This Red Corvette Stingray come to be partially submerged in a roadside pond in Central Florida?
The Orlando Fire Department shared these photos to its Facebook Page on December 15th after they were called to investigate the abandoned vehicle in Orange County near the interchange of State Road 417 and State Road 528.
The reason for the mystery is that the driver was missing from the scene, so the fire rescue department had to put a diver into the water to ensure that it was all clear. The crew then removed the Stingray from the pond.
The C8 Corvette looks to be in relatively good shape. This C8 has the newer Z51 wing on the rear & the front fascia is showing a crack. The passenger window is also down,
While authorities are investigating the history of the car, the commenter’s on the FB post seem to be divided between a case of insurance fraud, or that it was a joyride/stolen car, and it was disposed in the pond.
Through Saturday night, there were 5 test sessions
The No. 36 DXDT Racing Chevy Corvette Z06 GT3.R, in GTD class, encountered a clutch issue in the morning session, which was fixed by the afternoon.
5th session The GTD class entry was 0.143 seconds quicker than the GTD Pro pace-setting No. 4 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Chevy Corvette Z06 GT3.R of Nicky Catsburg.
Sunday’s action includes two final WeatherTech Championship sessions, from 9:45-10:45 a.m. ET and 2:30-4 p.m., with the final session for FIA Bronze-rated drivers only, as well as the fifth and final Pilot Challenge test session and Race 2 for VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, which gets underway at 1:20 p.m. ET with live coverage on Peacock and IMSA’s YouTube channel.
It was 73 years ago that the very first prototype Corvette was shown to the public during the GM Motorama show held in New York City at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
That first Corvette prototype was named EX-122 and the motoring public was instantly taken in Chevy’s new two-seater sports car creation. It was rumored that GM hid microphones in and around the display so that they hear the comments from attendees at the show. The new Corvette was such a hit that GM greenlighted “Project Opel” for production and six months later the first customer cars were completed.
The 1953 General Motors Motorama was a traveling auto show that showcased the latest and greatest from GM, including both futuristic concept cars and aspirational production cars. It was the first Motorama to be held outside of New York City, and it visited major cities across the United States, drawing over 1.4 million visitors.
One of the most popular cars at the show was the Chevrolet Corvette, which was making its public debut. The Corvette was praised for its sleek design powerful engine, and it went on to become one of the most iconic American sports cars ever produced.
Other notable cars at the 1953 Motorama included the Buick Wildcat, the Pontiac La Parisienne, the Oldsmobile Starfire, and the Cadillac Orleans and Le Mans. These cars featured advanced technology and futuristic designs, giving the public a glimpse into the future of car design and technology.
GM’s VP of Design Harley J. Earl says the idea for the Corvette came to him during a visit to Watkins Glen in 1951 where he was showing off the LeSabre concept. Earl said he was impressed by the small European sports cars participating in a grand prix-style road race at the famous track in New York. From there, he got Chevrolet’s Engineering Chief Ed Cole on board with the project, and together they were given the go-ahead to develop the concept for the 1953 GM Motorama.
In late December 1952, the prototype was completed. It was officially known as the Corvette after being named by Chevy photographer Myron Scott. Chevy wanted the car to start with a “C” and supposedly rejected 1500 suggestions. Myron came across the word Corvette after going through the dictionary, which was described as a small, lightly armed warship. Considering that many Americans just finished their service in the U.S. Armed Forces following WWII, the suggestion was perfectly timed.
The final Motorama Corvette was shown to GM executives in early January 1953. The only change suggested was removing the American flag from the original logo. A new logo was designed in a hurry and featured two crossed flags one being the Chevy bow-tie and the other being a fleur-de-lis which paid homage to the French background of Chevrolet namesake Louis Chevrolet. The original American Flag Corvette logo can be seen on display at the National Corvette Museum.
You can’t see him in the crowd photos, but one of the attendees of the 1953 GM Motorama show was a Belgium immigrant named Zora Arkus-Duntov. Zora was so taken with the Corvette and its potential that he wrote a letter to Chevrolet Chief Engineer Ed Cole. Ed Cole was so impressed with Zora that he offered him an assistant staff engineering position. With his foot in the door, Zora would go on to transform the underpowered Corvette into the world-class sports car we know today.
Witness the excitement of the Motorama! GM produced this video from the 1953 Motorama show, and you can see the Corvette make its appearance at 7:12
The 1953 Motorama was a landmark event in automotive history, and it remains one of the most iconic auto shows ever held. In addition to cars, the 1953 Motorama also featured exhibits on the latest advances in automotive technology, such as fuel injection, power steering, and automatic transmission. The show also featured fashion shows, live music, and other entertainment.
The film has undergone the process of colorization. Please note that this is solely for entertainment purposes and does not provide a true representation of colors or historical accuracy.
The "Parade of Progress" was a traveling roadshow and exhibition organized by General Motors (GM). The showcase featured a convoy of futuristic vehicles, exhibits, and displays highlighting the latest technological innovations in transportation and industry.
The main purpose of the Parade of Progress was to promote the advancements made by GM in automotive design, engineering, and technology. It aimed to captivate audiences throughout North America, with a vision of the future, showcasing innovative concepts and cutting-edge technology that GM was developing.
The man who sparked General Motors' original 1936 Parade of Progress was none other than Charles F. Kettering. Charles Kettering, Vice President and Director of Research at GM, was the man behind such inventions as the first commercial electric self-starter, Ethyl gasoline, and the diesel-electric locomotive, to name a few.
The original Parade of Progress took to the road in 1936 in Lakeland, Florida, and it was far from today's streamlined version, but its purpose was identical. From 1936 to December 1941, the caravan played to audiences of more than 12 million people in 251 cities. In 1940, more programming was added to the original show and the Parade's first big-top-style tent, was replaced with a unique structure, the Aer-O-Dome tent, specifically designed by GM.
Crowds stood and listened intently to the young lecturers as they taught basic principles of physics and chemistry, under such titles as "World of Science," and "Miracles of Heat and Cold." The Parade of Progress continued to tour until the mid-1950s.
Corvette ZR1 Is Road & Track Magazine’s 2026 Performance Car of the Year
Road & Track magazine’s Performance Car of the Year award recognizes the best of the best in enthusiast cars. This year, the Chevy Corvette ZR1 bested all contenders in an exhaustive test, earning the title of 2026 Performance Car of the Year.
“Performance Car of the Year is a test of driving, not value, but by any measure, the Corvette is an astonishing bargain,” said Road & Track Director of Reviews Mike Duff. “It also takes the Corvette dynasty to a whole new plane of awesomeness, one that prompts the tantalizing question of whether Chevrolet will ever be able to raise the bar further.”
The Corvette is no stranger to Performance Car of the Year glory. The C7 Corvette Stingray captured the inaugural Road & Track Performance Car of the Year award in 2014, the C7 ZR1 did the same in 2019, and the C8 Z06 took the crown in 2023. This fourth victory makes the Corvette the winningest model in the history of the award. No other model has managed to win more than twice.
