GM won a major legal victory Friday when a federal appeals court voted to decertify a class action lawsuit accusing the automaker of knowingly selling about 800,000 vehicles with defective transmissions.
In a 9–7 ruling, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati found that the differences among affected vehicle owners were too substantial to justify a single class action. The court cited the complexity of 26 statewide subclasses and 59 separate state-law claims, concluding that the case could not be fairly managed as a single unified suit.
The decision reverses an August 2024 ruling by Circuit Judge Karen Nelson Moore, who had approved the class certification. According to the appeal, Moore dissented from Friday’s opinion, accusing the majority of creating “insurmountable barriers to certification for plaintiffs who file class-action complaints against national manufacturers.”
Moreover, the case involves Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models from the 2015 to 2019 model years equipped with GM’s 8L45 or 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmissions. Plaintiffs alleged that the vehicles shook and shuddered at higher speeds and hesitated or lurched at lower speeds, even after attempted repairs.
Affected models include the Cadillac CTS, CT6, and Escalade; Chevrolet Camaro, Colorado, Corvette, and Silverado; and GMC Canyon, Sierra, and Yukon. The appeals court’s decision sends the case back to U.S. District Judge David Lawson in Detroit, who may now consider whether smaller, more narrowly defined subclasses can still be certified.
Class actions typically allow plaintiffs to pursue larger claims more efficiently. However, GM argued that the wide variability in how the defects manifested across states and vehicles made the case unsuitable for group litigation.
The C8 ZR1 era has just begun, & already GM has had several issues in building the newest Corvette supercar.
The issues first started when GM opened ordering but offered zero availability of its carbon fiber aero package which resulted in all ZR1 orders getting pulled back and then eventually pushed back to 3000 status. Now the biggest problem isn’t with the car it’s the calendar.
Last week, we reported that Chevy is running out of time to build all the 2025 Corvette ZR1 orders that had been accepted back in April. A total of 310 ZR1 orders are showing in the order system, and they started building them the week of April 28th. However, since assembly started, to date only 65 have been completed and time is running out to complete them all before the model year changeover happens on Monday, August 4th.
Complicating the build timing is a two-week summer closure for the plant surrounding the 4th of July holiday. Following Friday’s production, plant operations won’t return until Monday, July 14th. When the plant’s workers do return, there will be just 15 days left to build the remaining cars.
With time running out, GM emailed dealers with outstanding ZR1 orders late Friday to let them know they cannot commit to building all 310 Corvette ZR1s in the order system. Any 2025 ZR1 order that is still at 3000 Status or less will need to be resubmitted as a 2026 model year order.
Unfortunately for those buyers, the new 2026 models come with a higher MSRP and destination charges. The 2026 pricing that was revealed on Friday shows the 2026 ZR1 priced at $7200 higher than the 2025s based on the higher MSRP and the destination charge going up by another $100 to $1,995. ZR1 production is still in its “ramp up” with the plant building at only 2-3 ZR1s daily.
If that tempo continues when the plant reopens, looking at just around 100 ZR1s built for the 2025 model year.
Of course, these 2025 customers that just had their orders kicked back to them are now in limbo with how to proceed. GM has had just one order cycle for the 2026 model year and the ZR1 wasn’t allocated during this first go-around. It appears that these jilted customers will have to wait until the next order cycle and that’s only if ZR1 allocations are granted.
Also seeing about buyers asking for price protection on their ZR1 orders and that reminded us of how GM got into a similar pickle with the 2021 Corvettes which had an immediate price increase instituted during the middle of the 2021 model year. GM promised price protection on all orders 1100 or higher, and it ended up being a nightmare as the new prices were charged and dealers were supposed to rebate the difference.
National Corvette Day is celebrated every year, on June 30, today. It gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate a major accomplishment in their automobile history. It is a great time to learn about how the Corvette became a part of modern American history by pushing the limits of technology and making the American automobile industry a symbol of industrial genius.
History of National Corvette Day
National Corvette Day is celebrated as a remembrance of the origins of the Corvette, the iconic American sports automobile. The model was introduced in 1953 by the General Motors automobile factory in Michigan. The unique design and sturdiness of the Corvette made it widely popular, and it soon became a symbol of American industry and national pride.
In 2008, the American House of Representatives announced that June 30 would be commemorated as National Corvette Day. Incidentally, this was the year when GM had completed 100 years of its operations, which made it the right time to dedicate an entire day in the national calendar to celebrate an important milestone.
Another interesting fact is that 2008 was also the year when the American automobile industry, and the entire economy for that matter, was undergoing a huge crisis. It was the biggest crisis since the Great Depression and was being felt quite severely by the automobile industry, including General Motors. Therefore, by announcing National Corvette Day, the government also intended to reduce some of the gloom and doom that was being spread about the American automobile industry by celebrating one of its most remarkable achievements.
The decision proved to be timely and well-received because since then National Corvette Day has been celebrated regularly across America and the automobile industry has also recovered from the crisis. Today, celebrating National Corvette Day has become a symbol of the American people’s faith in their automobile industry and confidence in its prosperous future.
Emerging as the unique sports car design in an otherwise rather boring line of vehicles for General Motor’s Chevrolet brand, the Corvette brought a new vibe in 1953. Premiering at New York City’s GM Motorama Show, the Corvette was a sports car that came off the Flint, Michigan assembly line a few months later–on June 30.
The original model of this car got off to a slow start, selling only 183 out of the original production of 300. But when the 1957 Corvette Super Sport was born, it quickly became legendary with its V-8 engine and up to 225 horsepower. Since that time, the Corvette has been a symbol of speed and sport for several generations.
The Corvette logo is two flags on crossed poles. One of the flags is checkered to symbolize the race, while the other is the American Stars and Stripes flag to symbolize the place of its production. National Corvette Day is celebrated on June 30, giving a nod to the day the first Corvette rolled off the assembly line back in 1953.
It was in June 2008, in honor of the 55th anniversary of this classic car, that the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution that the day would be known as National Corvette Day.
H.Res.970 - Expressing support for designation of June 30 as "National Corvette Day". 110th Congress (2007-2008) Passed House without amendment (06/26/2008) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Supports the designation of June 30 as National Corvette Day.
In the House of Representatives, U. S. A
June 26, 2008.
Whereas the Chevrolet Corvette is America’s first sports car; Whereas the first production Corvette rolled off a Flint, Michigan, assembly line on June 30, 1953; Whereas the Corvette is now manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky; Whereas the Corvette is the most widely respected production sports car in United States history; Whereas the Corvette is truly a symbol of American pride; Whereas General Motors is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008; and Whereas the 30th of June would be an appropriate day to designate as “National Corvette Day”: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives supports the designation of a “National Corvette Day” to honor the Chevrolet Corvette.
The base 1LT Corvette Stingray Coupe was $68,300 + $1,895 shipping for a total of $70,195. The new price will be $70,000 + $1,995 shipping for a total of $71,995 an increase of $1,800.
The same amount on the 1LZ E-Ray Coupe. For the 3LZ Corvette Z06 Coupe, the MSRP price is up $3,705 and the new ZR1 is also getting an increase of $5,205 with the starting 3LZ Convertible MSRP now at $201,400. In addition to the MSRP of the model trim levels, the delivery fee which went up another $100 to $1,995
2026 Corvette Stingray • Coupe 1LT: $70,000 • Coupe 2LT: $77,100 • Coupe 3LT: $81,750
The Z51 Performance Package for Stingray and ZER for E-Ray are staying the same, but the Z07 Ultimate Performance Package is now up from $8,995 to $9,500 and the ZTK Performance Package on the ZR1 changes from $1,500 to $4,395. It still requires the Carbon Fiber Aero Package (TOM) but comes with the new J59 Alcon brake package.
Carbon fiber aero for the Z06 remains the same price as 2025, see the carbon ceramic J57 brakes are going from $8,495 to $9,000.
