2008 Pratt & Miller Chevrolet Corvette C6RS

(from Pratt & Miller Press Release)  Pratt & Miller Engineering has designed and developed a new limited edition Corvette C6RS that provides an exceptional level of performance and refinement for enthusiasts. Inspired by the Le Mans-winning Corvette C6.R race cars, the new Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS supercar combines advanced racing technology with everyday driveability. The first production Corvette C6RS will be available in April 2008.

Powered by a Katech Performance 8.2-liter (500ci) all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. torque, the Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS employs a purpose-built carbon fiber body to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic efficiency. A computer-controlled adjustable suspension system, center-nut forged aluminum BBS wheels with Michelin tires, and massive Brembo monoblock disc brakes enhance vehicle dynamics. A two-tone leather interior and a comprehensive sound control system produce a quiet, comfortable environment for driver and passenger.

"Our goal was to create a Corvette supercar that delivers an extremely high level of performance with extraordinary comfort and reliability," said Gary Pratt, co-owner of Pratt & Miller Engineering. "The Corvette C6RS was inspired by our Corvette race program, but it's not a race car for the street. You can take the Corvette C6RS on a 300-mile road trip, or drive it to a track day and run fast laps."

Conceived, designed, developed and constructed by the championship-winning Pratt & Miller team, the Corvette C6RS bristles with sophisticated materials and race-inspired technology. The aggressively styled lightweight body, made entirely of carbon fiber, measures 1.6 inches wider than a production Corvette Z06. The carbon fiber front fascia has integrated brake ducts and ram air induction. Aerodynamic enhancements include functional front fender louvers, a carbon fiber underwing and rear diffuser, enlarged front wheel vents and rear brake ducts, an integrated rear spoiler, and a front splitter.

"Every body modification has a purpose," Pratt explained. "The features were modeled on the C6.R race cars, and there are no nonfunctional styling elements."

The C6RS chassis is upgraded to complement the improved aerodynamic grip. A Dynamic Ride Height Control suspension system provides three driver-adjustable settings: Low, Drive and High. In the Low mode, the system lowers the ride height to improve handling, while the High setting increases ground clearance to negotiate steep driveways and ramps. The suspension is upgraded with Pratt & Miller-tuned dampers and heavy-duty wheel hubs and bearings.

The same manufacturers who supply tires, wheels, and brakes for the Corvette C6.R race cars also provide the rolling stock for the Pratt & Miller C6RS. The street car's BBS forged aluminum wheels (18 x 11-inch front, 19 x 13.6-inch rear) have racing-style center nuts. The stunning black chrome wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires (P295/30-18 front and P345/30-19 rear). The Brembo Grand Tourismo brake system delivers impressive stopping power with six-piston monoblock front calipers with 14-inch rotors and four-piston monoblock rear calipers with 13.5-inch rotors.

With 600 horsepower on tap, the 8.2-liter C6RS engine rivals the performance of the restricted 7.0-liter engines that powered the C6.R race cars to five GT class victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and seven consecutive American Le Mans Series championships. Developed by engine partner Katech Performance, the 500ci small-block V-8 is based on a high-strength 6061-T6 billet aluminum Dart block with linerless Nicom-coated 4.205-inch diameter cylinder bores. The rotating assembly features a forged steel crankshaft (4.500-inch stroke), forged 4340 steel connecting rods, and 11:1 compression forged aluminum pistons. The custom-built CORSA stainless steel exhaust system employs the companys patented Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC) technology to optimize interior and exterior sound quality. An aluminum flywheel and twin-disc clutch transfer the engine's torque to a blueprinted T56 six-speed transmission.

A luxurious interior is the counterpoint to the Corvette C6RS's cutting edge technology. A Dynamat sound insulation system produces a quiet refuge, while the instrument panel, doors, console, steering wheel and seats are wrapped in premium quality leather with French seams.

"Our goal with the Corvette C6RS was to capture the soul and spirit of the Corvette C6.R race car in a premium GT car for the street," said Pratt. "The C6RS is a car with a legendary racing heritage and an unrivalled engineering pedigree. Just as the Corvette C6.R race car has become the benchmark in production-based sports car competition, we believe that the Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS will set the new standard for sports car performance and luxury on the highway."

Founded in 1989 by Gary Pratt and Jim Miller, Pratt & Miller Engineering & Fabrication provides automotive and non-automotive clients with leading-edge engineering and low-volume manufacturing solutions. For more information, visit the Pratt & Miller website at www.prattmiller.com.