The 1,064-horsepower, twin-turbocharged Corvette ZR1 features the most powerful V8 engine produced in America from an American automaker1. Couple that with the optional ZTK Performance Package which incorporates a high-downforce aero package, ultra-high-performance tires, and carbon-ceramic brakes, and you have a true world-beater.
Performance Car of the Year testing is done both on the racetrack and on some of America’s greatest roads. This year, Road & Track visited Northern California’s Thunder hill Raceway Park to push PCOTY contenders to the limit, then toured the scenic byways of Napa Valley.
“Winning Performance Car of the Year is amazing because this is the type of award our team had in mind when we developed the new ZR1,” said Chris Barber, Lead Development Engineer for the ZR1. “We aimed to make this car a standout – fun to drive, incredibly fast, yet comfortable and approachable. The ZR1 faced stiff competition, and I'm very proud that it stood out. Our team is thrilled to have a second PCOTY win for the eighth-generation Corvette.”
Corvette has been on a recent winning spree. TopGear.com recently named the ZR1 its 2026 U.S. Supercar of the Year, and the car also won Hagerty’s Ultimate Lap Battle. The ZR1 also holds six lap records across some of North America’s greatest racetracks, and its 233-mph top track speed makes it the fastest Corvette ever. The ZR1 and hybrid ZR1X are also the fastest cars from an American manufacturer to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack in Germany.
As for the question R&T poses, about whether Chevrolet will be able to raise the bar, the electrified, all-wheel drive ZR1X with 1,250 combined horsepower2 just became the quickest-accelerating American production car, with a sub-2-second 0-60 mph time and a quarter-mile time under 9.0 seconds3. Team Corvette will never rest on its laurels.
1 Corvette is assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky of US and globally sourced parts 2 1,064 horsepower from the LT7 5.5L V8 engine plus 186 horsepower from the eAWD (electric drive unit). 3 On a closed course. Based on initial vehicle movement. Requires available ZTK Performance Package.
America's Quickest Production Car: Corvette ZR1X Does 8.675-Second ¼-Mile, Sub 2 Second 0-60 The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, the most advanced Corvette ever, is the quickest American production car available and the fastest way to get down a quarter-mile drag strip for under a million dollars.
Testing on the ZR1X culminated in October 2025 with validation at US 131 Motorsports Park, reflective of the real-world environments where Corvette customers exercise their vehicles. On a prepped surface, the ZR1X completed the quarter mile in 8.675 seconds at 159 mph1, on pump gas, using standard-equipment tires and production 50-state street-legal engine calibration, and achieving a 0-60 mph time of 1.68 seconds1 on the same run. The ZR1X blasted to 60 mph in less than 100 feet, generating a peak of 1.75G of acceleration force.
“When we made the revolutionary shift to a mid-engine platform, this is the type of performance we knew was possible,” said General Motors President Mark Reuss. The car was equipped with ZR1X’s standard aero configuration, standard Michelin PS4S tires, and available carbon fiber wheels. This acceleration was not a one-off, either – the vehicle used for testing completed multiple back-to-back quarter-mile runs all under 8.8 seconds. The 2026 Corvette ZR1X uses its twin-turbo LT7 V8 engine and front-axle electric motor to generate a total of 1,250 horsepower2, sending it to the ground via electrified all-wheel drive.
Official track slip from Corvette ZR1X testing at drag strip below
Corvette development engineer and test driver Stefan Frick earned this record-breaking quarter-mile performance using Corvette’s standard Custom Launch Control feature, found throughout the lineup from Stingray to ZR1X. Custom Launch Control manages tire spin, transmission clutch application rate, and numerous other parameters, allowing the driver to optimize acceleration runs by adjusting launch RPM and wheel slip targets from the auxiliary driver display.
“There are many different parts and subsystems on this car, with teams across the company responsible for them,” said Frick. “We were all motivated by the mission to break into the eights this is a powerful example of the in-house skill at GM, and the level of performance we developed into this car.”
On an unprepped surface, the Corvette ZR1X equipped with the available ZTK Performance Package can complete the quarter mile in 8.99 seconds4 and accelerate 0-60 mph in 1.89 seconds4.
Eighth-generation Corvette 0 to 60 mph stats:
• Stingray with available Z51 Performance Package: 2.9 seconds1 • Z06 with available Z07 Performance Package: 2.6 seconds1 • E-Ray with available ZER Performance Package: 2.5 seconds1 • ZR1 with available ZTK Performance Package: 2.3 seconds1 • ZR1X with available ZTK Performance Package: 1.89 seconds1
The 2026 Corvette ZR1X began production in December 2025, and is proudly built in America at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 On a closed course. Based on initial vehicle movement. 2 1,064 horsepower from the LT7 5.5L V8 engine plus 186 horsepower from the eAWD (electric drive unit). 3 The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes destination freight charge. Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment not included. Dealer sets final price. 4 On a closed course. Based on initial vehicle movement. Requires available ZTK Performance Package.
Five full-season Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs ready for pre-Rolex 24 testing to start 2026
DETROIT (January 13, 2026) – Five Chevy Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs and seven Corvette Racing factory drivers are set to kick off 2026 during the next two weeks at Daytona International Speedway. Things kick off for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with the annual three-day Roar Before the 24 starting Friday.
It leads straight into the 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona with Corvette Racing eager to capture another class victory or two in the opening round of the season. Five full-season Corvette GT3s from four teams are part of the 60-car entry across two of the four classes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The Corvette collective will test Friday through Sunday on the 3.56-mile Daytona Road Course ahead of next weekend’s season-opening round:
Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports – GTD PRO: • Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims, Marvin Kirchhöfer(No. 3 Corvette) • Nicky Catsburg, Tommy Milner, Nico Varrone (No. 4 Corvette)
13 Autosport – GTD: • Matt Bell, Orey Fidani, Lars Kern, Ben Green (No. 13 Corvette)
DXDT Racing – GTD: • Charlie Eastwood, Mason Filippi, Salih Yoluc, Scott McLaughlin (No. 36 Corvette)
DragonSpeed – GTD: • Giacomo Altoé, Henrik Hedman, Casper Stevenson, Matteo Cairoli (No. 81 Corvette) This year’s group matches last year’s entry of five Corvettes at Daytona; the biggest change is that all five will contest of the IMSA season. In addition to returning teams Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports in GTD PRO and GTD customer teams 13 Autosport (formally AW) and DXDT Racing, new Corvette team DragonSpeed will debut its Z06 GT3.R at Daytona.
As a program, Corvette Racing has a deep and successful history at the Rolex 24 and includes five GT-class victories, one of those an overall win in 2001. The Corvette Racing factory team scored additional class wins in 2015, 2016 and 2021, and 13 Autosport won in GTD last year under the AWA banner for the Z06 GT3.R’s first Rolex 24 triumph.
