Callaway has used this weekend’s ADAC GT Masters Season Finale as the backdrop to unveil the Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R. Built as a successor to the C6-generation Callaway Z06.R GT3, the company has been developing the new racer for almost two years.
The car has been created to meet all FIA rules and regulations for the GT3 class. It is powered by a Chevrolet-based 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine delivering 600 hp. Coupled to the potent engine is an X-Trac six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters. While Callaway has yet to release performance figures for the car, it claims that it has surpassed all its expectations.
The vehicle’s design comes courtesy of Canadian designer Paul Beutschman and Callaway team owners Giovanni Ciccone and Ernst Wohr. Much of the redesigned body is made from lightweight carbon fibre and all the new body panels make the racer clearly distinguishable from the road-going Corvette.
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Some of the key new elements include the flared front and rear wheel arches, side-exiting exhausts, redesigned front fascia, a custom bonnet as well as a towering rear wing.
Discussing the car, managing partners of Callaway Competition, Ernst Wohr and Giovanni Ciccone said “We wanted to set another milestone in our company’s history with our new design, developing and constructing a future-proof vehicle that will be produced from 2016 and used for many years to come. As a small, privately owned team, we knew from the outset that approaching a project of this magnitude would be very daring.
“We can be proud of our performance to date and are confident we will be rewarded with good results in the many races ahead,” they said.
The car will make its racing debut next year in a number of GT3 racing series around the world.
Press Release:
“Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R World Debut at Hockenheimring
Hockenheim, Germany – October 3, 2015 – This weekend’s ADAC GT Masters Season Finale was the backdrop for the unveiling of Callaway Competition’s new Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R. Following a brief presentation to media and invited guests, the successor of the C6-based Callaway Z06.R GT3 was displayed to the public for the first time on October 3, 2015 at the Hockenheimring in Germany.
Constructors of GT race cars since 1990 and based in Leingarten Germany, Callaway Competition possesses a wealth of experience, technical know-how and a broad network of specialized professional partners. These elements were crucial to conduct such a large undertaking.
After nearly two years of comprehensive planning, intensive development and expert fabrication of vehicle components, Callaway Competition completed the first C7 GT3-R just a few weeks ago. Its striking design comes as a result of the collaboration between Canadian designer Paul Deutschman and team owners Giovanni Ciccone and Ernst Wo?hr. Mike Gramke, Uwe Hoffmann, Florian Mo?hring and Andre Zanke were also heavily involved in the vehicle’s development. Ru?diger Geckler coordinated the delivery of all components and the detailed assembly work was taken on by Herbert Schu?rg. All of these people played a key role and are acknowledged for their hard work and dedication.
The result is a GT3 racer built to meet all FIA rules and regulations. Powering the Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R is a Chevrolet-based 6.2L V8 engine producing 600 horsepower, mated to an X-Trac 6-speed sequential gearbox with paddle-shift technology. Having put the C7 GT3-R through its paces, the development team is proud to report that it surpasses its predicted performance.
The new Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R’s will take to the track starting in 2016, competing with the world’s fastest GT cars in a variety of racing series worldwide. The first C7 GT3- R to be campaigned by Callaway Competition’s in-house race team is sponsored by Whelen Engineering of Chester, Connecticut, manufacturers of premium quality warning and signaling devices.
“We wanted to set another milestone in our company’s history with our new design, developing and constructing a future-proof vehicle that will be produced from 2016 and used for many years to come. As a small, privately owned team, we knew from the outset that approaching a project of this magnitude would be very daring. Therefore, first and foremost, we have to thank our employees and partners who have made it possible to finally set the C7 GT3-R on its wheels. Everyone has given more than 100% and we truly can’t thank them enough. We can be proud of our performance to date and are confident we will be rewarded with good results in the many races ahead,” said Ernst Wo?hr and Giovanni Ciccone, managing partners of Callaway Competition.”
Article by: By Brad Anderson – 4th October 2015 – GT Spirit
Original Article: http://gtspirit.com/2015/10/04/official-2016-callaway-corvette-c7-gt3-r/