High-performance green machine: Corvette C6.R

Among the green machines at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center today, the Chevrolet Corvette C6.R looks like it crashed the party. Lurking under cover of the big-top tent, surrounded by fuel-sipping hybrids, quieter-than-you’d-think diesels, ultra-expensive fuel-cell vehicles and other alternative takes on mainstream transportation, this ultimate Corvette provides a stark contrast to the electrified cars of tomorrow in attendance.

Part of a green initiative, Corvette Racing is using renewable E85 ethanol in the 2008 American Le Mans Series. Last year, the teams used E10. Through the 12-race series, Chevrolet wants to prove the viability of the fuel, and certainly high-stakes motor sports will raise ethanol awareness.

Among other things, the 590-horsepower C6.R proves that being green doesn’t mean boring. And sadly, there were no hot laps in the C6.R today in the rain.

—Jeff Bartlett

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Comments

[Pernille]

Wow - never thought Consumer Reports would appreciate such a car. Thanks for including. Vroom! Vroom!

[p]

An E85 590 horsepower Corvette is the antithesis of green. How can you be so naïve?

[GreenJoyment]

590 horsepower from an Ethanol vehicle is pretty darn cool. Ethanol has its own set of issues of course, but it's great to see a company like Chevrolet innovating in this way.

Jonathan

[Ethanol Lady]

U.S. car manufacturers should be commended for this type of innovation. We hear a lot about alternative energy such as wind and solar. That will all be wonderful for a diverse portfolio of sustainable, renewable energy sources, but that is the future. We have an alternative that is HERE TODAY and available for use. Ethanol is the foundation from which second generation ethanol and other alternative fuels will be build upon.

Consider this analogy: If you were drowning and a rescue helicopter was there providing a lifeline, would you say "No thanks, I'll wait for another alternative?" No, if you're smart you'd grab the lifeline. Ethanol is today's lifeline, building on tomorrow.

Thank you GM for having the guts to grab on to the lifeline today and for the innovation to support the next generation of renewable fuels in the future!

[Kellz]

590hp economic Vette, only Chevy!!! :)