Allentown Area Corvette Club, Inc. ‘Vetter’s Letter December 2019 Volume 26, Issue 12
President Joe Iervolino From the val Office 973-219-6307 [email protected] To all our members… Vice-President Gary Warmkessel “‘Tis the Season” is a phrase that refers to things that happen dur‐ 610-767-3605 ing the holiday time stretching roughly from Thanksgiving through [email protected] Christmas. It is also a prelude to the New Year. For we Corvette owners who are Secretary Carol Jenkins in the process of or have completed storing our prized Corvettes, the “season” 610-417-8836 is a much‐needed uplift to overcome the sadness of this self‐induced hibernation. [email protected] Treasurer On the joyous side of things, it is a time for family, worship, good food and drink, Mike Best merriment, wrapping presents, gift exchanging, mistletoe, Santa Claus and the 610-767-6079 Grinch. It is for certain both a happy and stressful time of year, in that there is [email protected] much to do in a short period of time and it is also a period of reflection on the Membership Laura Hegyi year at its end and the hopes of the year yet to come. 610-730-2695 [email protected] For our club, it’s been an uplifting year where we continued to grow, had two Activities very successful car shows, and contributed a record amount to our charity — Jeff Mohring Angel 34 — and provided financial assistance to victims of a deadly hurricane and 610-392-6898 [email protected] the many families left homeless by a devastating fire in the town of our club Merchandise & Clothing namesake, Allentown. All of our membership should have a feeling of accomplish‐ Elizabeth Garnto ment and gratification consistent with this seasonal time of year. [email protected] Denise and I, our officers, our standing committee members, our Chairman of the NCM Ambassador Al Fuller Board, elected board members and all who work hard at making our club the 610-972-0560 [email protected] (Continued on page 3) Newsletter Editors Kevin & Michelle Minnich 610-530-0923 [email protected] AACC Meetings Webmaster Michelle Minnich The Allentown Area Corvette Club meets at 7:30 pm at the Paragon Hall at 610-530-0923 Se‐Wy‐Co Fire Company (3621 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem, PA). [email protected] There is ample parking, so please do not block the fire engine doors. Sponsored by: Upcoming Club Meetings*: Dec. 11** Jan. 08 (2020) Feb. 12 & 26
398 Stoke Park Road *Only one meeting in December and January – 2nd Wednesday of each month Bethlehem, PA **December’s meeting will begin at 6:30pm with a snack & dessert potluck. (see p.5) Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 2 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
This Month December 2019 12/03—AACC Movie Night — Mr. Rogers (p.5) Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 12/07—”Christmas Carole 1944” Civic Theatre, Allentown (p.5) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12/11—Club Meeting with Pizza & Potluck (pp.1,5)
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Coming Up 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 in 2020… 01/10—Blue Dinner (p.6)
01/25—Snow Tubing @ Blue Mtn. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 (Backup 02/08) (p.6) 3/15—Wert’s Café Lunch (p.6)
03/21—Phantoms Hockey Night 29 30 31 (p.7) 03/28—Meguiar’s Detailing Clinic 05/02—Faulkner Car Show (Raindate 05/16) 05/22—Iron Pigs Game Night (p.7) Membership Corner 06/06—AACC Springfest @ PSU-Lehigh Valley As of AACC’s meeting on November 13th there were: 06/25-29—Watkins Glen Trip 233 active members (p.7) 6 potential members
The Board of Directors did not vote in any New Active Members during November.
The following are currently Potential Members: Jim Boyle ...... Schnecksville, PA...... ’99 Cnv David & Maria Cannillo...... Asbury, NJ...... ’14 Cpe Join our group on Tim & Cathy Collins...... Breinigsville, PA ...... ’07 Cnv Ed Kordeck ...... Allentown, PA ...... ’03 Cnv
Thank you for your interest in our club!! We look forward to seeing you at upcoming AACC meetings & events.
Page 3 AllentownCorvetteClub.org ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
AACC Sponsors More from Joe Continued...
Official Chevrolet Dealer: (Continued from page 1)
success it is would like to wish each of our members and their families a most joyous and happy holiday season and good health and happiness in the New Year. 298 Stoke Park Road Joe Iervolino Bethlehem, PA 18017 Joe AACC President 877 260‐1080 FaulknerMotors.com
Official Tire Dealer: Al Fuller Named NCM Ambassador Wed., Nov. 13 | Joe Iervolino announced that Al Fuller will be our club’s next NCM Ambassador (‘19 ZR1, [email protected]). Here’s a bit about why he will be an awesome representative for AACC: 3699 Eberhardt Road Whitehall, PA 18052 Hello fellow AACC Members: 610‐433‐9696 Although many of you may know me (and my wonderful wife, Andrea), many oth- cjtire.com ers may not; so I wanted to pen a few words of self-introduction. First off, I am
humbled to take on this role, and will strive to continue the work done by my Official Tire Brand: predecessors and our club in strengthening the AACC-NCM relationship. I am thankful for the trust the club leadership has placed in me.
By way of background, I have been "into" Corvettes since the early 1970s. I bought www.MichelinMan.com my first Corvette in 1986, and our current 2019 is number 11 — all purchased new,
and one at a time. So I've been directly involved with the hobby for over 30 years. I'm a past President of a local club that dissolved many years ago, Andrea and I are Lifetime NCM Members. I am semi-active on social media, and have multiple AACC Charity "Corvette Connections" — at the Museum, at the Assembly Plant, within GM, and in the Corvette world; while I was also in the Sales Department at our sponsoring Dealership — Faulkner Chevrolet-Cadillac, for a bit.
So, if anyone has any questions on the ordering process, Museum options, events, or anything related to the newer Corvettes, I may be able to help. Feel free to reach out via email (preferred) or text/call. Please note I still work full time (I have to pay for my Corvette addiction somehow), so I may not immediately respond, but I promise I will. I 5611 Hemlock Place Orefield, PA 18069 look forward to getting to know all of you. 610.533.1923 Respectfully, Angel34.org Al Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 4 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
Thinking of You If you know of a member who is hospitalized, had surgery, or lost a loved one, please notify VP Gary Warmkessel ([email protected], 610‐767‐3605) or another board member.
Angel 34 Foundation Donation www.facebook.com/angel34foundation/ Wed., Nov. 13 | AACC committee members shared the proceeds from our 2019 shows with a $9,000 check presented to Angel 34 Foundation. Angel 34 posted on their Facebook page:
SHOUT OUT FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER: What an amazing night with an amazing group of individuals who put others be‐ fore themselves. Thank you Allen‐ town Area Corvette Club for your generosity and support for our Angel Warriors and families. You are truly Angels in Disguise.
Trivia Time Wed., Nov. 13 | Corvette Trivia returned at the November meeting. Marty Hegyi asks a few questions (for prizes) during our winter meetings. Brush up on your Corvette facts by visiting “Corvette 101” on the LINKS tab of AACC’s website.
November’s trivia winners: Jim Hedden, Joe Csanadi and Al Fuller.
My Marketplace Wed., Nov. 13 | During our November meeting, Elizabeth Garnto discussed show boards — specifically, custom‐ designed car show boards by Margie Barron. All of the work is handled via email. Margie will send you several proofs in about a week. Boards are made from rigid plastic ($150) or metal ($175). Shipping adds $20. See the possibilities at https://carshowdisplaysigns.webs.com/. A glass frame and travel easel were purchased locally to complete the look.
At December’s meeting, Michelle and Kevin Minnich will discuss Corvette’N America Tours.
