Detroit - Chevrolet, founded by a racing pioneer 100 years ago, celebrates its performance heritage with the 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette, which features a sleek black color scheme, unique design elements and Corvette's trademark sports car technology.
The 2012 Centennial Edition package will be available on all Corvette models - including Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1 - starting this summer.
The special package was inspired by Chevrolet's racing-bred foundation, which continues with Corvette's international racing excellence and production sports car prominence.
"Racing and performance are the roots of Chevrolet, a tradition carried forward today by Corvette," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "The Centennial Edition not only celebrates our 100 years, it once again pushes Corvette forward for a new generation of sports car fans."
Chevrolet will auction a Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, in West Palm Beach, Fla., on April 9, with the proceeds to benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. It will be the 100th 2012 Corvette off the assembly line, with a vehicle identification number ending in "00100."
The Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette expresses racing heritage, but does so with a sleek, modern, even sinister-looking appearance. The Centennial Edition package comes exclusively in Carbon Flash Metallic, with satin-black graphics and unique Centennial Satin Black wheels and red brake calipers. The wheels are constructed of lightweight cast-spun aluminum and include a thin red outline around the perimeter of its surface on the Z06. The wheels are specific to the respective Corvette models, including 18-inch/19-inch for Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport; and 19-inch/20-inch for Z06 and ZR1.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world's fastest-reacting suspension and a technology advance initiated by Corvette, is included on all Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette models.
The Centennial Edition also features special badges that signify Chevrolet's racing history. A graphic logo featuring an iconic image of Louis Chevrolet appears on the B-pillars, the center caps of the wheels, and the center of the steering wheel. The seat headrests also carry an embossed centennial logo.
Aficionados will note one other small detail: The historic crossed flags badge contains a small adaptation, with "100" in place of the traditional fleur-de-lis symbol, only for the Centennial Edition.
The exterior color scheme is reinforced inside the car, with the Ebony leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors complimented by red stitching also on the steering wheel, seats, console and shifter. The seats feature microfiber suede accents on seats, steering wheel, shifter and armrests, which were first used on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.
The Chevrolet Centennial Edition will be available on all Corvette models via order code ZLC. Pricing will be released this summer prior to the start of availability.
"Louis Chevrolet was a fearless racing pioneer who also designed our first car," Scheidt said. "Corvette is a natural fit to honor that legacy, while creating a compelling new package for sports car drivers."
Barrett-Jackson Auction DetailsChevrolet chose to debut the Centennial Edition Corvette at Barrett-Jackson to enable the auction proceeds to go to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. The foundation supporting children and families dealing with cancer is a key partner with the American Le Mans Series, in which Corvette Racing is an integral participant.
The 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette Z06 (VIN 100) to be auctioned is based on the production 3LZ model with the Z07 performance package, new Z06 carbon fiber hood and CFZ carbon fiber package, which includes:
Bose premium sound system, with one-year XM subscription, navigation and USB
Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
Power-adjustable and heated seats
Memory package, home remote, Head Up Display and power-telescoping steering wheel
The Custom Leather Wrapped Interior Package, with leather-wrapped upper instrument panels, upper door trim panels and console storage cover and red contrasting stitching
Z07 performance package, including Brembo ceramic brakes, Magnetic Ride Control and 19-inch/20-inch wheels and Michelin tires
CFZ package includes carbon fiber rockers, front splitter and roof
New Carbon Fiber raised hood option for Z06, which was introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition
The winning bidder will also receive the Corvette Engine Build Experience program - which allows Z06 or ZR1 buyers to build their own engine alongside expert technicians - as well as the opportunity to take delivery of the car at the
National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.
VIDEO: Corvette Exterior Designer Kirk Bennion and Product Manager Harlan Charles share some of the inspiration that went in to creating the Centennial Edition Corvette and how it continues to embrace its racing roots.
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