Ken Fichtner

Hello from your Montana Chevrolet Dealer!

The 2006 model is rolling now with order guides released, pricing announced and production beginning!

There are several new items contained in this newsletter.

Have a happy and safe Holiday weekend!

For help with a GM Protection Plan call Dennis Fichtner at 800-234-5284 or email him at: gmpp@fichtnerchevrolet.com


For help with parts and accessories call Robert Wendorff at 800-234-5284 or email him at: parts@fichtnerchevrolet.com

Dealership news:

Fichtner Chevrolet was founded in 1953 by my grandfather, Theodore Fichtner.

My father, Leonard Fichtner, became the dealer in 1961.

On June 8, 2005, I, Kenneth Fichtner, became the dealer. I am as you can see, the 3rd generation!

Don’t forget to read these WEEKLY newsletters and make sure you watch for the WEEKLY parts specials in our parts department:

GM Protection Plan News and FAQ:
Dennis Fichtner will be publishing a weekly newsletter with details on the GM Protection Plan. He will include a new “frequently asked question” each week. Look for this great addition soon. Finally, please remember that you won’t pay sales tax on a plan purchased from us.

Parts, Accessories and Service News:
Robert Wendorff will be publishing a weekly newsletter with details on all of our parts and accessories offerings. Watch for a weekly special as well as each week he will pick one item to sell at a deep discount. Note that we aren’t selling parts at a loss and then adding an exhorbidant amount for shipping and handling. Further, note that there isn’t any sales tax in Montana thus saving you more!

Fichtner Chevrolet personnel directory:

GM Protection Plans and New Car/Truck Sales:
Dennis Fichtner, Business Manager
gmpp@fichtnerchevrolet.com
406-628-4618 Ext 105

Corvette Sales and Advice
Ken Fichtner, Dealer
kenfichtner@fichtnerchevrolet.com
406-628-4618 Ext 103

Parts:
Robert Wendorff, Parts Manager
Parts@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4121

John Thomas Dorsey, Parts Specialist
Parts@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4121

Service:
Maudie Merck, Service Manager
Service@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4618

Office Administration/Accounting:
Kayla Eastlick
KEastlick@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4618

Thanks for taking the time to read my weekly newsletter and thanks for your business!

Index of topics:

Weekly Newsletter – Contents (everything updated!)

1) The latest news from GM
2) New Corvette Accessories Released
3) 2006 Corvette Ordering and Production News
4) 2006 Corvette Order Guides
5) 2006 Corvette Z06 Allocation Information
6) 2006 Corvette Z06, Coupe and Convertible Pricing
7) 2006 Corvette Press Release
8) Corvette Pricing Formula Revealed
9) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates
10) Weekly Constraint/Production News - UPDATED
11) GM Performance Parts LS7 Crate Engine Distribution Program

1) The latest news from GM and Chevrolet
GM lost $1,227 per vehicle through June, Harbour says
DETROIT (Reuters) General Motors lost an average of $1,227 per vehicle in the first half of this year in North America, while cross-town rival Ford Motor Co. lost $139, according to new research from Harbour Consulting.

GM: Value pricing is still the goal
GM says its extension of employee-discount pricing is not a move away from value pricing. GM has touted its intent to move to so-called value pricing, which attempts to set sticker prices closer to transaction prices and withdraw from costly incentives.

GM's goal is 1-stop shopping for accessories
General Motors wants its dealers to sell more of its accessories, especially customized wheels and electronic products. Nancy Philippart, 48, executive director of General Motors Accessories spoke this month with Automotive News editors and reporters.

FUTURE PRODUCTS -- GENERAL MOTORS: GM's high expectations
Struggling automaker banks on new models, 2007 full-sized SUVs
General Motors' product plan for 2005 was supposed to be relatively uncomplicated. But plans have changed, to put it mildly. Serious financial issues led GM to cancel its Zeta program -- the architecture for those premium rwd cars -- for North America. The automaker is pulling ahead its mid- and full-sized SUVs and re-scheduling other product programs.

