This year the 2008 Indianapolis 500 will feature a pair of distinctive yet highly differentiated Corvette models.
History will be made at the 2008 Indianapolis 500 when a pair of distinctive yet highly differentiated Corvette models will serve as the official pace cars ¬ one highlighting Chevrolet's commitment to fuel solutions and the other marking 30 years of Corvette's pace car heritage. The Corvette Z06 E85 concept (left) runs on E85 ethanol fuel and will be driven during the race's pace lap by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi. The Corvette 30th Anniversary Pace Car honors the 1978 model - the first Corvette to pace the field at the Indy 500. One of the pace cars is a customized Corvette Z06 E85 concept that runs on E85 ethanol fuel, a domestically produced alternative fuel similar to the E100 fuel that powers all of the racecars in the IndyCar Series. The other official pace car is a black-and-silver commemorative edition that marks the 30th anniversary of the celebrated 1978 pace car – the first Corvette to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet will produce a total of 500 pace car replicas in both coupe and convertible form, each signed personally by Fittipaldi at the Corvette’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant. “Although not a production FlexFuel vehicle, the Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is a high-performance example of Chevrolet’s gas-friendly to gas-free initiative, demonstrating viable fuel solutions,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “As an ethanol refiner in his native Brazil, Emerson Fittipaldi is the fitting Chevrolet champion to help support GM’s efforts with E85 and celebrate 30 years of the Corvette pacing the Indianapolis 500.” “It’s only fitting that Corvette will be the first car to earn the distinction of having two models pace the Indianapolis 500 in the same year,” said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. “Chevrolet and Corvette are a vital part of the rich history of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ and we’re honored to have a great champion of the race and of alternative fuels, Emerson Fittipaldi, as this year’s pace car driver.” Corvette Z06 E85 concept The Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is based on the production Z06 – already one of the fastest and most powerful cars on the market – and blends its performance with the high-octane, renewable alternative fuel that is derived from a variety of crops grown across the United States. Apart from the fuel system and powertrain controller revisions required to run E85, the Z06 concept pace car is mechanically stock. It is distinguished by a unique Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint scheme that changes between hues of green and gold when viewed from different angles and in different light. A subtle checkered flag pattern also is part of the paint scheme. Safety equipment and strobe lights are the only other equipment added to the car. 30th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Commemorating one of the most recognizable Indianapolis 500 pace cars, the Corvette 30th Anniversary Pace Car features a black exterior with silver graphics that honors the 1978 model – the production replicas of which became instant collectibles and continue to stand as an iconic symbol of Corvette’s heritage at the front of the Indy field. In addition to the exterior color scheme, the anniversary models are equipped with a special, two-tone titanium-color interior, with the Indianapolis 500 logo embroidered on the seats. Coupe and convertible models are available. Both the coupe and convertible come equipped with Corvette’s 3LT option package, Z51 performance package and dual-mode exhaust. Additional features include: * Choice of six-speed manual or six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmissions * LS3 small block V8 with 436 hp * New-for-2008 forged chrome five-spoke aluminum wheels * Corvette Z06 rear spoiler * Silver checkered flag graphics * Indy 500 logo fender badges Corvette at Indy The 2008 edition of the Indianapolis 500 represents Corvette’s 10th time as the official pace car – and a record fifth-consecutive year – and Chevrolet’s 19th time as the manufacturer selected to lead the field. Corvette’s pace years and details include: 1978 – Driven by 1960 race winner Jim Rathmann; Chevrolet produced 6,502 production replicas 1986 – Driven by famed pilot Chuck Yeager; all 7,315 production convertibles were considered pace car convertibles and included official graphics (to be installed at the owner’s discretion) 1995 – Driven by then Chevrolet General Manager Jim Perkins; 527 production replicas produced 1998 – Driven by 1963 race winner Parnelli Jones when an injury prevented golfer Greg Norman from performing the duty; 1,158 production replicas produced 2002 – Driven by actor Jim Caviezel; no production replicas produced but graphics were available through SPO – approximately 300 sets sold 2004 – Driven by actor Morgan Freeman; no production replicas produced 2005 – Driven by General Colin Powell; no production replicas produced 2006 – Driven by cycling champion Lance Armstrong; first Corvette Z06 pace car; no production replicas produced 2007 – Driven by actor Patrick Dempsey; 500 production replicas – all convertibles 2008 – Driven by Emerson Fittipaldi; 500 production replicas – coupes and convertibles