BREAKING NEWS: Huge Sinkhole Swallows Rare Collector Corvettes at National Corvette Museum

by Andrea L. Algar

A 40 foot wide, 20 foot deep sinkhole suddently opened up and swallowed eight extremely valuable Corvettes in the Sky Dome at the Bowling Green, Kentucky National Corvette Museum at 5:30 am Wednesday, causing shock and potentially millions in damages. The Sky Dome is home to more than 70 valuable Corvettes.

Giant Sinkhole at the
National Corvette Museum

The story broke from a variety of news sources who reported that the Corvette museum's motion detectors alerted security that something was wrong in the facility. What employees found was nothing short of shocking, as they discovered the enormous cavern created by the sinkhole, with what initially appeared to be one or two Corvettes in the rubble. But, what was later revealed added more distress as a remote controlled drone armed with robotic camera showed that at least eight valuable collectable Corvettes were amid the ruins. One additional Corvette is pearched perilously on a riser above the sinkhole.

The enormous sinkhole came at a bad time for the National Corvette Museum, as it is poised for over 5,000 pre-registered people to attend its 20th anniversary in August. The milestone event will also mark the opening of a 184 acre Motorsport Park with grand opening events. No doubt celebrations will go on as scheduled, but plans for the park opening will likely be subject to site testings to determine if this acreage might contain potential for sinkholes as well.

Museum spokeswoman, Katie Frassinelli, reported, "When you go in there, its unreal. The hole is so big, it makes the Corvettes look like little Matchbox cars." Geologists and engineers who have examined the site have determined that the structure is sound, but that there is "a cave" underneath the Sky Dome. Its interesting to note that the Mammoth Cave National Park is only a short distance from the National Corvette Museum. I'm sure that geologists will look to see if there is any connection, or if more underground caverns may exist on the site.

As is typical with museum displays, many of the vehicles are not owned by the museum. Some are donated by collectors and enthusiasts, others are lent to the museum for display. Two of the Corvettes lost in the collapse are reported to be owned by General Motors, with the remaining six donated from individuals.

Thankfully, there were no classic Corvettes lost, but among the losses are irreplaceable cars. The missing include:

• 1962 Corvette
• 1984 PPG Pace Car
• 1992 1 Millionth Corvette
• 1993 ZR-1 Spyder
• 1993 40th Anniversary Corvette
• 2001 Mallett Hammer Z06 Corvette
• 2009 1.5 Millionth Corvette
• 2009 ZR1 "Blue Devil"

Watch the amazing video caught by on-site surveillance:



Have you ever owned a Corvette? Share your story and make a comment in tribute.

LS9 Time Lapse Video Provides A Look At The ZR1 Corvette And The Wonders Of The Incredibly Versatile LS Engine Block (Videos)

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

There has been much fanfare about the LS engine block. Because it is so versatile, the LS block has quickly become the go-to for custom builds. Nothing demonstrates this better than the fact that the new Chevy ZR1 Corvette's power base is a supercharged LS9.


GM Performance Build Center
Photo Credit: lsxtv.com

While Corvettes have traditionally rolled out of the Bowling Green plant, LS9 engines are assembled in a special plant called the GM Performance Build Center, a $10 million dollar, 100,000 sf facility located in Wixon, Michigan. When you stop to consider that engines coming out of this plant are not mass produced, but rather made to order, it's easier to understand the costs associated with the cars that come out of this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Salvatore Alaimo, author of the article Time Lapse Video Captures The Genesis Of An LS9, describes the significance of the engine as, "the LS9 is to the General (General Motors) what an AMG motor is to Mercedes; each individual unit is assembled by an assigned engineer in an environment that is specific to the motor assembly process."

The following video, provided by CarsInDimension, offers a time-lapse 3 minute build of an LS9!



Lucky buyers of the new ZR1 Corvette have an option of visiting the PBC to watch their engine being assembled. If you have a few minutes, watch the interesting video. It might be your least expensive chance of seeing a professional LS build from the GM Performance Build Center, and probably your only chance of seeing it done from start to finish!

Contrary to what the article states, however, if you've got the extra cash, you can arrange a visit to the GM Performance Build Center, and even to do your own custom build at their facility! Tours are available by appointment only to enthusiasts, clubs and current model Corvette owners. But what is really unique is the Corvette experience that is offered to every Z06 and ZR1 buyer. The Corvette Engine Build Experience.



As described on the GM Performance Build Center website, "Every Z06 and ZR1 production engine is hand built. Now, those hands could be yours! All Corvette Z06 and ZR1 buyers can take advantage of this new once in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to the GM Performance Build Center to help build their own LS7 or LS9 engine. With the guidance of the world-class craftsmen who assemble these engines every day, Z06 and ZR1 buyers can enjoy the experience of a lifetime."