In addition, Corvette’s successes at Daytona have bolstered Chevy’s impressive record of 125 wins at the circuit across IMSA and NASCAR’s national series.
Corvette Racing and its teams are looking to build on the global success of the Z06 GT3.R from 2025 into the new season. Corvette teams captured 16 race victories across six different global championships, and Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports swept the full-season GTD PRO Manufacturers, Drivers and Teams titles.
The Roar Before the 24 is set for January 16-18, with seven sessions scheduled across the three days. The Rolex 24 goes green at 1:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 24 with qualifying on Thursday, January 22.
SELECT CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R DRIVER QUOTES
ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“In a lot of ways, the Rolex 24 each year at Daytona feels like the championship. I think not many people who are there think about the championship very much during the week. That’s something you think about Monday. Last year when we finished second, it wasn’t that great until Monday, and we realized we had second-place points! It seems like there everyone is fighting all-out for the win, which is classic Daytona.
It will be good to be back there with Alex and bring in Marvin. If he brings to us something of what he had last year in the race, we’ll be very happy! He and the AWA guys did a great job to end up winning the race, which was great for all of the Corvettes. He’s been around the paddock and in a lot of the big races here and in Europe. The experience is there, and the speed is there, as he showed last year. We’re happy to have him and looking forward to working with him this year.”
ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
It’s nice to have continuity again going into a third season with the same main team, and it’s a great addition having Marvin with us. The core group of people on our car are mostly staying the same… Andy Ramsey our race engineer and obviously myself and Antonio, plus Tommy, Nicky and Nico in the other Corvette. That’s a huge bonus and should give us strength. I think that’s probably the first time in my career that I’ve had three years in a row with the same co-driver and engineer, so that’s very nice.
“We were second last year at Daytona, and I’m quite keen to try and go one better. As with all of the races, the championship is the No. 1 focus and then race wins and other things would be fantastic along the way. That generally tends to happen if you win the championship so we obviously need to try and maximize every race. Daytona being the big one straight off the bat is an immediate opportunity and a great challenge.”
MARVIN KIRCHHÖFER, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“It was really nice being back behind the wheel of the Corvette (at November test at Sebring). I was generally quite impressed by the whole setup of the team. I got a nice welcome, too, from my teammates as well. I already knew Nicky from previous racing before, too. That was very nice and I really, really enjoyed working with them. Everyone has been very supportive and very helpful, getting me up to speed within the team and getting reacquainted with the Corvette. I also had the DIL test a couple of weeks ago in Charlotte, which also was quite interesting. I must say overall that it has been very good and very positive… good preparation for the Rolex coming up in a couple of weeks. Hopefully we’ve done our parts and our work well and can make it a good 2026 Daytona 24 race.”
TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“Hopefully this Daytona is a boring one! Boring in the sense that we are three laps ahead by Hour Six, and it’s the most boring GT race ever! Last year was disappointing on a number of levels for us on the No. 4 side. We had a great race going for a majority of it and then unraveled a little bit there at the end. I’m hopeful we can have another strong race as we did last year. There’s no reason why that should change. Daytona is always that crown jewel event and first race in the U.S. each season, with a lot of emotions around it. For me, this race and the GTD PRO class in particular gets more and more competitive each year, and the excitement ramps up as we get closer.”
NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“It’s good to be back and start working with everyone. I’m looking forward to being back in Daytona as always. Like every year, it’s an amazing beginning of the season with one of the most important races of the year. At the start, I feel like this year on the No. 4 side, we need to take a little bit more of a cautious approach to the race. It’s very important that we finish well because it kind of sets you up for the rest of the season. I feel like sometimes people can get a little over-excited because it’s Daytona. I really want to do well in the championship.
The dream is to win the driver championship with the 4 car this year rather than 3! So I’m looking forward to realizing that. Daytona is always a very fun time with the teammates, as well. We have a couple of days off between the Roar and the race, which is always a good time to sharpen up our Pickleball skills or paddle skills or mini-golf skills or whatever else we can do!”
MATT BELL, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I’m really looking forward to defending our Daytona 24 win from last year. It’s very exciting to be coming back under the new 13 Autosport banner while essentially keeping the same group of people that we succeeded with 12 months ago. There are not many teams that have defended their 24-hour win in the past, so our objective is to join the few that have.”
OREY FIDANI, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I’m very excited about this new 13 Autosport venture heading into Daytona. We’re going into our third year as a part of Team Chevy, and over the course of the past two seasons we have learned so much and made significant leaps with our No. 13 Corvette. We’re all very eager to continue to further contribute to Chevrolet’s success at Daytona and into the rest of the rounds. I’m ready to kick off another season with Matt and Lars, and we’re all looking forward to bringing Ben into the family.”
CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 36 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“I’m really looking forward to being back at Daytona with DXDT and the Corvette. Last year wasn’t what we hoped for in my first race with the team in our first race in IMSA. There were a lot of things to learn, and ultimately we didn’t end up finishing the race. But throughout the year the team made some massive strides and everyone is super motivated to get a good result.
I think everyone knows if you can do that at Daytona, it really starts your championship off well. We have a great lineup. Having Scott is brilliant as he brings a lot to the team with his previous experience with the Corvette and in big races. I think we have a superb shot at it.”
GIACOMO ALTOE, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R:
“It’s a new beginning for me with DragonSpeed and Corvette. I’m very excited for what’s coming. The project is a big one, and we committed properly to do everything in the best way possible. It will be great to race together with Henrik for his comeback to racing, and we have high goals in GTD. It’s a very competitive class, and it’s always special to start at Daytona, with a 24-hour race. I can’t wait to be with the crew again and to get to know everyone at Chevy and Corvette Racing, to start this new project together!”
The smash up happened during an race over the weekend at Firebird Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona. Weather conditions were clear but cool, with the high temps only reaching 63-degrees on Saturday. Firebird is a prepped tracked, but as one racer said in the comments, “The prep in the left lane sucked. My awd TRX blew the tires off at the launch.” For this race, the C8 Corvette ZR1 was in that left lane & it would run against a Nissan R35 GTR in the right lane.
This was a roll race as you can see, and both cars accelerated jointly up to the starting line, and then it was go-time And this is where things get screwed up as to how this happened. Both cars were headed straight down the track, with the R35 getting the lead when the ZR1 suddenly breaks traction and turns left, smashing the wall.
The car then did a slow 360-degree turn, thankfully missing the wall with its rear, and then coming to a stop. With the temps only being in the 60s as a high and the possibility that it was even cooler when this crash occurred makes us think the tires weren’t sufficiently warmed. Most ZR1s don’t have the ZTK package due to lack of availability so it’s likely this one was running on the Pilot 4S tires as opposed to the Cup 2Rs that come with ZTK.
