General Motors Announces C7 to be Built in Bowling Green, Kentucky

The General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant was packed full of community and state leaders, GM officials, media and supporters of Corvette today in hopes of good news with regards to the future of Corvette and Bowling Green. It was good news indeed as GM North American President Mark Reuss took to the podium and announced their plans to invest $131 million in the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, "This facility is particularly thrilling for me to be at because I've had Corvettes, in fact, Corvette is one of the reasons why I went to work for the company a long time ago," said Reuss.

"It's a thrill for me to be here today in Bowling Green as the bearer of good news at one of our very best facilities building" our most iconic car," Reuss said. "When I say our most iconic car, I really mean America's most iconic car."

Reuss then cut to the chase and made the announcement everyone had been hoping for, "I'm here to announce that GM will invest $131 million in Kentucky to ensure that the next generation Chevrolet Corvette will be produced by this team, in this plant, in Bowling Green - the Home of Corvette.

Reuss's announcement was met by resounding applause, cheers and a standing ovation

"Thank you to you because you are the reason and the quality and the innovation and the craftmanship that happens here is a direct reflection of our re-investment, but more importantly as much money as that is, we really are adding about 250 jobs to the area..."

Reuss said the current generation will continue for about two more years while work happens behind the scenes work will begin to update the facility and ensure the Corvette will continue to be the true American sports car built here for many years to come. The C7 model is predicted to be debuted Spring of 2013 for a 2014 model year Corvette.

"As you know Bowling Green is a special place and not just to me and to GM but to Corvette lovers around the world. This place is THE mecca for those who appreciate true affordable sports car performance and they come from the four corners of the globe to see what you do here," said Reuss. "It is amazing and it is inspiring and it is very American. "

Reuss added that they come to see the birthplace of the American car that holds it own against Porsche, Ferarri, BMW and the rest of the legendary European sports car makers, both on the street and on the track. "They come to see how on earth Americans can build such a car... a car that meets and beats the best in the world, and the world has to offer, although typically the world has to offer theirs at a MUCH higher price point."

Reuss praised the craftsmanship of the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, that the plants in Italy wish they could match. He added that though GM boasts the Corvette getting 27 miles per gallon, that he had a Corvette in school and would get better than that - 29 miles per gallon from Detroit to Nashville. "Like the ad says, you are building rockets."

"Unlike any other facility in North America your doors are open to our customers who make pilgrimmages to Bowling Green to see their car being built, meet the people, and visit the National Corvette Museum." Reuss also praised the Museum pointing out that it is not funded by General Motors. "I'm one of the lovers of the Museum and the heritage of Corvette and this state means a lot to me personally."

Reuss closed his presentation saying "Tadge and the team are doing the next generation Corvette and it will thrill all of the sports car drivers of the future and it will be built right here." He added that this is just one of their ongoing investments of billions of dollars in their US facilities, keeping and creating jobs for their American workers.

Later in the presentation Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear named Reuss a Kentucky Colonel, presenting him with a framed certificate and mint julep cup.

Watch a complete video of Reuss's speech on the National Corvette Museum's You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/corvettemuseum. High res images are also available for download at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/corvettemuseum/GMC7Announcement

NCM Motorsports Park Project Kicked Into High Gear

Six more acres committed for Motorsports Park Project, Phase 1 Progressing

Each April during the National Corvette Museum’s C5/C6 Bash festivities an evening banquet is held to recognize and thank those who go the extra step to support the Museum with donations totaling $1,000 or more for the previous year, and those who have added the Museum to their estate planning.

The 2011 banquet brought special guests, members of the Corvette Racing team including Program Manager Doug Fehan, Car #3 Crew Chief Dan Binks, and Driver Tommy Milner. Doug inspired the group with a moving speech on how important dedicated enthusiasts are to both the Museum and the brand, saying that the Motorsports Park is the “final jewel in the crown of Corvette.” He added “nobody has a museum funded by the people who buy the car, love the car, have a passion for the car.” Nobody except Corvette of course! Doug reminded supporters that they have the power to make the Motorsports Park a reality and they have the power to influence others to join with them.

