Special Editions: 2007 Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica
In addition to the Ron Fellows Z06, another special-edition Corvette was introduced in 2007. This version was based on the Corvette Pace Car that was used at the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 driven by actor/racer Patrick Dempsey. The significance of this car was the fact that GM had not produced a pace car replica since the 1998 model year, even though the Corvette had paced the prestigious event five time since then. The Corvette convertible paced 2007 Indianapolis 500 and replicas were offered to the public for the first time since 1998.
As it was selected as the Official Pace Car, Chevrolet supplied several identically prepared and uniquely trimmed Corvette convertibles – in new Atomic Orange paint with distinctive gold ribbon graphics that served in the official pace duties of the race, as well as supporting activities. Five hundred production replicas of those official cars were offered to the public – all of them convertibles. The distinguishing features of the pace car replica convertibles included:
- Atomic Orange exterior color, including door handles
- Indianapolis 500 exterior graphics – including gold ribbon graphics that flow outward from the front fender vents and “Indianapolis 500” door logos
- Special Indianapolis 500 fender badges
- Z06 rear spoiler
- New aluminum “split-spoke” wheels in Sterling Silver
- Ebony seats with embroidered Indianapolis 500 logos
- Interior trim plate and pods painted Atomic Orange
- Atomic Orange engine covers
All of the pace car replicas are equipped with the Corvette’s standard LS2 small-block V-8 and Z51 performance package. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic optional. The navigation system with Bose audio, as well as OnStar, is standard.
The performance-bred Corvette handles its official pace duties in nearly factory-stock trim, with little more than race track-required safety equipment and strobe lights added – as well as, of course, the eye-catching graphics. In years past, many Indy pace cars required extensive modification to perform their on-track tasks. The 2007 Corvette’s powertrain and suspension, including the 400-horsepower (298 kW) LS2 small-block V-8 engine, are more than adequate to maintain the speed, acceleration and handling required to lead the pack around the famed “Brickyard” race track.
Production replicas were not offered every time the Corvette was selected as the pace car. In fact, 2007 marks the first time Chevrolet has offered a regular-production replica since 1998. But along with the regular-production models, several dozen copies of all the pace cars have been used for official activities in support of their respective Indianapolis 500 races, such as parades. These cars – known as “festival” cars – have become prized collectibles, along with the limited-edition regular-production replicas.
There were 57 Corvettes built and shipped to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (arrived March 15th) to be used as “track” and “festival committee” vehicles which were in use thru May 31st. The first 57 Corvettes all had the Six speed “Paddle Shift” automatic transmissions. The first 57 Corvettes were also unique in that when they arrived at the Speedway, a “CHEVROLET” windshield header, assigned track car numbers and “Indy 500 Festival Parade 50th Anniversary” decal (on rear fascia) were added.
The remainder of the production run (443) occurred after the Indianapolis 500 was completed, during the month of June and Pace Car replicas could still be seen on the production line as late as the last day of 2007 production at the Bowling Green Assembly plant (June 22nd). Twelve cars were destined for Canada.
Window sticker Base price for the Atomic Orange / Black Convertible top / Ebony Leather interior replica with a Short-throw Six speed manual transmission was $66,995. There were only two options available on the car – the Six Speed “Paddle Shift” Automatic Transmission (MX0 – $1,250) and National Corvette Museum delivery (R8C – $490 – which was not available for the first batch of 57 Track / Festival committee cars).
Build numbers for the options were
- (357) MX0 – 6-speed “Paddle Shift” automatic transmissions
- (22) R8C – National Corvette Museum delivery, (14) of which were MX0 – 6-speed “Paddle Shift” automatic transmissions
- (12) Canadian cars built, (3) of which were MX0 – 6-speed “Paddle Shift” automatic transmissions
RPO Z4Z-Indy Pace Car Replica Features Included
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Full graphics package, cloisonné side fender badges, exclusive Indy 500 logo embroidered on seat headrests, body colored outside door handles, interior and dash trim pieces and fuel rail covers, body colored Z06 rear brakelight spoiler, plus exclusive Sterling Silver painted “split spoke” wheel rims.
- Z51 Performance Package with cross-drilled brake rotors
- 400-hp LS2 6.0L aluminum-block V8 engine
- Active Handling System
- Navigation system which included AM/FM stereo, CD/MP3 player, XM Satellite Radio, Bose seven-speaker system, Audio tone control, Automatic volume, TheftLock, and RDS (functions only where stations broadcast RDS information)
- 3LT accessory package:
- Convertible top: power-folding, includes glass rear window with integral defogger
- Head-Up Display: includes readouts for street mode, track mode with g-meter, vehicle speed, engine rpm and readings from key gauges including coolant temperature and oil pressure
- Memory Package: includes two-position presets for drivers such as six-way power driver seat, telescoping steering wheel and outside mirror positions
- Mirror, inside rearview: auto-dimming with dual reading lamps and eight-point compass
- Mirrors, outside: power, heated, include driver-side auto-dimming feature, body-color
- Seat controls: driver and front passenger, heated
- Steering column: power telescoping, includes manual Tilt-Wheel
- Steering wheel: includes mounted audio controls
- Universal Home Remote transmitter
