Corvette Glossary Of Terms
M
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
MacLean Vehicle Systems (MVS)
MacLean Vehicle Systems is a leading manufacturer of products for the automotive fasteners, commercial truck and trailer, and wheel and axle mounting industries. Information content courtesy of MacLean Vehicles Website. Corvsport Page References: 2004 Corvette.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control
The Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces, then adjust the shock absorber damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. It adjusts damping by means of electromagnetic particles in the shock fluid, with ride control achieved through the precise application of electronic current to manipulate the fluid’s consistency. Two settings are available: “Tour” and “Sport,” which allows you to stiffen suspension capability for better cornering precision during track events. Corvsport Page References: 2005 Corvette.
Magnussen, Jan
Born 4 July 1973 in Roskilde, Jan is a racing driver from Denmark and a factory driver for General Motors. He has competed in several of the most prestigious events in motor sport including CART, NASCAR, the FIA Formula One World Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In 1999 he participated in 7 CART races. In 1999 and 2000 he raced in the American Le Mans Series with Panoz. 2001 he drove a Peugeot in Danish Touring Car series (DTC) and raced in 8 ALMS races. 2002 he also raced for Peugeot in DTC and in 10 ALMS races. Jan Magnussen won the 2008 GT1 and 2013 GT Driver’s championships, both with Corvette Racing.
Magnussen has participated in various classes in the 24 hours of Le Mans every year since 1999. His best results so far are the victories in the GTS class in 2004 and GT1 class in 2005, 2006, and 2009, each time in a Chevrolet Corvette with Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta as team mates in 2005 and 2006, and Johnny O’Connell and Antonio García in 2009.
Also, Magnussen has participated in the 12 Hours of Sebring every year since 1999, winning the GT1 class in 2006, 2008, and 2009. Information courtesy of Wikipedia. Corvsport Page References: 2008 Overview.
Mako Shark
The XP-755 Mako Shark concept car was designed by Larry Shinoda under the direction of General Motors Styling and Design head Bill Mitchell in 1961, as a concept for future Chevrolet Corvette production cars. In keeping with the name, the streamlining, pointed snout, and other detailing was partly inspired by the sleek, fast-moving shortfin mako shark. The ’61 Corvette tail was given two additional tail lights (six total) for the concept car. The concept inspired the 1963 Corvette Sting-Ray. (Information courtesy of Wikipedia.
Mako Shark II
Introduced in 1965, this concept influenced the C3 Corvette design that was introduced in 1968. The Mako Shark II debuted in 1965 as a show car. Chevrolet actually created two of them – only one of which was fully functional. The non-running show car (gallery) sported some interesting, futuristic details, such as square section side pipes and a squared-off steering wheel. While the functioning version didn’t have these features, it did have a retractable rear spoiler, and a square section bumper that could be extended for added protection. The Mako Shark II was powered by a 427 Mark IV engine, which became available on production Corvette models. The paint scheme continued the Shark I tradition, with blue/gray on top and silver/white along the rocker panels. The original Mako Shark was then retroactively called the “Mako Shark I”. Information courtesy of Wikipedia. Corvsport Page References: 1965 Corvette.
Manifold (Exhaust)
In automotive engineering, an exhaust manifold collects the exhaust gases from multiple cylinders into one pipe. Exhaust manifolds are generally simple cast iron or stainless steel units which collect engine exhaust from multiple cylinders and deliver it to the exhaust pipe. For many engines, there are aftermarket tubular exhaust manifolds known as headers in US English, as extractors in Australian English, and simply as “tubular manifolds” in UK English. These consist of individual exhaust headpipes for each cylinder, which then usually converge into one tube called a collector. Headers that do not have collectors are called zoomie headers, and are used exclusively on race cars. Information courtesy of Wikipedia.
Manifold (Intake)
In automotive engineering, an inlet manifold or intake manifold is the part of an engine that supplies the fuel/air mixture to the cylinders. The primary function of the intake manifold is to evenly distribute the combustion mixture (or just air in a direct injection engine) to each intake port in the cylinder head(s). Even distribution is important to optimize the efficiency and performance of the engine. It may also serve as a mount for the carburetor, throttle body, fuel injectors and other components of the engine. Information courtesy of Wikipedia.