After presentations were made to the nearly 100 donors and supporters in attendance, Larry and Peggy Martin of Louisville, Kentucky made a surprise visit to the stage. Larry spoke of how Doug’s words inspired them, and how they wanted to come forward and commit to joining the “One Acre Club” with a contribution of $15,000. Larry welcomed others who felt as strongly about Doug’s speech to also come forward and share the stage… and joining Larry and Peggy were Jack and Doris DeLong of Huntingdon Valley, PA; Andy Guinn of Douglassville, TX and Wendell (and Jan) Strode of Bowling Green, KY . Also making a commitment of purchasing an acre that evening were Steve and Debbie Uhrig of Arcanum, OH. Steve and Debbie had previously committed to purchasing an acre and increased that commitment to two acres. The following day, Wayne and P.J. Ray, founding members from Roswell, GA, came on board, committing to an acre. Other members and clubs also expressed interest in supporting the project in the near future.

“We’re so thrilled with the support and enthusiasm for our project,” said Museum Executive Director Wendell Strode. “In a tough economy, it means a lot to have so many Museum and motorsports supporters step up to the plate.”

Strode also announced at the Bash that the Motorsports Park would now be completed in phases so that the project can continue to progress. The museum currently owns 70 acres of land, and will be executing the option to purchase an additional 92 acres for Phase 1. Phase 1 will include a two mile “west” road course and autocross/skid pad area.

“Rather than hold up the entire project, hoping for major sponsorships to cover the initial $35 million project, we decided to break it into smaller, more achievable phases so that motorsports enthusiasts could begin enjoying portions of the park in the near future,” added Strode.

Phase 2 will include a ¼ mile drag strip, followed by an “east” road course, karting track and separate autocross / skidpad area in future phases.

Keep up to date on the Motorsports Park project at www.motorsportspark.org and become a Fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/motorsportspark!

Chevrolet Honors America's Military

GM Military Discount Expanded

From May 1st - 31st, 2011, the GM Military Discount is being expanded to include Military Retirees and their spouses. So for May, Active Military, Reservists, National Guard & Spouses plus Retired Military Members & their Spouses will be eligible for the special Military Discount toward the purchase or lease of a new Chevrolet - It's simply the best Military Discount of any car company!

For additional information, go to http://www.gmmilitarydiscount.com/

Honor Badge to Recognize Your Service

In addition, every eligible Military customer that purchases, leases or orders a new Chevrolet during Chevrolet's Military Appreciation Month (May 1st-31st) can also order a complimentary Honor Badge which can be placed on your new Chevrolet vehicle at no additional charge. This honor badge will be shipped to you separately after you take delivery of the vehicle. You may contact your Chevrolet dealership's service department to schedule a convenient appointment to have your Honor Badge installed.

For each Honor Badge that is ordered with a vehicle, Chevrolet will make a $100 donation to "Cell Phones for Soldiers", enabling troops far from home to keep in touch with their loved ones. The charity collects used cell phones and recycles or resells them. The proceeds of these sales are used to purchase prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas.

For additional information, go to http://www.gmmilitarydiscount.com/

2012 Chevrolet "Honor & Valor" Limited Edition Camaro SS

To honor the service of the men and women of America’s armed forces, Chevrolet is proud to announce the exclusive 2012 Chevrolet Honor & Valor Limited Edition Camaro SS – a vehicle whose rare combination of power, performance and precision exemplifies the indomitable spirit of our troops, and is ready for action as America’s 21st century sports car.

In recognition of Chevrolet’s 100th birthday, only 100 units of the “Honor & Valor” Limited Edition Camaro SS will be built and are only available to eligible members* of the military (the first unit will be auctioned with net proceeds going to Cell Phones for Soldiers). Orders are now being accepted and will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis. Production of this special 2012 Camaro SS military model begins in July, and deliveries are scheduled for August.

“Honor & Valor” Limited Edition Camaro SS Coupe Highlights:
• Available in three colors: Victory Red, Summit White or Black (all models feature a black leather appointed interior)
• Available with 2SS trim level and RS Exterior Appearance Package(RPO: WRS)
• Available in either Six Speed Manual or Six Speed Automatic Transmission
• Legendary SS Performance: 6.2L V8 with 400+ horsepower and torque
• Surprising Fuel Economy: Estimated 25 MPG Highway with 6-speed Automatic
• Prominent Heritage Grille
• Unique Painted Ground Effects
• Distinctive Side Stripe
• Premium Floor Mats
• Two Special “Honor and Valor” Limited Edition badges
• One-Year Subscription of XM Satellite Radio
• License Plate Bracket
• Chevrolet will make a $100 donation to Cell Phones for Soldiers

*To order this Limited Edition Camaro, go to www.gmmilitarydiscount.com to get all the details.