Marty Hegyi’s My Marketplace continues at the first regular meeting each month through Spring. Contact Marty if you have a Corvette related product or service to present to your fellow club members. Marty will assist as needed. Page 5 AllentownCorvetteClub.org ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
Mr. Rogers Movie Night Chair: Laura Hegyi (‘69, ‘07, ‘17) Tue., Dec. 03 | AACC’s next movie night will be at Frank Banko Ale‐ house Cinemas on the ArtsQuest campus to see “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Arrive at 7pm for a 7:15 showtime. (Run time is 1h 49m; rated PG.) Cost is $7.50/person. Pay that night in cash or check (payable to “Laura Hegyi.”)
Reply to Laura’s email or call her at 610‐730‐2695.
Christmas Carole 1944 Chair: Elizabeth Garnto (‘98) Sat., Dec. 07 | A block of 39 seats are reserved at Allentown’s newly renovated 19th Street Civic Theatre for the per‐ formance of “Christmas Carole 1944.” Tickets are $21.75 or less. (Refer to Laura’s 10/20/2019 email for ticket options.) Sign up at a club meeting or call Elizabeth at 484‐201‐0017. Payment was due in November.
During World War II, entrepreneurial magnate Carole Scrooge reigns over a cosmetic empire. Carole's journey introduces her to an entirely new series of "Spirits" who surprise and delight. The script remains true to not only much of Dickens' text, but also to its enduring lessons.
More information at http://www.civictheatre.com/theatre/season/christmas-carole-1944-1
Pizza Party & Potluck Chairs: Bernie & Lout Toth (’00) Wed., Dec. 11 | We are planning a holiday get together the night of our regular meeting, starting at 6:30 pm at Se‐Wy‐Co Fire Company’s Paragon Hall. It’s casual attire, but red and green would be nice.
The club will provide pizza and non‐alcoholic drinks. Lou & Bernie are providing paper prod‐ ucts and utensils. Please let Lou or Bernie know if you can bring any of the following: Des‐ serts (cookies, brownies, pies, cake), Snacks (pretzels, chips, cheese and crackers, nuts, candy), or something else. (No heating elements or crock pots, please.)
Please respond to Lou or Bernie at [email protected] or call 267‐772‐0726 or 267‐772‐0735 and leave a message.
Cheryl and Randy Beck donated ten (10) $25 gift cards to Beck’s Land & Sea House (Nazareth, PA). One card will be raffled off at the first AACC meeting of each month through December. Dec. 11th is your last chance to win. Thanks to Cheryl and Randy for this very gracious gesture! Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 6 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
Allentown Row Home Fire Relief Chair: Joel Dean (‘20?)
Wed., Dec.11 | We are looking to support those that lost their townhomes in the Allentown fire on Sunday, October 20th. We are collecting funds to make a donation to the Fountain Street Fire Fund. The Fountain Street fire, which remains under investigation, displaced 13 families and 47 people and led to the demolition of 10 ravaged row homes that stood since 1905.
In response, the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, the American Red Cross of the Lehigh Valley‐Bucks County and the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley created the Fountain Street Fire Fund.
Read more http://enewspaper.mcall.com/infinity/article_share.aspx?guid=a18ac91b‐1002‐49f3‐b95a‐64c8dfcca977
Please send your check made out to “AACC” to Joel at 38 Edinburgh Dr., Easton, PA 18045. Cares! Alternately, bring it to the club meeting on December 11th.
Dinner at Blue Grillhouse Chairs: Mike & Cindy Cutro (’14) Sun., Jan. 12 (2020) | Join Mike Cutro for a prix fixe dinner at Blue Grillhouse. A sign‐up sheet and special menu are available at meetings. Cocktails at 2pm, dinner served at 3pm. $46/person must be paid in advance. Soft drinks and bar service are additional cost. Checks will be issued per table; you can run a separate bar tab. Location: 4431 Easton Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18020. (610) 691‐8400. www.bluegrillhouse.com
Seating is limited to 40 and there are already 24 signed up. This event was wait‐listed the last time we dined there.
Snow Tubing @ Blue Mountain Chair: Bobbie Paul (‘06) Sat., Jan. 25 | Join your fellow and potential club members for a fun day tubing at Blue Mountain Ski Area (1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton, PA 18071). Meet at the ski area’s lower parking lot at 9:45am. Our time slot is 10am to 1pm. You are free to stop when you are tired or cold and enjoy lunch in the Slopeside Pub & Grill on your own time. Cost is $25/person. Payment is due Jan. 8th. Make checks payable to “AACC” and mail to Bobbie Paul, 1033 Resolution Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Call Bobbie @ 610‐764‐1206 with questions. This event is open to family members as well. ( Raindate for this event is Feb. 8th)
https://www.skibluemt.com/winter‐sports/snowtubing/
Lunch at Wert’s Café Chair: Jeff Mohring (‘04, ‘16) Sat., Mar. 14 | Back by popular demand is a lunch at Wert’s Café (515 N. 18th St., Allentown). We have capacity for 50 guests in a separate room, can order from the full menu, and will dine at 11:30am. Pay at the restaurant — one check per couple. Page 7 AllentownCorvetteClub.org ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
Phantoms Hockey Night Chair: Mike Best (‘13)
Sat., Mar. 21 | Seats are still available when our Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers) battle the Cleveland Monsters (affiliate of Columbus Blue Jackets) at 7:05pm. Seats are $23 each. Pre‐paid parking passes are $6. Contact Mike Best (610‐767‐6079 or [email protected]). Payment is due by Jan. 8th and this event is open to friends and family. Make your checks payable to “AACC” and mail to Mike Best, 5233 Spruce Street, Schnecksville, PA 18078. Oink On! Fri., May 22 | Baseball season may be over but AACC already has plans to head to Coca‐Cola Park in Allentown to watch the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs battle the Buffalo Bisons (AAA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays) in 2020. This private event will be in the PenTeleData Party Porch along the First base line. The $37/pp cost includes game ticket, buffet meal, and soft drinks. A cash bar is available, and be sure to stay for the post‐game fireworks! (Parking $5 extra at gate.) Event details will be shared via email, so stay tuned and watch for the interest sheet at an upcoming club meeting.
As of the November meeting, there were already 33 people signed up. This event usually sells out, so sign up now.
Watkins Glen Race Trip Chair: Dennis Corona (‘07) Thu.‐Mon., Jun. 25 to 29 | Dennis Corona, with the help of few others, will lead a trip to Wat‐ kins Glen, NY for a long weekend of touring, tasting, and racing. The destination is the IMSA 6 Hours at the Glen race. The 4‐day Corvette Corral Weekend pass is $170/couple ($105/single). A group booking was made for Fairfield Inn & Suites (Horsehads, NY) at $1,160/room for 4 nights. Limit of 20 cars. See the email sent Dec. 1st for more information. Reply only to the Dec. 4th email to confirm your par‐ ticipation. Scott & Jeanette Marakovits will arrange group dinners and other non‐race activities during the trip.
OCMD 2020 Hotel Discount Fri.‐Sat., Oct. 16‐17 | The Grand Hotel & Spa in Ocean City Maryland where a good number of our club members stay each year for the Free States Corvette Weekend. The hotel is offer‐ ing 30% room discounts via their website. This car show has been an annual event for many AACC members. A group will travel down on Thu., Oct. 15, and stay until Sun., Oct. 18.