Mark IV Engine
Development of the second generation big-block started with the so-called Mystery Motor (Mark II Z33 427) used in Chevrolet’s 1963 Daytona 500 record-setting stock cars. This “secret” engine was a substantially modified form of the “W” engine, and was subsequently released for production use in mid-1965 as the Mark IV, referred to in sales literature as the “Turbo-Jet V8.” (Content courtesy of Wikipedia. Corvsport Page References: 1967 Overview.
McLaren, Bruce
August 30, 1937–June 2, 1970. Bruce Leslie McLaren was a New Zealander race-car designer, driver, engineer and inventor. His name lives on in the McLaren team which has been one of the most successful in Formula One Championship history, with McLaren cars and drivers winning a total of 20 world championships. McLaren cars totally dominated CanAm sports car racing with 56 wins (a considerable number of them with him behind the wheel) between 1967 and 1972 (and five constructors’ championships). They have won three Indianapolis 500 races, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 12 Hours of Sebring. (Content courtesy of Wikipedia. Corvsport Page References: 1969 Overview.
McLean, Robert F
A sports car enthusiast and a recent graduate of the California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech), McLean was the engineering designer responsible for the chassis layout of the first Corvette prototypes (Project Opel). Contrary to common design convention, McLean started his design at the rear axle of the car and worked forward. His intention was to position the passenger compartment behind the center point of the car, just head of the rear axle. At the same time, he placed the engine as close as he could to the front bulkhead of the car, allowing Harley Earl’s studio designers to achieve a well-balanced automobile that featured “ground-hugging” bodylines.
Although McLean’s design was developed in the 1950’s, his design concepts are still in use today. Many attribute his early design as the basis by which classic sports-car proportions are still derived. As an interesting side note, the original Corvette concept car’s wheelbase was 102 inches, which is precisely the same wheelbase as the Jaguar XK120, of which Earl (and many other designers) drew inspiration for the original Corvette design. Corvsport Page References: C1 Overview.
McLellan, David R.: Born in Munising, Michigan, and a graduate of Wayne State University, he started at GM July 1, 1959. He was assigned to the Milford Proving Grounds where he began his career as a noise-and-vibration engineer. In 1968, he transferred to GM’s vehicle dynamic testing program which is where he initially acquired much of his knowledge of automotive handling and suspension technology. After earning his Masters of Science degree, he began working as a staff engineer under the direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov.
In 1975, he succeeded Duntov as only the second chief engineer in Corvette history. He inherited a beast of a car — overweight, throttled by emissions hardware — which would get worse before it got better. David’s low-key, laid-back style hid an intense bull-dog determination to find within the maze of regulation a path to greater glory for the Corvette. He outdid himself. The all-new 1984 car was state-of-the art in aerodynamics, emissions control, weight savings, electronics. Almost a decade after assuming the mantel, Dave had the Corvette headed back to the heights.
Taking a page out of Zora’s book, he began helping Corvette road racers fashion winning programs. To him, the race track was an extension of the proving grounds. With lieutenants like Doug Robinson, John Heinricy, Jim Minneker and Scott Allmon on the front lines, Dave directed a Corvette endurance racing juggernaut so powerful that it was finally dismissed from SCCA competition. In the hands of racing legends like Kim Baker, Tommy Morrison, Dick Guldstrand, Doug Rippie and John Powell, Corvettes won 19 of 19 SCCA endurance races in ’85, ’86 and ’87.
Not to be deterred, Dave and Chevy’s Frank Ellis worked with Powell to launch the million-dollar Corvette Challenge series in ’88. A fabulous showcase for Corvette’s performance, it was also a convenient venue for final development work on McLellan’s most prized baby — the ZR-1.
Featuring Corvette’s first overhead cam engine and bodywork so subtly altered it could easily be confused with the standard Vette, the ZR-1 was introduced to the world automotive press at the 1989 Geneva Auto Show. It was a stunning debut. Almost 15 years after McLellan took over an orphan car line seemingly unsuited for the modern world, the Corvette was universally acknowledged once again as King of the Hill.
