For 58 of its 60 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been powered by the legendary Chevrolet V-8 engine. Technological advancements have increased output threefold – from 195 hp in 1955 to 638 hp today – as well as reliability, refinement and efficiency.

However, the fundamental architecture of the Chevrolet “Small Block” remains the same today as it was in 1955: a 90-degree V-8, with overhead valves actuated by pushrods, and a 4.4-inch on-center bore spacing.

“The brilliance of the Chevrolet V-8 is its elegant, efficient design,” said Jordan Lee, global chief engineer for Small Block Engines. “The Chevy V-8 has fewer reciprocating parts, and is very efficient and has one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any engine family in the industry. The design is incredibly compact, enabling the Corvette’s signature sleek profile and low hood line.”

Despite a sporty appearance, the early Corvettes’ performance didn’t match their good looks. The car launched in 1953 with the “Blue Flame” inline six-cylinder engine and a two-speed automatic transmission – not exactly the stuff on which to build a sports car legend. That changed in 1955, when the new small-block V-8 engine became available and was ordered by 99 percent of Corvette buyers. Read more!

The Corvette ZR1 is one of those pieces of US metal that make many, many, European go-fast rides want to cry and go hide in a shed. Thus, ZR1 owners are extremely proud of their rides and want to offer their car tributes, as a sign of gratitude for all the performance.

This is exactly the case here, with a yellow example of the ZR1, which was gifted with a set of custom shoes. The 640 hp ‘Vette was touched by Advance One Wheels, which fitted it with a set of ADV07TS rims.

The wheels use a black finish for the center and a brushed aluminum finish for the lips, with the contrast between the two acting like an attention magnet. The rims, which come in a 20-inch size, are wrapped in Invo Nitto rubber. Click on read more for more images!

The Chevrolet Corvette returns to the famed German track – the Nurburgring – to test the 2012 ZR1 model. This year’s test run eclipses the time set in 2008 by more than six seconds. Watch the video!

Look at this perfect muscle car – the Z06 Carbon was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of the Corvette at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was the time when Briggs Cunningham and John Fitch won their class. The Carbon edition is actually a Vette Z06 with a ZR1 chassis with carbon skin. Only 500 examples will be made in only two colors – Inferno Orange and Supersonic Blue. But check out the official press release for more information:

2011 CORVETTE Z06 CARBON LIMITED EDITION
Taking track-to-street technology to a new level

DETROIT — When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.

“Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. “With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast.”

After we presented you an interview with Doug Fehan, and the upcoming challenge for the Corvette C6R at The 24 Hours of Le Mans, we wanted to present you live image of this beautiful racing muscle car – The Chevrolet Corvette C6R GT2.

The shot above was snapped at the garages of Pratt & Miller, the racing outfit contracted by GM to develop and run the racing Corvettes. As we can see, the color scheme is the same black and yellow, but the 2010 C6R has sharper paint job.

The bodywork is built based on an aluminum frame – for instance – the GT1′s frame is made of steel. The brakes are made of steel, too. The power unit of the muscle car is a downsized 5.5-liter V8.

We all hope that the Corvette Racing team is going to beat the competition, dominated by Ferraris and Porsches. Images – below on Read more!