Also, compounding, is the lack of a rear wing on this base-aero ZR1 which may have provided additional downforce for traction had it been equipped with the Carbon Fiber aero package. However, as Brooks from DragTimes showed, removal of the wing does make the car go faster at the drag strip.
So here are some of those videos for you to make your determinations as to what went wrong for this weekend warrior. The best view comes from a camera mounted on the Nissan GTR in the right lane, and we also have some track-side views to show as well:
HUMBLE, Texas (CW39) – A Corvette driver was stopped for extreme speeding early Sunday morning on Interstate 69 Highway near FM 1960, according to the Humble Police Department.
Police said via social media that a traffic unit working the southbound lanes clocked the vehicle traveling at 127 miles per hour in a posted 65 MPH zone.
CORVETTE TRAVELING AT MACH JESUS ON SUNDAY MORNING:
On social media, Humble Police used the traffic stop as a reminder that traffic enforcement continues even during Sunday hours. Police are asking drivers to slow down and keep roadways safe for everyone.
Humble Police used the incident as a reminder that traffic enforcement is active at all hours, including weekends. Officers urged drivers to slow down, obey posted limits, and keep roadways safe for all.
Speeding remains one of the leading causes of serious crashes nationwide. While performance cars like the Corvette highlight engineering excellence, they also demand responsibility from those behind the wheel. Authorities stress that safe driving habits not horsepower are what protect lives
WEC breaks down the technical DNA of Corvette’s LMGT3 contender in the FIA World Endurance Championship. From its engine architecture & chassis fundamentals to aerodynamics, balance, and endurance-focused setup, discover how Corvette has adapted its racing heritage to meet the demands of the WEC
South Florida family is pissed but happy to be unharmed after a C8 Corvette hardtop convertible came speeding through their neighborhood on Christmas Eve, hopped a curb, and plowed through their front yard crashing through a wooden fence and into their boat trailer and the concrete wall of their home.
The scene in Palmetto Bay was captured on the family’s Ring camera, which shows the black Corvette barreling off Southwest 174th Street, tearing across the lawn, and smashing through a fence before coming to rest beside the house, then backing out over the damaged fence before onlookers caught him. The impact left debris scattered across the yard and caused significant damage to the property.
“It sounded like an explosion,” the homeowner said. Her children had been outside earlier drawing with chalk, but the entire family happened to be indoors when the crash occurred. “If something would have terribly gone wrong, this is just repairs that have to be done to our home and our boat. But if something terribly had gone wrong, this is a memory that would stay on our mind forever.”
The crash happened early Christmas Eve evening. The homeowner says everyone inside was startled by the noise and ran outside to see the damage, no one was injured.
Police were called immediately, & the driver has since been ticketed, his Corvette suffering damage to at least the passenger side visible in the video and likely to the front end and driver’s side as well. The family, who moved into the neighborhood just six months ago, says the incident has shaken their sense of safety.
The homeowner said she’s still unsure how much the repairs will cost. In the days since the crash, the damaged fence remains on the ground, and pieces of the Corvette’s impact path still litter the yard. Neighbors told Local 10 News off camera that speeding has long been a problem on the street, and they’ve been asking for speed bumps for years.
Out of the blue here where the weather has been in mid 20s at night and mid 40s during the day with high winds for weeks The weather went wacko, as the normal here :-(
Three days of 60s at night and 80s during the day, going crap again cold this weekend so was a good time while all the nuts were on the road for holidays to do a few things with my 99 C5 and checking the torque on the lug nuts of wheels, just did not feel or seem right Started thinking and recalled I had not calibrated the torque wrench in some years :-(
So I had to go find old info I saved back than in process of calibrating torque wrenches by hand
Lots of photos below as I tested 2 torque wrenches that report in ft/lbs One is smaller and output is in inches/Lb and 1 that is digital
In summary as my photo shows, measure the handle, write the distance down Take anything that has weight, I used a gas can and filled with water that total weighed 25 pounds Take rope and place it to your measured mark of TW handle, and the other end of rope so that the weight would hang down but not touch the ground
Simple math, shown below but if the length mark of TW is 15 inches multiply that with the 25 pounds of weight and to get answer in feet divide then by 12 ( do not do this if wanting inch/lbs answer
So 14.5 inches *25 pounds= 362 / 12 = 30 ft/lbs
Now set the TW at 30 ft/lbs Remove a box or whatever you used to hold your weight off the ground so now that weight dangles above the floor and the weight is all on the end of TW handle When doing that, you should hear the wrench click IF not that use the adjuster of wrench and keep testing till the click is correct for the weight and the setting
To assure all is calculated, set wrench below 30 ft/lb ( or what ever your numbers come to) test and then set wrench to above your math numbers and assure no click is heard
Was it worth it ?, been a long way around on this, but YES
The TW I was using to torque the lug nuts was way off and trying to calibrate it failed so over years of doing a NO NO of leaving tool to a set ft/lb caused the internal spring to screw up and is now just a ratchet socket wrench
The others I tested all calibrated correctly
With GM vehicles over the last 20 plus years using a onetime use, Torque to Yield you really want to be sure you're installing them to GM specs of foot/pounds (or inch/pounds)
Here is the science of all this and detail :
Hand Calibrate Torque Wrench Measure from the square drive to the handle. The square drive is the end of the torque wrench you’d attach a socket to. For the sake of simplicity, use whole inches rather than using any fractions. Mark the point you measured to on the handle and record the distance on a piece of paper for you to come back to later. • Set the paper aside in a safe space until you need it. • Because 24 inches (61 cm) is a common length for most torque wrenches, it will serve as the measurement for further steps. Secure the square drive in the vice.
Orient your bench vice so you can place the square drive of the torque wrench into and have the handle extend out, away from the table or bench. Then insert the square drive into the vice and tighten it until it’s secure. • Be careful not to over tighten the vice and damage the square drive on the torque wrench. • Make sure only the square drive itself is caught in the clamp, so the wrench can move under the weight you apply.
Calculate the appropriate setting for your weight.
The equation is: handle distance times weight divided by 12. In order to determine the right setting for the torque wrench, multiply the distance you measured in step 2 by the 20 pounds you will be using for your weight. That comes out to 480 inch-pounds (24 inches times 20 pounds) which equates to 40 foot-pounds (480 inch-pounds divided by 12).
• If you're working with metric units, start by converting the weight to Newtons. To do this, multiply the number of kilograms by 9.807. In this example 9.07 kg x 9.807 = 88.94949 Newton. • Then, multiply the number of Newtons by the length in meters: 88.94949 Newtons x 0.6096 meters = 54.2 Newton meters. • To convert foot-pounds to Newton meters, multiply by 1.35582. For this example, 40 foot-pounds is equal to 54.2 Newton meters. • Be sure to use the correct distance and weight figures. If your wrench is a different size or you’re using different weights, your figures will be different.
