We’ve always had a special attraction for performance runner-up vehicles. We are referring to those cars that are included in the “go-fast segment” but have a “Number two” status in their range. One example is the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which was the king of the ‘Vette range until GM released the ZR-1 model.

It seems like our sympathy for this kind of vehicles is shared by Romeo Ferraris. The Italian tuner has released a complex modification pack that is aimed at placing the Z06 above the factory stock ZR1.

The vehicle’s 7 liter LS7 V8 engine received a Vortex supercharger, an air-to-air aluminum intercooler, a blow-off valve, high-capacity fuel pump and injectors, as well as an ECU remap. The Italian tuning house has also added a custom exhaust. Read more!

1979 wide-body Corvette designed by Corvette racing legend John Greenwood. Black Beauty with red interior and desirable L82. Mirror finish black paint against red leather. Loaded with options including the performance L82 motor, matching numbers and completely stock engine, transmission and interior with less than 18,200 original miles, down to the original factory AM/FM player. Motor compartment is detailed and fully serviced. The 235/60R15 BFGoodrich tires are brand new, all the rubber is brand new, and the glass and trim are very good. Additional options and accessories include glass tops, power disc brakes, power steering, aluminum wheels, polished aluminum valve covers, spoiler integrated to the body, wide fenders, side air vents, power windows, power antenna, tilt telescopic wheel, air conditioning, rear defog and cruise control.

If you take a closer look at this Speedster and then compare it to the original 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept that was shown at the Chicago Auto Show in 2009 as well as in the movie Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, you will see some major differences: A different hood with dual openings in the front, No LED vertical headlights – a more conventional lighting system appears tucked into the front recesses, different wheels and a different front grille. Also, as the original Stingray Concept featured Lambo-style doors, either this car’s door is slightly ajar or the gaps on these new door panels gaps are just horrendous. Our guess is that someone had finally put together a rebody kit based on the Stingray Concept but took it a step further by chopping the windshield and roof and making into a Speedster version. Last year we came across an eBay auction for a Stingray Concept kit but at the time it was nothing more than vaporware. But, because this car was seen in Beverly Hills and with Transformers 3 in production for a 2011 release, maybe Sideswipe decided to transform into something more appropriate for the California sunshine.

GeigerCars.de GmbH – Corvette Grand Sport

The name “Grand Sport” is entrenched in the racing history of the Chevrolet Corvette. Now, for the 2010 model year, there is a new edition that evokes memories of the racecars of the seventies – and Geigercars.de has already given these rockets an additional performance upgrade.

With the LS3 V8 under the bonnet, and the corresponding 430 hp and 575 Nm in torque, the Grand Sport is certainly not short of legs when it leaves the factory. But why be satisfied with production line performance, when tuning specialist Geigercars.de can give you something more? Thanks to the Munich pros, a supercharger with a fat 2.3 litres capacity sits on top of the eight-cylinder engine, which itself exhibits a volume of 6.2 litres. The result is a growth in the power of the Corvette to an immense 588 hp at 6,490 rpm, and torque of 738 Nm at 4,030 rpm. This ultimate sports car negotiates the sprint to 100 km/h in less than four seconds from contact, and it’s not until reaching 337 km/h that the Geigercars.de rocket is forced to relent to wind resistance.

The Grand Sport impresses both aesthetically and technically, with wider front and rear fenders with additional vents, to accommodate the larger brakes of the sister model Z06 with its 355 mm, six-cylinder discs at the front axle, and 340 mm, four-cylinder discs at the rear. The front diffuser and larger rear spoiler are also borrowed from the engineers of the Corvette Z06. Sway bars, shock absorbers and springs have also been overhauled in addition to the six-speed transmission, while a dry sump oil system and differential cooler are also on board. The battery of the Grand Sport has been relocated to the rear. Optimum road contact is guaranteed by the 18 and 19 inch light alloy rims, with 275/35 and imposing 325/30 tyres.