The Carbon Fiber Wheels and Carbon Ceramic Brakes, as well as the Carbon Fiber Aero Package and Wheels priced together:
PDB: Z06 with ROY Carbon Fiber Wheel and Brake Package – $16,000 PDB: Z06 with ROZ Carbon Fiber Wheel and Brake Package – $17,000 PDB: Z06 with STZ Carbon Fiber Wheel and Brake Package – $17,500 PDD: Z07 Carbon Flash Aero and ROY Wheel Package – $24,995 PDD: Z07 Carbon Flash Aero and ROZ Wheel Package – $25,995 PDD: Z07 Carbon Flash Aero and STZ Wheel Package – $26,495 PDF: Z07 Visible Carbon Aero and ROY Wheel Package – $25,995 PDF: Z07 Visible Carbon Aero and ROZ Wheel Package – $26,995 PDF: Z07 Visible Carbon Aero and STZ Wheel Package – $27,495
New items for 2026. Roswell Green Metallic will cost $500. The Illuminated Cross Flags Badge (R88) is $495. The Electrochromic Roof Panel (CF8) will cost $3,000, and it’s not available on 1LT/1LZ trims. The Asymmetrical mixed seats (AUP – driver gets Competition Sport Seats and passengers get GT2 seats) is only $250 but requires the HVZ Asymmetrical Adrenaline Red/Jet Black interior. The Carbon Fiber Display Hood (DY0) is $695.
There were no prices listed for the upcoming 2026 Corvette ZR1X as of now
For the first time in more than a decade, Corvette will be on the grid for the 24 Hours of Spa the biggest GT3 race in the world. Johor Motorsports Racing and Steller Motorsport each are entering a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R at Spa-Francorchamps in the blue-riband round of SRO Motorsports and the Intercontinental GT Challenge. It’s the first Spa 24 Hours for Corvette since 2011.
Corvette Racing factory driver Alexander Sims GTD PRO championship co-leader with Antonio Garcia after a runner-up finish at Watkins Glen in IMSA leads the lineup for the Bronze-class No. 2 JMR Z06 GT3.R and teams with Jordan Love, Prince Jefri Ibrahim, Prince Abu Bakar Ibrahim. Steller Motorsport also will go with a four-driver lineup in its Silver-class No. 24 Corvette: Matisse Lismont, Lorcan Hanafin, Daniel Ali and Olivier Hart.
Both teams have tasted success so far this year. JMR already is a two-time winner in GT World Challenge Asia this year, and Prince Jefri Ibrahim leads the series’ Drivers Championship. In GT World Challenge Europe, Steller Motorsports claimed a runner-up, Silver-class finish in its first race with the Corvette at Paul Ricard in Endurance Cup competition. The Corvette Z06 GT3.R has scored six victories worldwide this year, including the Rolex 24 at Daytona by GTD team AWA, as well as a third-place LMGT3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by TF Sport.
Preparation for Corvette’s return to the Spa 24 Hours has included the two-day Prologue for both Steller and JMR plus simulation tests by Corvette factory drivers at Chevrolet’s Driver-in-the-Loop facility in North Carolina. The 2025 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa takes place June 25-29, with full race and qualifying coverage available on SRO Motorsports’ official YouTube channel.
CORVETTE RACING PROGRAM MANAGER:
“The launch of our Corvette GT3 program opened the door to a number of new possibilities to see the Corvette Z06 GT3.R race around the world. The Spa 24 Hours ranks very close to, if not at, the top of that list. We are excited to see JMR and Steller Motorsport take Corvette back to the largest GT3 race in the world for the first time in almost 15 years. Both teams are well-prepared following the Spa Prologue, and we hope to see them challenging for the podium and class victories come Sunday.”
ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 2 JOHOR MOTORSPORTS RACING CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“Pretty much every single year at Spa, it’s upwards of the in 60s if not more for car count. It’s always an incredibly competitive race, pretty much the GT3 race of the year. There is a little more restriction on strategy and things nowadays than when I first did it 10 or 12 years ago.
But it’s an awesome event. The track is lovely to drive. During the Prologue, the Corvette was working pretty well and feeling nice to drive around there. It works really well on the Pirellis so there’s really very little to adjust to (from IMSA).
“I’m looking forward to it. It should be an enjoyable 24 hours. I’m not entirely sure that we have the most competitive driver lineup in the Bronze class because of the way the gradings work.
You see some of the lineups and they are just phenomenal. But I have every confidence that Prince Jefri and Prince Abu Bakar can pull their weight in terms of the Bronze driver pace, and hopefully Jordan and I can do a decent job compared to the other pros, and we’ll see how we end up.
“I got to work with Steller at Barcelona for their shakedown, and that was lovely to get into a brand-new car and have it feel perfectly familiar. And being able to do some other racing outside of IMSA but in a Corvette with JMR, it means you can arrive at a track and get straight down to business of thrashing the car to the limit straightaway, and you feel comfortable.”
HH PRINCE JEFRI IBRAHIM, NO. 2 JOHOR MOTORSPORTS RACING CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I think this is one of the most historic races and one of the biggest races of the year, especially with 75 cars, which is a record. It’s a huge one for us. This is quite unique. We just started a new team. We’re working with a new manufacturer in Corvette and Chevrolet. Furthermore, we have new challenges that we are trying to meet, so there are a lot of exciting things going on.
This is our first year at Spa. We have two mechanics from Malaysia and two drivers from Malaysia myself and my brother alongside the other 200 drivers who are here. So it does mean a lot to us to come here. The Corvette is still a new car for us as drivers plus the team, the engineers and everyone. We are learning more and more each race about the car. We still have a long way to go as a team, and we want to be the best one out there.
It’s positive that things have gone this well so far, but this is just the beginning. There are a lot of strong teams and cars. This is an endurance race and anything can happen. Our main focus is first to finish before we aim to win.”
HH PRINCE ABU BAKAR IBRAHIM, NO. 2 JOHOR MOTORSPORTS RACING CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“It is the biggest race for the team this year. Driving Spa on the simulator and driving on it in real life is amazing. You cherish all these moments. It’s my first year in endurance racing, and there is no better place to do this than Spa.
This is the first year that we are running on our own as a team. We have a few crew members from Malaysia, and our focus is to get people back home to work and race with us internationally. Not only do we want to be on the top steps all the time, but part of that journey is bringing people from back home to help them achieve the same goals as us.”
JORDAN LOVE, NO. 2 JOHOR MOTORSPORTS RACING CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“Spa is always such a special event; it’s by far one of the highlights of the year for many reasons. It’s history and the intensity that this race brings is unlike anything else. To come back for a second year running with JMR our first as a standalone team is awesome, but this year with a new challenge in the new Corvette is super exciting.
The year so far with the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R has been great, and I really enjoy driving it. To tackle a challenge as big as having a new car and to do that with your own new team is a huge challenge. To have the success that the team has had in such a short space of time is a huge credit to everyone involved. Last year’s Spa 24 hour didn’t go our way, so we definitely have some redemption this year.”
“I am more than excited to join Steller Motorsport for one of the biggest GT races in the world. I have raced at Spa-Francorchamps many times and enjoyed some success, and I cannot wait to tackle this hard and exhausting race again. We’ve got to race smart, endurance racing can throw a lot at you, but given our Corvette’s strength during the Prologue, I’m heading to the Ardennes with high hopes for a great first race with this incredible group of people.”
“I am really looking forward to the 24 Hours of Spa. We’ve had an encouraging couple of endurance races with the Corvette, and we showed some good pace at the Prologue. Keeping it clean and avoiding mistakes will be the key to getting a good result, but I’m confident we can deliver a strong performance.”
DANIEL ALI, NO. 24 STELLER MOTORSPORT CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“It’s really exciting to be heading into the 24-hour with the Corvette and Steller Motorsport. We had a promising Prologue and there were plenty of positives to take from Monza, and I know we have the experience and speed to challenge for a good result. This is my first 24-hour race, and so I will have a lot to learn, but I am ready for one of the most challenging and prestigious racing events in the world.”