Below is the link for the website. Look for the “Winter Blues Savings 30% Off.” You will have to pay for the first night’s stay upon booking, but you can cancel by 4pm up to 3 days before arrival and get that deposit back. Please note they do offer cheaper rates at this time, but it is a non‐refundable, pay‐in‐full option only. So be careful and read things thoroughly before you book your room. http://www.grandhoteloceancity.com/ Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 8 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
2020 C8 First Drive: It’s Brilliant by Erik Johnson (automobilemag.com) Thu., Oct. 31 | Though not without faults, the C8 is already a legend in the making.
[ANN ARBOR, Michigan] Here is where we're supposed to discuss how the new 2020 C8 Corvette is a wild departure from its front‐engine roots, how it's a decades‐long mid‐engine dream made real, and how it hopes to achieve nothing less than to fully redefine American sports cars. Those are important and true facts, but they've been beaten to death here and elsewhere. The thing you really want to know is what we think about how the new Corvette drives.
It drives brilliantly. The 2020 Chevy Corvette is a balanced, incredibly quick, and capable thing, packed with perform‐ ance‐enhancing technology optimized by some of the world's best chassis tuners. Its composure, the delicacy of its feel, and its holistic execution are perhaps unlike any other vehicle's in the history of General Motors — and GM has kicked out more satisfying cars than we have space to list. (And this is the internet; we have lots of space.)
Blasting down some of southeast Michigan's best — and only — driving roads, the C8's steering is precise and lighter than you expect in a Corvette; its accuracy means placing the car in a corner is a matter of simply thinking it, and ad‐ justing the chassis‐mode dial from Tour to Sport and on to Track doesn't make the steering heavy so much as thickens it. The by‐wire brakes are extremely strong and trust‐ worthy. The car feels more solid than any previous Corvette, its structure rigid enough to allow the coupe we just drove to be offered as a convertible with no major alterations. The 495‐hp, 6.2‐liter LT2 small‐block V‐8 packs a wallop worthy of mighty Mjölnir, its right‐ eous fury transforming the periphery into watercolor streaks with every stomp of the accelerator. Images: Stephen Pham (automobilemag.com) In a nutshell, the engine is a dry‐sumped evolution of the C7's LT1 that uses equal‐length exhaust runners and with [a] myriad [of] assemblies and accessories moved to accommodate the engine location and to allow lower placement. It makes 490 horsepower in regular trim, or 495 with the active per‐ formance exhaust of our test car (torque is 470 lb‐ft with the exhaust, 465 without) and feeds its fusillade to the rear wheels via a Tremec‐sourced eight‐speed dual‐clutch automatic. It's a formidable pairing: In Z51 cars like ours, the run from zero to 60 mph, as you may have heard, takes just 2.8 seconds as measured by our friends at MotorTrend.
Yet despite its ferocity, the C8 is so adept at handling its power and so absent of twitchiness that it can make anyone feel like a hero, at least within the envelope achievable on public roads. There is a touch of safe understeer, but it's di‐ aled out easily enough by easing off the accelerator, when the nose is perfectly willing to tuck itself back in. Be judi‐ cious getting back on the throttle, and the 2020 Corvette will hook up and hurtle itself out of corners with stupefying speed. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber on our Z51‐equipped car doggedly sticks (and sticks and sticks) to pavement of all types and conditions.
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Brilliant C8 Continued...
(Continued from page 8)
This tenacity also comes thanks to the magnificent suspension. The C7, the previous high‐water mark for Corvette han‐ dling, could leave you wondering if a mid‐corner bump might send the rear end kicking out unpredictably, but the C8 just deals with things, leaving you to the business of going faster. Crests and heaves will put the car on its toes, but as the body settles, the suspension recompresses and . . . well, that's it. No jounce, no bounding, just an overwhelming sensation of the chassis saying, "I got this." The magnetorheological dampers' otherworldly initial impact response also delivers marvelous ride quality on basically any surface, flattening all but the hugest imperfections to nearly nothing. The C8 is now our ride benchmark.
And yet.
The key difference when comparing C8 and C7— besides the blindingly obvious one, of course—is that the latter was a visceral hellsled with gobs of feel and half a mind to kick you in the shins if you did some‐ thing stupid. In this Stingray form, the C8 has all but abandoned the junkyard‐dog attitude and hemmed the ragged edges that made the Corvette so purely red‐meat American. Its face‐distorting acceleration is businesslike, effortlessly tapped, and endlessly repeat‐ able. Launch‐control starts are a matter of pressing the stability‐control button twice while in Track mode to activate Performance Traction Management (or the Competitive stability‐control setting in lesser versions), standing on the pedals, and releasing the brake. There's a bit of wheel spin before the car attacks the horizon like a blazar jet.
For better or worse, the mid‐engine Corvette is all poise and polish—and you often feel more a witness to its talents than the conductor. It doesn't help that it needs more steering feel and could be louder (even in Track mode) and we couldn't tell much of a difference in terms of brake operation through the various settings, even if Chevy says there's supposed to be. We figure—we hope—those things will improve as beastlier versions come online, but there is no doubt this is the most refined Corvette ever.
Some credit for this must go to the cabin, now possessed of proper fit and finish and lacking the distinctive plasticky aroma of its forebears. It's genuinely attractive—we love the cantilevered elements on the dashboard—and quiet, too. (Continued on page 10) Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 10 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
Brilliant C8 Continued...
(Continued from page 9)
Inside, the driver is afforded plenty of space, although the passenger has room to passenge but not much else. Even resting their left elbow is a bit of a task, requiring a slight contortion to avoid the long, dramatic row of buttons ar‐ ranged along the central spine. We'll also shout out the automatic transmission for its contribution to the C8's compo‐ sure; while its shifts aren't quite as whip‐cracky or telepathic as those of, say, Porsche's PDK, it's responsive enough to paddle inputs when charging full bore and astonishingly transparent when you're loping along in traffic, save for a cou‐ ple second‐to‐first‐gear stumbles we experienced. The 2020 Corvette Stingray is nothing if not extremely livable.
To that end, much has been made, including on these pages, of the new Corvette's ability to swallow golf bags, large suitcases, and the like despite its ostensibly less practical mid‐engine format. While that is cer‐ tainly welcome among a vehicle type that typically cannot accommodate more than a Dopp kit and a pack of Doublemint, it has taken its pound of flesh in the rear aesthetics. Where it could taper in at the corners, McLaren‐style, or even be dramatically bobbed and bluffed like a Lamborghini, instead the new Corvette has a wide, flat, and awkward carrier deck of a rear end. We place the blame with guys who really like gold chains and tracksuits and who likely told Chevrolet they really, really needed the space. The rest of the car is absolutely breathtak‐ ing, however, and the rear end really isn't so egregious in person, we guess.
All this in a car that costs $59,995 to start, or $88,810 when equipped like ours, a 3LT model with the Z51 package ($5,000), FE4 suspension with the voodoo dampers and PTM ($1,895), and a pile of largely aesthetic options. Those included trident‐spoke 19‐ front and 20‐inch rear wheels ($1,495), carbon‐fiber engine‐bay trim ($995), carbon‐flash coloring for the spoiler and mirror caps ($100), orange seatbelts ($395), and carbon‐fiber targa roof ($2,495) and inte‐ rior trim ($1,500). Our Sebring Orange over Jet Black car also had the comfortable and supportive $500 Competition seats and $1,495 front‐axle lift system.
