New Corvette Selected as 2013 Indy 500 Pace Car

The new, seventh generation CorvetteChevrolet Chevrolet Corvette Gen.7 [C7]United States of America, 2013 > present13 versions
81 photos
has been selected to be the pace car for the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26.

The car will be painted Laguna Blue Tintcoat with Indianapolis 500 graphics on the doors and strobe lights on the roof. Otherwise, it will be completely stock, but include the Z51 package that adds an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump lubrication system added brake, differential and transmission cooling, and a more aerodynamic body kit for better high-speed stability. 

“It is an honor to help inaugurate the all-new Corvette Stingray at the hallowed Brickyard and further the legacy between ChevroletChevroletUnited States of America, 1911 > present82 models
3556 photos
7 videos
and the Indianapolis 500,” said Jim Campbell, GM vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.

Chevrolet revealed the seventh generation Corvette at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is powered by a new direct-injected 6.2-liter V8 with 450hp and 450lb-ft of torque. The car will not be on sale until the third quarter of 2013. The convertibleChevrolet Corvette Stingr...United States of America, 2013 > present16 photos
will be on sale a few months later. 

The latest generation offers major technological upgrades for the Corvette including more extensive use of carbon fiber in the hood and roof, LCD instrument screens, magnesium and aluminum frame, a seven-speed manual transmission.

Chevrolet returned to the Indy 500 as an engine supplier last year after leaving the sport in 2005. Company co-founder Arthur Chevrolet raced in the inaugural 1911 Indy 500. The brand has powered seven cars to victory in the race

It will be the 12th time that the Corvette and the 24th time that a Chevrolet has been the Indy 500 pace car. The first Chevrolet to be pace car for the race was a 1948 Fleetmaster.