With the factory Corvettes bowing out of GT1 endurance racing in 2009, Chevrolet sees the program off with the Corvette GT1 Championship Edition.

The limited-edition road cars begin production in the spring and include C6.R-style graphics with the “Jake” Corvette Racing mascot on the hood, a Corvette windshield decal and labeling across the lower rocker panels. Rounding out the exterior changes are a ZR1 rear spoiler and chrome wheels. A faux carbon-fiber engine cover with yellow Corvette lettering dresses the engine compartment.

Inside, the black leather interior features yellow stitching and GT1 embroidering on the seats, dash and center armrest.

The GT1 Championship Edition Corvette will be available in black or yellow on the base coupe, convertible and Z06 models. One hundred examples of each version in each color will be produced for total of 600 cars. Coupe and convertibles are standard with the Z51 performance package, which includes stiffer suspension tuning and larger brakes with cross-drilled rotors. The six-speed automatic transmission is optional for base cars.

The new limited-edition package is a $7,480 option to push base coupe prices to start at $65,310, and $71,815 for convertibles. Z06 versions begin at $86,385. The Corvette GT1 Championship Edition makes its public debut during the 12 Hours of Sebring weekend in March.

During its successful competition run, the Corvette GT1 program collected eight GT1 championships in the American Le Mans series and five class championships at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For its final GT1 outing, the C6.R will go for a sixth class championship at Le Mans in June.

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