Despite [the] switch to a layout that on its face would seem to promise a harder‐core experience, the C8 is more so‐ phisticated, more comfortable, and more approachable than any Corvette that's come before. If the car we've just de‐ scribed didn't have twin flags on its nose, this would all be cause for unmitigated celebration. But it does bear those flags, as well as the weighty expectations of the legions who rally to them. Will they be satisfied? Based on this initial experience, we're going to say yes. Yes, they will. Page 11 AllentownCorvetteClub.org ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
2020 Vette Gets Over-The-Air Updates by Jonathan Lopez (GMAuthority.com) Sat., Nov. 02 | The 2020 Corvette C8 is currently the cutting‐edge of the iconic sports car nameplate, offering custom‐ ers the very latest performance technology that GM can muster. Obviously, The General has vested interest in keeping the new mid‐engine Corvette at the forefront of technology offerings within this highly competitive segment, and that’s made easier thanks to the C8’s new over‐the‐air update capability.
For those who may be unaware, the 2020 Corvette runs GM’s latest Global B electrical architecture, which acts as the vehicle’s digital “nervous system.” Global B was first unveiled in the 2020 Cadillac CT5 sedan, and offers a host of bene‐ fits over previous electrical architectures, including greater connectivity and data processing power, among others. Global B will be the system of choice for all future GM models going forward, including the 2020 Corvette.
On the connectivity front, Global B offers the convenience of over‐the‐air updates, or vehicle software updates downloaded via an active Internet connection. This allows customers to enjoy the latest features and system improve‐ ments, all without physically bringing their vehicle in for service.
In the General Motors Q2 2019 Earnings Call held earlier this month, GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra mentioned Global B and the over‐the‐air update capability.
“We’ve recently revealed a new digital vehicle platform that will fully integrate our electric propulsion systems, cyber security protections, advanced active safety systems and Super Cruise technology. This platform also enables more sys‐ tems in the vehicle to receive over‐the‐air updates, including telematics, chassis controls and more,” Barra stated dur‐ ing the call. “This will deliver value and convenience to our customers. Following its debut on the Cadillac CT5 and the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, it will expand to most of our global lineup by 2023.”
Of the benefits mentioned, the “telematics, chassis controls and more” seem the most applicable to the 2020 Corvette. With so many onboard digital systems helping it to perform, the new Vette is ripe for improvements later down the line. As such, over‐the‐air updates should help put to rest any lingering fears potential early adopters may have with regard to all the new stuff the C8 has to offer.
Attention Holiday Shoppers!!
Through December 15th, Kim's Gold Dust gives club members 10% OFF GM Corvette licensed jewelry. Simply identify yourself as an AACC Member.
Check out their online store at www.kimsgolddust.com.
Note: You must call (724-945-5184) and identify yourself as an Allentown Are Corvette Club member to receive the 10% discount. Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 12 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
C8 Production To Begin February 2020 Sam McEachern (GMAuthority.com) Wed., Nov. 06 | We knew the 40‐day UAW General Motors strike would push the production start of the Corvette C8 into 2020, but now the automaker has some official information on the matter.
GM confirmed to multiple publications today that the Corvette C8 won’t begin to roll off the production line at Bowling Green Assembly until February of 2020. Before the strike, production of the new mid‐engine sports car was supposed to commence in December, with early orders set to be fulfilled before the end of the year.
Amid the UAW strike, we reported that buyers who were originally set to receive their cars in December wouldn’t receive them until mid‐to‐ late January, with production beginning in early January. Now, with production not beginning until February, those buyers will have to wait even longer to receive their vehicles. It’s unclear when first customer Corvette C8 deliveries will now begin. Workers at Bowling Green Assembly returned to work late last month, but GM is still fulfilling orders for the Corvette C7, so work on the Cor‐ vette C8 is still a long way off. Bowling Green Assembly communications manager Rachel Bagshaw previously told local Bowling Green ABC affiliate WBKO the plant would undergo “some launch‐related downtime,” between the weeks of November 18th through December 6th to retool for the arrival of the Corvette C8.
The exact reason for the further production delay isn’t known, though Autoblog says Bowling Green employees need time to learn new production processes before customer cars can be built. We imagine January will be spent learning and perfecting said production processes before cars start to roll off the line in February. As we mentioned above, GM plans to re‐tool Bowling Green throughout the last two weeks of November and first week of December.
We’ll continue to bring you updates on the situation at Bowling Green as more information comes to light.
“Tonawanda” Badges on 2020 V-8s by Alexander Stoklosa (Automobilemag.com) Thu., Nov. 07 | How Every 2020 C8 Corvette's V‐8 Came to Get a Retro "Tonawanda" Badge
GM executive Mark Reuss bypassed the design team to make it happen.
Chevrolet's design team spent a lot of time on the new Corvette's LT2 engine, making sure it looked aesthetically pleas‐ ing. After all, unlike in past Vettes, the C8 Corvette's 495‐hp V‐8 would live nearly out in the open on every coupe, be‐ ing as it's on permanent display beneath the glass rear window. The designers agonized even more than usual over the aesthetics of the red rocker covers, the finish and look of the fasteners, and the general prettiness of what's going on in the engine bay. And yet they had nothing at all to do with the small, retro‐looking badge that will live on the V‐8's driver's‐side rocker cover, the one that reads "Built by Chevrolet Tonawanda, the Number 1 Team."
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Tonawanda Tag Continued...
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All of the credit for that badge goes instead to General Motors president Mark Reuss, an avid Corvette fan who by‐ passed GM's design staff entirely and declared that it be installed on every C8's engine. This happened by decree and not consensus—a rarity in today's automotive industry and GM, in particular. (The company is notoriously bureau‐ cratic, and decisions have traditionally moved slowly.) So, how did this happen, and why?
The short answer is because Mark Reuss digs the Tonawanda badge, which was used in the 1960s on V‐8 engines built at GM's Tonawanda plant in Buffalo, New York, and Reuss is what's known as an "important person." The executive also apparently has fitted similar badges to his own classic V‐8‐powered GM cars. On his way to an event earlier this year in which General Motors announced that Tonawanda had been selected as the site that would build the 2020 Cor‐ vette's new LT2 V‐8, Reuss decided that that old‐school badge just had to be on every LT2 that left the factory.
As the story goes, he announced this on‐the‐spot decision to his staff, who then worked to create a mock‐up of the design to show to the gathered media about an hour later. GM design was more or less informed, not asked, that the badge was going to live in the Corvette's obsessively stage‐managed engine bay (both the engine and design teams were looped into the hurried preview session before the media were shown a sample). No word on whether their feel‐ ings were hurt, but we dig the small badge, which confers an air of history and tradition on the otherwise all‐new, for‐ ward‐looking C8. We're pretty sure the GM employees at Tonawanda appreciate the nod, as well, although it didn't stop them from joining other UAW‐organized GM workers and striking until recently—helping delay the Corvette's on‐ sale date until early next year.
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Corvette Touring: Corvette Hot Laps: Touring Laps in Your Own Car: Drive our NEW C8 Mid‐Engine Ride with one of our pro drivers for Follow our Pace Car for four laps in Corvette Stingray Z51 on track for two high speed laps on the track. your own vehicle, open to any four laps. $299 $199 make/model. $75 Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 14 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
Taylor Replaces Magnussen by Sam McEachern (GMAuthority.com) Thu., Nov. 14 | Jordan Taylor Replaces Jan Magnussen At Corvette Racing
Back in September, rumors surfaced that Jan Magnussen would leave Corvette Racing at the conclusion of the 2019 IMSA season, with American driver Jordan Taylor filling his seat in the No. 3 car. Taylor and Garcia Magnussen announced his departure from the team last month, just as the rumors said he would, and now the latter half of the prophecy has come true, with the Chevrolet factory team announcing today that Taylor has joined its ranks for the 2020 racing season.
