GM Is First To Certify Horsepower and Torque Under New SAE Test Procedure - Corvette Z06 now rated at 505 horsepower

General Motors has become the first manufacturer to certify its horsepower and torque rating using the new Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) test procedure J2723.

The 7.0L LS7 engine for the 2006 Corvette Z06, the first engine certified under the new test procedure, was rated at 505 horsepower @ 6300 rpm and 470 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm, five horsepower more than original estimates. "The new voluntary SAE power and torque certification procedure ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque as it uses third-party certification," said Jim Queen, GM Vice President, Global Engineering and the General Chair for the 2005 SAE World Congress. "SAE technical standards level the playing field and this certification procedure is just the latest example of the value SAE has offered over the past century." Tom Stephens, Group Vice President of GM Powertrain stated, "We're very proud to be the first to certify engines with the new procedure and pleased with the LS7 certification results. Going forward, GM will certify its engines to the new procedure as we want customers to have accurate information when they make a purchase decision. GM encourages all manufacturers to do the same."

O'Connell Counts on Courage, Experience and Corvette Racing at Road Atlanta

O'Connell, a resident of nearby Flowery Branch, Ga., has turned thousands of laps on the 2.5-mile, 12-turn road course that winds though the Georgia countryside. With years of experience, unquestioned courage and a very fast Corvette race car, O'Connell and his teammate Ron Fellows are odds-on favorites in the fiercely contested GT1 category. O'Connell, 42, ranks the Road Atlanta road course as one of his favorites on the ALMS circuit. "Every racer loves elevation changes, long straight-aways, and long passing zones," he says. "Road Atlanta has all of those and I enjoy race tracks that have a variety of corners," O'Connell explains. "I like high-speed corners where you have to suck it up and use your courage, and I like low-speed corners where you need to draw on your technique. At Road Atlanta, turn 1, turn 12 and the esses are all about courage. Then there's turn 7, which is tight, and the second-gear corner that's critical to get right because it leads to the long straight." Fast, funny and fearless, Johnny O'Connell is going to give Georgians a hometown hero to cheer when the world comes to race at Road Atlanta April 15-17. For the complete release, additional details on the race and information on the exciting Corvette Corral at Road Atlanta co-hosted by the NCM click here: www.corvetteracing.com

C6 Quality Clinic At the C5/C6 Bash

The focus of this activity is to hear the likes/dislikes, problems/concerns of new C6 Corvette owners. Experts will be on site to address customer issues and concerns.

The Quality Clinic will be held on Friday April 22nd, and Saturday April 23rd from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Make your appointment by contacting the C6 Customer Clinic Group via this email address- mailto:corvettec6qualityclinic@rdagroup.com