Hang the weights from the handle of the wrench.
Tie the rope to the weight and make a loop that you can hang from the handle of the torque wrench where you made your mark in step 1. Make sure the length of rope is short enough that the weight won’t touch the ground once you hang it. • Do not securely tie the weight to the wrench. Instead, simply hang it. • Be sure nothing is in the way of or supporting the weight as it hangs.
Adjust the torque wrench using the weight.
You can usually adjust the spring tension in a torque wrench by turning a screw located midway up the wrench’s handle with a screwdriver. Hang the 20 lb (9.1 kg) weight from the torque wrench at your first mark and see if it clicks. If it doesn’t, tighten the spring by turning the screw clockwise, then lift the weight and lower it again to test it.
• Repeat this process until the torque wrench clicks using the known weight. • Be sure to lift the weight off the wrench and lower it again to test for clicking each time. Move the weights up the handle if you hear a click. Listen for a click from the torque wrench as you hang the weight from the marked point on the handle. If you hear one, lift the weight off the handle and set it down again further up the neck, moving toward the head of the wrench. • Keep repeating this process until you stop hearing the click. • Be sure to lift the weight off and set it down again each time. Do not slide it up the handle. Lower the weights if you don’t hear a click. If you don’t hear a click from the torque wrench as you place the weight on it, move the weight down the handle of the wrench until you do hear one. • Start by moving the weight an inch or so at a time. • It’s okay to move up and down the handle of the wrench more than once as you look for the point in which it starts to click
Mark the point of transition.
Once you find the point in which the handle transitions from clicking to not, mark it on the wrench with your pen. Be sure to mark the point exactly, so you may need to make multiple attempts at identifying where it is by moving the weight up and down the handle. • The part of the handle where it begins or stops clicking is called the transition point.
Measure from the square drive to the point of transition. Use the measuring tape to find the distance from the square drive to the transition point you identified using the weight. Record that number on a piece of paper and set it aside. A measurement of 26 inches (66 cm) will be used for this example, but yours may be different. • Be careful not to confuse this number with the figure you recorded in step 2. • You may want to test finding the transition point more than once to be sure you have the correct number. Calculate the applied torque. If the transition point of the torque wrench with 20 pounds was at 26 inches, for instance, multiply that by 20 pounds to determine the amount of torque actually applied: so 26 inches times 20 pounds equals 520 inch-pounds, or 43.33 foot-pounds (520 divided by 12 inches ). • The equation is the same as before: measurement length times weight, divided by 12. • If you're using metric units, convert the weight to Newtons (kg x 9.807), then multiply the number of Newtons by the length in meters: 9.07 kg x 9.807 = 88.95 Newtons. 88.95 Newtons x 0.6604 meters = 58.74 Newton meters.
Correct for the difference you identify.
If you are unable to adjust the torque wrench, you can still use it pretty accurately if you adjust the settings you use on the wrench to compensate for the difference. Divide your first measurement by the transition point (in this case, 24 divided by 26, which equals 0.923). Whenever you need to use the torque wrench, multiply the correct torque by this number • Multiplying your intended torque by the difference will give you the correct setting for your specific torque wrench. • This solution can keep you working, but the wrench will still need to be calibrated.
Other ways :
The Fix: Math vs. Mechanical Adjustment So your wrench didn’t click. You have two options. Option A: The “Correction Factor” (The Safe Way) If your wrench didn’t click at 30 ft-lbs, dial the setting down to 29, then 28, then 27 until it finally clicks with the 20lb weight.
• Let’s say it clicked at 27 ft-lbs (but the math says 30). • Your wrench is reading low by roughly 10%. • The Fix: In the future, if a manual asks for 100 ft-lbs, set your wrench to 110 ft-lbs to compensate. • Write “+10%” on a piece of masking tape and stick it to the handle.
Option B: The “Calibration Nut” (The Risky Way) There is usually a calibration nut hidden under the end-cap or sticker of the handle. Tightening this nut compresses the spring (making it read higher), and loosening it does the opposite.
• Warning: This is sensitive. A 1/8th turn can change the value by 5-10 ft-lbs. • Unless you are patient and willing to re-test 10 times, sticking with the “Correction Factor” method is safer.
GM now having to flip and increase plants making gas engines as EV sales going into the crapper
I have reported before the rumor of the E-Ray nameplate changing to Grand Sport for 2027 and including a new 6.7 dual overhead CAM 6.7L engine to be used on trucks and Corvette as a gen 6 engines
A recent report suggesting that GM is building two V8s for the Gen-IV family A 6.7 Liter and 5.7 Liter that will be shared by the Corvette as well as a number of GM trucks
The GM 2026 Parts Book has been a constant source of leaks for the Corvette team over the years, and there is no more of an authority than GM’s own parts division. The GM Parts Book is a proprietary listing of all parts that a technician might need for diagnosing and fixing GM vehicles. It’s only for GM Technicians, and it’s not something you find that is available on the internet. A new leak from the latest GM Parts Book. for the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport.
LS6: ENGINE GAS, 8 CYL, 6.7L, DI, PFI, OHV, ALUM, GEN 6 GM is telling saying that the LS6 will be a 6.7-liter 6 Generation 8-Cylinder Aluminum Overhead Cam engine with both Direct Injection and Port Fuel Injection.
GM has instituted a price increase on the 2026 Corvettes, multiple dealers have now confirmed the following price increases on their internal systems:
All 2026 Corvette models will see a $500 price increase on the cost of the mandatory destination charge from the Assembly Plant to dealerships. Previously it was at $1,995, and now it’s going to $2,495. FYI, it was just $1,695 last January 2025.
The MSRP of the 2026 Corvette ZR1 is going up by $1,600.
Assuming that this price increase is for both Coupe & Convertible models and covers both 1LZ and 3LZ trims. Here is the pricing with that increase, not including the destination charge. The previous 2026 MSRP is in parentheses, while the final number was the original pricing when the MSRP for the 2025 ZR1 was announced in January 2025:
Those with a current order in the system for a 2026 Corvette. There will be no order price protection for these increases, which went into effect on Monday, December 15th. There is no word yet if the ZR1 price increase will be extended to the ZR1X models.
One of the biggest points of confusion, for right now, is that the official Corvette Build and Buy configurators are still showing the previous pricing for ZR1 and the $1,995 destination fee for all C8 Corvette models.
GM States, The delivery freight charge listed on window stickers reflect the costs of shipping vehicles from factories to dealer showrooms. We review these charges periodically and adjust as needed to keep in line with the overall industry average.
In order for any internal combustion engine to function properly, you need three basic things: air, fuel, and spark. Air mixes with the fuel, providing an explosive catalyst. The engine compresses the mixture, which is then ignited when the spark plug fires.
