2011 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R ZR1 Pilots: P. Bornhauser, J. Canal, G. Gardel Team: Labre Compétiton Race: 20th overall (1st in GTE-Am class) at Le Mans in 2011 Ixo - LMM 218 (diecast)
Published 05/28/17
The C6 is the sixth generation of the Corvette, produced from 2005 to 2013. The racing version of the car was the C6.R, developed by Pratt & Miller in replacement to the previous C5-R of 2004. Differently from the previous C5-R, the C6.R was developed in parallel to the road going C6, allowing the car to use more exotic design features and still be race legal. The engine, built by Katech (called LS7.R), was a 5.5 liter V8. Two interesting details of the C6.R was that it had rear-view cameras to help the pilots and also an AC system to keep the interior of the cockpit a little more civil. ACO eventually ruled that air-conditioning became mandatory for cars at La Sarthe. In spite of what we saw in the past, pilot safety is a big priority nowadays.
At the 2011 24 Heures du Mans the Labre Compétiton team had only one car in the race. The ZR1 #50 (chassis #C6 RGT-001), came in first place in the GTE-Am class. In fact, it bested the two Corvette factory team cars from Corvette Racing. Though Labre got technical support from General Motors, it was not a full-blown factory team. And at least for me it’s always interesting to see the little guy come on top. In model from the ZR1 #50 is a very solid effort by Ixo. Really well made, with GREAT paint job and nice overall details. From a distance, it looks just like a Spark. Well, in truth Ixo has a knack for nailing Corvettes… As I said elsewhere, I would be happy if all my models were as good as this. I don’t think I need more.
Anyone up for a Big Mac? Or maybe a Cheddar McMelt? I know it’s not the best of burgers but once in a while…