Chevrolet's new Corvette Stingray to act as Pace Car at 2013 Indy
500
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6th May, 2013
The all-new, seventh-generation 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will
serve as the Pace Car, leading the field at the start of the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, 26th May, at
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis USA.
It marks a record 12th time the Corvette has served as the Pace Car, starting in 1978.
“It is an honour to help inaugurate the all-new Corvette Stingray at the hallowed Brickyard and further the legacy
between Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500,” said Jim Campbell, GM vice president of Performance Vehicles and
Motor Sports. “The 2014 Corvette Stingray’s performance was influenced by racing, making this prestigious assignment
even more fitting.”
Along with Chevrolet’s return in 2012 as an engine supplier, the Corvette Stingray Pace Car extends a legacy at the
Brickyard (as the circuit is affectionally known) that dates to the racetrack’s early days.
“Chevrolet is a great partner of the Speedway,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation
president and chief executive officer. “That connection is heightened this year with the next-generation Corvette in
front of a very talented field of racers.”
Decked out in Laguna Blue Tintcoat with official Indianapolis 500 graphics on the doors, the Corvette Stingray Pace
Car differs from production models with only track-mandated safety features and strobe lights. No powertrain upgrades are
required to run in front of the Indy Car pack, thanks to its all-new 6.2L LT1 engine, which features advanced
technologies including direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder
deactivation). They help produce an estimated 450 horsepower more efficiently.
The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale in the third quarter 2013 across North America, with a convertible model
– featuring a fully electronic top that can be operated remotely with the key fob – coming a few months later. Vehicle
highlights include:
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- An interior that offers genuine carbon fibre and aluminium trim, hand-wrapped leather materials, dual eight-inch
configurable driver/infotainment screens, and two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for
exceptional support
- Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to fit
the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear
selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
- Lightweight materials, including a carbon fibre bonnet and removable carbon fibre roof panel on coupes; composite
front mudguards, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminium frame help
shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
- A sculpted exterior featuring advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven
aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability
- Track-oriented Z51 Performance Package, including an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system;
integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed
stability.
The Corvette Pace Car features the track-capable Z51 package.
Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500
Chevrolet has a long shared history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500 and the IZOD Indy Car
Series. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race, and the Chevrolet brothers – company
co-founder Louis, Arthur and Gaston – all competed in early Indy 500 races. Arthur Chevrolet competed in the 1911 race
and Gaston Chevrolet won it in 1920.
Chevrolet competed in Indy-style competition as an engine manufacturer in 1986-93 and 2002-05 with V8 engines, and
returned in 2012 with the Chevrolet Indy Car twin-turbo V6 engine with direct injection. In that time, Chevrolet won 118
Indy Car races, powered seven driver series champions and scored seven Indianapolis 500 victories.
This year marks the 24th time a Chevrolet has served as the official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500. This is more
than any other brand. The first Chevy appearance dates back to 1948 with a Chevrolet Fleetmaster. Camaro has served in
the role seven times and, with this year’s running, Corvette has led the way a record 12 times.
E&OE.
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