2012 Chevrolet Corvette: Tires make all the difference
General Motors, through its Division of cars and Chevrolet vehicles we already presented the new specifications of the new Chevrolet Corvette 2012. These are all primarily the Z06 and ZR1 versions who benefit the most significant changes.
Among them, we find relatively V8 engine similar to the previous, except that they associated retrouvemnt has new tires Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure initially intended to run in order to optimize workability and adhesion of the car.
These tires are also coupled to the management technology of high performance traction (PTM) which function is to manage the level of torque to ensure maximum motor skills and at all times.
Cup ZP tires were developed by the same Michelin engineers who developed society racing tires of the Corvette racing stables in the American Le Man.
For more information, here is the press release on the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
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The performance of the Corvette to new heights in 2012
A reworked interior and new high performance assemblies at the heart of improvements
Chevrolet announced that it would once again elevate the performance potential of the Corvette by a series of improvements to models 2012, which maximize both performance on track comfort on the road. The novelties will receive the high performance Z06 and ZR1 and the interior fittings of the entire Corvette range models.
Ferus the sports car will discover in preview the first models in 2012 - including aesthetic "competition" of the Chevrolet Centennial Edition - at a special event held this weekend at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The debute production in July.
"We strive to constantly improve the Corvette for the road and on the track, says Tadge Juechter, director and chief engineer of the Corvette range. Model in 2012, the Corvette range to its highest level of performance to date, while becoming easier to drive and more pleasant to live thanks to several changes and novelties board. "
New Michelin ZP tires elevate Cup for performance Z06 and ZR1
The superior performance of the Corvette 2012 is based primarily on new Michelin tires PilotMDSport Cup zero pressure available for the two most successful models, the Z06 ultralight 505 horsepower (377 kilowatts) and ZR1 mechanical compressor, with more extreme its 638 horsepower (476 kilowatts). These are tires intended primarily to the race-optimized for hot and dry conditions or they optimize adherence cornering and maneuverability.
Combines a management technology of high performance traction (PTM) of the Corvette - which manages torque level to optimize motor skills - these tires should help bring the performance of the Corvette has unpublished levels. The engineers PROVIDE gain lateral acceleration estimated at 8% - up more than 1.1 g - and a reduction in stopping distances. Tests conducted at Speedway Virginia International Raceway has demonstrated a gain of approximately three seconds per lap.
Cup ZP tires were developed by the same Michelin engineers who developed racing tires of the stable Corvette Racing Championship American Le Man; it is essentially a version homologuee road racing tires. They are included in the overall performance Z07 optional for the Corvette Z06 and the new set of performance PDE ZR1. The 285/30-19 tires (front) and 335/25-20 (rear) are associated with all-new aluminum wheels style black satin Cup finished or factory. They weigh about 2.2 kg (5 lb) less and are more robust than the 20-inch wheels of the model year 2011.
Management of high performance traction (proposed for the first time in 2012 on the Z06 model) is a system that optimizes advanced motor skills to provide superior and reliable performance on the track. The system also integrates traction control, active suspension and magnetic suspension to assist the driver on the track and improve performance overall. When the driver accelerates full throttle at the exit of a turn, the system automatically manages the dynamic reactions of the car.
Sets Z07 and PDE 2012 also include a rear spoiler that improves aerodynamics race car. The Z06 model will now be offered with an active magnetic suspension control selective, suspension technology the most reactive in the world innovation for the Corvette which serves as a laboratory for several years already. As previously, the carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes will be part of the Z07 chassis (they are serial for the ZR1). Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires remain serie the ZR1.
A carbon fiber hood will offer an option for models Z06, 2012, and the fifth and sixth reports of the manual transmission of the ZR1 will take longer to reduce highway fuel about 0.8 L/100 km (2 mi / gal).
Changes and novelties interieures
All models of the 2012 Corvette receive new seats and a redesigned steering wheel. The seats are distinguished by their wings and thigh support more accentuated for better support, especially during high speed maneuvers a while remaining comfortable for everyday driving to the city. The microfiber suede inserts proposed optional and improve tactile sensation helps support.
The new seats are complete with the wheel adorns Patches redraws the model, a key pad control and purest ray packing. The center console and armrests are padded in all models 2012 Note other aesthetic touches on board: the stitching in a contrasting color - red, blue and yellow - which accompany the customized leather coverings..
Another novelty in 2012, the new sound system Bose premium includes nine speakers (compared to seven in 2011) to provide audio playback more finely optimized for the acoustic properties of the cabin. The new speakers beginning of the dashboard and the system of serious new generation Nd are the main advantages that the driver of the Corvette was able to detect the ear.
The dance of the 2012 novelties concludes by offering a choice of colors for the brake calipers, one more option to customize the Corvette. The calipers are now available in red, yellow, silver and gray.
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