All part of owning a new Corvette!

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chevrolet - Chevy Corvette
Corvette Assembly Plant - Bowling Green
GM Performance Build Center - GM PBC Website 
GM Performance Build Center - Corvette Engine Build Experience
LSXTV - Time Lapse Video Captures The Genesis Of An LS9
Museum - National Corvette Museum
YouTube - CarsInDimension

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

GM to Re-Introduce The Legendary Z28 Camaro?

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Camaros have always been a strong contender in the muscle car world. And nothing says Camaro power more than the legendary Z28!  When GM decided to release the COPO Camaro, many enthusiasts thought that the Z28 was to be forever put on the back shelf despite the years of talk that GM would be bringing the beast back. Once again, with some of GM's latest announcements...hope is in the air!

Chevy Camaro Z28 Concept
Photo Credit: motorauthority.com

We've noticed that the "new" Camaro is certainly making its mark ever since they were re-introduced in 2009. Just take a look at any drag strip around the country and you'll see a number of Camaros putting up good times. But the die-hard Camaro fans are wanting more, and certainly appear to be in favor of a Z-28 comeback! Guy and I are just loving the return to pure power in our cars.

There has been a lot of speculation over the years about whether the Z-28 will ever make a comeback, and the debate it has been out there for awhile. Just take a look at some of the Chevy Camaro forums out there. In 2010 you saw comments like:

• The minute this economy turns around and GM is back on track, the Z28 will be made for the next following production year. With money flowing again in the economy(if that will ever happen with the idiots in charge now)GM will get back to making cars like the Z! Hell, I bet we'll even see another bad-ass pickup like the SS 427.
• I think if they do the Z28, that they would wait for the Camaro 45 or 50 year Anniversary in 2012 or 2017. Did I just say 2017....god that sounds like we will never see that date, yet it is only 7 years away!
• They might make a z28, but I'd bet my brand new Camaro that they won't be, at least for this generation. GM stated that they want to keep the trend of "performance" trims for each of their cars... (E.G. Cobalt, Cobalt LT, Cobalt SS). So, this time around, the SS is going to be the Z28 of the generation, and the LT will be the SS. I guess you can call the LS the good ole stock "coupe".

And, last year 33 forum members responded to a GMInsideNews.com survey which asked the question: "Should GM create a Z/28 on the 5th gen or wait until the 6th gen?"  The results were pretty evenly mixed and probably reflect the uncertainty over rumors that have been flying for so many years and the desire to get what is available now.

• Waiting for the 6th gen would provide a more appropriate Z/28.     17   51.52%
• I'm not waiting 4 years, do what you can with the 5th gen.              15   45.45%
• Don't Know                                                                                    1     3.03%

I personally feel that most enthusiasts and Camaro fans would rather wait until GM "gets it right" and truly does justice to the Z/28's name and reputation.

Camaro Z28 Concept
Photo Credit: nextconceptcars.com

The big news is that General Motors has apparently filed a trademark application for the Z28 name, sparking rumors that the sixth generation Camaro will be a Z28. CamaroNewsBlog.com reports that, "The sixth-generation Camaro will be arriving in 2015, and will be built on all new Alpha platform designed specifically for it and the new Cadillac ATS. This new platform is meant to be a lighter, more nimble vehicle platform than its predecessor Zeta 1 that the current generation Camaro utilizes. 'This is a very successful car,' Oppenheiser said. 'In some ways it is actually going to be tougher' to create the new sixth-generation car. 'Do you make it look like a second-gen? ... do you make it look like the first gen?' What this means, thankfully, is that Chevrolet is taking this new Camaro design very seriously. It looks like the primary concern, in terms of technical production, is to lighten the vehicle. Of course, style is the ultimate thing that sells vehicles, but the Camaro crowd is performance minded and knows their stuff so it can't be the only thing."

Karl Stracke, General Motor's VP of Global Engineering, gave an interview to MotorTrend where he divulged that he Camaro Z28 would be a real thing. The article stated, "It seems that Karl Stracke is filling in the shoes of the old Bob Lutz and giving up GM's secrets to the media. Stracke's a pretty interesting character himself, as he drives a Corvette Grand Sport as his daily driver and rides a Harley, and is by no means afraid to speak his mind. He recently spoke out against the Cobalt, calling it "horrible" and questioning how it ever passed multiple departments and was considered a good idea. Well, Stracke also spoke his mind in a number of other ways recently. He claimed that the Camaro Z28, and Next-Gen Camaro as well, would be utilizing the new GM Alpha-Platform. Having his confirmation of the definitive nature of the Z28's future is definitely a good thing for all of us Camaro fans."