On July 2,1992, a smiling McLellan stood by as the one-millionth Corvette was driven off the Bowling Green assembly line. For the quiet kid from Detroit, it was a magnificent moment. Thanks to Dave, the plastic-bodied two-seater born in secret almost 40 years earlier had endured to excite and enthuse still more generations.
Thanks also to Dave, the next generation Corvette (what has become known as the C5) had passed concept initiation before his retirement, on its way to eventual start-up as a 1997 model. In many ways, the C5 was deja vu for McLellan. If external forces almost derailed the Corvette in the ’70s, internal forces made development of the C5 a tumultuous exercise. Awash in red ink, GM second-guessed itself routinely in the late ’80s. As always, the Corvette was a prime cost containment target. The C5 program would emerge as the best Vette yet.
Known as an advocate for pushing the envelope, Dave McLellan wanted to make the Corvette the best possible statement for American technology. Beyond the shadow of doubt, he accomplished such. And one of the major reasons: Dave McLellan. Innovator, educator, Corvette legend, the quiet genius. David R. McLellan biographical content courtesy of The Corvette Museum Website.. Corvsport Page References: C4 Overview.
Mercury Marine: Founded in 1939, Mercury Marine is a division of Brunswick of Lake Forest, Illinois, in the United States. Mercury provides engines for private, commercial and government sales. Mercury even has its own line of racing engines with less fuel efficiency and more focus at power and speed. The company’s primary business is outboard motors. Mercury Outboards, 30 Hp and less, are made by Tohatsu in Japan. Mercury also manufactures some larger size engines in China. Mercury also manufactures engines over 100 hp in their Fond du Lac hub. Mercury Marine content courtesy of Wikipedia). Corvsport Page References: 1990 Corvette.
Michelin Green X Challenge
Beginning in 2008 for the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup and beginning in 2009 for the American Le Mans Series, Michelin entered into an environmentally-conscious partnership with the American Le Mans Series and the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup to entitle the Series’ coveted Green Challenge award that is presented to race teams at each race. For each race two teams, one Prototype and One GT, will be presented with the award for the best overall performance and fuel efficiency with the least environmental impact. The Michelin Green X Challenge is based on a point system and the team and manufacturer with the lowest total score for the race wins the trophy. Corvsport Page References: Corvsport News & Events Volume 2 Issue 2.
Michelin Pilot Sport (PS) 2
Exceptional performance tires for drivers demanding precise sport handling. Original equipment on renowned sports cars like BMW M3, Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Corvsport Page References: 2009 ZR1 Corvette Overview
Milner, Tommy
Born January 28, 1986 in Washington, D.C., Tommy is a GM factory racing driver and the only American being employed full-time in Corvette Racing. Tommy started karting at the age of 14 and began his career as a sports car driver in the 2004 and 2005 Grand-Am seasons. He drove for Panoz in 2006 and 2008 and for Rahal Letterman Racing in 2007, 2009 and 2010 in the American Le Mans Series. In 2010 he finished 3rd in the GT Driver’s Championship. In 2011, he decided to make the switch to Corvette Racing. Currently he drives the Chevrolet Corvette C6.R with co-driver Oliver Gavin and endurance co-driver Richard Westbrook. In addition to driving for Corvette Racing in 2011 he also drove for Team Need for Speed Schubert at the 2011 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
The highlight of Tommy’s career so far is a class victory at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Chevrolet Corvette C6.R with teammates Antonio García and Olivier Beretta. He also won his first American Le Mans Series race at the 2012 American Le Mans Series at Long Beach. In 2013 he took his first class victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Information courtesy of Wikipedia. Corvsport Page References: 2011 Overview, 2012 Overview, 2013 Overview, 2014 Overview
William L. “Bill” Mitchell
July 2, 1912 Cleveland, Ohio — September 12, 1988 Royal Oak, Michigan – was an American automobile designer. Mitchell worked briefly as an advertising illustrator and as the official illustrator of the Automobile Racing Club of America before being recruited by Harley Earl to join the Art and Colour division of General Motors in 1935. Mitchell is responsible for the design of over 72.5 million automobiles produced by GM, including the 1938 Cadillac Sixty Special, the 1963 Buick Riviera, the 1963 Corvette Stingray and the 1970 Chevrolet Camaro. Mitchell spent the entirety of his 42 year career in automobile design at General Motors, eventually becoming Vice President of Design, a position he held for 19 years until his retirement in 1977. Bill Mitchell biographical content courtesy of Wikipedia. Corvsport Page References:C2 Corvette, 1963 Corvette, C4 Corvette
Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil
The preferred synthetic motor oil used in all GM vehicles – including the Chevy Corvette. Synthetic motor oils – such as Mobil 1 – contain more highly refined base oils than those used in conventional mineral oils, which can offer you better protection and performance. Synthetic oils provide a variety of benefits, such as excellent high- and low-temperature performance, that can provide excellent engine protection.
