Top 10 Ways to Give the Gift of Corvette

From a scale model to the real car, there are many ways to give America’s iconic sports car, the Corvette, this holiday season. This Top 10 list, with prices from $12 to $77,450, should make it easier to find the perfect gift for any Corvette enthusiast.

Topping the list is the all-new Corvette Stingray Premiere Edition Convertible. Production will be limited to 550 all top-of-the-line 3LT models, all in Lime Rock Green exterior and Brownstone suede interior. The vehicle also includes suede-wrapped interior trim, carbon fiber accents, variable tuned performance exhaust system, Z51 Performance Package and Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

The Premiere Edition also features unique wheels with “Stingray”-logo center caps, “Stingray”-logo interior sill plates and a five-piece set of Corvette-branded luggage from Thule – all from the Corvette Accessories catalog.

These collectible cars will have a unique VIN sequence and unique dash plaques commemorating their limited-edition status. The Premiere Edition Convertible will cost $77,450, including destination and delivery fees, and will arrive in dealerships in early 2014.

If that doesn’t fit into your Black Friday budget, here are nine other ways to give the gift of Corvette:

1. Corvette Stingray Rollerball Pen ($12) – With the look and feel of luxury, be inspired to author handwritten notes. The Corvette Stingray Rollerball Pen has a sleek design with a solid brass cap and barrel, and rubber accents.
2. Monopoly Empire Game ($20) – A shortened version of the classic board game, players can purchase brands instead of properties and choose the 2014 Corvette Stingray game piece to travel around the board.
3. 1:18 2014 Corvette Stingray ($38.50) – Sleek and sculpted, this die cast rendition of the 2014 Corvette Stingray will make a great addition to any collection. 
4. Corvette Stingray: The Seventh Generation of America's Sports Car, by Larry Edsall ($40) – A must-own for any Corvette fan, this book is the complete inside story of the all-new Stingray, including more than 300 historical and behind-the-scenes photographs.
5. Fisher Price® Power Wheels® ($275) – Modeled after the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the Fisher Price® Power Wheels® Corvette features the all-new design with the same sporty “chrome” wheels. It is also the fastest Power Wheels in the product line.
6. The Seventh Generation Corvette Watch ($775) – Designed exclusively for the Corvette Collection, this limited-edition chronograph watch features the next-generation Corvette crossed flags and Corvette logo against a real carbon fiber dial face.
7. Corvette Stingray Luggage ($910) - Travel in style with a specially designed Corvette five-piece luggage set, including two roller suitcases, a backpack, duffel bag and messenger bag.
8. Corvette Heritage Neon Sign ($5,000) - Developed in collaboration with retired GM Vice President of Design, Chuck Jordan, this sign was designed to reflect the first-generation Corvette - clean, simple and straightforward.

Finally, for those looking to enjoy the exceptional driving experience of the Stingray first hand:

Performance Drive Schools – Learn to drive with the speed, confidence and finesse of a professional road racing driver at one of two performance drive schools – Ron Fellows Performance Driving School (prices begin at $2,995 for a two-day school) or the Bob Bondurant School of Performance Driving (prices starting at $1,225 for a 1-3 day course).

Come on in and test drive a Stingray today at Tom Bell Chevrolet and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

Chevrolet Flexes Performance Muscle at SEMA!

Chevrolet provided the first look at nine high-performance concept cars Monday at the SEMA Show. The horsepower-infused range includes stylized versions the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray, SS sports sedan and a variety of restyled 2014 Camaros – including the all-new Z/28.

“From the all-new Corvette Stingray to the new Camaro Z/28 and SS performance sedan, Chevrolet is America’s choice for performance cars. Our new lineup of racing-influenced models gives customers more choices for exciting driving experiences,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “It’s our most diverse range of performance-car choices in nearly 20 years.”