Most following the Z28 debate feel that if Chevrolet does bring back the Z28 as the new sixth generation power horse, it'll be in the middle of their power lineup somewhere between the SS-based Camaro 1LE and the "top-gun" ZL1. Right now General Motors doesn't have anything comparable to Ford's Boss 302 Mustang, and it is felt that the Z28 would do the job nicely. The ZL1 is geared to compete head to head against the Shelby GT500.



Camaro Z28 Concept
Photo Credit: motorauthority.com



Guy Algar states, "Rivalries like these are very beneficial to auto enthusiasts. Manufacturers all want to be top dog, and the competitiveness to earn that badge of honor ends up delivering quality performance vehicles that appeal to a large number of people who appreciate power. I hope that they do bring back the Z28. I had a couple of friends who had them back in the 1970's when we were all involved in drag racing, wrenching, and yeah, a bit of street racing. They're great cars. So far, I've been happy with the modern versions of the classic muscle cars. After decades of drought, GM, Ford and Mopar all have some great performance packages. I hope the trend continues."

Where did the Z28 get its start? Here's a brief overview of Camaro's history.

• The Z-28 model was introduced in December 1966. It was originally an option code for cars built to compete in the SCCA Trans-Am series. Chevrolet created the Camaro in 1966 to be released to the public as a 1967 model. It shared many design features with the Chevy Nova due to release in 1968, and was offered in a base model, RS and SS versions. Buyers had a whopping six choices in engine configurations, and several transmission choices as well. The first generation of Camaros lasted for three years, through 1969.
• The second generation began with the 1970 model year, but was introduced much later than usual, going on sale in February of 1970. The redesigned second generation was said to have used a Ferrari-inspired design and offered a wide range of engine and performance choices that made it popular. Second generation Camaros utilized the same unibody structure, as well as its front subframe and A-arm front suspension. In 1974, Camaros underwent additional cosmetic changes and decreased engine choices. The Z/28 was cancelled from 1974 until 1977 when the Z/28 came back as a new model that concentrated on handling. The Camaro saw more cosmetic changes in 1978, and in 1981 the second generation ended.
• The third generation brought about many changes that included a new hatchback design. The new Camaro had modern fuel injection, 5-speed manual and 700R4 automatic transmission options, and utilized a four-cylinder base engine. They also introduced the ‘85 IROC-Z in 1985. This model came with a tuned port injection engine with four-speed automatic transmission. In 1987 the first convertible in two decades was offered. The 1LE road racing package was offered on the IROC-Z starting in 1988 and ran through 1990. The third generation ended in 1992.
• Fourth generation Camaros were completely redesigned using a new f-body, with either a V6 or with the same LT1 V8 engines used in the '92 Corvette. In 1998 the new LS1 engine was offered as standard in the Z28 and also in the SS. Performance of the Camaro was rather lackluster and in 2002 Camaro was taken off the Chevy lineup altogether.
• Fifth generation saw Chevrolet reintroduce Camaro in 2009 as a 2010 model year, available in base LT, LS and SS models. Many thought that the Z-28 would re-launch, but it has not materialized. The designers of the fifth generation models created a boxier car that held a true muscle car stance that made it instantly popular with enthusiasts. The fifth-generation Camaros are proving to be the most performance oriented cars since Camaro's first generation, bringing back models that were previously considered competition cars. The much anticipated ZL-1 debuted in 2012 as the most powerful factory Camaro ever, and with the 2013 model ZL-1 enthusiasts are drooling over the 2013 Camaro ZL-1 convertible that boasts 580-hp stock.

Did you watch our story on the Camaro video celebrating its 3 Million Facebook Fans? If you missed it, check it out!


REFERENCES / ARTICLE RESOURCES:
Camaro5.com - Camaro Forum
CamaroNewsBlog.com - The Latest Camaro News and Updates
CamaroZ28.com - Chevrolet COPO Camaro Goes from Concept to Production
Chevy High Performance - Camaro Z28 Concept
ConceptCars - From Concept to Production
GM Inside News (Forum) - 5th Gen vs 6th Gen Z/28 Poll (read all comments)
MotorAuthority.com - General Motors Trademarks Legendary Z-28 Moniker
MotorCrave.com - Camaro Z28 Confirmed
Road and Track - 2012 Camaro Z28
Wikipedia - Chevrolet Camaro

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
CamaroZ28.com - The Ultimate Source for ALL Camaro News, Info and Community
Chevrolet - 2013 Chevy Camaro / Performance Cars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.