“It’s a huge honor to be back with Corvette Racing for 2020 and part of the full‐season lineup,” the 28‐year old Taylor said in a statement. “I’m very proud to be joining one of the most successful teams in sports car racing history and to represent the Corvette and Chevrolet brands.”
Taylor previously drove for his father’s team, Wayne Taylor Racing, where he drove both the Chevrolet Corvette DP and Cadillac DPi‐V.R prototypes. The 28‐year old Orlando native is no stranger to Corvette Racing either, having raced with the team at Le Mans every year between 2012 and 2017. Taylor took a GTE Pro class victory at Le Mans in 2015 with Cor‐ vette Racing, when he partnered with Tommy Milner and Oliver Gavin in the No. 4 Corvette C7.R.
“I was very fortunate to spend six years with Corvette in the endurance races driving both the C6.R and C7.R,” Taylor said. “Now being back with the brand new C8.R is really special.”
Taylor will partner Spanish Corvette Racing veteran Antonio Garcia in the No. 3 Corvette C8.R in 2020. Milner and Gavin will again share the No. 4 Corvette Racing entry next year. It’s not yet clear if Marcel Fassler and Mike Rockenfeller will continue with the team in their third‐driver roles for endurance races.
“The 2020 season is an important one for all of Corvette Racing with the new C8.R,” said Garcia. “It’s very different from any Corvette I have ever driven, but in a positive way. I’m anxious to continue testing and development with all our team.”
Wayne Taylor Racing has yet to say who will replace Taylor in the No. 11 Cadillac DPi‐V.R – though Ryan Briscoe is rumored to be in line for the seat. Briscoe was left without a ride for 2020 after Ford shut down its Chip Ganassi Racing‐ run Ford GT program.
The 2020 IMSA season will kick off with the Rolex 24 at Daytona in late January – the first competition outing for the new mid‐engine Corvette C8.R. Page 15 AllentownCorvetteClub.org ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
Final C7 Rolls Off The Line by Sam McEachern (GMAuthority.com) Fri., Nov. 15 | Back in June, the final C7 Corvette ever built was auctioned off at Barrett‐Jackson’s Northeast 2019 sale. The car raked in $2.7 million, with all proceeds from the sale benefiting the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foun‐ dation, which constructs mortgage‐free smart homes for injured service members.
The car that rolled across the auction block that day wasn’t the actual final C7 Corvette, however. That specific car was instead an exact representation of the final C7 Corvette, as production of the seventh‐generation version of the sports car was still ongoing at the time. The auction was actually for the last C7 Corvette build slot – though the paint color and other options were already pre‐set by GM.
But now, with the start of production for the mid‐engine C8 Corvette approaching, the final C7 Corvette has rolled off the line at Bowling Green Assembly in Kentucky. In a tweet, Chevrolet said the end of production of the seventh‐ generation Corvette was “bittersweet,” and described it as the “end of an era.” However, with each ending comes a new beginning, and Corvette fans are understandably excited about the forthcoming arrival of the mid‐engine C8....
The final C7 Corvette is a black 3LZ trim Z06 coupe with an Adrenaline Red interior, Z07 package, seven‐speed manual transmission and a Performance Data Recorder. This isn’t only the last C7 Corvette, but it will very likely be the last front‐engine Corvette ever built. Considering the perform‐ ance gains Chevrolet has seen in switching to a mid‐engine layout for the C8 Corvette, it seems highly unlikely it would ever revert back to a front‐engine design.
Bowling Green Assembly will now undergo downtime throughout November, December and January in order to retool the plant and retrain employees to build the radically different C8 Corvette. Production of the C8 is expected to commence in February, with the 40‐day UAW strike having delayed the vehicle’s arrival by a couple of months. Chevrolet’s tweet on the end of a Generation
Corvette’s Generations Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 16 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
Follow a ‘67 Coupe Restoration by Kevin Minnich (‘00) One of AACC’s founding members who recently re‐ turned, Ron Witko, is doing a frame‐off restoration of his ‘67 coupe. The restoration of the ’67 427 coupe started when he got the car over 40 years ago (it still wears a 1977 inspection sticker). The engine is com‐ plete and ready to go back in. Ron is currently working on the chassis — starting by stripping down the front of the frame and working towards the back. Once the running gear is set, Ron will shift his attention to the body.
When complete, Ron will have a nearly‐identical pair of ‘67 427s — a coupe and convertible — in Laguna Blue with black stingers, at NCRS standards.
Obviously, the work is already underway but we will follow the project in future editions of the ‘Vetter’s Letter. As the build progresses, we will include insights from Ron — not only from this restoration, but also stories of AACC’s days‐ gone‐by.
At our November meeting, Ron introduced both himself and this project. Interested club members are invited to contact Ron and visit his garage to witness a beauty come back to life. His contact information appears in AACC’s Membership Listing.
C8 is Motor Trend Car of the Year! by Jonny Lieberman (MotorTrend.com) Tue., Nov. 19 | Chevrolet rolls out a mid‐engine masterpiece on its first attempt
Sometimes, a car comes along that leaves the automotive landscape different than before. In today's Silicon Valley par‐ lance, we'd be tempted to term such a car a "disrupter." The last car to so radically shift the car world was the Tesla Model S, our 2013 Car of the Year.
This time around, our 2020 MotorTrend Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Corvette, fully scrambles the order of things. Simply put, never before has so much four‐wheeled exoti‐ cism been attainable for so little money. Or I should say, so much good exoticism.
Chevrolet Performance did not phone in the first‐ever production mid‐engine Corvette. It dialed it, massaged it, honed it, crafted the new 'Vette to the point of the nearly impossi‐ ble. The eighth‐generation car will bring people into dealerships who previously would
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(Continued from page 16) Images: Brandon Lim (MotorTrend) never have come in. The mid‐engine Corvette is a game changer, an inflection point, and a reminder that when Americans truly set our minds to a task, look out. For soon you'll be standing on the moon—or driving the sports car equivalent thereof.
The father of the Chevrolet Corvette, Zora Arkus‐Duntov, began work‐ ing on a mid‐engine Corvette back in 1959. Called the 1960 CERV‐I (for Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle), the single‐seater located its 283‐cubic‐inch pushrod V‐8 small‐block just aft of the driver's head. Subsequent CERV concepts only stoked the belief among MotorTrend editors that such a vehicle was not only possible but also likely.
Fast‐forward to September 2019, and we finally get our greedy, grubby hands on the 10th‐ever production mid‐engine Corvette, an early‐build, production‐intent model with a VIN that ends in 000010. From our weeks of testing the Cor‐ vette against a field of formidable competitors, we can say Zora was onto something six decades ago.
"We've been waiting so long for this car that, climbing in, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning," Detroit editor Alisa Priddle said. "I didn't care if it was going to be good or bad, I just wanted to unwrap the present and drive it."
A very true statement, as we've had our eye on the mid‐engine Corvette ever since we broke the story (yes, Virginia, it was us) back in August 2014. Half a decade is quite a lengthy waiting period, and if life teaches you anything, it is to be prepared for disappointment. Witness The Phantom Menace. All that anticipation, so much hope, so much good will, all destroyed by a terrible product.
Not here. I'm happy in the extreme to report that the 2020 Corvette delivers the goods, and does so in ways you wouldn't think possible.
"The C8 represents the biggest step change since the original Acura NSX in terms of being a usable everyday mid‐ engine supercar," international bureau chief Angus MacKenzie said. "It brings the Corvette closer to the Porsche 911 in terms of being an attainable and credible 24/7 supercar than any time since the '60s."