Through the end of September, Camaro’s total sales lead over Mustang was more than 5,000 for the year, putting it on track to be the industry’s best-selling sports car under $50,000 for the fourth consecutive year. The Camaro enters 2014 with revised styling and the new Z/28 model – the most track-capable Camaro in the car’s history.

The all-new SS returns Chevrolet to its rear-wheel-drive performance sedan roots, established with the small-block V-8 in the 1950s and enhanced with the Impala SS in the early 1960s.

And Chevrolet dealers can hardly keep the all-new Corvette Stingray in stock, with sold orders rolling to new owners off transporters.

“Racing is the common thread among Chevrolet’s performance cars and that comes from decades of transferring race technology to our production models,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Corvette, Camaro and SS deliver well-balanced, exhilarating driving experiences forged on the racetrack and refined for the street.”

Many of the concepts unveiled at the SEMA Show have roots at the racetrack. Others show racing-influenced styling for the street. Most incorporate Chevrolet Accessories available from Chevrolet dealers, allowing customers to personalize their new performance car with factory-engineered and validated components that match the performance and quality of original equipment.

Also on display was a 2014 COPO Camaro – Chevrolet’s factory-built race car, designed for NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock drag racing classes. As with the previous two model years, only 69 COPO models will be built. Racers interested in purchasing one must sign up for the COPO mailing list at chevrolet.com.

Jeff Gordon SS performance sedan concept

With input from the No. 24 driver himself, Chevrolet designers restyled the all-new SS to reflect Gordon’s style and the performance credentials of the brand’s all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. A satin exterior finish lends an all-business appearance to the car, complemented with No. 24 graphics, custom-finished 20-inch wheels, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and a custom front grille.

The car casts a more aggressive stance with a lowered suspension. The Gordon SS concept features high-performance brakes and a Borla performance exhaust system. The interior is re-trimmed with perforated suede seat inserts and embroidered headrests and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel and Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit.

Under the hood beats the small-block heart of all SS production models: The LS3 6.2L V-8 rated at 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with TAPShift.

Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo^® concept

A special-edition Corvette Stingray concept is revving to go in the new Sony PlayStation^® 3 game Gran Turismo 6 commemorating the game’s 15th anniversary – and Chevrolet has built a real version of the virtual racing winner. Its distinctive exterior and interior elements include:

• Custom exterior paint scheme
• Yellow-tinted headlamps
• Carbon fiber rear wing
• Custom carbon fiber hood and extractor design
• Ground effects kit with carbon fiber rockers and front splitter
• Custom exhaust tips
• Racing-style front tow hook
• Custom front grille
• Custom front fender and rear quarter vents
• Custom-trimmed Competition Sport seats
• Driver and passenger racing harnesses
• Custom flat-bottom steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped safety belt bar and rear braces.

Like all 2014 Corvette Stingray models, the Gran Turismo^® concept is powered by the new LT1 6.2L V-8, which uses direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to produce 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque (with the available performance exhaust) – enabling EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway. The concept vehicle is also equipped with the standard seven-speed manual transmission.

Corvette Stingray Convertible Atlantic concept

One of a pair of right- and left-coast-themed concepts, this Blade Silver Convertible model represents the Atlantic side, with sophisticated styling enhancements resembling the details and refinement of a private jet. The exterior wears new Carbon Flash Metallic front splitter, rocker extensions and rear lower diffuser, along with Fusion Gray headlamp housings and hood accents. It is trimmed with a sueded-wrapped interior package.

This East Coast cruiser also wears a number of Chevrolet Accessories available to all 2014 Corvette Stingray customers, including:

• Chrome five-spoke wheels – 19 x 8.5-inches in front and 20 x 10-inches in the rear
• Wheel center caps with the Stingray script
• Under-hood liner with the Stingray logo
• Carbon Flash Metallic rear license plate holder
• Molded splash guards
• Windscreen mounted behind the seats
• Custom luggage
• Premium carpet floor mats
• Sill plates
• Embroidered center armrest with the Stingray logo.

