Fifty Hours at the Limit

Corvette is subjected to the same general durability testing as all other General Motors vehicles. It is then tested even further; with tests including — autocross, road course, and wide-open throttle — to help ensure that it is ready for use on the track:

The autocross portion of testing includes 250 miles on an autocross course. Oil use is measured, as is tire and brake wear.

After the autocross test, Corvette undergoes twenty-four hours at competition speeds on a road course. A typical two-mile road course will have a 140-mph straightaway, 110-mph sweeping curves, and 40-mph hairpins. Drivers will shift up to ten times per lap, and brake ten times per lap, with two of those braking points going from 100 mph to 45 mph.

During the testing, a set of data-logging equipment occupies the spot usually reserved for the passenger seat. The equipment collects thirty channels of thermal information from critical components and fluids, including:

• Brake fluid

• Power steering fluid

• Transmission fluid

• Differential fluid

• Underbody/exhaust area

• Tie rod joints

• Brake rotors

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In addition to the temperature readings, other pertinent data is collected and analyzed, including:

• Oil pressure

• Engine rpm

• Lateral acceleration

• Fore and aft acceleration

Wide-Open Throttle/Full Tank Testing

To simulate high-speed, autobahn conditions, Corvettes are subjected to a wide-open throttle test on a track. Starting with a full tank of gas, the car is driven flat-out at its top speed until the tank is empty.