“My home race of the season, so, like always, I am very much looking forward to it; it’s an iconic track, an iconic event, and with iconic GT cars driving for 24 hours straight in the infamous Spa weather it is always a special feeling. I’m feeling good, and ready to get going.”
After gaining entry into Felix Chevrolet by smashing a plate glass window with an e-scooter, the would-be thief managed to find the keys to the Z06 but here’s where not thinking things through nabbed him. After using the car as a battering ram to break through another window, the thief forgot that Corvettes are really low-slung vehicles and halfway out of the building, the frame on this Z06 got stuck after bottoming out on the lower part of the window frame.
USC public safety happened to be nearby and quickly apprehended the suspect for the Los Angeles Police Department, who arrived shortly after and took custody of the man. We applaud the police officer who maintains his cool while the suspect babbles incoherently for a couple of minutes before he finally gets into the back of the police vehicle to be hauled off to jail.
The nearly purloined Z06, incidentally, was well loaded with a sticker price of $165,240 – including the top-of-the-line 3LZ package and several other high-dollar options like Visible Carbon Fiber Aero ($10,495), Z06 Ultimate Performance Package ($8,995), Carbon Fiber Interior Trim ($4,995), Front Lift ($2,595), Engine Appearance Package ($1,095), Visible Carbon Mirror Caps ($1,250), Transparent Removable Roof Panel ($995), Spider Design Black Wheels ($995), Yellow Painted Brake Calipers ($595), Rapid Blue paint ($500), Yellow Seat Belts ($495), Yellow Custom Leather Stitch ($495), Black Exhaust Tips ($395), and Battery Protection Package ($100).
From watching the video, it’s hard to tell exactly how much damage was done to the Corvette. Hopefully the paint wasn’t too badly harmed by the shattered glass lying atop the hood, but it’s possible that the front nose and driver’s side front fender were scraped when the thief tried to ram the car through the window. It also appears that the driver’s side carbon mirror could have been scraped by the window frame as well.
You can see the video taken by PMTVLA only on YouTube
For its new 1,250-horsepower hypercar, the 2026 Corvette ZR1X, Chevy has tasked brake specialist (NON-American) Alcon with developing a system capable of managing the vehicle’s extreme performance. The result is the J59 braking package, a clean-sheet design created specifically for the ZR1X to provide superior heat resistance and ultra-responsive braking. This robust system is essential for controlling a car capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in under two seconds.
Key Highlights • System Supplier: The J59 package was designed and supplied by Alcon. • Massive Calipers: The system features 10-piston front and 6-piston rear monobloc calipers. • Advanced Rotors: Braking force is applied to 16.5-inch front and rear carbon ceramic rotors, the largest diameter ever offered on a Corvette. • Measured Performance: During testing, GM engineers recorded 1.9G of deceleration from 180 to 120 mph with the J59 system. • System Availability: The package comes standard on the Corvette ZR1X and is available as an option on the ZR1. • J59 Package Technical Specifications
• The all-new J59 braking package from Alcon represents a significant step forward in braking technology for a production vehicle. The system’s architecture is built around powerful 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers, providing a massive contact patch for the pads.
• These calipers clamp down on enormous 16.5-inch carbon ceramic rotors at both the front and rear axles. A key feature of these rotors is their construction from continuously woven carbon fiber threads, a design intended to deliver exceptional thermal management and durability under the high-stress conditions of track use. The sheer size of the rotors, the largest ever fitted to a Corvette, ensures maximum leverage and heat dissipation.
• Unprecedented Performance and Durability
• General Motors has described the J59 package as “the most resilient production car braking system we’ve tested within GM.” This claim is supported by performance data, with J59-equipped Corvettes achieving a remarkable 1.9G of deceleration in high-speed testing.
• The system’s ability to consistently manage the energy generated by the ZR1X’s 1,250 horsepower LT7 twin-turbo V8 and eAWD powertrain is critical to the car’s performance envelope. The design focuses on preventing brake fade during extended lapping sessions, ensuring the driver has reliable and consistent stopping power on both the road and the racetrack.
• The new brake system also integrates with the car’s advanced vehicle dynamics. The PTM Pro (Performance Traction Management) system includes features like Regen Brake Torque Vectoring, which recovers energy without sacrificing agility, and Front Axle Pre-Control, which actively manages front brake pressure to maximize traction when exiting a corner.
This level of integration highlights how the Alcon braking system is a core component of the ZR1X’s overall dynamic performance.
Following extremely positive results at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it’s time for the Chevy Corvette Z06 GT3.R teams in IMSA to take on an endurance race of their own this weekend in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen.
Four Corvettes will be part of both GT classes at The Glen with 31 production-based cars part of the full 56-car entry for the first IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship round of the summer. The goal is to deliver the Corvette Racing program its third victory in the Sahlen’s Six Hours and first since 2021. Watkins Glen also serves as the third of five rounds in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup with the Corvette program already having a victory this year courtesy of GTD team AWA.
At Watkins Glen, points will be awarded at the three-hour mark as well as the race’s end. Entering the Six Hours, Chevrolet stands third in both the GTD PRO and GTD Manufacturers standings; a maximum of five points per segment are available at IMEC events.
Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports (GTD PRO)
• No. 3 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Antonio Garcia/Alexander Sims • No. 4 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Tommy Milner/Nicky Catsburg
The Pratt Miller Corvette team has three victories at Watkins Glen including the Six Hours in 2014 and 2021. Of note, Antonio Garcia was part of all three victories and is a two-time pole-winner in the event. Garcia and Alexander Sims have three podiums in four races this year and sit second in the GTD PRO Drivers Championship. The duo were second at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the last GTD PRO round at Detroit.
Tommy Milner and Nicky Catsburg aim to make the podium for the first time this season after some bouts of hard luck earlier this year. The No. 4 Corvette duo has led in class at both Daytona and Sebring but in-race contact particularly at Detroit derailed their race-winning hopes. A year ago, Milner had to pit from the lead with one lap to go.
AWA (GTD) No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Matt Bell, Orey Fidani, Lars Kern
The AWA squad contests its second long-distance race in as many weekends following a 10th-place showing in the LMGT3 class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Bell, Fidani and Kern finished seventh last year in GTD at Watkins Glen but ran in the GTD top-five ahead of a downpour that trapped the AWA Corvette and many others – on-track with slick tires on. The solid run at Le Mans, where they ran as high as sixth in class, gives the team hope of adding a second race win to its count (the Rolex 24 to start the season) and a boost in the GTD Drivers and Teams championships for the full season and the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup.
DXDT’s endurance lineup reunites again with some solid momentum from the previous two sprint races on its side. Eastwood is coming off a third-place finish at Le Mans in one of TF Sport’s Corvettes, Alec Udell is driving the remaining sprint races with DXDT Racing, and Yoluc was part of a positive test at The Glen with DXDT Racing about a month ago.
DXDT Racing appeared on course for a podium finish and potentially a class win at Sebring with its three-driver endurance lineup before a late-race problem in the waning laps sidelined the Corvette.
The Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 22. The race will air live on NBC from noon to 3 p.m. with full streaming coverage on Peacock. IMSA Radio will air all on-track sessions at IMSA.com along XM 206, SiriusXM Online 996.
CORVETTE RACING BY PRATT MILLER MOTORSPORTS
ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“We are getting close to our first win of the season. Watkins Glen gives us a great chance to achieve it. The nature of the track should favor us in some ways. I feel like the Corvette no matter the version of racecar has always been very solid and fast at tracks like Watkins Glen. It’s one of the amazing tracks in America that we look forward to every year.”
ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I would say we are optimistic going back to Watkins Glen. Antonio, myself and the No. 3 guys have been pretty consistent all season. We haven’t been able to win yet but we’ve been very close a couple of times. I’m hoping that the breakthrough comes at The Glen, which is one of my absolute favorite tracks in America. The flow of corners around there works so well in the Corvette, and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in it last year. If we are to come through with a win, this would be a great time for it.”
TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Watkins Glen this weekend. It’s a race that I’ve thought about a lot over the last year. We were fortunate to be in a position to win at the end due to all of the cautions but it still stung having to pit coming to the white flag for fuel. The Six Hours is a race that I’ve yet to win and is very much on my list of ones I very much would like to cross off.
Our Corvette Z06 GT3.R has been quick all year but we still struggle to race well with others in the class with our power disadvantage. Watkins Glen allows for a bit of strategy and we’ll continue to use all of our tools to fight for the win.”
NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“Last year at Watkins we had some minor issues with the car, which we only found out after the weekend! So we are looking for some redemption and a better shot at it. Watkins Glen was not super successful for us, even though the car was good. But I do love the place so I cannot wait to go back and give it another try. It’s one of my favorite circuits in the States. Hopefully this time we can stay out the sort of trouble like we had at Detroit with some of the other cars. We need a clean race and we need a result finally. I think we deserve it.”
AWA PRE-EVENT DRIVER QUOTES
MATT BELL, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“IMSA is always full of amazing circuits. We’re looking forward to getting back on that side of the pond where we know are very strong. I love driving around Watkins Glen. We felt like it was a little bit of a race that got away from us last year. Obviously the weather had an impact on the results and things. I’m ready to go back there. I feel like we’ve had the pace to podium in each race this year if not competing for wins. I think we can do the same this weekend.”
OREY FIDANI, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“It’s pretty exciting going into this next stretch of races. Le Mans was pretty awesome for us and a lifetime achievement and dream for me. I really, really enjoy Watkins Glen. The car was great there last year and should be super-strong this year. We want to try for a good result to get back some ground in the GTD championship and in the Endurance Cup. I’m looking forward to it.”
LARS KERN, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“It’s good to be in this car for as much time as you can. Le Mans was good to use in preparation for Watkins Glen this weekend. I had about a day-and-a-half at home to get ready to fly out. I’m looking forward to that challenge and being at the track. To me, this is very positive.”
DXDT RACING PRE-EVENT DRIVER QUOTES
CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 36 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“Driving Watkins Glen during testing, it is such a good track. I had never been there in a GT car before testing, only in a prototype. It was great. After I did my first run and the team plugged in my intercom, the first thing I said was what an unbelievable racetrack. It’s so fast, so flowing, such high-grip. It really suits the Corvette so well because it has such a good aero platform.
It feels like a mini-prototype in some of these corners. I’m looking forward to it. We had a good run at Sebring. We were on for our first podium in IMSA before an issue just at the flag. The team have shown great performance in the last two sprint races. I hadn’t been with the team for a couple of months but I can see the steps they’ve made as they are still new to IMSA. It’s a great bunch of people and I’m looking forward to this a lot.”
ALEC UDELL, NO. 36 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“We had a good test at Watkins Glen a couple of weeks ago and got to work through some things that we had had some questions about as we’ve been going through the season. It was a positive test and a good time to work all the drivers through. I’m not exactly sure how we’re going to stack up in the class, but we’ve had a very competitive car over the last few races and have always been able to run up front. There’s been a little bad luck mixed in with a couple of executional items that we can clean up as well.
If we can just get a little bit of fortune on our side, we’re poised for a really solid result. Watkins Glen is a track that Salih likes. Charlie and myself are our big fans of the track, so we’re excited to go there. It’s well-suited to the strength of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R; we really thrive in those kinds of high-speed flowing sections and I think we’re good over curbs and good over the bumps. It’s similar to Sebring in that way. We had a good car there, and I think we’ll have a good car at Watkins Glen.
“I’m really excited with all the efforts that the DXDT crew are putting in with this program. On a personal note. I moved to the Charlotte area over the time from last race to this this race so I’ve been able to be a little bit more consistent in the shop and work on a few more of the driver things which I think will hopefully translate into some good synergies and good energy coming into the race. So I’m really looking forward to it.”
SALIH YOLUC, NO. 36 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“We have a good opportunity to turn our luck around at Watkins Glen. The team had a very good test there and the Corvette appears to be a car that should be suited for the track. This is very different than the tracks I have raced so far this year Daytona and Sebring so I am looking forward to this challenge. I think we definitely can contend for a podium finish here if not more.”
I verified that GM shuts down the Electric FWD motor at 160 MPH
Ran my simulator, do not know all the 2026 ZR1-X specs at this time but numbers I used are close Battle of 5 ZR1s ( Non-Corrected as to weather and elevation )
Chevry is introducing an all-wheel drive Corvette worthy of the storied ZR1 designation: the 2026 Corvette ZR1X. With 1,250 horsepower1 and electrified all-wheel drive, ZR1X is a true American hypercar and the most advanced Corvette ever. With ZR1 and ZR1X, Chevrolet now has the most powerful American performance car duo of any auto manufacturer.
ZR1X features:
• LT7 twin-turbo V8: 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm • Front-axle motor: 186 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque • GM-estimated 0-60: Under 2 seconds • GM-estimated ¼ mile: Under 9 seconds, with trap speed over 150 mph2
“From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said General Motors senior VP Ken Morris. “This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history, supporting the widest range of American sports cars3 and delivering world-class performance at every level.”
New Corvette ZR1X badge on 2026 Corvette ZR1X in Blade Silver Metallic. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary. Otherworldly power, impressive traction
America’s hypercar starts with the ZR1’s LT7 V8, generating more power than any other V8 produced by an American auto manufacturer 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a forged flat-plane crankshaft, finger-follower valvetrain, and dry-sump lubrication, this hand-built 5.5-liter Gemini small-block V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crankshaft engines powering the Corvette Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. This mighty V8 includes:
• Dual 76-mm turbochargers • A “maniturbo” exhaust design that combines the manifold and turbocharger housing to get the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible, improving throttle response by decreasing time needed to build boost • Dynamic anti-lag controls that maintain turbo speed when off-throttle in certain situations so boost is available rapidly when throttle is reapplied
Where ZR1 embodies the rear-wheel drive precedent set by prior generations, the Corvette team added all-wheel drive capability for a new take on performance. ZR1X benefits from the foundation set in 2024 by E-Ray, the first-ever AWD Corvette, combining a high-voltage battery pack and electric motor driving the front axle with V8 propulsion turning the rear axle.
There is no physical connection between the two power sources on ZR1X, and the electrified propulsion system does not require a plug-in charging takes place through regenerative efforts from the front drive unit.
ZR1X’s battery pack, located low and centralized within the rigid spine of the chassis, was designed specifically to rapidly cycle between applying bursts of power and charging. This robust pack has been tested at tracks around the world and conquered Corvette’s 24-hour track durability test. While the battery capacity is 1.9 kWh like E-Ray, the usable energy has grown to provide greater lapping capability.
This improvement raises the peak operating voltage, which increases the power output from the front drive unit.
The compact electric motor on the front axle is capable of 186 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque on demand. While retaining the same shape and size of the E-Ray front drive unit, the ZR1X unit pairs strengthened internal components and improvements in energy deployment to generate an additional 26 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque. The front axle is engaged and can apply power through 160 mph before disconnecting, directly benefitting ZR1X’s quarter-mile acceleration stats and on-track balance.
Front 3/4 view of 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X in Blade Silver Metallic. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary.
Two propulsion systems, one mission
The eAWD chassis controls system designed for E-Ray has undergone a significant upgrade for ZR1X. With the benefit of experience on this electrified AWD architecture, the development team applied knowledge from E-Ray to solutions specifically for the LT7’s character and capability. The result is evident in on-road drivability and on-track performance. ZR1X is constantly monitoring driver inputs and vehicle conditions to blend power at both axles for responsiveness and traction management.
