The all-new Corvette C7.R race car was co-developed with the 2015 Corvette Z06. These two cars represent the closest link between the racetrack and the road, sharing unprecedented levels of engineering and components including chassis architecture, engine technologies and aerodynamics strategies.
The C7.R and the Z06 will share the same, production-based aluminum frame. By leveraging advanced manufacturing materials, the production structure is significantly stronger than its predecessor. In racing, this equates to a race chassis for the C7.R that is 40 percent stiffer than the C6.R, which can be crucial for the longer races – 10, 12, 24-hour races. Chevrolet has led the way when it comes to endurance racing and this new frame will provide better handling and durability during those races.
The addition of direct fuel injection to the Corvette Z06 will enable the technology to return to the Corvette race car for the first time since the end of the GTI era in 2009. Direct injection offers two advantages for the race team; more precise throttle control and increased fuel economy, meaning fewer time-consuming pit stops.
The C7.R and Z06 take aerodynamics to the next level, sharing aggressive strategies for increased cooling and aerodynamic downforce, including similar front splitters, rocker panels, and front-and rear-brake cooling ducts. The engineering team worked concurrently with the race team developing the aerodynamic packages for the Z06 and the C7.R. As a result, the Z06 has the most downforce of any production car GM has ever tested.
The C7.R will debut at the 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona as part of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship series on Jan. 25-26.
Take a look at the video above to see Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, give an in-depth look at the new C7.R.
