Classic Styling Meets Modern Performance in Detroit Speed’s Autocrossing 1972 Corvette
Muscle cars evoke a sense of passion and nostalgia, taking us back to an era when gas was cheap, rock ‘n’ roll was loud, and rubber was meant to be burned. These American sports cars were outfitted with large engines that dished out raw power, but they were short on handling and sophisticated engineering. While this simplicity was a big part of their charm, it forced driving experts to compromise on performance.
This is where Detroit Speed, Inc. comes into play, as their specialty is transforming older cars into high-performance, state-of-the-art vehicles. The Smoking Tire recently visited Detroit Speed’s North Carolina headquarters to test drive a 1972 C3 Corvette upgraded with their prototype suspension, custom steering system, 590-HP Mast LS3 engine, and Hightower four-speed gearbox. Combining this level of suspension and steering technology in a classic autocross car like this allows drivers to experience responsive, high-performance driving combined with the old-school thrill of hammering the shifter into gear, punching the gas, and feeling the raw force of acceleration as the engine roars to life.