This pushes the piston down, and we now have the miracle of a working engine. Sounds simple in principle, since all you need for that last step is to put the spark plug inside the combustion chamber and make sure it makes a spark, and you're good, right? Actually, the reality is slightly more complicated.
A spark plug sits inside a cylinder via a threaded hole, much like a screw. Virtually all production-level combustion engines function this way, but the process of seating a spark plug in a specific orientation, known as indexing, actually involves multiple steps beyond simply screwing the spark plug in. Still, you can simply screw a spark plug in and be done with it, and the car will run just fine; indexing is only actually useful for extracting slight amounts of performance and extra economy out of your engine.
Does indexing even matter, then? Generally no, you can usually just screw in and tighten the spark plug, perhaps by using this once-popular tool, and the engine will run fine. There are specific reasons why indexing is performed, one of those is to make an engine run as efficiently as possible. The potential dangers of improperly indexing outweigh the benefits in many cases. Let's dive in and explore the nuances and what exactly indexing does in your combustion chamber.
A more detailed look at indexing
The tip of a spark plug contains two electrodes separated by a small gap, like having two fingers nearly touching one another. These electrodes are made of different metals, often depending on whether you're using a cheap or expensive spark plug. This allows electricity to jump from one electrode to another, creating the spark. Much like your finger, however, the topmost electrode sits in a specific orientation, like an archway in a building connected on one side. What this means is that, as you screw a spark plug into an engine, that arm will spin around like a clock. The purpose of indexing is to make sure that the arm is pointing in a specific direction.
Typically, this process is accomplished by fitting the spark plug with washers of varying thicknesses, meaning it'll only go so far down when it's fully tightened. The thicker the washer, the less rotation you'll have on the arm. The goal, then, is to have the open side of the spark plug facing towards the engine's intake valve or exhaust valve, so that when the air/fuel mixture is introduced, there's no obstruction between it and the spark.
To index a spark plug properly, first locate the intake and exhaust valve on your car, noting which you want to index towards. Next, locate the arm on the end of the spark plug and mark its direction with a marker so you have a reference point. And finally, seat an indexing washer on the spark plug and tighten it down, comparing the orientation with the mark until you're satisfied. Keep using washers of different thickness to change its final orientation.
Does it really matter?
In a broad sense of the term, yes, indexing spark plugs is a good idea and should be practiced. Beware, however; improperly indexing a spark plug, either by using a washer that's too thick or not tightening it down enough, can result in the spark plug backing out or not being deep enough into the engine to do its job effectively. Will it kill your engine if you don't index your spark plugs? No, it will not, but it's still better for your engine if you do so.
The inside of an engine is a turbulent, violent place. Air fires out of the intake valve and is ignited in milliseconds, meaning the electrode is quickly and consistently exposed to high temperatures. If the temperature is sufficiently hot enough, it could ignite the fuel on its own, known as pre-ignition; this is exacerbated when the arm is facing the direction of the heated air. Moreover, an overly-tightened spark plug runs the risk of hitting the top of the piston, damaging both components. Aside from these, however, it's mostly down to fuel efficiency.
The physics of how air works inside a combustion chamber is its own lengthy discussion, but the short answer is that the chamber is designed with a specific configuration in mind. Deviating from that won't necessarily harm the engine, but it won't be operating at peak efficiency, nor will it if you're running with bad spark plugs.
How to Index Spark Plugs Step 1: Mark Your Plugs
Before installing your plugs, mark the open end of the ground strap on the porcelain with a permanent marker. This shows where the open side will face once torqued down.
Step 2: Locate the Intake Valve
Reference your engine prints, do some research, or remove your valve covers to find the intake valve at each cylinder. It’s important to know exactly where to point the plug opening, or the effort of indexing isn’t worth it.
Step 3: Install and Check Orientation
Thread the plug into the cylinder head and tighten it with light torque. Check the mark to see which direction the ground strap faces. The goal is to align it with the intake valve.
Step 4: Use Indexing Washers
If the plug isn’t aligned in the desired position, add or swap out spark plug indexing washers until the orientation is correct. These precision-stamped washers come in various thicknesses to help fine-tune thread engagement without over-torquing or damaging the tapered seat.
Best Practices
Use the same plug for each cylinder: Differences in threads or depth may require different washers, even on identical engines. Test on the dyno: The performance gain may be modest (1–2 hp), but in a race application, that can matter. Monitor plug readings: Changes to plug gap, flame path, and voltage requirement can affect how the plug fires under load. These are really only concerns for highly-tuned engines, but can make a difference. Don’t index daily drivers: Generally speaking, it’s a lot of effort for minimal gains (unless your engine is already pushing the limit).
Final Thoughts
Let’s be clear: Spark plug indexing won’t magically turn your 400 hp street car into a 550 hp monster. But in a finely-tuned motor where every detail counts, indexing spark plugs can give you an edge.
And best of all? It’s cheap and doable. A set of spark plug indexing washers, a few extra minutes of installation time, and a little bit of patience is all it takes to unlock a more efficient burn and a more responsive engine.
If the sparkplug holes are not tapered then using index washers that are made to be crushed when torquing the plug BUT if the hole is tapered, then user a taper type of index washer like these :
Need beforehand, a torque wrench you know is calibrated Note : never leave the torque wrench set to any amount of pressure as sitting unused over time will harm the compressed internal spring, so set it to zero when finished using it
GM diagnostic strategy does not support the practice of swapping control modules during the course of diagnosis or to expedite a repair. Features in today’s vehicles are increasingly software configurable. They can affect vehicle safety systems, anti-theft systems, performance components and customer personalization information.
First introduced in 2010, GM’s Global Architecture (Global A) electrical system and the later Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP) electrical system do not allow control modules to be swapped between vehicles.
Problems can occur on these models when attempting to swap a control module configured for one vehicle into another. Symptoms such as no-start conditions and DTCs that cannot be cleared are to be expected. Issues also may be introduced into vehicles that exhibit no symptoms until a later date, adding to the complexity of diagnosing the vehicle.
These "sleeper issues" may be triggered only after multiple key cycles or only after battery power has been removed from the BCM. Such issues can be time-consuming to rectify, driving up unnecessary warranty expenses and leading to customer dissatisfaction
SYMPTOMS OF MODULE SWAPPING
A variety of symptoms may appear in a vehicle containing one or more control modules swapped from a like vehicle. Depending upon which control modules have been swapped, possible symptoms include:
• The VIN read by GDS and SPS does not match the vehicle. • Current DTC B3902 – Incorrect IMMO ID Rec. Set in IPC, SDM, ECM, HVAC, Steering Column Lock Control Module (if equipped) or BCM. There are no warning lamps or DICmessages and this DTC cannot be cleared. • IPC module displays (- – -) for odometer and trip odometer values. • Vehicle will enter power mode only if the key fobs that match the donor vehicle BCM are included in the swap. • BCM and/or ECM has current DTC B389A Environment Identification. There is a Service Theft System message on the DIC, the Security MIL is illuminated, and this DTC cannot be cleared. • ECM odometer value is incorrect for the vehicle. • Radio displays Locked.
