2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition

This weekend marks the return of motorsports to Detroit, specifically, to the city’s Belle Isle Park circuit.

The 2.1-mile road course will play host to the IZOD IndyCar Series' Chevrolet Grand Prix and the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series' Chevrolet Grand-Am 200, which should provide plenty of excitement this weekend.  

Something else that will be providing excitement are the two pace cars taking to the track, a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which will pace the Grand-Am race on Saturday, and a limited-edition 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible set to pace Sunday's IndyCar event.  

Both pace cars are essentially unchanged production models already synonymous with performance.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 first drive

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 first drive

The Camaro ZL1 that will pace the Grand-Am race is the most-powerful Camaro ever produced, with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 delivering 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque. As a result, the ZL1 is also the most-capable Camaro ever, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 184 mph, and lapping the famed Nürburgring in just 7:41.27.

The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible that will pace the IndyCar race is the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette history. At its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) LS7 V-8 from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible. The 427 Convertible also makes extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber that brings the car’s curb weight to just 3,355 pounds.

The combination of low mass and high output makes the Corvette 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.

Stay tuned for our full race coverage this weekend.

Belle Isle Park road course

Belle Isle Park road course