For effortless driving and performance, the Atlantic concept features an LT1 engine with a six-speed automatic.

Corvette Stingray Coupe Pacific concept

Influenced by West Coast culture, here racing-influenced performance and appearance matter this track-inspired Torch Red Corvette Stingray Z51 Coupe’s design is purposeful and compelling.
The high-performance hue is complemented by a carbon fiber hood and a visible carbon-fiber weave on the removable roof panel, as well as a satin-black front splitter and rocker extensions. The Z51 rear spoiler is painted Carbon Flash Metallic with a Carbon Flash graphics package. The interior features a carbon fiber trim kit, along with the available Competition Sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel with a carbon fiber finish.

Because it’s a Corvette Stingray Z51, the LT1 engine features a dry-sump oiling system, the cooling and brake systems are enhanced and the transaxle features an electronic limited-slip differential. Even the gearing in the seven-speed manual transmission is unique.

Like the Atlantic concept, the left-coast Corvette concept wears a number of Chevrolet Accessories, including distinctive satin black aluminum wheels with a red accent stripe (19 x 8.5-inch in front/20 x 10-inch in the rear).

COPO Camaro

Chevrolet Performance’s COPO Camaro program returns for 2014 with another limited run of factory-produced race cars and a pair of new racing engine choices.  The COPO exclusives will carry the distinctive, updated styling of the 2014 Camaro lineup, including new front and rear fascias.

Each COPO Camaro race car is built by hand starting with hardware from the Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros. Each production car is fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with racing chassis and suspension components – including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle.

The new LS-based racing engines include a revised version of the naturally aspirated 427 engine and supercharged version of the 350 engine introduced in 2013. It will feature a 2.9L Whipple screw-type compressor. Naturally aspirated 350 and 396 engines are also available. The car displayed at the SEMA Show features the supercharged 350.

Serial number 1 of the limited-production 2014 run will be auctioned by Chevrolet Performance at Barrett-Jackson’s annual January event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Proceeds will benefit the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, an organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans participate in marathons and share their success within a supportive community and their families.

2014 Camaro Z/28

There was no need to modify the all-new 2014 Camaro Z/28 for the SEMA Show – it’s already a comprehensively engineered car that recently lapped Germany’s challenging Nürburgring road course in 7:37.40 – on wet track conditions. It was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1, and beats published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.
In terms of lap times, the Z/28’s improved speed comes from three areas:

• Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.08 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions
• Increased stopping power: The Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel lap after lap
• Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass.

The heart of the Z/28 is the 7.0L LS7 engine. The LS7 uses lightweight, racing-proven, high-performance components, such as titanium intake valves and connecting rods, CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads and a forged-steel crankshaft to help produce an SAE-certified 505 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. Air-conditioning is available, but only as an option.
The Z/28 goes on sale next spring.

Chevrolet Performance Garage Camaro
Serious performance enthusiasts will appreciate the combination of Chevrolet Performance parts and Chevrolet Accessories used to create the Garage Camaro concept, which is based on the production Camaro SS. It’s a track-oriented car, incorporating performance and suspension components from the all-new Z/28 – and a few from the ZL1.

The exterior is enhanced with a ground effects package, Chevrolet Accessories rear spoiler and grille, RS headlamps and taillamps, blacked-out mirrors and rear diffuser, and Chevrolet Accessories satin-black 10-spoke Track Pack wheels. “Chevrolet Performance” graphics adorn the rockers and windshield header.

Brakes and a short-throw shifter from the Camaro ZL1 come straight out of the Chevrolet Performance catalog and are available through Chevrolet dealers, while the following Z/28 parts are being evaluated by Chevrolet Performance for future release:

• “Shorty” exhaust headers and 2.75-inch exhaust system
• Front ride/handling links
• Rear upper control arms
• Stabilizer bars
• Helical differential with internal cooling system
• Brake ducts
• Racing-derived DSSV^® (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) dampers.