On track, ZR1X utilizes specialized energy strategies designed to maximize electrified output based on track session demands and driver preferences: • Endurance – Engaging the Charge+ button adjusts the battery’s energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent eAWD output for a full tank of fuel • Qualifying – Optimum power strategy for the ultimate lap time • Push-to-Pass – Max available power on-demand PTM Pro, new for 2026 on all Corvettes, was designed with ZR1X in mind. PTM Pro delivers the purest driving experience. While this setting turns off traction and stability control, the following features remain active: • Regen Brake Torque Vectoring – engineered to recover peak energy without sacrificing agility • Front Axle Pre-Control – actively manages inside front brake pressure to enable maximum corner-exit traction • Launch Control – customizable settings enable rapid acceleration from a rest
Ultimate authority on-road and at the track
The ZR1X balances impressive power with robust brakes specifically developed with this car in mind. The J59 braking package, standard on ZR1X and an option on ZR1, is a clean-sheet design intended for superior heat resistance and ultra-responsive braking.
Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers are mated to 16.5-inch front and rear rotors the largest diameter rotors ever offered on Corvette. The rotors are carbon ceramic, constructed with continuously woven carbon fiber threads.
This is the most resilient production car braking system we’ve tested within GM. And during testing, we saw J59-equipped Corvettes achieve 1.9G of deceleration from 180 to 120 mph. ZR1X is offered in two chassis configurations that both feature magnetic ride control adjusting to the vehicle’s mode, driver inputs and the road surface for optimal control. The standard chassis, accompanied by Michelin PS4S tires, makes for a comfortable touring car on-road and a highly capable Corvette at the track. The available ZTK Performance Package incorporates higher spring rates and is firmer. Paired with the grip of Michelin’s Pilot Cup 2R tires, this is the pinnacle of Corvette performance.
Customers can equip the high-downforce Carbon Aero package to a standard chassis ZR1X, adding dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor and a highly effective rear wing. This package is capable of 1,200 lbs of downforce at top speed and comes standard on ZTK-equipped cars.
The pinnacle of Corvette performance
The 2026 Corvette ZR1X is the ultimate expression of the no-compromise eighth generation platform. It’s an all-day comfortable tourer, a straight-line rocket, and a racetrack weapon, all in one. Like every iconic sports car in the Corvette lineup, ZR1X will be available in coupe or hardtop convertible body style. ZR1X enters the market with Corvette’s fresh interior, revealed last month.
A new three-screen layout and reimagined console design, real-time vehicle data provided by the built-in Performance App, and new colors and high-quality materials all highlight the 2026 Corvette interior.
Every ZR1X will be proudly built in America at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky from U.S. and globally sourced parts, with every LT7 engine hand-assembled by the master engine builders at the Bowling Green Performance Build Center. Further details on price and availability will be shared closer to production.
11,064 horsepower from the LT7 5.5L V8 engine, plus 186 horsepower from the eAWD (electric drive unit). 2On a closed course only. Based on initial vehicle movement. 3Assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky of U.S. and globally sourced parts.
Chevy engineers have returned to the Nürburgring in Germany with a full contingent of high performance Corvettes for continued testing. But this is where it gets interesting as for the first time since forever the group is no longer driving camouflaged prototypes but painted production (or production-ready) cars that include the Z06, ZR1, and ZORA. According to a spy photographer at the ‘Ring, Chevy has even booked some time for timed hot laps later this month.
So far, a photographer at the event says that there are at least six Corvettes being tested: Two are Z06s wearing Accelerate Yellow and Black, two ZR1 Coupes in Black and Red, and two ZORA cars in Purple and Competition Yellow round out the group. He has so far captured five of the six, with the Red ZR1 not taking to the track on Tuesday.
The Z06s and ZR1s appear to be production (or in the case of the ZR1, production-ready CTFs) and we know that many C8 owners would welcome seeing Chevy really going after some fast lap times for bragging rights. With the Mustang GTD making two sub-7-second runs over the last few months, it’s time for the Corvette team to reassert themselves in the record-chasing business.
According to a spy photographer, the GM team will be in Germany for a total of three weeks as they use the first weeks for training on the ring before coming back after Le Mans (this weekend) and the 12H Nürburgring race (next weekend) to attempt at least two record runs on the 12.9-mile track. He tells us that several Michelin engineers are also embedded with the Corvette Team during this visit.
Going back to the cars, what we also found interesting is that Chevy brought at least two ZORA models with them. They are the Hysteria Purple and Competition Yellow Coupes with the hybrid sticker on the rear engine glass that is required whenever a vehicle on the Nürburgring has a hybrid powertrain.
In case of an accident, the sticker alerts the first responders that the car is electrified. Also can also see on these two cars a new darker-colored vertical cooling radiator mounted on the front driver’s side corner. Both cars are in full ZR1 packaging with extra cooling ducts on the rear and top of the engine hatch, but the Purple car is showing Z06 badges on the side while the Yellow ZORA has the ZR1 badges.
Rumors that the ZORA is actually an option on the ZR1 and not a stand-alone model have been mentioned in recent months, and Chevy could still roll that option out on the 2026 models as we are still waiting for the 2026 configurator to go live, 2026 pricing to be made live, and of course the first allocations and orders for the 2026 ZR1 have yet to commence.
Chevy proudly introduces the Corvette E-Ray in Europe, the first-ever all-wheel-drive hybrid Corvette blending the brand’s legendary performance with advanced electrification. Featuring the striking mid-engine design of the eighth-generation Corvette, the E-Ray incorporates functional enhancements that highlight both its performance capabilities and efficiency.
Developed to be the Corvette owners can arrive in anywhere, no matter the season, the E-Ray available in removable roof coupe and hardtop convertible models uses electrification to enhance the driving experience with intense straight-line performance, all-weather confidence and sure-footed grand touring capabilities that can only be achieved with eAWD ideal for the various conditions present in Europe.
E-Ray stands alone as the only sports car to unite a naturally aspirated V8 with an electrified all-wheel-drive system, delivering the thrill of classic power and the lightning-quick response of modern electric performance. Unmatched Performance One of the defining traits of the Corvette driving experience is the instant surge of power delivered by low-end torque – and the E-Ray delivers it in spades.
Power comes from the 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8, putting 482 horsepower (354 kW) and 452.1 lb-ft (613 Nm) of torque to the rear axle. It is complemented by an electric motor that channels an additional 161 horsepower (119 kW) and 121.7 lb-ft (165 Nm) of torque through the front wheels via a 1.9 kWh battery pack, which is located between the seats. In total, E-Ray produces a combined 643 horsepower (473 kW) from both the electric motor and Small Block V-8.
This advanced powertrain propels the E-Ray from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.9 seconds, making it the quickest production Corvette available in Europe to date.
Setting the Pace for Electrified Driving
E-Ray’s intelligent eAWD system constantly monitors the driving surface and adapts in real time to maximize grip and control. In dynamic driving scenarios or low-traction conditions, the system intuitively directs additional power to the front wheels, enhancing composure and stability.
And there’s no need to plug in the E-Ray’s battery recharges automatically through regenerative braking, coasting, and everyday driving, for a seamless and efficient hybrid experience. The E-Ray battery system with integrated power electronics ensures maximum reaction speed, efficiency and performance and improves the vehicle's sprint from 0 to 100 km/h by 0.5 seconds.
Additional features and technologies of the all-new E-Ray include:
• Stealth Mode, an electric drive mode for the street, up to 70km/h • Lightweight lithium-ion 12-volt battery that supports the LT2 V-8 engine’s stop/start functionality • Standard Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system for optimal braking performance • Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 with three distinct suspension settings • Staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires are available with an optional performance package. • Low, wide stance with crafted body styling that is 3.6 inches wider overall than Stingray • Visceral sound experience that embodies the car’s dominating presence. The electric front motor works in harmony with the LT2 engine to create an invigorating sound • Enhanced roster of driver assistance technologies including Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking.
Command Center on Wheels
Inside, the E-Ray features a driver-centric cockpit inspired by fighter jets, highlighted by a standard Head-Up Display and an available Performance Data and Video Recorder. Seamless connectivity comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, while the optional 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system delivers an immersive audio experience.