Lack of '05 inventory expected to take toll on GM sales
A summer of offering employee discounts to the public has cleared out plenty of 2005 models for the Big 3 -- a fact that will likely dent General Motors' sales for August, analysts say.

GM extends employee discount program to Sept. 30
DETROIT (Reuters) -- General Motors on Thursday said it was extending through Sept. 30 the discount program under which it is selling new cars and trucks to the general public at the same low price a GM employee would pay.
The wildly successful U.S. program, which the ailing automaker introduced on June 1, had been set to expire on Sept. 6, but GM spokeswoman Brenda Rios said it would continue through the end of next month.
Effective immediately, Rios said the program would also now include most of GM's full-sized pickups and SUVs from the 2006 model year. It had previously been limited to 2005 model vehicles.
Some Wall Street analysts have said the employee discounts are squeezing already low or nonexistent profit margins on the vehicles sold by GM in North America.
But officials at the world's largest automaker have said the cost of the employee discounts is essentially unchanged from other rebates and cash-back deals offered before June 1.
In the first two months that GM offered the employee discounts, its U.S. sales jumped 42 percent and 20 percent respectively. But Merrill Lynch analyst John Casesa said in a research note this week that GM's sales were believed to have declined as much as 10 percent in August, because of depleted inventories of new vehicles from the outgoing 2005 model year.
The employee discounts for everyone were matched in July by Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler group, delivering blockbuster results for GM's smaller cross-town rivals.
Ford and Chrysler, following GM's lead, are now expected to continue their programs through Sept. 30 as well. Ford spokesman Jim Cain said no decision on a possible extension had been made yet, however.
Ford's employee discounts already include some large SUVs and pickups from the 2006 model year. Demand for the fuel-thirsty vehicles has lagged this year on a shift in consumer sentiment driven by high U.S. gasoline prices.
Like GM, Ford had set Sept. 6 as the deadline for employee pricing program. Chrysler has no deadline.
"These are the kinds of programs that really can't and shouldn't last forever," Cain said.
GM has led Detroit's incentives war ever since it introduced interest-free car loans to boost showroom traffic in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Thursday's announcement by GM came a day after Moody's Investor Service became the last of three major ratings agencies to cut GM's debt to high-yield or "junk" status. It was the latest blow to the automaker as it battles ever intensifying global competition and rising costs.




Date: August 26, 2005
To: All Chevrolet Dealers
Subject: Chevrolet Top Five Countdown

This past week continued to be filled with buzz around Chevrolet's HOT new launch vehicles. The all-new HHR and Impala again made headlines in a number of publications. Most importantly, initial sales of Chevrolet's launch vehicles continue to be very encouraging. Consequently, the Impala and HHR claim the top spot in this edition of the Chevrolet Top Five Countdown.

1. THE IMPALA AND HHR CATCH THE ATTENTION OF THE MEDIA. Chevrolet launch vehicles continue to receive positive press attention. Here is a sampling of some of the quotes about the Impala and HHR from this week.

Impala
"Harking back to that time when horsepower was king and the Impala meant horsepower, we now have a reemergence of the small-block V-8. This 303 horsepower, 5.3-liter all-aluminum engine not only produces power, it saves on fuel by incorporating GM's Displacement on Demand (DOD). This system shuts off half the cylinders if demand is low and can reduce fuel consumption as much as 8 percent.

Not only do we see the reemergence of the small-block V-8, we see this front-wheel-drive Impala gain power along with fuel economy that rivals smaller cars. The Impala sets forth a whole new generation of midsized sedans for Chevrolet."
Ron Moorhead, Washington Times - August 19, 2005

HHR
The following quote was in Mark Phelan's Detroit Free Press article under the headline of "New Chevy HHR hits home run"…

"The compact station wagon is full of safety features, thoughtful little touches that make it clear Chevy has stopped dismissing anything smaller than an Impala as econoboxes.