SECURITY PROTOCOL Swapping control modules, including the ECM, BCM, EBCM, SDM, TCM, ECC (HVAC), EPS, HPCM, IPC, and Radio, between vehicles with Global Architecture electrical systems will damage both controllers and result in a no start condition on both vehicles due to the vehicle’s security code protocol.
These modules all have IDs that must match in order for the BCM to allow the engine to start. The control modules are coded to the vehicle when they are first programmed, which results in a unique ID being permanently stored in that module. Swapping these security-related modules will cause difficult and time-consuming remediation processes that may include the purchase of new components for both vehicles.
There are a number of security methods in operation, including: Security Code The purpose of the security code is to protect the vehicle’s security information against tampering. It’s a random code, unique to each vehicle, generated at the vehicle assembly plant. Environmental ID The purpose of the Environmental ID is to increase the time and complexity involved in attempting a vehicle theft by swapping control modules. In a potential theft situation, it will not allow continued running of the engine.
Seed and Key – The purpose of Seed and Key is to protect certain control modules from unauthorized reprogramming when they are outside the assembly plant environment. Each control module that implements Seed and Key is manufactured with a unique seed value and a corresponding key value stored in memory. On today’s vehicles, the electrical architecture plays a significant role in how a vehicle is equipped and operates. The best diagnostic path for all vehicles, regardless of equipment, is to follow the procedures outlined in the appropriate Service Information.
The C trolley Line was knocked out of service for a couple of hours tonight after somebody drove a late-model Corvette onto the tracks at Marion Street, near Summit Avenue, in Brookline.
Transit Police Supt. Richard Sullivan said the investigation is still ongoing, but said, "an unlicensed, uninsured, adult male operator will be criminally summoned for numerous motor vehicle violations." The guy, 20, "stated he was unfamiliar with the area and took a wrong turn." Sullivan added: "Corvette, yikes." More specifically, it was a '24 Corvette Stingray.
On-track cars are more common a few blocks away on the B Line, but generally consist of lower-priced models, such as older Toyotas and Kias, with the occasional BMW.
The T, which already has lots of Green Line bustitution going on, due to scheduled repair work, brought in a few more buses to toodle between Cleveland Circle and Coolidge Corner, at least until shortly before 9 p.m., when they got the Corvette off the tracks with a wrecker and resumed service. Yes, the T has big-ass tow trucks, although we suspect they're normally used for buses (photo by Transit PD):
As of Dec 1st the GM build and price webpage is functional for the ZR1X Looking at starting around $209,000 !
Pricing for the 2026 Corvettes has been updated on the official Build and Buy Configurator at Chevrolet.com, & it does show a price increase for the ZR1X which now will come in at $2,200. New prices for the 2026 Corvette ZR1X which includes the $2,495 Destination Fee.
The other piece of news regarding the pricing of the ZR1X is the gas guzzler tax. The configurator is now showing that it is $2,600 regardless of its aero package.
Corvette factory drivers Charlie Eastwood and Nicky Catsburg will be on the TF Sport racing team battling for next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship.
The announcement today comes on the heels of a recent two-year extension of TF’s partnership with Corvette Racing. Eastwood, who will be entering his ninth straight year with TF Sport, is expected to be reunited with long-time co-driver Salih Yoluc in the renumbered and rebranded No. 34 “Racing Team Turkey by TF” Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R , according to reports.
“I can’t wait to return to the WEC for a third year with Corvette,” Eastwood told dailysportscar.com. “Last year we made great strides, with a podium finish at Le Mans and a chance to win the championship in the final race. It was a really positive progression. Now we have to build on that.”
Eastwood said the TF team is “improving” and “working hard” on making the lineup “as strong as possible” to have the best shot at winning another World Endurance Championship for Chevrolet and Corvette. A newcomer to Tom Ferrier’s TF Sports organization, Catsburg will be back in the FIA WEC after two seasons away.
He had joined Corvette ahead of the 2020 season that focused on the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Eventually, he took on a second full WEC campaign in 2023, dominating the final season of LMGTE competition with teammates Ben Keating and Nico Varrone in a Pratt Miller C8.R that won three of the first four races, rallying to win Le Mans.
Catsburg, who is entering his third season full-time with Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports in the IMSA Sportscar Championship, will compete in the 2026 WEC campaign with just one date conflicting as IMSA’s race at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park falls on the same weekend as the WEC’s 6 Hours of Sao Paulo.
“I am super excited to join TF Sport for the 2026 FIA WEC season,” he said. “I have raced against them many times, and they have always been a very strong opponent. I absolutely love the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R so I can’t wait for what will be a very busy 2026!” With the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship slated to begin with the Qatar 1812KM on March 26-28, TF Sport plans to announce its remaining drivers for the 2026 FIA WEC later.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating a collision between one of its cruisers and a C6 Corvette on the Broken Arrow Expressway this morning.
It happened around 11:00 a.m. just southeast of the Inner Dispersal Loop near the Peoria bridge. OHP says the initial collision was in the eastbound lanes, but both vehicles wound up on the westbound side.
So far, there’s no word yet on which vehicle was at fault or what led up to the crash. Both vehicles had heavy damage, but OHP says there were only minor injuries.
In the photos from the incident, the Dodge Charger patrol vehicle is showing heavy damage to its driver’s side door while the Corvette appears to have damage to the front of the car which came to rest against a concrete highway divider It also appears the passenger side airbag in the Corvette had deployed as well.
The C8 Corvette Stingray continues to dominate the global performance scene, capturing a prestigious 2025 Sport Auto Award in Germany. The C8 Stingray secured a decisive victory in the imported "Coupés up to €150,000" category, a classification reserved for the best non-domestic performance cars with sub-supercar pricing. This win represents a significant conquest on the home turf of Germany's legendary sports car brands, proving the American icon's formidable appeal among discerning European enthusiasts.
"We are extremely proud and honored that Sport Auto readers have once again voted the Corvette Stingray number 1," says Lasse Grundstroem, Chief Commercial Officer of General Motors Europe. "This award confirms our passion for performance and design and shows how much the Corvette inspires its fans year after year, our thanks go to everyone who voted for us."
This award is not a decision made by a small panel of judges, but is the direct result of a popular vote conducted by the readers of Germany's leading automotive publication, Auto Motor Sport. The "Import" classification ensures a level playing field, pitting the Corvette against the finest performance machines from every other non-German nation. By emerging victorious, the Stingray demonstrated that it captured the hearts and votes of the German performance community. The award's organizers noted that these reader-voted results are considered a key "stimmungsbarometer," or sentiment barometer, within the high-performance sports car scene.
