This is how Eduard Pogea, head of POGEA RACING GmbH outlines the '59 model Corvette convertible modernised by his company on a customer's orders. And continues: "Within the space of only one year we developed, produced and adapted current technology to fit in an American Old timer. Our objective was to marry contemporary driving characteristics, a terrifically powerful engine, dependable brakes and a refined vehicle interior with classic bodywork."
The chassis for this demanding project consists of an in-house tube frame manufactured in cooperation with Foose Design in the USA. This frame not only significantly improves the convertible's torsional stiffness, it also forms a solid base on which to mount the heightadjustable coilover suspension, as well as the modern drive and brake systems.
When it came to looking for an engine befitting its heritage, POGEA opted for a Corvette LS3. This engine, used in the current Corvette (MY 2011), was fitted out by POGEA with extra components to increase its performance. Besides LS7 fuel injectors, aggressive camshafts and a direct, open intake with tip cone filter, the exhaust flow above all was tuned to optimum level. Henceforth the 6.2-litre engine is free to howl its zest for life through 45-millimetre diameter Edelbrock exhaust manifolds coupled with a stainless steel exhaust system with only 2 silencers. At the same time as that V8 sound massages your eardrums, the engine performance increases to an impressive 485 HP / 357 kW at 4400 rpm and 585 Nm at 6200 rpm. The engine power reaches the rear wheels via a manual 5-shift gearbox with ceramic clutch and a Dana 44 differential.
With these modifications, the completely reconditioned Classic puts out excellent performance: from 0 - 100 kms/h in a mere 3.9 seconds and with a top speed of 288 kms/h, the two-seater is decidedly superior to the original basic model.
A generously-sized sports brake system taken from the Corvette LS5 provides contemporary deceleration values. Perforated, internally ventilated brake discs , sized 330 mm (front) and 300 mm (rear) are actuated at the front by six-piston and at the rear by four-piston callipers.
The appropriately-styled 3-part POGEA RACING wheels, 9.5Jx18 at the front and 12Jx19 on the rear axle, were specially developed for the increased demands of the souped-up convertible. Bridgestone Potenza 265/40 R 18 and 305/30 R 19 tyres were selected as the ideal combination.
A clever trick allows POGEA to house the enormous wheels in the rear wheel-wells: widening them by doubling the original mudguards. As a result the rear end grows by a handsome 37 centimetres to 2.09 metres overall width and is equipped with 4 LED rear light clusters to become a real eye-catcher. The complete paint job in the original Ferrari colours Rosso and Bianco contributes to the effect.
Red and white also dominate the vehicle interior with its perfect look and feel. A combination of carpeting and smooth leather turns the vehicle interior into a sophisticated control centre. A Vallelunga steering wheel with flattened lower rim and seats out of the Cobra ensure more legroom compared to the standard interior. Together with an Alpine multi-media system including satnav, a retro-fitted AC unit and servo-steering, POGEA upgraded almost all of the car's electronics to prepare the Corvette for reliable use in everyday traffic.
The chassis for this demanding project consists of an in-house tube frame manufactured in cooperation with Foose Design in the USA. This frame not only significantly improves the convertible's torsional stiffness, it also forms a solid base on which to mount the heightadjustable coilover suspension, as well as the modern drive and brake systems.
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| Photo: POGEA RACING GmbH |
When it came to looking for an engine befitting its heritage, POGEA opted for a Corvette LS3. This engine, used in the current Corvette (MY 2011), was fitted out by POGEA with extra components to increase its performance. Besides LS7 fuel injectors, aggressive camshafts and a direct, open intake with tip cone filter, the exhaust flow above all was tuned to optimum level. Henceforth the 6.2-litre engine is free to howl its zest for life through 45-millimetre diameter Edelbrock exhaust manifolds coupled with a stainless steel exhaust system with only 2 silencers. At the same time as that V8 sound massages your eardrums, the engine performance increases to an impressive 485 HP / 357 kW at 4400 rpm and 585 Nm at 6200 rpm. The engine power reaches the rear wheels via a manual 5-shift gearbox with ceramic clutch and a Dana 44 differential.
With these modifications, the completely reconditioned Classic puts out excellent performance: from 0 - 100 kms/h in a mere 3.9 seconds and with a top speed of 288 kms/h, the two-seater is decidedly superior to the original basic model.
A generously-sized sports brake system taken from the Corvette LS5 provides contemporary deceleration values. Perforated, internally ventilated brake discs , sized 330 mm (front) and 300 mm (rear) are actuated at the front by six-piston and at the rear by four-piston callipers.
The appropriately-styled 3-part POGEA RACING wheels, 9.5Jx18 at the front and 12Jx19 on the rear axle, were specially developed for the increased demands of the souped-up convertible. Bridgestone Potenza 265/40 R 18 and 305/30 R 19 tyres were selected as the ideal combination.
A clever trick allows POGEA to house the enormous wheels in the rear wheel-wells: widening them by doubling the original mudguards. As a result the rear end grows by a handsome 37 centimetres to 2.09 metres overall width and is equipped with 4 LED rear light clusters to become a real eye-catcher. The complete paint job in the original Ferrari colours Rosso and Bianco contributes to the effect.
Red and white also dominate the vehicle interior with its perfect look and feel. A combination of carpeting and smooth leather turns the vehicle interior into a sophisticated control centre. A Vallelunga steering wheel with flattened lower rim and seats out of the Cobra ensure more legroom compared to the standard interior. Together with an Alpine multi-media system including satnav, a retro-fitted AC unit and servo-steering, POGEA upgraded almost all of the car's electronics to prepare the Corvette for reliable use in everyday traffic.