"This Corvette unites
classic automobile design in balance with the latest in modern
vehicle
technology."
technology."
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 height adjustable coilover suspension, as well as the modern drive and brake systems.
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 height adjustable 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.
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.
POGEA RACING GmbH is a
company with a vocation as a workshop specialising in vehicle
enhancement. Besides chip tuning on a Dynojet all-wheel-drive test
bench for all current vehicle models and restoring Old timers as
well, they are enthusiasts when it comes to individual and offbeat
vehicles. They are the creators of numerous unique specimens. In
particular POGEA RACING provides refinements to vehicle interiors,
as well as optimising performance and aerodynamics.
This upgraded '59
Corvette has been created as a result of the combination of these
skills and by choosing the right partners for the venture. It is the
symbiosis of American roots and quality workmanship "Made in
Germany".