Electrified to Excite
The 2025 Corvette E-Ray’s electrified propulsion system provides exhilarating acceleration to power out of corners and effortlessly complete passing maneuvers. It can also provide limited all-electric propulsion at the driver’s discretion upon startup.
The E-Ray’s 6.2L V8 features Active Fuel Management, enabling 4-cylinder operation in various driving scenarios. E-Ray pairs AFM and power from the electric front axle to seamlessly extend opportunities for 4-cylinder operation for improved efficiency without comprising performance. The amount of electric assist is tailored within each of the Corvette E-Ray’s six driver-selectable modes: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode and Z-Mode. Drivers can also select the Charge+ feature, which maximizes the battery’s state of charge.
The E-Ray Performance App on the infotainment system provides the driver with technical insights into how the propulsion system is operating.
There are three primary display layouts: • Gauges (displays dynamic power output from electric motor and V-8 engine) • Dyno (provides graph of power/torque across selectable time intervals) • Data (showcases electrical system performance and efficiency) The Corvette E-Ray’s electric motor over the front axle is compact, preserving space in the front storage compartment. Stealth Mode – Silent Speed, Smart Control The Corvette E-Ray’s two driver-initiated electric modes enable the car to travel under electric propulsion in certain conditions. The electric motor also optimizes track performance.
Stealth Mode enables all-electric driving, when selected at start-up, for a period of time before the engine turns on for normal driving. It is designed for quietly exiting a neighborhood, with a maximum speed of 70km/h. The engine automatically engages if the vehicle’s speed exceeds the limit, additional torque is requested by the driver, or the E-Ray’s battery pack is depleted.
When it comes to leveraging the electrified propulsion system for enhanced track performance, E-Ray's eAWD control system applies torque to the front axle as needed. The Charge+ feature can be used to maximize battery state of charge for extended lapping. The custom-designed Performance Traction Management (PTM) modes are optimized in concert with the eAWD propulsion system.
Bold by Design
The E-Ray offers Europeans something bold and different its design reflects its performance capabilities, featuring wider fenders, quarter panels, and fascias, contributing to its sleek and aerodynamic profile. Inside, the cockpit combines functional technology with luxurious craftsmanship. The E-Ray shares its assertive, wide-body stance with the Z06, designed to accommodate broader wheels that enhance grip and control essential for managing the E-Ray’s increased torque at all four corners or at every wheel. Exclusive to this model, lightweight alloy wheels feature a distinctive twisted five-spoke star design, underscoring the E-Ray’s unique identity within the Corvette range.
E-Ray design highlights include:
• Four aluminum wheel finishes • Ten exterior color choices including Hysteria Purple, Seawolf Gray and Torch Red • Optional double racing stripe packages • Standard carbon flash badging • Available black exhaust tips and bright badging • Available carbon fiber ground effects • Optional carbon fiber wheels in carbon flash, visible carbon fiber finish or visible carbon fiber with a red stripe
There are multiple options for customers to select when it comes to personalizing their E-Ray’s interior, including two carbon fiber trim packages, three seat choices, 15 interior colors, and more.
The E-Ray Awaits
The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is now available for order in select mainland European markets.
Pricing starts at €169,000 (Coupe) and €176,900 (Convertible), offering exceptional value for a vehicle of its performance caliber. For more information on specifications, pricing, and to locate a dealer near you, please visit the official Chevrolet Europe website.
TF Sport and members of the Chevy Corvette Z06 GT3.R program are eager to take all the lessons and all the experience from their past 18 months together and turn it into a victory in the world’s biggest sports car race.
Two Corvettes from TF Sport are part of the LMGT3 grid for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans starting with Sunday’s Test Day and the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The pair of entries are part of a three-car Corvette contingent among the 24 cars in the class for this year’s event, which kicks off with Sunday’s annual Le Mans Test Day and includes fellow Corvette team AWA.
The TF Sport squad is going for a third class win at Le Mans the Corvette Racing program can make it 10 victories since 2001. The team’s trio of Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar and Ben Keating lead the WEC’s LMGT3 Drivers Championship standings on the strength of a victory at Qatar in their No. 33 Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Across the garage, the No. 81 Corvette lineup of Charlie Eastwood, Rui Andrade and Tom Van Rompuy are hoping to join their teammates as race winners for TF Sport in the trio’s second year together at Le Mans.
Each of the six drivers have different previous experiences at Le Mans. Eastwood and Keating are both past-winners of the race with Keating twice a winner, including in 2023 in a Corvette C8.R. Andrade is a past runner-up, Van Rompuy has two previous starts, Juncadella debuted last year and Edgar is a Le Mans rookie.
Two three-hour sessions are on the schedule for Sunday’s Test Day, which is the first time since last year’s final lap that cars will have the chance to run on the full 8.47-mile Le Mans circuit – a mix of permanent racetrack and public roads. The Test Day is valuable with only a three-hour Free Practice on Wednesday ahead of the first round of qualifying later in the day.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET / 4 p.m. CET on Saturday, June 14. MotorTrend will air the full race live in the U.S., with full live streaming of all on-track sessions including qualifying and Hyperpole will be available through the MAX app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans also will provide live streaming audio coverage of all sessions as well.
TF SPORT PRE-EVENT QUOTES DANI JUNCADELLA, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“Le Mans is such an incredible place. The track itself is one that on paper you don’t think is a challenge because there are a lot of long straights and there aren’t that many corners for such a long track. You’d think it is fairly easy but it’s incredible the aura that the place has. There is something you can feel and it’s impressive. I was grateful to experience that for the first time last year.
“It’s a big thing that we have had pretty flawless races so far. The team has really taken a step forward in the right direction. It’s no secret that the driver lineup is incredibly good. Both Ben and Jonny are really, really good. Having Tyler (Neff, race engineer) with us this year brought us some fresh ideas and experience with the Corvette. The Z06 GT3.R is in its second year and we have a season of experience with it in the bag so that helps a lot in terms of reliability and many other things. It’s a great year to be part of this lineup and this team. We’re having very clean races and that also pays off with consistency for scoring results and points.”
JONNY EDGAR, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
I am looking forward to competing in my first 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s a race I have watched for a long time and have always been interested to compete in so it is amazing I have finally got the opportunity to do so. If we can carry on the great work everyone has done this season then I am confident we will have a good result as we have managed to execute all three races very well so far this season. The whole team has done an amazing job.
“I cannot wait to drive the track for the first time, I am sure it will be very enjoyable in the Corvette Z06 GT3.R. It is very exciting to be racing alongside Ben and Dani at this race. Ben has had lots of success here with both Corvette and TF Sport so I am sure he will have lots of helpful advice for me, and Dani raced here last year with the Corvette so he will also be able to help me a lot as well.”
BEN KEATING, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“So far this season, the team has performed FLAWLESSLY! It has been very impressive and it is why we have seen the results. It’s no surprise given my past history with both TF Sport and the Corvette. There’s no reason to think we can’t keep the same incredible team performance for Le Mans.
“My first memory of Le Mans was in 2014 when I went as a spectator not knowing anything about it. I slept on the floor of the hospitality tent. I walked many miles. I felt like a little kid where everything was a new experience. To me what makes Le Mans special is that excitement and energy surrounding the event everything from the public scrutineering to the parade to the race itself. This is a result of the history and mostly because of the fans. Le Mans is not a race. Le Mans is an event.”
CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“We haven’t had the performance or results on our side, but the thing I’m really hopeful about is that as a crew, as a team and as a Corvette program, we’re executing some excellent races. When you get to Le Mans, it’s what I actually love so much about it – even over other 24-hour events it’s not like Daytona where you have so many cautions, and you can get back into the race and back onto the lead lap. In Le Mans, if you make a mistake in the first hour, then you have to be very fast to make that back up.
With the energy side of things, we’ll probably have 27 or 27 pit stops. Our guys have gotten super-quick at tire changes and the strategy has been very good in the last few events. When you add that up across 26 stops versus just four stops, it can make a big difference in the pitlane.
