Rick Hendrick Builds His Own Engine for Corvette Z06

WIXOM, Mich., May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the world's foremost experts in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing, Rick Hendrick, is building his own 7.0L 505-horsepower LS7 engine that will go into his Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition.

The Corvette Engine Build Experience is the world's most hands-on super car program. Customers who order a Corvette Z06 or ZR1 can choose an option allowing them to assemble their cars' LS7 or LS9 engine at General Motors' Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, Mich.

"As a Chevy enthusiast and lifelong gearhead, having the chance to experience GM's hand-build engine assembly is a real privilege," said Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "I want to thank everyone at the Performance Build Center for this opportunity. It's incredible to spend time with the people here and see first-hand these processes that produce some of the best engines in the world."

Even with the hands-on experience, the engines are covered by Chevrolet's five-year, 100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty.

The Engine Build Experience is a $5,800 option when a customer purchases a Corvette Z06 or ZR1. The PBC option includes lodging, local transportation and a concierge, who contacts the customer to help coordinate arrangements, including the scheduling of the build and the customer's activities at the build center. Travel to and from Detroit is the customer's responsibility, but the concierge can help with booking.

Hendrick is the 13th participant to build his own engine at the build center.  

"For me, participating in this engine build is the ultimate connection to my Corvette," said Hendrick. "This is one of my favorite cars in the world, and now it will be that much more special knowing I personally built the engine. It's a really unique experience that Chevrolet is offering its customers."

When the engine is assembled, a personalized nameplate is added to the engine next to the builder's name. The engine is then sent to the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky. for installation in the customer's car.

In addition to building their own engines, Corvette buyers can attend driving school in Arizona or Nevada, take delivery of their vehicles at the National Corvette Museum or watch their vehicles being built at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green.

Hendrick Motorsports has a NASCAR record of 13 owner's championships and 14 overall: 10 in the Sprint Cup Series, three in the Camping World Truck Series and one in the Nationwide Series (driver's title only). Its roster of stock-car drivers includes Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as Chevrolet Cruze Eco with an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, and the Chevrolet Volt offering 35 miles of electric driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

SOURCE General Motors