Chevrolet Performance Camaro V-8 Concept
This one-of-a-kind concept car  showcases the personalization and performance possibilities with Chevrolet Performance parts and accessories, from its performance air intake to its concept Z/28 exhaust.  Many components are available through Chevrolet dealers, including::

• Ground effects package
• Chevrolet Accessories rear spoiler
• Blacked-out badges, mirrors and rear diffuser
• Body-color hood louver
• Chevrolet Accessories 45th anniversary wheels in black
• Chevrolet Accessories grille in black
• Hood wrapped with body-color stripe
• RS headlamps and taillamps
• Chevrolet Performance rocker decals and windshield header
• Chevrolet Performance armrests, door sills, pedal kit, floor mats and ambient lighting kit
• RECARO^® performance seats with Mojave stitching
• Chevrolet Performance instrument panel decal and sill plate
• Instrument panel, door, steering wheel and armrest with Mojave stitching
• Soft-touch black interior bezels.

On the performance side, this Camaro concept incorporates a performance air intake, ZL1 brake kit and ZL1 short-throw shifter, along with these concept parts from the 2014 Camaro Z/28:

• 2.75-Inch exhaust system
• Front ride link
• Rear upper control arms
• Shorty exhaust headers
• Helical differential with internal cooling system
• DSSV dampers
• Brake ducts
• Stabilizer bars.

Chevrolet Performance Camaro V-6 concept
With 323 horsepower from its direct-injected, DOHC V-6, the Camaro doesn’t need a V-8 to be considered a performance car, and this Chevrolet Performance concept proves it with enhancements available through Chevrolet dealers that give it track-ready reflexes, including:

• Brembo brake kit from the Camaro SS
• Camaro 1LE suspension kit
• Camaro 1LE strut tower brace
• Borla performance exhaust system
• 20-inch black wheels (45th anniversary design).

The car also wears Z/28 rear upper control arms, which are being evaluated for the Chevrolet Performance catalog.

Exterior and interior appearance accessories lend a more athletic aesthetic to this more-capable Camaro. The exterior features a Chevrolet Accessories grille, front splitter and rear spoiler, along with “Chevrolet Performance” graphics. Inside, it is ready for the road course or street, with:

• Chevrolet Accessories premium carpet floor mats
• Chevrolet Accessories ambient lighting kit
• Black trim bezels
• Kicker^® 200-Watt subwoofer and 200-Watt DSP amp available for MyLink
• RECARO^® performance seats
• Flat-bottom performance steering wheel
• Chevrolet Performance sill plates
• Chevrolet Performance armrest
• Chevrolet Accessories auxiliary gauge package
• Instrument panel and door inserts wrapped with carbon-fiber weave
• Door armrests and instrument panel inserts trimmed with black suede and Light Stone stitching
• Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit
• Chevrolet Accessories engine cover.

Camaro Spring Special Edition
Continuing a tradition of introducing special-edition production models at the SEMA Show, Chevrolet introduces the 2014 Spring Special Edition. Shown in its Camaro SS convertible version, the limited-production package will be offered in uplevel 2LT and 2SS trims distinguished by:

• Summit White exterior with Blue Ray stripe – including hood louver painted Blue Ray
• Body-color ZL1 spoiler
• Chevrolet Accessories ground effects package and grille
• Chevrolet Accessories 21-inch wheels
• RS high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps and light-emitting diode, or LED, taillamps
• Blue fabric top  on convertible models
• Blue-accent leather-appointed interior with blue stitching
• White interior trim kit with Blue Ray stripe
• Chevrolet Accessories floor mats (black with silver Camaro logo).

LT models include the direct-injected, 323-horsepower V-6 engine, while SS models include a 6.2L V-8 rated at 426 horsepower when paired with the six-speed manual transmission or 400 horses with the available six-speed automatic.