That's not to say the HHR isn't economical. Base prices start at $15,425 and the very well equipped model I tested cost $21,425. All prices exclude destination charges.


In addition, the 172-horsepower HHR LT got a very good 26.2 m.p.g. over 279 miles of mixed city and highway driving, meaning it should be inexpensive to own as well as to buy.

While I like the HHR's looks and frugality, the little wagon's carefully thought-out interior impressed me most."
Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press - August 25, 2005

2. FINDING WAYS TO REMIND YOUR CUSTOMERS OF THE CHEVROLET QUALITY STORY. Chevrolet Fullsize Trucks will tout our JD Power Awards on window labels beginning August 28. Both the Suburban and the Silverado HDs will wear the JD Power Quality Award icon on all '06MY production along with the following statements:

Suburban
CHEVROLET SUBURBAN® THE "HIGHEST RANKED FULL SIZE SUV IN INITIAL QUALITY."

Silverado HD
CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD® THE "MOST DEPENDABLE HEAVY-DUTY FULL SIZE PICK UP."

Please continue to make sure your customers are aware of our quality story!

3. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL AND CHEVY ANNOUNCE PROGRAM TO CELEBRATE GREAT LATINO PLAYERS. On August 23, Major League Baseball (MLB) and Chevrolet announced a program honoring the storied history of Latin American players in Major League Baseball. The program, titled "Chevrolet presents the Major League Baseball Latino Legends Team," gives fans the opportunity to vote for the players that will make up the first-ever official MLB all-time Latino team. Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager, explained Chevy's role in the program in the following statement:
"The Hispanic community is extremely important to Chevrolet and we are proud to support this program as it recognizes the most significant Latino players of all time. This program strengthens our partnership with Major League Baseball and provides another premier platform for Chevrolet to reach out to the Hispanic community."

4. CHEVY SSR OWNERS RETURN HOME. More than 70 Chevy SSRs and their owners found their way back "home" to the Lansing Craft Centre for the first-ever SSR Homecoming event on Aug. 19. The Homecoming was a big success with enthusiastic owners coming from as far away as Oregon, Texas and Florida. The owners toured the assembly plant and talked with many of the men and women of General Motors who built their SSR. GM employees and guests in attendance voted on their favorite SSR and the top three vote-getters were provided with parking privileges in the Chevrolet display during the Woodward Dream Cruise.


5. MORE NEW PRODUCTS ON THEIR WAY. The 2006 Malibu Maxx SS began production this week. The Malibu Maxx SS features a 3.9L V6 with 240 horsepower, chrome-tip dual exhaust outlets and 18" Ultra Bright Aluminum Sport Wheels. In addition, production of the 2006 Suburban LTZ as well as the new Tahoe and Suburban base packages has begun. These exciting new products will be headed your way in coming weeks. These products are available to order immediately.

2) New Corvette Accessories Released
Genuine Corvette Accessories
Introducing "NEW" to the accessory portfolio:
The following new products are now available.

Rear Cargo Organizer - C6 Coupes
Additional colors for the door handles, interior trim pieces, front and rear license plate holders
Painted Fuel Rail Covers
Remote CD Changer

3) 2006 Corvette Ordering and Production News

Corvette
2006 Corvette Z06
• 2006 Z06 production started with ship to commerce beginning soon.
• Performance data on 2006 Z06 released this week as follows:
• 1/4 mile = 11.7 seconds at 125 mph
• 198 mph top speed
• 1.04 lateral g
• Fuel economy = 16 city/26 highway making 2006 Z06 the only 505 hp car with no federal gas guzzler tax
2006 Corvette Coupe and Convertible
• New features for 2006 include:
• 6 speed paddle shift transmission with automatic modes
• Smaller diameter 3-spoke steering wheel
• XM Satellite Radio included with Bose audio systems and features hidden antenna
• Order guides will be available
• Pricing will be released
• The Gray (37T) Convertible Top, introduced in 2005 MY, has been carried over for 2006 and will be available for ordering in beginning August 19, 2005.