“On top of that, both Rui and Tom especially Rui as he is doing a geo-program in ELMS and then straight into a WEC race are driving incredibly well, love the car and are able to extract speed out of it. So from our side when you look at the lineup, we’re pretty strong in that regard. No, we didn’t have a great race there last year but as a team and a car, we’ve made massive strides in a lot of areas so hopefully that will play into our favor.”
RUI ANDRADE, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I’m very excited to be back at Le Mans as always. For us, it’s definitely the biggest race of the year and the one everyone wants to win. Last year was difficult, but we’ve made steps forward as a team, and I know my teammates and I are ready for the challenge ahead.
“I personally definitely feel stronger this year, which is a good confidence boost going into Le Mans. It’s a very long race and all three drivers need to be at their very best in order for the team to perform well. So hopefully I can keep my personal momentum going so we can fight for the win.”
In 2018, a horrific crash at Pocono nearly ended Robert Wickens’ life and seemingly ended his racing career. He suffered a double spinal cord fracture, multiple broken bones, and a severe pulmonary contusion. By the end of that year, Robert revealed he was a paraplegic.
But Robert Wickens is not like most people. This is the story of a man who refused to be defined by the crash that changed everything.
Through unwavering determination, incredible resilience, and the cutting-edge technology of Bosch Motorsport, Robert set his sights on an unthinkable goal: to race again at the highest level.
This isn’t just a story about recovery, it's about rediscovery. About holding onto your identity, chasing your dreams, and proving that hope can overcome even the most impossible odds
To fully understand 1,064 horsepower, you have to feel it.
When Chevrolet announced the 2025 Corvette ZR1, all eyes were on that horsepower figure. The ZR1’s twin-turbo 5.5-liter engine is the most powerful V-8 ever produced by an American automaker – brawny enough to send the new ZR1 ripping from zero to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds, on its way to a track-verified top speed of 233 mph1. The ZR1 makes more than five times the horsepower of a typical family vehicle
It's fun to tootle along on your commute and wonder what the drive would feel like with quintuple the thrust. But I didn’t truly grasp this king Corvette’s monumental power figure until I belted into the passenger seat of a Competition Yellow ZR1 and let Chris Barber, Corvette lead development engineer, show me around the Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, Texas.
Barber and the Corvette crew were at COTA to demonstrate the ZR1’s prowess to journalists and influencers. The choice of venue conveyed a message: This is a serious machine, a true American supercar2, and only a world-class road course like COTA could provide a suitable setting to safely become acquainted with the true capabilities of this Corvette.
All that made logical sense as Barber eased the bright yellow ZR1 out of pit lane and onto the track. Then he nailed the accelerator, and all the logic in my brain suddenly dismantled.
Off and running
The ZR1 accelerates like a wormhole. We zapped to COTA’s first corner, a nasty hairpin left, like we were teleporting. I’ve been lucky enough to ride in some very serious cars, including purpose-built racing machines. No vehicle ever pinned me to my seat back like this ZR1.
Flinging into Turn 1, we were off and running. Our ZR1 featured the ZTK Performance Package, with an imposing rear wing and a collection of carbon-fiber aerodynamic features that work together to generate immense downforce. Add in ultra-high-performance tires and the largest standard-equipment carbon-ceramic brakes ever fitted to a Corvette, and the ZR1 becomes nothing less than a racetrack monster.
At COTA, every fast, flowing segment is book ended by acute, low-speed corners. Most high-performance cars shine in one part of COTA and dawdle in the next. The ZR1 was unrelenting across every inch of this track. For every straightaway dispatched with rocket-like acceleration, there was an eye-popping braking zone. In corners, the Corvette generated g-forces like I’ve never experienced in a street-legal car. With Barber at the wheel, each lap was an uninterrupted thrill ride. I could barely catch my breath.
Simply put, the ZR1 never runs out of steam. Past a certain speed, even the most high-performance sports cars start to run out of breath, the rush of acceleration dwindling to a trickle. Not so with the ZR1. On COTA’s back straightaway, more than half a mile long, I snatched a glance at the speedometer as it flashed past 170 mph. Then Barber hit the brakes, arced the car into another corner, and – in my mind, at least broke about six different laws of physics at once.
Barber, I should note, has lots of practice hauling ZR1s around tricky racetracks. As lead development engineer on this new machine, Barber has logged thousands of miles refining the latest Corvette into a masterpiece. Along the way, he set a new production-car lap record at Road Atlanta, one of five records that now belong to the ZR1. As I strapped on my helmet ahead of our ride, I had no doubt that Barber would show me the ZR1’s full capabilities without breaking a sweat.
Staying cool
I, on the other hand, broke quite the sweat, despite the fact that the ZR1’s cabin was a refreshing 67 degrees throughout our three-lap run. This Corvette can pamper its occupants even on a 100-degree Austin day, providing ice-cold air conditioning and cooled seats even as it rockets around the track. Throwing me in the passenger seat of the ZR1 at COTA was like asking me to take a quick jog alongside an Olympic sprinter. My body isn’t conditioned for this kind of performance.
Soon – sooner than I ever anticipated – my three high-speed laps with Barber were over. As we circled the track for a cool-down lap, my circuit chauffeur beamed at the vehicle he had helped to create. “It’s amazing how effortless it is,” he told me. “You don’t have to wrestle the car to get fast lap times. If you know your way around a racetrack, you can get up to speed in this thing more effortlessly than any other car I’ve driven.”
I concurred, or at least I tried. Whatever I attempted to say came out as giggling jibberish. I entered the ZR1 thinking I knew what fast was. I got out in a state of perspiring disarray. Simply put, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 accelerates, brakes, and corners like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. If you want that kind of capability for yourself, the ZR1 is headed to dealerships now.
1 On a closed course only. Based on initial vehicle movement. 2 Assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky, of U.S., and globally sourced parts.
Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports will be back on home turf this weekend with its pair of Chevy Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs part of the field for Saturday’s Chevrolet Sports Car Classic.
The No. 3 and No. 4 Corvettes help make up a 22-car grid of GTD PRO and GTP entries for the fifth round of this year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with both cars looking to build on levels of success from the 2024 event in which they qualified first and second in class.
Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims, second in GTD PRO points, share the No. 3 Corvette and are coming off a third-place podium finish in the previous round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. A year ago at Detroit, Garcia claimed pole position in GTD PRO, but the No. 3 suffered a mechanical problem on the way to the green flag and finished well down the order.
That left Tommy Milner and Nicky Catsburg to fight for victory in the No. 4 Z06 GT3.R. Milner set the fastest race lap early on as the Corvette led the first 39 laps of the race. Shortly after Catsburg took over, he was hit and spun out following a mid-race restart that resulted in damage to the Corvette and a ninth-place finish.
This is the second appearance for the Corvette/Pratt Miller squad and the rest of the GTP and GTD PRO cars at the downtown Detroit circuit, which runs around the Renaissance Center and the global headquarters of General Motors, is the shortest on the calendar at nine turns and 1.654 miles around. The program previously scored three victories at the Belle Isle circuit.
The Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic is scheduled for 3:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 31. The race will air live on Peacock in the U.S., and IMSA’s YouTube channel internationally. IMSA Radio will air all on-track sessions at IMSA.com along XM 206, SiriusXM Online 996.
CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R DRIVER QUOTES
ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“Obviously, Detroit is an important race for everyone on this team. It is the home race for Corvette, we race around the Renaissance Center and Pratt Miller isn’t far away. So there will be many guests and fans who we want to do a good job for this weekend. This is the only street race for us in GTD PRO, and I like these a lot. It puts a lot of importance on precision and how you do a lap, not just top speed. I would really like another pole position there, and this time a win in our ‘home’ race.”
ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I take a lot of pride driving and racing a Corvette in Detroit for our home event. In terms of the racing, the Detroit track is quite a challenging one. It’s much shorter than any other track will race this year, but it has vastly different sections. There is the long straight in front of the RenCen where you can create opportunities out of the corner leading on to it, but also the tight hairpin at the end. The other sections are tight and twisty where you do have to take some risks.