Corvette Performance Reaches Higher in 2012

Interior enhancements, new performance packages highlight upgrades

Chevrolet announced today that it will once again elevate Corvette’s performance capabilities with a series of improvements for the 2012 model year that enhance on-track performance and on-road comfort. They include enhancements to the high-performance Z06 and ZR1 models as well as interior upgrades across the Corvette lineup.

Sports car fans will get their first look at the 2012 models – including the racing-inspired appearance of the Chevrolet Centennial Edition – at a special event this weekend at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky. Production begins in July.

“We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track,” says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer. “For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car.”

New Michelin Cup ZP tires elevate Z06/ZR1 performance Corvette’s greater performance for 2012 begins with the new, optional Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which are available on the two highest-performing models, the lightweight, 505-hp (377 kW) Z06 and the maximum-performance, 638-hp (476 kW) supercharged ZR1. They are competition-oriented tires, optimized for warm, dry conditions to increase cornering and handling capability.

When combined with the Corvette’s exclusive Performance Traction Management (PTM) technology – which manages torque delivery for maximum performance – the tires are expected to help set new benchmarks for Corvette performance. Engineers estimate an 8-percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration, to more than 1.1g, and improved braking distance. Testing at Virginia International Raceway has demonstrated improvement of approximately three seconds per lap.

The Cup ZP tires were developed by the same Michelin engineers who develop tires for Corvette Racing in the American Le Mans Series and are essentially streetlegal versions of a racing tire. They are included in the optional Z07 performance package on the Corvette Z06 and a new PDE performance package on the ZR1. The 285/30-19 (front) and 335/25-20 (rear) tires are matched with all-new aluminum Cup-style wheels in satin black or machined finishes. They are about five pounds lighter (2.2 kg) and stronger than the 20-spoke wheel offered in 2011.

Performance Traction Management (offered on the Z06 for the first time in 2012) is an advanced system that optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance.

PTM also integrates traction control, active handling and selective ride control systems to enhance race track driving consistency and overall performance. When full throttle is applied upon exiting a corner, it automatically manages acceleration dynamics.

A full-width racing style spoiler for improved aerodynamics is also included in both the ’12 Z07 and PDE packages. The Z06 model will now offer Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology – an innovation Corvette pioneered several years ago.

And as before, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes will be a part of the Z07 chassis package (they are standard on ZR1). Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires remain standard on the ZR1.

A carbon fiber hood will be an available option on 2012 Z06 models, while the standard manual transmission for ZR1 will include taller gearing in fifth and sixth gears, for a 2-mpg improvement in highway fuel economy.

Interior and feature changes All 2012 Corvette models will include a new seat design and a new steering wheel. The seats feature improved appearance and larger bolsters on the seat back and cushion areas, which provide better driver support, especially in high-performance driving while remaining comfortable for daily street driving. Microfiber suede seat inserts are optional and improve tactile feel, as well as add additional support.

The new seats are complemented by the revised steering wheel, featuring model-specific badges, streamlined switch trim and wrapped spokes. Padded center console and armrests for all models are now included for 2012. An additional visual touch inside the car is contrasting color stitching – in red, blue and yellow – which is available with the custom leather wrapped interior.

Also coming in 2012 is a new Bose uplevel audio system, which includes nine speakers (compared to seven in 2011) for improved audio quality that is more precisely tuned to the cabin’s acoustics. New tweeters located in the instrument panel and improved Bose Nd next generation bass performance are the main benefits that Corvette drivers will hear.

A new Technology Package (2LT trim level) brings together many of the Corvette’s popular infotainment features and makes them available for more models. The package’s equipment includes the navigation radio, head-up display, Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a USB port.

Wrapping up the new features for 2012 is the availability for customers to select brake caliper colors, for more personalization of their Corvette. The calipers are offered in the red, yellow, silver or gray.

