sourced from the MidEngineCorvetteForum and CorvetteForum.com.
What set this episode apart was its special release as a video on the CORVETTE TODAY YouTube Channel, allowing us to feel like we were right there in the conversation. This immersive format transformed it into a must-see experience for all Corvette enthusiasts.
The chat offered an intriguing journey across a variety of Corvette-related topics. From uncovering details about the ZER performance package to the structure of the engineering team, and comparing the E-Ray chassis with other models, the episode was brimming with valuable insights. If you're keen on keeping your finger on the pulse of the Corvette community, this CORVETTE TODAY episode is your ticket.
Exploring the Advanced Gauge Cluster of the 2024 C8 Corvette E-Ray
At the thrilling Michelin National Corvette Museum Bash, Tadge Juechter unveiled the cutting-edge gauge cluster of the 2024 C8 Corvette E-Ray. This bespoke display with unique features sets the E-Ray apart in the Corvette lineup.
Step into the driver's seat and you're met with a captivating animation that highlights the E-Ray's battery and drive unit position. The tailored gauge cluster displays critical data, keeping you in sync with your car's performance.
One standout is the stealth mode, allowing you to move the car effortlessly without starting the engine—perfect for short distances or tight spots.
Multiple screens on the cluster provide rich insights into the E-Ray's performance dynamics. And in an engaging video demo, development engineer Mike Butcher vividly showcases these exhilarating dynamics.
The E-Ray stands out with its self-sufficiency, dismissing any concerns over charging infrastructure or range anxiety. Its battery efficiently manages energy for enduring performance and durability.
Formula One fans will appreciate the Charge Plus button, which allows customization of the charge for optimal performance. Despite its rapid power flow, the E-Ray's battery ensures longevity without any worry about premature wear.
The 2024 C8 Corvette E-Ray's gauge cluster serves as an intuitive dashboard, equipping Corvette lovers with the tools to appreciate its impressive performance. Experience the vivid visuals and unleash the E-Ray's driving prowess.
2023 C8 Corvette Takes on the Autobahn
For a lot of us living in the America's driving our Corvettes on the German Autobahn is a bucket list item. And, for those not lucky enough to complete that bucket item we will have to settle for watching someone else do it!
The Youtube channel, AutoTopNL, famous for driving high-performance sports car on the Autobahn, takes us behind the wheel of a beautiful Rapid Blue Z51
The host takes us through several 230+ km/h pulls including ones hitting a top speed of 266 km/h (165 mp/h).
Did you know?
Our C8 Corvette Splitters are withstand these high speeds especially when coupled with our Undertray system in case you ever find yourself on the Autobahn or track!
Shop our C8 Corvette Splitters
ACS Spotlight: New C8 Stingray Rocker Available: 7VM Side Rocker | Part number 50-4-120
Good news, Corvette fans! After nearly two years of diligent work and patience, we're thrilled to announce the release of a product that's been eagerly anticipated. A big thank you to those who've stood by us during this journey and are ready to get their hands on the first sets.
Meet the 7VM Side Rockers, a design marvel inspired by the sleek side intake of the C8. When we first glimpsed this distinct 'inverted 7' shape, it sparked the idea for our exciting new line—the 7VM.
For a cohesive look, pair your 7VM Front Splitter with these Side Rockers. Alternatively, play with different combinations for a personalized aesthetic. Finished in a Carbon Flash Metallic Black, the Side Rockers are the perfect addition to any C8 Corvette Stingray.
Check out our installation guide where Joseph will walk you through the process of fitting your ACS C8 Corvette Stingray with the new 7VM Side Rockers.
Head over to the ACS C8 7VM Side Rocker product page to see if the C8 7VM Side Rocker is right for your C8 Stingray!