4) 2006 Corvette Order Guides

Order guides are now available.

Click here for the 2006 Coupe:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken.../2006coupe.pdf

Click here for the 2006 Convertible:
http://temp.corvettefourm.net/c5/ken...onvertible.pdf

Click here for the 2006 Z06:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...rder_guide.pdf


5) 2006 Corvette Z06 Allocation Information

Corvette Z06 Allocation Plan
The 2006 Corvette Z06 allocation plan is a 2 phase process. While the details of each phase are shown below, there are some key points worth noting. First, not every Certified Corvette Dealer will receive a 2006 Corvette Z06 model. The Z06 model will have its own allocation group - Z06. And, Corvette Z06 retail production will be allocated to eligible Corvette Dealers using the most current 52-week total retail Corvette sales.
• Dealers will be able to view current month allocation plus one month outlook
• Each Dealer will be mailed a six month allocation outlook
• In December, a four month outlook will be communicated based on the most current 52-week sales history
• In April 2006, distribution will provide the balance of model year outlook based on the latest 52-week sales history for buildout
• The above steps were established to discourage over commitment/selling
Phase I Details
• Dealers will be placed in Tiers based on their 52 weeks of retail Corvette sale
history (June 2004 - May 2005) for the first 3 consensus cycles.
- Tier 1 will be comprised of the 25 largest volume Corvette Dealers
- Tier 2 will include the largest 125 Corvette Dealers
- Tier 3 will expand to include the largest 300 Corvette Dealers
• Initial consensus:
- June 2005 (for production week 33)
- Exclusively to Tier 1 Dealers using the June 2004 - May 2005 sales history
• Second consensus:
- July 2005 (for production weeks 34 - 36)
- Exclusively to Tier 1 & 2 Dealers based on the launch sales data
• Third and final Phase I consensus:
- August 2005 (for production weeks 37 - 40)
- Distributed to Tier 1, 2 & 3 Dealers
• Consensed allocations will be "protected", so that Dealers cannot accidentally
loose their allocations. Pattern Z06 orders will be created as necessary during
weekly DOSP cycles.
Phase II Details
• Eliminates the assignment of Dealer Tiers. All Certified Corvette
Dealers with a June 2004 - May 2005 sales history will be comprehended
in the balance of allocation calculations.
• The allocation determined by the same formula in phase 1
• Begins with the September 2005 consensus (for production weeks 41 - 45)
• Due to the limited production of the Z06 model there will be no
guarantee that each Certified Corvette Dealer will receive allocation
for a Z06 model
• Consensed allocations will continue to be "protected", from accidental
loss. Pattern Z06 orders will be created as necessary during weekly
DOSP cycles.
• Z06 will not qualify for PEP, but will be eligible for EVP Drive & Buy
and GMS/Supplier when the current incentive program expires
Don’t be misled by your dealer!

Please note that EVERY Chevrolet dealer received a letter from the Corvette Marketing Team dated June 15, 2005.

Before you place an order and give a deposit to your dealer of choice based upon what they tell you, ask to see this letter!!!!

Have a successful day,
Ken Fichtner
Fichtner Chevrolet


Here’s what the letter says:

XXXXXX
XYZ Chevrolet
123 Main Street
Anywhere, MT XXXXX

Attention: Dealer Operator and New Car Sales Manager

Subject: Corvette Z06 Allocation Projection

An integral part of the 2006 Corvette Z06 distribution plan is to provide an extended allocation projection to all eligible Corvette dealers. This is a projection and not a commitment, but is intended to assist dealers in managing customer expectations in line with dealer allocation.

Below is your dealership’s projected allocation of Z06 through December 2005 production. A second extended projection will be provided in December. Please keep in mind that this allocation projection is based on an estimated production schedule and therefore must continue to be considered as a projection and is not to be considered an absolute commitment.

Your Z06 Estimated Allocations:
July August September October November December
# # # # # #

If a dealer chooses not to consent to their Z06 allocation that allocation will be redistributed to another eligible dealer during the variance resolution and will not be rolled forward nor will it be converted to regular Corvette allocation.