The win underscores a successful and ongoing strategic push from GM to solidify the Corvette's position in the European market. The mid-engine C8 Corvette, with its performance-first design and relatively accessible price tag, has been a cornerstone of this effort. By earning such a public endorsement from a car culture known for high standards, the Corvette Stingray validates its world-class status. This trophy adds to an already crowded case for the C8, further cementing its legacy as a performance benchmark.
For GM, this award is more than just another piece of hardware. It is a powerful marketing tool and a testament to the Corvette's evolving identity. Beating established European rivals in a direct, reader-driven poll sends an unambiguous message that the American supercar can not only compete, but can win on the global stage. As the Corvette continues to build its international reputation, this victory in Germany marks one of its most resonant achievements yet.
President Donald Trump is giving Detroit and the U.S. auto industry center stage on Wednesday as he announces relaxed fuel economy standards for the more than 15 million new cars and trucks sold in the United States every year.
The president will be joined in the Oval Office by Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley, Stellantis NV CEO Antonio Filosa and a General Motors Co. plant manager for the company's Orion Assembly site. Michigan U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township, will also attend the planned 2:30 p.m. event.
Details of the corporate average fuel economy regulations have not yet been disclosed, but the White House said new standards would amount to "a historic reset of the CAFE standards that were created by the Biden Administration," which would have "compelled widespread shifts to electric vehicles that American consumers did not ask for, accompanied by significant cost-of-living increases."
Consumers have shown signs of growing unhappiness and concern over U.S. economic conditions, and the Trump administration is casting the lenient standards as a move to improve vehicle affordability at a time of stubbornly high prices, especially in the automotive sector. The average price of a new vehicle pushed past $50,000 for the first time in September, according to Cox Automotive Inc.
Despite that affordability aim, however, it is unclear how strong an impact the new rules will have on the nation's largest retail sector after the Trump administration already worked to roll back other vehicle emission regulations throughout the year. The auto industry is also facing cost pressures from the president's tariff policies, which will likely raise prices in the short term even if they succeed at reshoring American manufacturing in the long term.
Automakers nevertheless cheered the Wednesday announcement as one that brings forward-looking regulations in line with the "market realities" of a slower-than-hoped-for transition to EVs, continued cost and supply chain issues with electrified powertrains, and Americans' longstanding love for large, gas-powered trucks. "As America’s largest auto producer, we appreciate President Trump’s leadership in aligning fuel economy standards with market realities. We can make real progress on carbon emissions and energy efficiency while still giving customers choice and affordability. This is a win for customers and common sense,” Ford's Farley said in a statement.
"Stellantis appreciates the Trump Administration’s actions to re-align the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards with real world market conditions as part of its wider vision for a growing US automotive industry," Filosa said. He added: "We look forward to working further with NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) on environmentally responsible policies that also allow us to offer our customers the freedom to choose the vehicles they want at prices they can afford."
GM said it "supports the goals of NHTSA’s proposed CAFE rule and its intention to better align fuel economy standards with market realities. We have long advocated for one national standard that upholds customer choice and provides the auto industry long-term stability. As we review the proposal, we remain committed to offering the best and broadest portfolio of electric and gas-powered vehicles on the market.”
General Motors Co. faced the prospect of needing to cut production of gasoline-fueled vehicles if electric-vehicle sales failed to grow as needed under ambitious fuel economy requirements enacted by President Joe Biden, company Chief Executive Officer lying Mary Barra said. Fuel efficiency standards now being rolled back under President Donald Trump would have required a fleet average of about 50 miles per gallon by 2031. That effectively meant that most carmakers would have to get more than half of their sales from EVs by that time.
If those EV sales didn’t materialize and the rules weren’t reduced by Biden in response, GM would have had to limit sales of gasoline-powered vehicles and possibly shut down some of its production, Barra said at the New York Times Dealbook conference in New York on Wednesday. “We were going to have to start shutting down plants,” Barra said. The White House on Wednesday is proposing weaker fuel economy standards to replace those enacted under Biden in the Trump administration’s latest move to dismantle what the president has called Biden’s “EV mandate.”
Automakers including GM have already cut output of EVs due to softening demand. GM also plans to convert the Orion Assembly plant earmarked for plug-in vehicles to make large SUVs and pickup trucks.
DELIVERING A WIN FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES AND AUTOMAKERS:
Today, President Donald J. Trump is delivering major relief to American families by resetting the Biden Administration’s costly and unlawful Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. • President Trump is returning CAFE standards to levels that can actually be met with conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles. The Biden Administration standards imposed unrealistic fuel economy targets that effectively resulted in an electric vehicle (EV) mandate. • The Trump Administration’s reset of the CAFE standards ensures the program’s fidelity to the legal restrictions set forth by Congress. • The Biden standards broke the law by going far beyond the requirements that were mandated by Congress when it created the CAFE program.
SAVING AMERICAN FAMILIES MONEY:
Today’s action represents an enormous win in response to the cost-of-living increases imposed on the economy by the Biden Administration. • The Biden Administration created extraordinarily stringent fuel economy standards for passenger cars and trucks, set at such aggressive levels that they were impossible to meet with available technologies for gas cars. • The Biden standards would have compelled widespread shifts to EVs that American consumers did not ask for, accompanied by significant cost-of-living increases. Since EVs are so expensive to build, automakers must sell them at a loss and make up the difference by significantly raising the sticker price of gas cars. • If President Trump had done nothing, the Biden standards would have raised the average cost of a new car by nearly $1,000, relative to the cost under the standards announced today. • President Trump’s actions will save American families $109 billion in total over the next five years. • By helping more Americans buy newer, safer vehicles, this reset is projected to save more than 1,500 lives and prevent nearly a quarter-million serious injuries through 2050.
MARKING A CRITICAL BATTLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BIDEN’S HIDDEN COST-OF-LIVING INCREASES:
The CAFE reset represents the latest action by President Trump to prevent the Biden EV-related policies from raising costs for Americans. • In June, President Trump signed a joint resolution to end the California EV mandates, which would have effectively been a 100% ban on new gas cars sold in the state by 2035 (with similar effects in 17 states that adopted California’s standards).
• In July, President Trump signed into law the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which set the civil penalty for violating CAFE standards to $0, protecting the U.S. auto manufacturing industry from significant fines.
• Under President Trump, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also released its proposal to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which ignores Congress’ clear intent under the Clean Air Act and has been used to justify over $1 trillion in costs for the American consumers and economy. • Today’s action helps ensure that even if far-left Democrats return to power, the CAFE standards are sensible, so U.S. automakers are not held to infeasible standards.
• Combined with auto loan interest deductibility for new made-in-the-USA vehicles, President Trump continues to deliver real relief that makes owning a safe, reliable car more affordable for every American family.
The plan will relax fuel economy standards by setting the industry average for car & light-duty vehicles at roughly 34.5 miles per gallon through the 2031 model year, lower than the 50 miles per gallon outlined by a Biden-era rule.
