Command Chair::: Other than...
Command Chair::: Other than Spinneybeck leather trim, the GTR's cabin utilizes stock C6 componentry. The 0- to 200-mph speedometer isn't too optimistic, is it?
And, unless you're in the Witness Protection program, that's a good thing. "That's what it's for, and that's the whole point," says Jeff. "To have something a little more unique, that keeps the brand character of Corvette and takes it to the next level."
Functional Style, Inside And...
Functional Style, Inside And Out Two-tone leather buckets complement the C6 GTR's exterior color while holding driver and passenger firmly in place.
Mike's GTR is traveling to the '08 SEMA show as this article is written, to a spot in one of the featured-vehicle displays around the Las Vegas Convention Center. It's bound to get as much attention there as it did when we caught up to it at Vettes Across the Rockies in Breckenridge, Colorado, this summer, or when Mike was at the Mid America Funfest a short time later. "I was helping promote it there," he says. "People were asking me about it, and I said, 'You need to call Jeff-he'll hook you up with one.'"
As we go to press, Specter's C6 Corvette GTR No. 2 is under construction at its shop, located just a few miles from the GM Tech Center. "It's another coupe," Jeff says, "and we've got a couple more scheduled after that, and hopefully a couple more after that."
Last we heard, none of those are destined for anybody in the Witness Protection program.
For more info on the GTR, contact Specter Werkes/Sports at 248/583-9559 or www.spectergtr.com.
Data File '08 Specter C6 Corvette GTR coupe
| Owned by Mike Cowan, Longmont, Colorado; Built by Specter Werkes/Sports, Troy, Michigan |
| BODY |
| Modified production '08 Corvette Coupe |
| MODIFICATIONS | Front and rear fascias, carbon-fiber splitter, air-extractor hood, front fenders, doors, rocker panels, rear fenders, taillights and center brake light, carbon-fiber rear diffuser and mirror caps, custom headlamp bezels with exposed-carbon-fiber appearance |
| BODYWORK | Specter Werkes, Troy, Michigan |
| PAINT | BASF Liquid Silver basecoat/clearcoat; Paint preparation and applied by Specter Werkes, Troy, Michigan |
| CHASSIS |
| FRAME | Original '08 Corvette |
| SUSPENSION | (Front and rear) Short/long arm with aluminum upper and lower control arms; monotube shocks with Hotchkis stabilizer bars |
| STEERING | OEM GM power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| BRAKES | FRONT StopTech ST60 six-piston calipers and 15-inch slotted/vented rotors, rear StopTech ST40 four-piston calipers and 14-inch slotted/vented rotors; OEM GM ABS retained |
| WHEELS | Forgeline aluminum wheels, front 19x11 inches, rear 20x12 inches |
| TIRES | FRONT Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press 285/30ZR19, rear 335/25ZR20 |
| ENGINE |
| Modified overhead-valve V-8, Chevrolet LS3 (Specter Werkes/Sport Matrix LS3);Built by: Specter Werkes, Troy, Michigan |
| MODIFICATIONS | Specter camshaft profile, Callies forged-steel crankshaft, Manley forged connecting rods, Mahle forged pistons, special-grind Comp Cams camshaft, larger combustion chambers, carbon-fiber fuel rail covers |
| DISPLACEMENT | 418 ci (6.8 L) |
| COMPRESSION | ratio: 11.0:1 |
| IGNITION | Stock LS3 individual cylinder coils |
| INDUCTION | Electronic fuel injection with low-restriction air intake |
| EXHAUST | Stainless steel long-tube headers flow into a Corsa stainless steel system |
| HORSEPOWER | 535 @ 6,300 rpm (in high-altitude emissions form) |
| TORQUE | 530 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm (in high-altitude emissions form) |
| LUBRICATION | Stock LS3 oiling system, filled at Specter Werkes with Mobil1 synthetic motor oil |
| TRANSMISSION |
| Tremec six-speed manual transaxle with 3.42:1 rear gears |
Data Plate::: Each C6 GTR...
Data Plate::: Each C6 GTR that rolls out of Specter Werkes' Troy, Michigan, shop wears a sequentially numbered dash plaque, just like production car No. 1 does.
Rear View::: Rear bodywork...
Rear View::: Rear bodywork on the GTR is just as distinctive as the front. That includes the unique rear fenders, rear fascia, and carbon-fiber rear diffuser.
Cool Brakes, Cool Looks:::...
Cool Brakes, Cool Looks::: Every scoop-such as the rear brake one seen here-has a purpose and function, thanks to Specter Werkes' founder Jeff Nowicki's background with GM Design.