Both types of engine oil are made from crude oil that comes from the ground. The difference is that synthetic oils undergo numerous additional highly-advanced distilling, refining, and purification processes — and therefore are of a higher purity and quality than conventional mineral oils. This not only removes more impurities from the original crude, it also enables the engineering of the lubricant’s individual molecules to be uniform and consistent, tailored to meet the specific high-performance demands of modern engines. These customized molecules provide higher levels of protection and performance, even in extreme conditions.
The performance of synthetic motor oil is more robust, especially in terms of low-temperature pumpability, high-temperature stability, and protection against deposits. These attributes translate directly into less engine wear and longer engine life. Infomation courtesy of the Mobil 1 website.
Moss, Stirling: (born 17 September 1929 in London) is a former racing driver from England. His success in a variety of categories placed him among the world’s elite—he is often called “the greatest driver never to win the World Championship”. (Stirling Moss biographical content courtesy of Wikipedia. Corvsport Page References:C2 Corvette.
Motorama
The General Motors Motorama was an auto show staged by GM from 1949 to 1961. These automobile extravaganzas were designed to whet public appetite and boost automobile sales with displays of fancy prototypes, concept vehicles and other special or halo models. Motorama grew out of Alfred P. Sloan’s yearly industrial luncheons at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria, beginning in 1931. They were almost invariably held in conjunction with the New York Auto Show, that for many years was held traditionally in the first week of January.
The show officially became known as Motorama when it began to travel around the country in 1953. That year more than 1.4 million visitors saw it; Motorama’s opening day in New York drew 45,000 visitors. There was a revue, with orchestra, singers, and dancers. Exhibited at this venue were the Buick Wildcat, Pontiac La Parisienne, Oldsmobile Starfire, Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac Orleans and Le Mans. More than 1.9 million visitors attended the show in 1954; it started on January 26 in the Waldorf Astoria, New York. On display were the experimental Oldsmobile F88 and Cutlass, Buick Wildcat II, Chevrolet Nomad station wagon, General Motors Firebird XP-21 and Pontiac Bonneville Special, Cadillac El Camino, Cadillac La Espada and Cadillac Park Avenue, all featuring fiberglass bodies. General Motors Motorama content courtesy of Wikipedia. Corvsport Page References: C1 Overview, 1953 Overview, 1954 Overview, 1955 Overview, 1956 Overview, 1958 Overview.
Mulsanne Straight
The Circuit de la Sarthe, which is used in the sports car endurance race 24 Hours of Le Mans, features the long straight Ligne Droite des Hunaudières leading to Mulsanne, making a tight right hand turn before the entrance of the village itself. The famous straightaway is often called the Mulsanne Straight. Mulsanne Straight content courtesy of Wikipedia. Corvsport Page References: 1960 Corvette.
Multec Injector
A bottom feed methanol electronic fuel injector that provides a high flow rate and a low profile package that are ideal for port fuel racing applications. The injector is able to operate at high temperatures and provide a high level of spray atomization. Corvsport Page References: 1990 Corvette.
