GM is currently hard at work on an all-new mid-engine supercar that is expected to join the Corvette lineup in 2019, more than likely as a ’20 model. The new mid-engine Corvette isn’t expected to replace the existing C7, which debuted for the ’14 model year, but instead serve as a halo car for the Corvette brand. The current C7 Corvette should be replaced sometime around ’22-model-year after an eight-year run.
 
The Mid-Engine Corvette will undergo a landmark change in philosophy, as Corvettes have always been front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports cars. Chevrolet has studied the idea of a mid-engine Corvette at several points in the nameplate’s history (and in fact, a mid-engine Corvette program was approved in 2007, but shelved due to GM’s 2009 bankruptcy).
 
The Mid-Engine Vette was originally expected to use GM’s upcoming twin-turbocharged 4.2L V8, but it is rumored to borrow the 6.2L LT1. Transmission sounds like a DCT unit, with lightning-fast shifts, and according to Car and Driver, “Tremec’s TR-9007 seven-speed DCT will be the one and only transmission available.”
 
Up front, the Vette wears a 245/35 ZR19, and out back it wears a 305/30 ZR20.
 
Chevrolet has also trademarked the name “E-Ray,” which likely signifies that an electrified version will be available as well. This could come in the form of a plug-in hybrid or possibly even an all-electric version in the vein of the Audi R8 e-tron.

GM has announced an $800 million investment to be designated for the Bowling Green assembly plant, which is likely tied to the introduction of this car.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Gov. Hogan signed into law a bill to establish an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail fund to maintain and construct trails for OHVs on land that is owned or leased by the Department of Natural Resources.

Gov. Hogan signed into law a bill to establish an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail fund to maintain and construct trails for OHVs on land that is owned or leased by the Department of Natural Resources. There was no specific fund related to OHV trails previously.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Daniel Ingber at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Gov. Hogan signed into law a bill to establish an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail fund to maintain and construct trails for OHVs on land that is owned or leased by the Department of Natural Resources.

Gov. Hogan signed into law a bill to establish an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail fund to maintain and construct trails for OHVs on land that is owned or leased by the Department of Natural Resources. There was no specific fund related to OHV trails previously.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Daniel Ingber at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Gov. Hogan signed into law a bill to establish an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail fund to maintain and construct trails for OHVs on land that is owned or leased by the Department of Natural Resources.

Gov. Hogan signed into law a bill to establish an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail fund to maintain and construct trails for OHVs on land that is owned or leased by the Department of Natural Resources. There was no specific fund related to OHV trails previously.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Daniel Ingber at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Gov. Hogan signed into law a bill to establish an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail fund to maintain and construct trails for OHVs on land that is owned or leased by the Department of Natural Resources.

Gov. Hogan signed into law a bill to establish an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail fund to maintain and construct trails for OHVs on land that is owned or leased by the Department of Natural Resources. There was no specific fund related to OHV trails previously.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Daniel Ingber at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Louisiana legislature passed a bill to allow for the registration and operation of military surplus motor vehicles.

The Louisiana legislature passed a bill to allow for the registration and operation of military surplus motor vehicles. There is no such allowance under current law. The legislation was amended during markup to remove mileage and speed restrictions. It also allows for the creation of a specialty license plate. The bill has been sent to Governor Edwards for his approval. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Daniel Ingber at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Louisiana legislature passed a bill to allow for the registration and operation of military surplus motor vehicles.

The Louisiana legislature passed a bill to allow for the registration and operation of military surplus motor vehicles. There is no such allowance under current law. The legislation was amended during markup to remove mileage and speed restrictions. It also allows for the creation of a specialty license plate. The bill has been sent to Governor Edwards for his approval. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Daniel Ingber at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Louisiana legislature passed a bill to allow for the registration and operation of military surplus motor vehicles.

The Louisiana legislature passed a bill to allow for the registration and operation of military surplus motor vehicles. There is no such allowance under current law. The legislation was amended during markup to remove mileage and speed restrictions. It also allows for the creation of a specialty license plate. The bill has been sent to Governor Edwards for his approval. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Daniel Ingber at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Louisiana legislature passed a bill to allow for the registration and operation of military surplus motor vehicles.

The Louisiana legislature passed a bill to allow for the registration and operation of military surplus motor vehicles. There is no such allowance under current law. The legislation was amended during markup to remove mileage and speed restrictions. It also allows for the creation of a specialty license plate. The bill has been sent to Governor Edwards for his approval. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Daniel Ingber at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-supported legislation (HR 5855) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would expand the current warning label required on gas pumps dispensing E15 (gasoline that’s 15% ethanol). The new label would include the words “warning” and “check your owner’s manual,” be 5x7 in. or larger, and include pictograms depicting a boat, lawnmower, chainsaw, motorcycle and snowmobile. The current label is about 3.5x3 in., and does not include the words “warning,” “owner’s manual” or pictograms.

Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials. In 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made it illegal to use E15 fuel in motor vehicles made before 2001, motorcycles, boats and gasoline-powered equipment.  

The “Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018” sponsored by Reps. Austin Scott (R-GA) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) addresses the concern that many consumers are unaware of potential harm E15 poses for millions of gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment. The EPA would have 180 days to update its current warning label.

“As we are presented with more choices at the gas pump, it is imperative that American consumers know exactly what kind of fuel they are putting into their engines,” said Rep. Scott. “Gas pumps today are riddled with confusing labels that fail to adequately warn consumers of the dangers of fueling small engine equipment with E15. By making fuel pump labels easier to decipher and coordinating public education programs, this legislation can save consumers time and energy at the pumps and avoid headaches and costs down the road.”  

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.