kdbolt70

One of the (few) benefits of living in Michigan is that almost everyone knows at least someone in the car business. I happen to be fortunate enough to know a lot of people at GM, as my dad is an exec there.

Last night I got a text from him that one of his colleagues had a stingray in town as a company car. I immediately took off and headed to the restaurant they were at.





It was a beauty. Lime Rock, non-Z51, 3LT automatic. After snapping a couple photos (it was starting to get dark) I ran inside and grabbed the keys.

I took her for a good half hour spin around town and on the highway with my dad. She had NPP, which arguably was the most shocking part of the whole experience; that exhaust is SEXY. My camaro had some exhaust work done, but the mild-to-wild behavior of the exhaust note when you step on it is grin-inducing.

I was pretty impressed with the automatic. Shifts were smooth, and dropping from 5th to 2nd when I hammered it getting onto the highway was lightnigh fast. I played a little bit with the shift paddles, but honestly I was just having fun mashing the gas and hearing the exhaust...



As I mentioned this was a CTF vehicle, it was built quite some time ago (It actually had almost 8,000 miles on it), but it still felt phenomenal. The 3LT kalahari interior is beautiful; I wish I had more time to play in there.

When I returned the keys I talked to my dad's friends and found out why he had it. He's acting manager of the BG plant right now. We had a great chat about the production process, the QC hold, constraints, etc. I wish I could go into detail but I was sworn to secrecy! I did convey the frustration of some of the members here with their cars sitting in Nashville, and he assured me they are working nonstop to get your cars to you as soon as possible. He knows just how much you want them.

Anyways, just wanted to share my experience, I know each and every one of you that has yet to drive it is going to instantly fall in love!

VIN666

MI for the win!

BlueOx

Thanks for any info on the auto!

Rad22

What happened to Dave Tatman?

OnPoint

OP - How was the targa top?

Was it tight and quiet over bumps?

jamesw95

So you took the acting plant managers C7 out and drove it at illegal and irresponsible speeds and were sworn to secrecy then post it on a national forum.

Why would anyone believe you?

runutzzzzz

Exactly what I was thinking. Never brag about driving way over the speed limit in a car that you probably were not supposed to be driving then you tell us you were sworn to secrecy about a the issue they are having when they are still denying any issues exist.

To redeem yourself you MUST tell us what he told you...

shaan

Cool insight review, thanks for sharing it

Bill B 1

thanks for the post....I think!

brightonvette

Excellent post!

I also live in Michigan and know 2 senior execs. on the Corvette Team. They both have "sellable" fleet cars.

1. They are totally and completely tight lipped about ANY sensitive information.
2. NOBODY else is allowed to drive their cars, they can give rides, let people sit in the drivers seat and answer questions about the car, but not drive them. The no-drive rule is GM policy and from what I can tell, it is strictly adhered to.

So unless the OP's father is a GM board member, allowing someone to drive a fleet car after dark at illegal speeds is suspect.