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Chevrolet to Debut Performance-Oriented Concepts at SEMA

Chevrolet previewed several performance-oriented concepts of some of the brand’s most popular passenger cars, including the Sonic and all-new Impala. The cars will debut at the SEMA Show, Nov. 5-8, in Las Vegas. It’s the world’s largest convention of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories.

Chevrolet also showed a personalized version of the Malibu, which features new and enhanced technologies for 2014 that improve efficiency and personal connectivity. Stop/start engine technology contributes to 14-percent greater estimated city fuel economy (25 mpg), and new Siri with Eyes Free Mode and Text-to-Voice features allow hands-free texting via the available MyLink system.

“Chevrolet’s 2014 passenger car lineup is the strongest and most competitive in the brand’s history, offering customers a wide range of great-looking, great-driving and well-connected choices,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “A five-year plan to completely remake Chevy’s car lineup is resonating with customers, who are finding value in the performance, quality and technologies that complement their lifestyles.”

The SEMA concepts feature accessories designed to allow personalization while maintaining excellent refinement and ride characteristics. General Motors’ engineers developed most of the accessories shown on the concept vehicles. Some of the accessories are available from Chevrolet dealers. Others are being evaluated for production.

The enhancements are designed, engineered, tested and backed by Chevrolet to be installed by a Chevrolet dealer, which maintains the vehicle warranty – a claim aftermarket manufacturers cannot make.

A pair of “super” Sonics leads the charge into SEMA, each packing enhancements for their respective 1.4L turbo engines, along with suspension, exterior and interior accessories – and distinctive color-and-graphic packages.

Chevrolet Performance Sonic RS concept
This performance-oriented Sonic RS concept   draws on the legacy of Chevrolet’s high-performance vehicles yet reimagined for a new generation. It features engine performance, suspension/brakes and appearance upgrades developed by Chevrolet Performance engineers and designed to be installed by Chevrolet dealers.   

• A Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allow the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power for a more exciting driving experience
• The engine enhancements are complemented by a track-tuned suspension system and higher-performance brake upgrade kit, featuring Wilwood front calipers
• The suspension kit lowers the ride height for a sportier stance
• Chevrolet Performance 18-inch, split-five-spoke wheels complement the lowered look with aggressive style
• Lemon Peel Yellow exterior with blue graphics; tinted headlamps and fog lamps; blue-accented window moldings and rear hatch trim
• Additional exterior accessories, including color-tinted grille trim, headlamp rings and mirror caps are available from Chevrolet dealers and complement custom graphics and other accents that can be easily duplicated by creative owners
• Re-trimmed seats in black leather, with Lark Yellow contrast stitching.

Ricky Carmichael All-Activity Sonic concept
The All-Activity Sonic concept returns for the 2013 SEMA Show – this time, it adds something the American Motorcycle Association champion, X-Games gold medalist and NASCAR racer Ricky Carmichael can truly appreciate: An all-new performance package with parts from Chevrolet Performance. Highlights include:

• Chevrolet Performance 1.4L Turbo Stage Kit with high-flow exhaust
• Chevrolet Performance cold-air induction
• Chevrolet Performance suspension kit with lowered ride height
• Chevrolet Performance brake package with Wilwood front calipers
• Chevrolet Performance 18-inch wheel-and-tire package featuring custom gloss black with green lip

The exterior is painted satin black that is pearlized with blue, along with custom graphics. The Sonic’s body is accented with a concept rear wing spoiler, smoked lamp housings, ground effects package and a unique grille. It also wears a THULE roof rack.

Inside, FOX Racing boardshort material is used on the seat inserts, which complements dark green and black leather instrument panel trim and door trim with lime green piping. A matching, green/black-trimmed flat-bottom steering wheel continues the theme. Additional interior features include an upgraded sound system, a Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit and a custom aluminum shift knob.