Note: Complete details of the Z06 Distribution Plan are available in Chevylaunch.com

CORVETTE MARKETING TEAM

6) 2006 Corvette Z06/Coupe/Convertible Pricing

2006 CHEVROLET INTRODUCTION PRICES!

CHEVROLET IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE INTRODUCTORY PRICES FOR THE 2006 MODEL YEAR CORVETTES.

SPECIFIC PRICING INFORMATION INCLUDING DEALER INVOICE, DEALER PRICE AND DESTINATION CHARGES ARE AVAILABLE IN GM DEALERWORLD UNDER SALES &/OR F&I TABS.

GENERAL MOTORS BAILMENT PROCEDURES FOR THE SHIPMENT OF EARLY NEW MODEL VEHICLES REMAINS UNCHANGED FROM 2005 MODEL YEAR. PLEASE REFER TO GM DEALER BULLETIN 03-15 DATED JULY 18, 2003 FOR DETAILS. PRICES, DESTINATION CHARGES AND OTHER TERMS OF SALE APPLICABLE TO ANY MOTOR VEHICLE MAY BE CHANGED AT ANY TIME.

THIS PRICING INFORMATION WILL BE REFLECTED IN GM AUTOBOOK ON GM ACCESS AT A LATER DATE.

2006 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE PRICE SCHEDULE
EFFECTIVE WITH START OF 2006 MODEL YEAR PRODUCTION

Description MSRP
1YY87 Corvette Z06 2 Door $65000.00
Destination $800.00
Preferred Equipmt Pkg 1LZ $0.00
Preferred Equipmt Pkg 2LZ $2900.00
Museum Delivery $490.00
LeMans Blue Metallic $300.00
Velocity Yellow $750.00
AM/FM with Navigation $1600.00
AM/FM 6 Disc CD, XM Satellite $1740.00
Polished Aluminum Wheels $1295.00

2006 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE PRICE SCHEDULE
EFFECTIVE WITH START OF 2006 MODEL YEAR PRODUCTION

Description MSRP
1YY07 Corvette 2 Door Coupe $43800.00
1YY67 Corvette 2 Door Conv $51535.00
Destination $800.00
Preferred Equipmt Pkg 2LT-Cpe $1495.00
Preferred Equipmt Pkg 2LT-Conv $0.00
Preferred Equipmt Pkg 3LT-Cpe $4795.00
Preferred Equipmt Pkg 3LT-Conv $3395.00
Power Convertible Top $1995.00
Museum Delivery $490.00
OnStar Communications $695.00
Z51 Performance Handling Pkg $1695.00
LeMans Blue Metallic $300.00
Velocity Yellow $750.00
Monterey Red Metallic $750.00
AM/FM with Navigation $1600.00
Dual Roof Panels Package $1400.00
Transparent Roof Panel Only $750.00
Magnetic Selective Ride Control $1695.00
6 Speed Manual Transmission $0.00
6 Speed Paddle Shift Auto Trans $1250.00
Polished Aluminum Wheels $1295.00
Competition Gray Aluminum Wheel $295.00
Chrome Aluminum Wheels $1995.00


