One of the most exciting things we get to be a part of every year at the SEMA Show is the annual media reception Chevrolet puts on the Monday night just before the show opens. There, the company shows off the cream of what will be on display in their section of the show, giving us an advanced look at their concepts, projects, and special vehicles and a chance to talk with the people behind their creation.
This year’s event didn’t disappoint – they started off with a real crowd pleaser as the “Blue Devil” C6 ZR1 Corvette that was the last car consumed by the infamous NCM sinkhole drove on-stage, restored to perfect museum condition. Things kept going from there with a parade of notable vehicles including a special C7 Stingray created in collaboration with KISS’ Paul Stanley, a new Colorado midsize pickup truck built with motocross legend Ricky Carmichael that highlights the available accessories that make it the perfect “adventure” transportation, and what was arguably the show-stopper of the night; a 1971 Corvette with LT1 power.
Chevrolet Performance is now offering the Gen V crate engine straight out of the new Stingray, rated at 460 horsepower and ready for installation into your project vehicle with an available 4-speed automatic that bolts right up and engine electronics to match. The ’71, put together with input from NASCAR luminary Jimmie Johnson, makes use of this state of the art pushrod powerplant, along with a coilover suspension, upgraded brakes, and an amazing interior.
All told, there are more than two dozen different cars and trucks on display this week in Chevy’s SEMA booth. Keep it tuned right here for more information and a look at some of the other notable rides we’ve seen at the show this year!