You can’t deny that Chevrolet has a world-class supercar in the Corvette Stingray. The seventh generation has finally gained acceptance the world over. But for owners of the previous models, the aftermarket has been reluctant to offer support for the C6 (2005-2013). Seeing an opportunity to transform the C6 into a contemporary cruiser, Gi Automotive is unveiling their latest build at SEMA. The culmination of a 3 year build, the design is a collaboration between Car Porn Racing and Jon Sibal.
Starting with a potent base, they have taken a 2013 Corvette ZR1 and dispensed with its fiberglass. After many late nights and several revisions to their molds, the Black Manta is ready for the world stage. A new body of dry carbon fiber is 12” wider in the front, with a gain of 14” on the rear. Toyo supplied 305 mm rubber for the front wheels and 345 mm rear tires on 20” x 13” DPE wheels. The fiberglass leaf springs were also deleted in favor of an AccuAir system. Air struts by AirREX allow for a comfortable ride and for more ground clearance when needed.
To keep the wide wheels under control, the suspension is from Pfadt Race Engineering, who supplied their Johnny O’ Connell signature sway bars. All safety and stability systems have been retained in order to take full advantage of the larger contact patch. The underwhelming factory entertainment system was also deleted, in favor of modern audio. The supercharged LS9 sends its soundtrack to a custom Varex active exhaust system. It features a remote control for quiet starts or free flow performance. To prove the potency of the build, Gi Automotive has a rigorous schedule of time attack runs and top speed events planned for 2017.
Just as the Corvette Manta Ray was the inspiration for the C3, the Black Manta is the archetypal supervillain for the C6. Gi Automotive is headed by a team of two talented women (Amber Blonigan & Angie Mead King) who demand the best from every automobile. As such, they felt the interior should have the same quality as the body. So the hard plastic and bland bucket seats were replaced with Alcantara and Recaro. This is the essence of coachbuilding. No details were overlooked to see the C6 to its logical fruition. If the headlights look familiar, they are production C7 units because it is hard to improve upon perfection.
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If you are heading to Las Vegas this week, be sure to stop by the Toyo Tread Pass to see the Black Manta in person. This 800 rwhp daily driver is ready for delivery and they are ready to take your C6 to the next level. For more information, please contact Gi Automotive at 1124 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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