7) 2006 Corvette Press Release

For Release: Aug. 1, 2005

CHEVROLET CORVETTE
New for 2006 (September 2005 start of production)
• 6-speed Paddle Shift automatic transmission available on Coupe and Convertible
• Three-spoke, 370 mm (9.4 in) diameter steering wheel
• Advanced dual-stage frontal air bags with GM Passenger Sensing System
• XM Satellite Radio included with Bose stereo (48 states)
• Two exterior colors: Velocity Yellow Tintcoat and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat
• Titanium gray interior color
• Storm Gray convertible top color
Performance enhancements also are found on ’06 Coupe and Convertible models, with the availability of a new electronically controlled 6-Speed Paddle Shift transmission with automatic modes. The transmission has three driving modes – Drive, Sport and Paddle Shift – and a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio that enables a balance of stirring acceleration and excellent fuel economy.
Other changes for 2006 Corvettes include a new three-spoke, 370-mm-diameter (9.4 inches) steering wheel. The wheel is smaller in diameter than the previous steering wheel, allowing the driver to maintain a “tighter” feel on the wheel and help improve turn-in response. The three-spoke design is characteristic of a sporty design that is being implemented in other performance-oriented Chevrolet vehicles.
Here’s a look at the rest of Corvette’s changes for ’06:
GM Passenger Sensing System – Replacing the previous manually controlled air bag switch, all ’06 Corvettes come with advanced dual-stage frontal air bags with GM’s Passenger Sensing System (PSS). PSS uses the latest sensing technology to turn the front passenger air bag on or off. If the sensor system detects an unoccupied front passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant, the front passenger air bag is designed to automatically turn off so it would not deploy in the event of a frontal collision. A status indicator on the inside rearview mirror alerts occupants that the passenger air bag is on or off.
XM Satellite Radio combined with Bose audio – For vehicles sold in the 48 contiguous states, XM Satellite Radio is included with the uplevel Bose audio system. The XM radio antenna is “hidden,” allowing for a smoother exterior appearance.
New exterior colors – Velocity Yellow Tintcoat and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat join the Corvette’s color palette, replacing Millennium Yellow and Magnetic Red Metallic. (Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat is not available on Z06.) The color changes were implemented on late-2005 models.
New interior color – Titanium Grey replaces Steel Grey as one of Corvette’s interior color choices.
New convertible top color – Storm Grey replaces Grey as a color choice for convertible tops.
6-Speed Paddle Shift automatic details
The new electronically controlled 6-Speed Paddle Shift automatic transmission is one of the most technologically advanced transmissions in the industry, featuring clutch to clutch operation, manual control shift operation and an integrated 32-bit electronic controller. A wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio helps deliver exciting acceleration performance along with excellent fuel economy.
The six forward gears have smaller “steps” between them, which enhances the feeling of performance and smoothness. The smaller steps also enable a steep, 4.02:1 first gear, which provides an improved-performance launch feel when compared with the previous four-speed automatic’s 3.06:1 first gear. There are two overdrive gears: a 0.85:1 ratio in fifth gear and a 0.67:1 ratio in sixth. The final drive ratio of Corvette models equipped with the new transmission is 2.56:1.
Technological sophistication is exemplified by two electronically controlled automatic modes, Drive and Sport; plus manual Paddle Shift. The Drive mode follows a specific shift schedule of predetermined shift points, while the Sport mode enables Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS). PAS modifies shift patterns when performance driving is recognized by the controller. The Drive mode optimizes shifts for smoothness, while the Sport mode enables firmer shifts for better performance. With the Paddle Shift mode, gear changes are made with manual control paddles located on the steering wheel.
The performance and functions of the six-speed paddle shift transmission with automatic modes are guided by an integrated controller. The controller is located inside the transmission, reducing complexity. A new 300-mm torque converter, new rear bell housing, new driveline support and revised-length driveshaft also support the transmission’s integration into the Corvette.
Coupe and convertible details
The 2006 Corvette’s new features and refinements enhance a groundbreaking sports car that was all-new in 2005. It is a performance car that is home in virtually any environment, whether daily commuting or weekend racing. Coupe and Convertible models come with the LS2 6.0L V-8 engine that produces 400 horsepower (298 kw) and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm). It is matched to a rear transaxle that helps improve vehicle weight balance – a six-speed manual is standard and the new six-speed paddle shift transmission with automatic modes is available. The front and rear short/long arm suspensions reflect the most competition-influenced suspension tuning in the Corvette’s history.
Dramatic fender forms and exposed headlamps combine with the grille to create a strong visual identity for the Corvette, while the tapered rear deck and fascia improve high-speed performance. The lean rear design sports round taillamps and center-exit exhaust. The fixed Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps provide superior lighting performance. With a 0.286 coefficient of drag, the Coupe models are the most aerodynamic Corvettes ever.
The 2006 Corvette Convertible features an optional power-operated soft top; an easy-to-operate manual top is standard. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car’s excellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise.
Corvette’s interior is inspired by the car’s dual-cockpit heritage. High-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks like a leather-wrapped, padded panel. It is warm and inviting and has double the life of conventional trim materials.
An AM/FM radio with CD player and MP3 capability is standard. New technology enhances conventional radio reception. An improved optional Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer and XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) add to the choices available to the audiophile owner.
A full-function OnStar system is available and an onboard navigation system is available. Using a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display, the DVD-based system contains all the map data for the 48 contiguous states and most of Canada on one disc.
OnStar-equipped Corvette models feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.
Corvette Coupe and Convertible have a hydroformed steel rail backbone structure, which features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure. Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering gear have all been redesigned. New Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) take advantage of the latest sidewall design and compound technology for run-flat capabilities.
Three suspension choices allow drivers to choose the setup that best suits their driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling. Corvette is now more poised at even higher handling levels, yet easier to drive.
The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. The system has been improved to deliver more differentiation between the system’s “Tour” and “Sport” settings.
The Z51 Performance Package brings Coupe and Covertible performance very close to the widely admired C5 Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT tires, enhanced cooling and larger cross-drilled brake rotors (13.4 inches/340 mm in front and 13 inches/330 mm in rear) for optimum track performance while still providing a comfortable ride.
With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems – anti-lock braking, traction control, and Active Handling – operate in concert. In all, the new dynamic chassis control systems are smarter, less intrusive and more adept at making the total driving experience precisely what drivers have come to expect from their Corvette.

