2013 Corvette ZR1 to Pace the Race at the Indianapolis 500

BRUNSWICK, MAINE (05/16/2012)(readMedia)-- During the course of the Indianapolis 500's near century-long history, there have been more Chevys designated as pace cars than any other make, and this year the bowtie brand will showcase the most powerful production pace car in the event's history. On Sunday, May 27, the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will join the likes of the 1967 Chevy Camaro and the 1999 Monte Carlo, becoming the 23rd Chevy to pace the Indianapolis 500.

Boasting an imposing 638 horsepower, the 2013 Chevy Corvette ZR1 marks the final production year of the current-generation Corvette, and it mimics the styling of the sports car's 60th Anniversary Package coming to Chevy dealerships this summer. The new ZR1 will also be the 11th Corvette to pace the Indianapolis 500, which is more than any other vehicle.

"The Corvette has been setting the pace in the sports car market for six decades; that is why it has been consistently chosen to lead America's most famous race," said Jeanette Downing, general manager of Maine Chevy dealership Goodwin Chevrolet Brunswick. "The pace car may be ceremonial in nature, but the ZR1 is one of the few production models that could actually keep up with the race cars, so it's a fitting choice."

The 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 features a supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 engine that helps make it the fastest model to ever carry the Chevy badge. Taking advantage of its extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber, the ZR1 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 mph. The high-performance Corvette model has a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.2 pounds per horsepower, which helps explain how it recently achieved an impressive lap time of 7:19.63 at the famed Nurburgring automotive testing track in Germany.

The Chevy Camaro, another Indianapolis 500 pace car regular, recently made news of its own by joining the Corvette in an elite group of cars able to blaze a quarter-mile in 11 seconds. A 2012 Camaro ZL1 with an automatic transmission ran a quarter-mile in 11.93 seconds elapsed time at 116 mph, while a manual model was just behind with a time of 11.96 seconds at 117 mph. Both Camaros accomplished the feat with stock parts on factory-issued tires, and no aftermarket modifications were needed.

Featuring 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque, the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 has a 3.9-second 0 - 60 mph time and a top speed of 184 mph, making it the highest-performing Camaro yet. Like the 2013 Corvette ZR1, the Camaro ZL1 was up to the task of tackling the Nurburgring, coming in at 7:41.27.

"The Camaro ZL1 lets drivers walk into a dealership and drive away in a supercar," added Downing. "Whether it's on the track or on a daily commute, the Camaro offers its owners the power and off-the-line burst to leave others behind when the light turns green or the flag goes up."

About Goodwin Chevrolet Brunswick:

With nearly 80 years of serving Maine Chevrolet drivers, Goodwin Chevrolet Brunswick has long been the destination for customers that want the best selection and professional service for their Chevy vehicle. Goodwin Chevrolet Brunswick specializes in new and used Chevy sales, service and parts, as well as collision repair. Visit their Brunswick, Maine Chevy dealership at 195 Pleasant Street, check out their inventory online at http://www.goodwinchevyme.com or call them at 207-729-1611. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodwinChevroletMazda.