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Corvette GTR

Posted July 10, 2009

About a year after the Corvette GTR was first unveiled, an updated version of the sports car is on sale now. Jeff Nowicki and his Michigan-based Specter Werkes wanted to create a striking and unique version of the C6-based Corvette GTR - something that had more 'visual reach' but didn't stray to far away from the original qualities that make up a Corvette.

It is a road Nowicki has traveled in the past. A decade ago he launched a C5-based GTR and only about 30 were built, including one each for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. They were almost too respectful of the Corvette's design, with moderately widened bodywork that required a GTR to be parked next to a stock C5 in order to make a distinction and appreciate the differences.

The wide-body theme of the C5 GTR carried over to the C6 GTR, but with a considerably more bold, racing influenced implementation.

"Our clientele told us that's what they wanted," says Nowicki. "They wanted a car that stood out from the rest, but was also tasteful and recognizable as a Corvette. I think that's exactly what we achieved."

Only the roof panel and rear hatch are left untouched from the original Corvette. The front and rear fascias, rear quarter panels, rockers, front fenders, and hood-are replaced with Specter designed panels.

"We shaped the passenger side by hand, and that took months before we were satisfied with the final dimensions and details," says Nowicki. "Then, we scanned the car, turned it around on our surface plate, and let a computer-guided milling machine carve a mirror image. That took more than a week itself."

The addition of a custom cam design with more lift has increased the Corvette GTR by an extra 80 horse power over the previous model, bringing it to an impressive 615 hp and 578 pounds per feet of torque.

The company says many levels of engine tune will be available, but this package is based on a stroked LS3 that raises displacement from 6.2L to 6.8L. The vehicle is also fitted with a Corsa exhaust and gets full wide-body treatment, with broadened suspension and a wider covering.

Corvette GTR white

The full-body kit includes exposed carbon fiber details on the exterior, a new front fascia, carbon fiber splitter, extractor hood, front fenders, doors, rocker panels, rear fenders, rear fascia, and a carbon fiber rear diffuser.

The flow and cohesiveness of the GTR's design is apparent from all angles. The front fascia and extractor-style hood combine to deliver an impressive visual effect, while the sides and rear fascia project a broad-shouldered stance. The rear fenders are half an inch wider per side than the Z06, making the GTR an inch wider overall and 4.5 inches wider overall than a "base" Corvette.

The rear fascia is accented by carbon-fiber trim; a large, LED-lit center brake lamp (from the Cadillac CTS); revised tail lamp lenses; and a Corsa stainless steel exhaust with Specter's own outlets.

Special Forgeline VR3P wheels, measuring 19in up front and 20in in the rear provide ample room for the huge 285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires. Stop Tech 15in slotted brake discs and six pistons up front mate with 14in and four piston calipers in the rear for abundant stopping power. The car is painted in BASF liquid silver color (the same used on Mercedes Benz AMG models), while the interior gets GTR-standard embroidered seats and Spinneybeck leather trim details. Like the last version, the Corvette GTR upgrade carries a base price of $34,995, with more custom work available for a premium.

All GTRs are custom-built to order and carry documentation and identification to that effect. Also, the upgrades are available and for sale across the Corvette range, including the standard Coupe, Z06 and the ZR1, and the new Grand Sport.

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