2011 Corvette Z06X and Jake Concepts at SEMA! Road Test TV

At the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas this  year,  Chevrolet showed off two new Corvette concepts – the 2011 Corvette Jake Edition and 2011 Corvette Z06X.

2011 Corvette Jake Edition Concept

The 2011 ” Jake Edition” Corvette is  based on the Corvette Grand Sport platform and gets some of its design cues from Corvette Racing’s mascot, “Jake”.   The “Jake” skull mascot first began being used by Corvette Racing’s Team in 2005 to symbolized its competitive attitude.  Since then,  the symbol has grown to represent the determination and victories of the team.

The 2011 Corvette Jake concept is powered by a LS3, 6.2-liter V8 with a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission.

The exterior includes Z06 wheels and rear spoiler.  Jake logos can be found throughout the car, including the hood, wheel center caps and fenders.

The black interior is highlighted with yellow stitching and is upgraded with a number of parts from the Chevrolet accessory catalog, including a trim kit, a racing pedals, Jake floor mats and a Jake console lid.

Jake appears to be much more than a mascot for Corvette Racing. The symbol personifies the Corvette spirit as is clearly shown in this concept.

2011 Corvette Z06X Concept

For the 2011 Corvette Z06X concept, Chevrolet teamed up with Pratt & Miller.  It appears that their goal was to show consumers how easily a new Z06 can be converted into track car.

According to Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer, “this concept car represents a midpoint between our GT race car and the production Z06.”

For the Z06X,  the 7.0-liter LS7 V8 has been enhanced with a low-restriction air-intake,  a high-capacity radiator and  racing-spec heat exchangers.  The transmission is a Tremec 6 speed manual.

The the 2001 Z06X is also modified to reduce weight and to make it competition-ready.  Upgrades include the CFZ carbon-fiber-option package, with a front splitter and rockers, adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing and ZR1 carbon-fiber roof panel and B-pillar panels. The weight reduction continues with a carbon-fiber hood, carbon-fiber headlamps housings from Specter Werkes/Sports, lightweight racing wheels and a polycarbonate rear window.

Inside the car, the radio, carpeting and sound-deadening materials are deleted – leaving only a racing seat.   Safety upgrades include a roll cage, a window net, a five-point harness and a fire-suppression system.

The Z06X concept was painted a low-gloss icy white metallic and is accented with red trim, exposed carbon-fiber body components and black wheels.

“The exterior color and accents were carefully selected to enhance the Corvette’s racing-influenced design, but there’s nothing superfluous in the Z06X’s design–everything is there for a reason,” said Dave Ross, design manager.

We sure hope Chevrolet incorporates into production some of the parts displayed on the 2011 Z06X and Jake Edition. Road Test TV.