The C8 (referencing the eighth generation of the Corvette) still features a cam‐in‐block small‐block V‐8 right behind the passenger cabin, only it's grown to 376 cubic inches, or 6.2 liters. But everything else is changed. The new Corvette is all about disruption.
"The first thing you notice when driving in town is the lack of road noise for a supercar," said Chris Theodore, a perennial COTY guest judge as well as the engineer behind the second‐generation Ford GT. "It's not silent, but it's much better than any other supercar I've driven."
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That's right, a mid‐engine, removable‐roof car that hits 60 mph in 2.8 seconds is being praised for the quietness of its cabin. "This means that C8 engineers have done a good job in making the chassis attachment points stiff," Theodore continued.
The new Corvette rides surprisingly well, too. "Behavior on the freeways was remarkable," technical editor Frank Mar‐ kus said. "In Tour mode it felt as comfortable as anything we've driven—including the dorky, tall‐sidewall Nissan Leaf. And best of all, that ride quality didn't disappear when we put it in Sport and Track modes." We were collectively sur‐ prised by how smooth and polished the C8's chassis is.
We were also equally surprised at the Corvette's high‐quality cabin. To be blunt: Corvette interiors have been nasty, low‐quality dens of cheapness and weird smells since 1984. With always‐ terrible seats, too. That's the truth. With history as my witness, I was expecting more of the same. To keep the price as low as Chevy has promised, you'd think corners would have to be cut, and this would be the place to cut them. Nope. "The interior actually has great build quality. What a miracle!" associate online editor Stefan Ogbac said. "Lots of good materials, and the seats are super comfortable and supportive."
What impressed me most about the quality of the Corvette's cabin were the gear and drive mode selectors. At first glance, the shifter looks similar to what you'd find in the Acura NSX. The Corvette's gear selector is metal, about half the size, and feels like something off a high‐end stereo. As does the well‐weighted mode‐selector puck. Think of a Ma‐ rantz tuner from the 1970s, back when "American Made" was king.
Everything is laid out well, too. "Not only is the interior clever, and attractive, the ergonomics are very good," road test editor Chris Walton said, "but having a small screen, close to the driver, also enables you to rest your hand on top and thumb the touchscreen without the unsteadiness you'd have without the perch."
I love the squared steering wheel (a few others did not) and the jet‐age homage of its design, though there was debate about the cabin's overall design. Some judges felt as if there was a bit too much bling, but others liked it. As for the stream of buttons that make up the HVAC controls and "puts up a wall," to quote Walton, between the driver and the passenger/glove box, most judges felt that these controls are of the set‐and‐forget variety. Plus, you just don't notice them from behind the wheel. You do notice a couple inexplicable cheap outs, especially if you're our executive editor Mark Rechtin. He despises the plastic cupholders. "How much would improving them have cost Chevy? Five bucks a unit?"
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If the new Corvette has a weakness, it's the exterior design. The judges' opinions ranged from harsh (MacKenzie: "Bill Mitchell would be spinning in his grave. ") to damning with faint praise (Walton: "Fine from 100 feet.").
The main issue: As you get closer to the vehicle, you see tributaries of pointless lines going off in every direction. This sort of sloppy linework—folds and creases that exist for the sake of existence—first appeared on the previous genera‐ tion. Did the Corvette design team want to link the two products, to maybe help convince current Corvette owners to trade up for the newer model? Perhaps. Whatever the reason, although the car's shape is good, the details are not. However, that just means that Chevy has a real opportunity in a few years with the midcycle refresh. As our guest judge and former Jaguar design boss Ian Callum said, "Great car to drive. Shame about the styling."
Right, driving. What will convince current Corvette owners to trade in their cars is the C8's performance. In truth, the new 'Vette's numbers and capabilities might convince a few Porsche, BMW, and AMG owners to do the same. Might convince more than a few, in fact.
We mentioned the 0‐60 time previously, but to contextualize that number, the 755‐horsepower C7 Corvette ZR1 hits 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. The 789‐horsepower Ferrari 812 Superfast hits 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. Remember, the C8 with the Z51 Performance package makes "only" 495 horsepower. I won't even point out the $377,000 price gap with Ferrari. Whoops, I just did.
Much of the credit is due to the quick‐shifting eight‐speed dual‐clutch transmission. Big takeaway: We've yet to test a quicker naturally aspirated, rear‐drive production car to 60 mph, price be damned. The C8 did great in the quarter mile, too, covering 1,320 feet in 11.1 seconds at 123.2 mph. That beats the direct competitor Porsche 911 Carrera S by 0.1 second. A win, however, is a win; the Corvette is quicker than the Porsche.
Braking from 60 mph takes place in 97 feet, which is world class. The C8's figure‐eight time of 23.3 seconds is quick but behind the aforementioned Porsche (22.7 seconds) and stuff like the Chevy Camaro SS 1LE (22.9 seconds). I'll go ahead and blame the awkward brake‐by‐wire system. We all agreed there's more work to do here. "It's near‐impossible to accurately modulate the braking effort in Track mode, the system defaulting to instant‐on ABS intervention at pedal speeds and weights a steel‐braked 911 would shrug off," MacKenzie said.
But those are modest complaints. The C8 wins our top award on the strength of how it drives. "Phenomenal perform‐ ance," news editor Alex Nishimoto said. He's right. While conducting limit testing of the entire field at the Hyundai Motor Group California Proving Ground, I knew the Corvette deserved to be a finalist—but my mind re‐ mained open to other vehicles taking the top spot.
It was after cruising the twists and turns of Cameron Road on our finalist loop near Tehachapi that I became convinced the mid‐engine Corvette had to be our winner. "It's so easy to drive," editor‐in‐chief Ed Loh said. That's perhaps the (Continued on page 20) Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 20 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
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No. 1 big change from behind the wheel of the C8 compared to the C7. You can just go for it and attack a road with abandon. I loved how potent, aggressive, and in control I felt. Total confidence.
Many judges mentioned that there's a touch of understeer. Note, I did not say complained about said phenomenon, just mentioned that it's there. Loh noted that dialing in some understeer is a "sensible strategy," as this will be many owners' first time driving a mid‐engine car, and understeer keeps the nose pointing in a straight line when you push the throttle farther than your skills allow. Let me stress that we're talking a skosh, a pinch, a tiny amount of understeer. We're just saying the car isn't tail happy. "The genius of this Corvette is it feels benign to beginners," MacKenzie said, "but it's not boring for experts."
As a group of experts, we collectively loved driving the thing. "The sound is just thrilling when you accelerate, punctuat‐ ing each shift change, sounding and feeling fabulous," Priddle said. Theodore agreed: "The C8 is very easy to drive, with very high capabilities that most owners will not reach." Nishimoto added, "Happiness is having a small‐block V‐8 rum‐ bling behind you." Rechtin called the C8 "something that can be driven very fast, all day, but you emerge completely rested and relaxed." And MotorTrend en Español managing editor Miguel Cortina said, "Finally, a Corvette that I enjoy driving."
To become a MotorTrend Car of the Year, you have to punch hard against our six key criteria. To quickly break it down, the new Corvette fares worst in terms of advancement of design. However, as a car's interior is included in this metric, the C8 did OK.
The 2020 Corvette's engineering excellence is through the removable roof; it features world‐class performance com‐ bined with shockingly good ride comfort and noise levels. Chevy's top dog also scores big in terms of performance of intended function, assuming that intended function is to be a daily‐driven supercar.