Replica 'General Lee' Part of 14 Vehicle American Muscle Car Exhbiit

Kelly Ransom has been a Dukes of Hazzard fan since he was five years old. “That was the one night a week Mama would let us eat dinner in the living room,” Ransom said. In fact, Ransom has been dreaming of owning his very own General Lee, a 1969 Dodge Charger, for years, but it wasn’t until 2009 that he started seriously looking into purchasing one.

In July 2010 he ran across one for sale on eBay and the car happened to be in Hendersonville, TN. Ransom said the owner had fallen onto some hard financial times and needed to sell. The owner, Gary Dull, had taken a soft top and slowly transformed it into a replica of the General Lee. The car has the same motor – a 383 – as the real cars used in the show. It also has a three-speed 727 Torquefite transmission, 383 Richmond gears, 8-3/4 sure grip rear axle and “official issue” decals from the Confederate General Lee Fan Club.

Ransom said only 12 General Lees survived the popular late 70s-early 80s show… the rest are replicas.

Ransom, being very community-minded, brings the General to kid’s birthday parties, schools, fundraisers and other public events. “I like to have fun with it,” he said. And unlike other General Lee owners, Ransom doesn’t charge a fee to bring his car out… but he said he won’t turn down gas money! The car gets a whopping 12 miles per gallon.

Monday, April 18 the General found a temporary new home at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The car is part of a 14 vehicle ‘American Muscle Car’ exhibit which runs through Father’s Day weekend in June, however the General Lee will only be on display until May 26. Several hundred Allen County school children will be awaiting its arrival back to Scottsville on May 27 for an event, and Ransom doesn’t want to disappoint the kids.

The 1969 Charger is the first Dodge to be displayed in the Museum. Ransom said “I’m so happy, yet so sad… I’m gonna pretend it is like summer camp.”

Other cars on display include a 1970 Buick Grand Sport Stage 1, 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Rally Sport Convertible, 1970 Pontiac Ram Air IV Trans Am, 1968 Pontiac GTO, 1968 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible, 1967 Chevrolet Nova SS, 1968 Shelby GT 500, 1969 Javelin SST, 1970 Dodge Challenger, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda and 1966 Plymouth Belvedere. The display is in the Museum’s Exhibit Hall.

The National Corvette Museum is open daily, 8am-5pm Central Time and is located at 350 Corvette Drive, just off I-65 exit 28 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. For more information call 270-781-7973 or visit www.corvettemuseum.org.

Race Fans Can Register to Win a Corvette Starting April 15

Grand Prize: 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible, Trip to Le Mans Race fans can enter for a chance to win a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible and a trip to Le Mans, France, for the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans by entering the “Race To Win Corvette” promotion at www.racetowincorvette.com now through June 30, 2011. “‘Race to Win Corvette’ is a tremendous opportunity for a race fan to win one of the most iconic sports cars ever produced, and watch it compete in the oldest and most famous endurance race in the world,” said Terry Dolan, Manager, Chevy Racing. “Team Chevy is proud to partner with the American Le Mans Series, AutoWeek, Michelin and Mobil 1 to help make this racing experience a reality.” No purchase necessary. See official rules for details at www.racetowincorvette.com.

National Corvette Museum Recognizes Other Area Non-Profits

Museum provides non-profit volunteers free admission April is marked as “Volunteer Appreciation” month and in an effort to recognize fellow non-profit organizations’ hard work and community efforts the National Corvette Museum provided complimentary admission passes as a gift to the volunteers, employees and other members of those organizations. The passes offer a free admission to the “living” Museum which features ever-changing displays and a new Muscle Car exhibit. “As a non-profit organization, we understand the importance of community support,” said Marketing & Communications Manager Katie Frassinelli. “The hard work and dedication that each and every one of the area non-profits unselfishly provides is vital to our community. These passes are a way of saying ‘thank you’ for their contributions that impact so positively on our community.” In 2010, volunteers provided 5,396 hours of service to the National Corvette Museum. In order to “pay it forward”, the Museum provided complimentary passes to over 60 non-profit organizations within Warren County. The National Corvette Museum is dedicated to the mission of celebration, education and preservation, and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT - located at 350 Corvette Drive, just off exit 28 on I-65 in Bowling Green, KY. For more information contact the Museum at 270-781-7973 or visit www.corvettemuseum.org.