Some are calculated and others not so much. But that’s part of street racing and what the fans want to see. Last year Antonio did a mega job putting the car on pole, but unfortunately our race was in effect finished before it started with a mechanical problem. I’m confident that this year will be much different, and we can finish at the front this time around.”
TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I’m excited for Detroit. I thought we had a good Corvette there last year. It’s obviously an important event for Chevrolet, for GM and for Pratt Miller, as well. Last year we had lots of guests from all three groups, so it was a big event for the whole team and for Chevrolet.
This is a polarizing racetrack. I enjoyed it. I thought it was fun. The beauty and the downside of street-track racing is you get exciting racing, but you’re also exposed to risky passes and exposed to situations that can be outside your control in many situations.
So, as always, we have to be diligent with how we race. We are going there with some sense of confidence and excitement for the weekend. That’s not just because we were faster last year, but it’s great to have so many family members of the race team and guests of Chevrolet and GM around in the shadow of the RenCen makes that race even more special.”
NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I’m looking forward to going back to Detroit again. I’m personally not a fan of the track. It’s very difficult and challenging, and having to be close to the walls in every corner makes it pretty tough. But it is a very important race for us as a team and as Corvette. It’s one where we want to do very well. Last year we were in a very good spot to have a proper result and maybe even a win.
Tommy had a very strong qualifying and I think he brought the car in the lead. Then I had an incident with one of the Lexus which took us out of the race. Hopefully this year, we can fight for our first win in the 4 Corvette, which is something we’ve been trying to achieve for some time. It would be great to achieve that on home soil.”
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Two IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship teams representing two different General Motors brands heading to the 24 Hours of Le Mans have taken the wraps off special liveries for the blue riband event, June 14-15.
Bob Akin Award Winner Fidani and AWA Reveal Fresh No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R AWA and driver Orey Fidani earned the Bob Akin Award in 2024, as the top-scoring Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) class Bronze-rated driver last season and IMSA’s automatic invitation to Le Mans that went with it. The quartet of Fidani, full-season co-driver Matt Bell, Michelin Endurance Cup driver Lars Kern and fourth driver Marvin Kirchhoefer started off 2025 in grand style with a GTD class win at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. That win produced a series of admittedly good but perhaps unexpected changes.
A new chassis was pressed into service for the Andrew Wojteczko-led operation as the team took the race-winning No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R into its collection and out of active racing. Its planned Le Mans chassis moved into IMSA competition, and its new Le Mans chassis was sourced for running at this year’s race. The livery for that chassis has been revealed on Wednesday morning, a few weeks before Le Mans. In place of AWA’s now-traditional black and yellow livery, the team has delivered a striking patriotic Canadian livery with a red and white flag adorning the chassis.
The AWA team wrote on Instagram: “Painting the town red! We’ll be sporting a new, bold livery for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and we can’t wait to show off our Canadian roots in the biggest endurance race in the world. We hope you love the fiery look as much as we do! Only a few more weeks until our No. 13 Orlando Corporation Corvette is out on track at Circuit de la Sarthe.”
Fidani, Bell and Kern have a unique opportunity to win both 24-hour races in GT in the same year; the trio will compete in the 24-car LMGT3 class as part of the 62-car full field.
Washington — The U.S. Senate passed a measure Thursday canceling California regulations that would have required a 100% transition to electric vehicles for new car and truck models in many states by 2035. The vote on the Congressional Review Act measure passed 51-44 along mostly party lines, with all Republicans present voting in favor. Michigan Democratic U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Holly joined the GOP in supporting the measure.
"Today, I voted to prevent California and the states that follow its standard from effectively banning gas-powered cars by 2035. Michigan is the auto capital of the world, and as Michigan’s U.S. Senator, I have a special responsibility to stand up for the more than one million Michiganders whose livelihoods depend on the U.S. auto industry," she said in a statement.
Other Democrats had criticized the legislation in recent weeks less for its substance and more for Republicans' decision to hold a vote at all, overruling the Senate's nonpartisan arbiter of chamber procedures along the way. The measure, approved with a simple majority via the CRA, next moves to President Donald Trump's desk for approval. The Republican leader is all but certain to sign it into law after repeatedly bashing "EV mandates" on the campaign trail in automotive-heavy Michigan last year.
Much of the debate over the measure Wednesday and Thursday centered around parliamentary procedures and the Senate's longstanding filibuster rules, which effectively set a 60-vote threshold for most actions to pass.
The impact on the auto industry will be immense. California has long set nation-leading standards for vehicle tailpipe emissions that force companies to consider stricter state environmental policies on top of more lax federal regulations. Now, automakers — barring a successful legal challenge to the Senate's action — will be spared from California's latest rules, its strictest yet.
Thirteen states had voluntarily adopted the rules with the goals of fighting climate change, improving air quality and pushing American automakers to build electric cars and trucks that better compete with China's surging EV prowess. Some states, however, had begun to pull back on their pledges amid lower-than-hoped-for EV sales.
The measure's passage is a blow to California's rule-setting authority and a victory for companies seeking more regulatory flexibility.
Industry reaction
The U.S. auto industry lobbied heavily to have the waiver overturned, claiming that the strict rules would represent an existential threat to automakers and dealerships. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the top automotive lobbying group in Washington, immediately celebrated the measure's passage.
"The fact is these EV sales mandates were never achievable," said John Bozzella, president and CEO of the alliance. "Automakers warned federal and state policymakers that reaching these EV sales targets would take a miracle, especially in the coming years when the mandates get exponentially tougher."
He continued: "The Senate (and the House before it) deserve enormous credit. Instead of kicking the can down the road or waiting for regulatory failure and its consequences, they voted to restore a degree of balance to U.S. vehicle emissions regulations.
"The auto industry has invested billions in electrification and has 144 electrified models on the market right now. Again, the concerns were about the mandate not the technology. You can be against the (California) EV mandates ... and believe that transportation is trending toward a range of electrified products like battery electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids)."
Two top oil and gas lobbying groups, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and the American Petroleum Institute, also applauded the Senate's action.
“Today, the United States Senate delivered a victory for American consumers, manufacturers, and U.S. energy security by voting to overturn the prior administration’s EPA rule authorizing California’s gas car ban and preventing its spread across our country,” said the group’s presidents, Chet Thompson and Mike Sommers, in a joint statement.
They continued: “Congress has made clear that California regulators have no authority to dictate what cars Americans can buy or to ban internal combustion engine vehicles. President Trump can now deliver on a major part of his campaign promise to end EV mandates in the United States.”
Environmentalists, meanwhile, denounced the move on its merits and on procedure.
“Senate Republicans just voted to break the law and increase asthma, lung cancer and cardiac deaths,” said Dan Becker, director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s Safe Climate Transport Campaign. “Robbing California of its clean air protections is a fundamental betrayal of democracy. This vote is a flagrant abuse of the law to reward Big Oil and Big Auto corporations at the expense of everyday people’s health and their wallets.”
Even though Michigan is not among the states that had pledged to follow California's standards, the fate of the regulations was a question with billions of dollars at stake for the Detroit Three automakers over the next decade.
Detroit-based General Motors Co. cheered the prospect of a vote earlier in the week: “GM believes in customer choice, and we continue to focus on offering the best and broadest portfolio of vehicles on the market," spokesperson Bill Grotz said in a Tuesday statement. "GM has long supported one national standard and consistency in emissions regulations that are aligned with market realities; the CRA measure would help ensure this.”
Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co. also praised the move. “In America, the customer chooses, and we need national emissions standards that not only drive progress but also reflect market realities," said Ford spokesperson Robyn Jackson in a Tuesday statement.
"We also need to preserve tax policies that recognize the future of the global automotive industry is up for grabs, and that domestic manufacturing and home-grown innovation are how the United States will win," she added, a reference to automotive tax credits House Republicans have proposed cutting.