Safety is trickier with the Corvette, as neither IIHS nor NHTSA have or will crash‐test it, but based on safety scores for GM's other recent offerings, we'll give Chevrolet the benefit of the doubt here. As for efficiency, the small‐block has cylinder deactivation to loaf along while powered by just four cylinders.
Value is where the C8 goes off the charts. Why would you buy a BMW M4 for the same money? Why would you spend half again as much for an equivalent 911? Besides a badge, what does a Ferrari give you? And just wait until the more powerful Corvette iterations show up.
Few cars change the automotive landscape, forcing other manufacturers to react, as the status quo will no longer do. It's déjà vu all over again, again, folks. Chevy is selling a supercar for sports car prices. As I told a wealthy supercar col‐ lector friend of mine, "If I were you, I'd buy three." Or as MacKenzie put it, "Hallelujah! A real, honest‐to‐god, mid‐ engine supercar for the price of a Corvette." Great job, Chevrolet. Page 21 AllentownCorvetteClub.org ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
Corvette Sub-Brand Worth $12B by Sam McEachern (GMAUthority.com) Thu., Nov. 21 | An automotive industry analyst believes General Motors could make billions by spinning the Corvette nameplate off into its own sub‐brand.
Morgan Stanley’s Adam Jonas claims a dedicated Corvette sub‐brand could eventually generate sales of more than 100,000 vehicles annually and be worth $7 to $12 billion.
Jonas, a prominent auto industry analyst, envisions the theoretical Corvette sub‐brand offering a variety of models, with the mid‐engine C8 Corvette serving as the brand’s centerpiece. An electric Corvette SUV would eventually join the range as well, while a higher‐end Corvette supercar with a price tag of over $150,000 could act as a halo product. These new models would attract new types of buyers to the brand, he believes.
“In essence, we think the Corvette brand is undervalued and under‐appreciated by the market,” Jonas said.
Morgan Stanley believes the Corvette brand is already worth around $2 billion on its own – a significant valuation for what is currently only one single Chevrolet product.
With the introduction of the C8 Corvette, the topic of a Corvette SUV has been swirling in the media. GM CEO Mary Barra wouldn’t rule out such an offering when asked about it during the automaker’s Q3 earnings call, simply saying that she appreciates that analysts “think our Corvette franchise is very strong.” During the same call, Barra also said that GM will “look at a variety of things as we go forward and we recognize the strength of the Corvette brand.”
Autoblog approached GM for comment on the Morgan Stanley report, but as expected, it didn’t want to talk about fu‐ ture product plans.
“We appreciate everyone’s excitement about this iconic brand, but we will not engage in the speculation,” a spokes‐ man the publication, essentially reiterating what Barra said earlier this year.
Other GM executives have not denied the possibility of a Corvette SUV, but also appeared to not want to talk about the matter. Chevrolet’s vice president for performance vehicles and motorsports, Jim Campbell, said he “can’t say anything one way or the other” when asked about the matter at the debut of the Corvette C8, while GM president Mark Reuss previously told reports that we are “probably not going to see that.”
Other sports‐car brands are expanding their lineups in an attempt to win over new buyers, with Lamborghini introduc‐ ing the Urus SUV last year and Ferrari also plotting its own utility vehicle for release in the near future.
The car shows and events have https://public.fotki.com/AAVetteClub slowed in preparation for winter. Site managed by Michelle Minnich We invite you to visit both club FOTKI sites to relive all of the https://public.fotki.com/EACC 2019 happenings: Site managed by Len Feinberg Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 22 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
NEW 2019 Black Z06 3LZ Coupe, Kalahari int., AT. MSRP $114,965 Sale Priced $106,914
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ALL CORVETTES Current AACC members receive 10% off GM Service, Parts and Accessories. See Sandi about our vehicle discounts. Present your membership card to enjoy the savings!
Faulkner Chevrolet Cadillac Sandi Kirby 298 Stoke Park Road Cadillac Sales Manager Bethlehem, PA 18017 purchased from Direct: (610) 849-1150 [email protected] Faulkner Chevy Local: (610) 867-4177 include a free Sales: (855) 535-9080 Service: (855) 450-0639 1-year AACC membership! www.FAULKNERMOTORS.com Page 23 AllentownCorvetteClub.org ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
NCM News & Events Corvette 101 Video Chat Service Available Thu., Oct. 31 | The NCM Delivery Department offers “Corvette 101” – a program that provides personalized training on the C7 Corvette. Owners will receive a quality, thorough orientation of the vehicle, and ses‐ sions are by appointment. Prior to your appointment, we will research your car’s options using the VIN. Come prepared with any questions you may have regarding the features of your car.
Topics can include infotainment system, memory seats, drive mode selection, performance data recorder (PDR), heads‐ up display, driver instrument center, curb and rear vision cameras, remote keyless entry/remote start, vehicle maintenance/care and more.
If you are unable to travel to the NCM, a video chat option is available. Connect with a NCM Delivery Team member via FaceTime, Skype, Viber, IMO and other popular video chat apps for face‐to‐face interaction while inside the car.
Learn more at https://www.corvettemuseum.org/visit/delivery-programs/corvette-101/
Cemented in History: 1954 ‘Entombed’ Corvette Joins Museum Collection Thu., Nov. 07 | It was 1954 and successful business man, Richard Sampson of Brunswick, Maine had just purchased a brand‐new Corvette. After driving it for four years, he wanted to park it somewhere safe. Sampson was constructing new stores for his grocery chain and decided one of them would be the perfect structure to keep his car secure. A tomb was built inside the store – literally around his Corvette. Sampson specified in his will that the car was not to be taken out of the man‐made ‘time‐capsule’ until the year 2000. Although Sampson changed his wishes before he passed away in 1969, the car remained entombed for 27 years.
The story of the Corvette was not widely known until the early 1980s when a magazine article was published. In 1986, the building’s new owner (who purchased the store in 1982) released the Corvette into the hands of Sampson’s daughter Cynthia. Workers disassembled the tomb, brick‐by‐brick, for a spectacular reveal. Cynthia then took the car to her home in Daytona Beach, Florida where it remained in the middle of her living room for the next ten years. The car has changed hands a few times since then, but still has accumulated only 2,344 miles and remains in un‐ restored and original condition.
“The donors reached out to see if we would have an interest in the car,” said Derek E. Moore, Director of Collections / Curator. “We talked a little about the significance of it, as well as keeping it in original condition. We know we want to recreate the tomb in some fashion, a diorama or vignette setting. We’re excited to share this unique piece of history!”
The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, donated it to the National Corvette Museum to continue in the preserva‐ tion of both the car and its amazing (and interesting!) story. Thank you to them and we can’t wait to share it...! Allentown Area Corvette Club Page 24 ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
NCM News & Events Continued... Corvette Plant Frontage Getting a Facelift Thu., Nov. 14 | If you’ve been to General Motors Bowling Green Assembly, chances are you’ve made a stop in front of the building for a photo op by their sign, where two Corvettes often sit on either side. Currently that area is under construction, receiving a facelift that has a much more important purpose.
“We found that visitors were stopping in the middle of the road in front of the sign, and even standing in the road to take photos,” said Kai Spande, Plant Manager. “Safety is a top concern for visitors so we looked into how that area could be updated to better accommodate photo ops.”
More at https://www.corvettemuseum.org/corvette-plant-frontage-getting-a-facelift/
Final C7 Stingray Corvette Delivered at Museum Wed., Nov. 20 | The National Corvette Museum was created as a facility to house the history of the iconic American sports car, and a part of the car’s recent history has joined the Museum’s collections. On Wednesday, November 20 the final C7 Stingray to roll off the GM Bowling Green Assembly line was officially delivered at the Museum.
