Hood Scooped Test Mule Caught!

[Rob]

<img src="http://corvetteactioncenter.com/gallery/data/6047/thumbs/bluedevilproto.jpg" width="100" hspace="5" vspace="5" align="left" border="1" alt="" />A member of the CamaroSS.com web site recently caught this hood-scooped Z06 test mule out on the open road in Michigan.

As compared to previous photos of other Z06 test mules with a hood scoop, this one looks slightly larger.

It's also interesting to note the full nose mask which may be indicative of a new design for the front fascia?

Either way, this member has posted some phenomenal spy shots which clearly indicate that a new beast is on the horizon. The C6 Z06 is without a doubt, the most potent Corvette ever built. It will be interesting to see how well this new beast will trump it!

Check out the additional photos this member caught in this thread at the CamaroSS.com site!

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?&p=4205967#post4205967

Blue Devil / SS Gallery: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/6047

 

[Low drag - High speed]

Maybe the Powers That Be finally listened to us Little People and did something about the front license mounting. Also, I hope that scoop is just for testing ... looks pretty boxy and unflattering of the C6 lines. A '67-style stinger would be sweet, or a good old L88 Crackerbox .........

Personally, I like the Hi-rise style we've seen in the C5 aftermarket. I'll wager the wizards who make the Tigershark kit could add some wow .......

 

[Bill75]

I know this may be an unpopular point of view but none the less I like the lines of the Camaro concept much better than the Corvette dispite the Engineering advancements of the Vette. The Camaro's lines are more uniform from front to rear, they have the same flow. That hood scoop looks like a bathtub and complements the car even less.

 

[6 Shooter]

That hood scoop looks like a bathtub and complements the car even less.

Dude - It's a freaking mule, not the real race horse! ​

I wonder if the beast will be announced at the Detroit Auto Show this year.

​

Later - D

 

[Rob]

I know this may be an unpopular point of view but none the less I like the lines of the Camaro concept much better than the Corvette dispite the Engineering advancements of the Vette. The Camaro's lines are more uniform from front to rear, they have the same flow. That hood scoop looks like a bathtub and complements the car even less.

I think it's safe to say that what we see in these spy shots, is a simple, rough and dirty modification. Chances are, the hood scoop that we'll see in production will be a key design element that right now, Chevrolet does not want to release to the public.

So in order to get necessary validation testing completed, they probably just slapped a makeshift hoodscoop on there. It may not be what we'll see in production, but it gets the job done in the engineers' eyes.

Jim Ingle, who used to be an engineer for Corvette Development told me some of the things they did to disguise the '83 prototypes they were testing.

Keep in mind, that automotive engineers are essentially, hardcore engineers. They can design/develop something that may be crude, butt-ass ugly, and totally rough around the edges, but it functions exactly the way they want in order to achieve the end results they desire. IMHO, that's what we see here.

Just my two cents.

 

[Low drag - High speed]

Sure ... and they often go to lengths to hide the truth from the paparazzi, so the breadbox makes sense on a mule. But you know we was just wishing out loud, right?

 

[Bill75]

I think it's safe to say that what we see in these spy shots, is a simple, rough and dirty modification. Chances are, the hood scoop that we'll see in production will be a key design element that right now, Chevrolet does not want to release to the public.

So in order to get necessary validation testing completed, they probably just slapped a makeshift hoodscoop on there. It may not be what we'll see in production, but it gets the job done in the engineers' eyes.

Jim Ingle, who used to be an engineer for Corvette Development told me some of the things they did to disguise the '83 prototypes they were testing.

Keep in mind, that automotive engineers are essentially, hardcore engineers. They can design/develop something that may be crude, butt-ass ugly, and totally rough around the edges, but it functions exactly the way they want in order to achieve the end results they desire. IMHO, that's what we see here.

Just my two cents.

Good point, I certainly agree with you.

 

[67HEAVEN]

A '67-style stinger would be sweet

They wouldn't dare............

 

[Rob]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=490 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=storyHeadline>Super Vette Spied! Again! </TD></TR><TR><TD class=red_18_b>Chevy’s 650-hp Corvette SS caught heading in for EPA testing

<TABLE>AutoWeek | Published 11/06/06, 9:03 am et </TD></TR><TBODY></TBODY></TABLE>

Not even a month has passed since we first reported on Chevrolet’s plans for a super Corvette, a halo model well in excess of the already superb Z06. Judging by these spy shots, it appears assurances we were given earlier this year that the car was on the development fast track (“To Hell and Back,” May 8) were right on target.

These photos were taken by George Kachadoorian just outside of Ann Arbor last week. He suspects the car was headed in for EPA testing.

While the hood scoop indicates this is something other than an ordinary Z06, the real prize is under the hood where our spies previously heard the whine of what is most likely a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 pushing as much as 650 hp. The engine, which will be hand-built at a rate of 1500-2000 per year at the General Motors Performance Center outside Detroit, features an integrated intake manifold intercooler similar to the one GM developed for the Cadillac STS V-Series.

So far, names for the production supercharged Corvette include everything from Z07 to Blue Devil to Corvette SS to Sting Ray. No matter what they call it, look for production of the 2009 model to start in early 2008. And set aside at least $100,000 if you want to one in your driveway.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061106/FREE/61106004/1040

 

[Rob]

Ya know....everyone's guessing that this new super Vette might be called Z06, Z07, Blue Devil, SS....nobody is saying anything about ZR-1.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Ya know....everyone's guessing that this new super Vette might be called Z06, Z07, Blue Devil, SS....nobody is saying anything about ZR-1.

 

[Rob]

From Edmunds.com:

What We Know: Rumors of a super Z06 Corvette have been circulating for months, but recent comments by new Chief Engineer Tom Wallace seem to confirm its existence. He told Autoweek magazine that the biggest hurdle for the modified Z06 is getting its 600 horsepower to the ground. Another issue concerning Chevrolet is putting that much horsepower in the hands of drivers who's only qualification is having a big enough checkbook to buy the car. Wallace suggested that a high performance driving course might be required for all buyers. He didn't mention any time frame for its introduction, but don't be surprised to see it debut at next year's Detroit auto show.

 

[BobbyG]

My checkbook is out but it may not cover the asking price of this elusive beast...:BOW ...I may be asking for donations from my friends here on the CAC forum.....

 

[Norseman]

Scoop

I'm sure the scoop blends into the rear of the hood much better then in the picture; but I really like scoops. as you can tell from my avitar.