The Chevrolet Corvette has been competing in the American Le Mans racing series since 1999 and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2000. The Corvette C5-R, which was campaigned through 2004, and its successor, the Corvette C6.R, have compiled an impressive tally of driver championships, manufacturer/team championships, and class wins. Now the Corvette is moving to the GT2 class to compete with the likes of Ferrari. But in recognition of its GT1 dominance, Chevrolet has released a special version of the street car: the GT1 Championship Edition. Available as a Corvette coupe ($65,310), convertible ($71,815), or Z06 ($86,385) in either velocity yellow or black, the package includes a custom black leather interior with yellow accents; chrome wheels; a full-width, body-color spoiler; a new engine cover; and a windshield banner. Non-Z06 cars also get the Z51 package and performance exhaust. Production is limited to 600 units, 100 in each color for each model.
CORVETTE ENDURANCE RACING, THE NUMBERS
8 years as ALMS GT1 manufacturers champion
1956 the Corvette's first international road race, the 12 Hours of Sebring (ninth-place finish, with drivers John Fitch and Walt Hansgen)
5 class victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans
e85: the fuel that powered the C6.R in the 2008 and 2009 series
12 races, the Corvette's longest ALMS winning streak
70 liters, the displacement of the C6.R's LS7.R racing engine, and also the LS7 V-8 in the street Z06