8) Corvette Pricing Revealed

I have read a number of posts with questions relative to the pricing of a new Corvette. Often times there have been answers posted and for the most part the answers have been incorrect.

In an attempt to clear up a few misunderstandings I have prepared an analysis for your information. I am in no way saying that a dealer should sell you a car at any specific price nor am I saying that a dealer is required to offer GM Supplier or GM Employee pricing. This post is for information only.

Example:
2004 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Preferred Equipment Package 1SB
6 Speed Transmission
Sound System with Navigation
Polished Aluminum Wheels
Z51 Performance Handling Package
Destination Charge

MSRP = $53,060.00

Dealer Invoice = $46,921.85
(assuming dealer participates in the GM advertising program at 1%)

Net Dealer Cost = $45,354.05

The difference between retail and dealer invoice is $6138.15.

The difference between invoice and net cost is $1567.80, the 3% holdback paid the dealership.

Dealerships typically won’t sell a car below the dealer invoice as the holdback is an amount used by the dealership for overhead expenses including but not limited to floor plan interest, insurance, etc.

DEALERS ARE NOT PAID A VOLUME BONUS BASED UPON WHAT THEY SELL AS SOME FOLKS HAVE POSTED!!!

Dealerships are businesses, owned by folks who need to make a profit to stay in business. There are many other expenses to pay. If you are employed personally or if you own a business I doubt that you will work without receiving a paycheck.

Finally, if a dealer is willing to sell a new Corvette equipped per the example to a GM Supplier or GM Employee, here are those prices:

GM Supplier = $46,927.24
(GM rebates the dealer $891. So with a invoice of $46,921.85, the dealer makes $896.39 plus the holdback)

GM Employee = $44,906.45
(GM rebates the dealer $2613. So with a invoice of $46,921.85, the dealer makes $597.60 plus the holdback)


9) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates - Updated 8/2/05

Click here for all of the details!

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...centives.shtml


10) Weekly Constraint/Production News – UPDATED 6/9/05

Corvette Production Weekly Constraints – 9/1/05

Weekly Constraint/Production News - UPDATED

Constraints are distributed based on Available Days’ Supply (ADS), Controlled Method or Percent of Allocation (POA). Dealers can use the weekly constraint wire to see the basic availability of an option. The percentages on the weekly constraint wire are estimated based on the national retail number of the constrained option divided by the amount of retail orders being allocated for the week.