“As a company, from General Motors, the Plant and the Museum – we all try to work together to do everything we can to preserve the history of this car,” said Kai Spande, GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant Manager. “During the planning of the final production units, GM and Harlan Charles asked if there was an interest from the Museum in getting one of the last cars.”
Museum President and CEO Dr. Sean Preston was thrilled to have the opportunity for the Museum to own such an im‐ portant piece of history. “GM offered the opportunity to purchase the car to us. The Corvette is an iconic car in and of itself, and the last Stingray Coupe with front engine and manual transmission is an iconic car itself as well.”
More at https://www.corvettemuseum.org/final-c7-stingray-corvette-delivered-at-museum/
National Corvette Museum 350 Corvette Drive 2020 Events Bowling Green, KY 42101 MiM Daytona Rolex 24 @ Daytona .Jan. 22‐27 © National Corvette Museum 2019 MiM Plantation Tour...... Mar. 31‐Apr. 04 Current NCM Raffles Michelin MCM Bash...... Apr. 23‐25 Visit https://raffle.corvettemuseum.org for tickets. MiM Dragon Run @ Biltmore ...... Apr. 26‐29 ‘19 Torch Red Cpe | 1500 Tix. @ $100...... Dec. 19 The Gathering @ NCM...... May 14‐16 ‘19 Black Z06 Cpe | 1000 Tix. @ $250 ...... Jan. 23 (2020) MiM @ Le Mans...... Jun. 05‐16 ‘20 Black Cpe | Unlim. Tix. @ $20...... Apr. 25 26th Anniversary Celebration ...... Sep. 03‐05 Page 25 AllentownCorvetteClub.org ‘Vetter’s Letter | Vol. 26, Iss. 12 | December 2019
Neither Allentown Area Corvette Club nor the Newsletter Editors are responsible Corvette Classifieds for ad content or for any exchanges as a result of ads published.
If you have something Corvette-related to sell, contact the newsletter editors to run a free ad for six (6) months. Ads may be removed at any if space is necessary for new posts. Contact Kevin & Michelle Minnich at [email protected] or call 610-530-0923.
1964 Roadster — Riverside Red with Black interior and White top, Original 327 / 300HP, Muncie M20, Posi Rear, Knockoff wheels, PS, Base coat-
clear coat paint, many new parts. (Hellertown, PA) $44,900 (Barry, 484-821-6968)1909 1972 Stingray Coupe — Green with Saddle leather interior, 454ci, 4 speed manual, 78,000 miles, numbers-matching motor. The car is located in
Eagleville, PA. Asking $36,500.00 (Bill, 610-716-9526)1907 1974 Stingray Coupe — White with saddle leather interior, 350ci, 4 speed manual, only 12,482 miles, numbers-matching, paperwork included.
The car was purchased at Hobby Car Corvettes in Martinsburg, PA. Asking $14,000.00 (Suzette, 908-625-6989)1904 AACC CAR!! 2000 Black Fixed Roof Coupe — Ebony leather int., Z06 clone with Z06 floor mats, badging, side ducts, 6-spd Manual. Aftermarket Bluetooth radio with Kicker sub and amplifier, digital speedometer on windshield, drilled & slotted rotors, red powder-coated
calipers. Includes C5 soft cover (black) and factory floor mats. 54,150 miles. $16,000 obo. (Jaden, 610-428-4517)1910 2002 Z06 Coupe — Quicksilver Metallic, Black int. w/ red Z06 stitching, 6-speed manual, Borla Stinger with X-pipe, cold air intake, short-throw
shifter, new Michelins in Feb 2019. Original parts with car. 47,000 miles. $28,000 (Pat, [email protected], 302-575-0336)1904 2003 50th Anniversary Coupe — Anniversary Red, Auto, fully loaded, new tires, 38,000 original miles. Local car. Asking $22,500 (will consider all
offers). (Bob, 908-627-1955)1908 NEW!! AACC CAR!! 2003 Electron Blue Coupe — 1SB Preferred Equipment Pkg., Heads-up display, AT, Magnetic Selective Ride Control,
Polished aluminum wheels, Transparent removable roof, 11k miles. $20,000. (Joe, 610-762-8860)1912 2008 Crystal Red Metallic Convertible — Cashmere seats, tan top, LS3 6 spd paddle shift, Automatic. Like new condition. $9,400 in options. 3LT Preferred Equip. Package, plus Borla Exhaust. 436 HP, 44,000 miles. Always garaged. $28,000 (Rich, [email protected],
203-913-0508)1905 AACC CAR!! 2010 Velocity Yellow 3LT Convertible — Ebony leather int. with Black top, Automatic, Dual Mode Exhaust, Bose, Heads-Up,
Heated Seats, Power Top, etc. 28k miles. $30,500 obo. (Ken, 267-249-8362)1906 AACC Car!! 2013 Night Race Blue Metallic 427 Convertible — Blue top, Light Cashmere int., 60th Anniversary Edition, Chrome wheels, light-up
WindResistor, 1SB package. Garage kept with 24,360 miles. Asking $49,900 (Paulinea, [email protected] or 484-863-0097)1909 2014 Torch Red 3LT Coupe — Fully loaded with Body Color Dual Roof Package, Multi-mode Performance Exhaust, Competition Carbon Sport Seats, Brownstone Suede/Leather Seats. Sticker Price was $75,585. Less than 3,000 miles, never seen rain, and purchased in 2016 from a car
museum. $46,500. (Dave, [email protected])1906
1966 Big Block Used Engine Parts — KB203-060 Pistons with pins and connecting rods. Make offer. (Bob, 610-330-0848)1907 1974 Ignition & Spark Plug Wire Shields — 5 chrome ignition pieces and 3 non-chrome spark plug wire pieces. Make offer.
(Bob, 610-330-0848)1907 C5 SpeedLingerie Bra — Pewter color. Well cared for & safe to 120 mph. Seller will pay shipping. New: $599, asking $250 obo.
(Ernie, 610-504-8707)1906
C6 Accessories — Roof Panel Sunliner, Black w/ holes (removable/reusable) great sun protection. $25. (Valerie or Blair, 610-438-8885)1808 C7 Accessories — Shelf for hidden space behind Nav screen, $25; LT1 Performance interior badge (mounts below heater controls, $50;
Clear plastic floor mats, $20; Formed plastic sill protectors with Velcro mount, $40; WeatherTech black floor liners, $75. (Joel, 610-533-2259)1909
NEW!! 2002 Z06 Factory Original Wheels — Wheels are as new. $950. (Tony, 610-390-1696, [email protected])1912
100 gal. Fuel Storage Tank — Aluminum with hand pump, ideal for the back of a pickup truck. $50. (Ernie, 610-504-8707)1808
NEW!! 7,000-lb. Revolution 4-Post Lift — 5’-3” rise and 15’-10” length, 110V. $2,000. (Joe, 610-762-8860)1912 ALLENTOWN AREA CORVETTE CLUB, INC.
P.O. Box 90896 Allentown, PA 18109 Phone: 610-530-0923 [email protected]
298 STOKE PARK ROAD BETHLEHEM, PA 18017
Sales (877) 260-1080 Service (877) 625-6238
www.FaulknerMotors.com
Visit us on the web at www.AllentownCorvetteClub.org 3699 Eberhardt Road Whitehall, PA 18052 610-433-9696
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