Personalization Sonic concept
Equipped with several performance enhancements, this Victory Red concept represents an undeniably fun take on Sonic – with a larger emphasis on personalization. Highlights include:

• Body-color door handles with chrome stripe
• Chrome liftgate and mirror cap trim
• Chevrolet Accessory exterior graphics package
• Chevrolet Accessory door sill plates and all-weather floor mats
• Chevrolet Accessory footwell lighting package and pedal covers
• Kicker^® 200-Watt DSP amp with 200-Watt powered subwoofer (also available with Chevrolet MyLink).

Some exterior details will be changed during the SEMA Show, giving the car a different appearance throughout the weeklong convention. It also features:

• Borla performance exhaust
• Chevrolet Performance suspension kit (with lowered ride height)
• Chevrolet Performance brake package with Wilwood front calipers
• Chevrolet Performance 18-inch wheel-and-tire package.

Spark EV Tech Performance concept
A pure-electric urban mini-car designed for fun driving, easy ownership and head-turning style, the Spark EV uses no gasoline, but its GM-built motor and drive unit deliver 400 lb-ft of instant torque – more than the classic 1969 Camaro SS muscle car with a 350 V-8 – for exhilarating acceleration. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.

The Tech Performance concept builds on Spark EV’s performance with a unique power-delivery algorithm that enhances acceleration. Stronger axles support the greater power – helping transform this electric mini car into a mini-muscle car. Additional features:

• Custom exterior color and graphics, a unique backlit Chevrolet “bowtie” emblem in the grille and performance billet aluminum wheels
• Chevrolet Accessory sill plates, floor mats and pedal covers
• Body-color trim plates and green stitching on the shifter boot and steering wheel
• A military-style flip-up “activation switch” on the instrument panel adds a fun, high-performance-oriented touch of style to this plug-in performer
• Lightweight features that enhance performance

Urban Cool Impala concept
All-new for 2014, the Impala’s aggressive good looks contributed to a 64-percent rise in retail sales in September. The Urban Cool concept builds on  the Impala LTZ with custom-painted grille accents, Chevrolet Accessories concept ground effects and Chevrolet Accessories concept 20-inch wheels painted to match the grille accents.

A lowered stance further accents the sporty style while the LTZ’s high-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode, or LED, daytime running lamps lend a more sophisticated appearance. Inside, the trim is painted high-gloss piano black and anodized low-gloss black, contrasting with Sky Cool Gray leather-trimmed seats that also feature perforated leather inserts and orange stitching.

The Urban Cool concept rocks with the Impala’s available 11-speaker Bose^® Centerpoint^® Surround Sound System, which connects to the Chevrolet MyLink system via an eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen.

Malibu LTZ concept
With a raft of technology, comfort and refinement enhancements, as well as a new front-end design, the 2014 Malibu takes on one of the industry’s most competitive segments with greater roominess, greater efficiency and greater connectivity. The Malibu LTZ SEMA concept delivers greater style, too, with performance-style ground effects and Chevrolet Accessories 19-inch wheels with a Sterling Silver finish. A Borla exhaust system lends a throatier note to the 259-hp, 2.0L turbocharged engine. A concept Stage Kit and cold-air induction system support greater performance, too, from an engine that already delivers 295 lb-ft of torque, the most in its class.

Personalization Cruze Diesel concept
A distinctive ground effects package by 3dCarbon, as well as an updated front fascia and chin spoiler give this Cruze Diesel concept a fresh, athletic aesthetic that supports its 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm) – and 0-60 capability of 8.6 seconds. Inside, the sound system is upgraded with Kicker^® Audio components and an ambient lighting package has been added. With its 2.0L clean turbo-diesel engine, the Cruze Diesel offers EPA-estimated 46 mpg on the highway – better than any non-hybrid or gasoline-powered passenger car in America. It can travel 717 miles on a single tank, or about 10 hours of highway driving.

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