Chevrolet Constraint Wire for 9/1/05

2006 CORVETTE
Constraint number, description, allocations available nationally
00887 Corvette Coupe/Convertible QG7 Polished Wheels, 822
00889 Corvette Coupe/Convertible Z51 Performance Handling Pkg, 175
00904 Corvette Convertible 29T Storm Gray Top, 0

The Gray (37T) Convertible Top, introduced in 2005 MY, has been carried over for 2006 and is now available for ordering.

Coupe/Convertible Orders selected this week for dealers with allocation within constraints will be produced the week of 10/3/05 thru 10/9/05.

2006 CORVETTE Z06
00602 Corvette Z06 QL9 Polished Wheels, 30

Z06 Orders selected this week for dealers with allocation within constraints will be produced the week of 9/19/05 thru 9/25/05.

11) GM Performance Parts LS7 Crate Engine Distribution Program

DESCRIPTION:
GM Performance Parts is excited to announce initial availability of the all new LS7 crate engine assembly. GM Performance Parts has developed a distribution plan that will ensure product availability to its top performing Authorized Centers and select Chevrolet Corvette dealers.
LS7 crate engines will be available for purchase by GM Performance Parts Authorized Centers and select Chevrolet Corvette dealers.
The top ten 2004 revenue producing GM Performance Parts Authorized Centers will be authorized to order up to four LS7 crate engines.
The top 25 Chevrolet Corvette dealers of 2004 will be authorized to order one LS7 crate engine each.
Additional LS7 crate engines will be distributed to the remaining GM Performance Parts Authorized Centers with a minimum of $100,000 performance parts revenue based on 2004 performance. Each of these centers will be authorized to order one LS7 crate engine.
If the allotment of available LS7 crate engines is not consumed, a second chance offering will be made to GM Performance Parts Centers with a minimum of $100,000 revenue based on 2004 performance. Each authorized center will be eligible to order one additional LS7 crate engine.
Once the LS7 inventory has been consumed, outstanding orders will be held and filled at a later date.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Initial Order Period: August 1, 2005 - August 31, 2005 All orders received prior to August 1, 2005 will be cancelled.
Ship Dates: 4th Quarter 2005
QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be a GM Performance Parts Authorized Center with a minimum of $100,000 annual revenue or a Top 25 Chevrolet Corvette dealer, both based on 2004 revenue.

ORDER INPUT:
Orders should be placed through your parts department via RAPID as a QPO to be charged against the open parts account.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Dealer Price: $11,895.00 MSRP: $16,995.00
LS7 crate engine (P/N 17802397) includes:
intake manifold with injectors
injector wiring harness
fuel rails
throttle body
dry sump oil pan
exhaust manifolds
flywheel & clutch
harmonic dampener
water pump and pulley
coil packs, spark plugs and wires
engine sensors
LS7 crate engine does not include:
dry sump oil lines
dry sump tank
engine beauty cover
engine processor
air filter/air box
accessories or accessory drive

Thanks for taking the time to read my weekly newsletter and thanks for your business!

beaversstonehaven

Thank's for the newletter Ken. These are certainly interesting times.

It'sHerVette!

Did you omit new accessories or was that just a place holder?

Two Toes

Thanks for the great info! FYI[/B] REF; STEERING WHEEL SIZE. 370 MM is 14.6 inches, not 9.4.




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Ken Fichtner

On the steering wheel size: I only copy and paste the news as it comes to me from GM! Thanks for reading! I know that you are paying attention!!

Ken

jerrsvette

Thanks Ken for the updates!!!
Your time and efforts in sharing this info here on the forum is appreciated .

Vettlldo

Ken:

What is your price for an LS7 crate motor?

Ed

Ken Fichtner

Our price on the LS7 is $11995 but we won't qualify to order one. Thanks for asking.

Ken Fichtner