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ON SECOND THOUGHT PERHAPS THERE IS SOMETHING GOING ON AFTER ALL

HERE IS WHAT I GOOGLED ON IT ALL......

It recently came to the attention of some enterprising Corvette enthusiasts with a bit of time on their hands that GM has renewed its federal trademark for ZR-1, the option code for Corvettes built from 1990-1995 with the 32-valve DOHC LT-5 engine. A trademark extension was filed on December 5, 2006 and it appears the purpose of the filing was to allow GM the use of the moniker for merchandise and accessories related to the ZR-1 Corvette. However, I did a little more digging at the United States patent and trademark office and found that a renewal for the ZR-1 trademark was made November 3, 2006 for the use of "Motor land vehicles, namely automobiles".

From the USPTO:

Word Mark ZR-1
Goods and Services IC 012. US 019 021 023 031 035 044. G & S: Motor land vehicles, namely automobiles
Standard Characters Claimed
Mark Drawing Code (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
Design Search Code
Serial Number 77036100
Filing Date November 3, 2006
Current Filing Basis 1B
Original Filing Basis 1B
Owner (APPLICANT) General Motors Corporation CORPORATION DELAWARE 300 Renaissance Center P.O. Box 300 Detroit MICHIGAN 482653000
Attorney of Record Timothy G. Gorbatoff
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE

Now it would be irresponsible speculation on my part to think that GM would have an interest in using the ZR-1 RPO code for the Blue Devil/SS Corvette. There is a line of thinking that GM wouldn't use the ZR-1 RPO for the Blue Devil/SS because the term is so closely aligned with the 1990's LT-5 Corvette. However, the use of the ZR-1 RPO in the 90's was actually the second time it was used. GM first introduced the ZR-1 package back in 1970 which included the LT-1 engine (350ci 370hp), M22 transmission, heavy-duty power brakes, transistor ignition and aluminum radiator. Fifty-three Corvettes were ordered with the package during its three-year availability.

Use of the ZR-1 name for a new "King of the Hill" Corvette actually makes more sense than some of the other names suggested like the Z07. That RPO was related to a suspension package in both the seventies and nineties, and doesn't really ooze of high performance history that GM appears to be fond of dusting off and reusing in new applications.

Source:
United States Patent and Trademark Office
DigitalCorvettes.com
CorvetteForum.com

Related:
The Blue Devil's New Name - The Z07 Corvette
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Advance 2008 Corvette Production Info

CorvetteConti.com has posted a bevy of changes coming to the 2008 Corvette and probably the biggest letdown is that the Blue Devil/SS project is going to be released as a 2009 model year instead of 2008. I had heard some rumblings late last year that the supervette model was being pushed back, but of course we won't know for sure until we have confirmation from GM. But now for some good news regarding the 2008 Corvette. Engine:
It appears that the LS3 6.2L V8 engine is a go for the new model year. The LS3 is slated for the coupe and convertible models. Specs for the new engine have yet to be released, so we are still unsure what the horsepower rating will be. Exterior Colors:
This is the last year for LeMans Blue. Rick doesn't think that GM will even carry the color through the end of the model year. Initially we thought that GM would be resurrecting Mulsanne Blue for 2008, however, it looks like they will instead introduce a new blue called Bluestream(RPO 85U). Another exterior color from 2007 will also replaced but we don't yet have confirmation on what that color is or what the new color will be named. We do know that Atomic Orange Metallic will be available for the 2008 Corvette. Interior Colors:
Coupes and Convertibles will have 9 interior choices. It looks like all 7 that are being produced for the 2007 model will carry over to 2008 and there will be 2 new choices called 245 Sienna Custom Leather Wrap and 425 Linen Custom Leather Wrap. The Z06 Corvette will also pick up these interior combinations. Options and Wheels:
Coupes and Convertibles will be getting a fourth options package, 4LT. So for coupes, you can choose 1,2,3 or 4LT and convertibles will offer 2,3 and 4LT. The Z06 is also picking up a new package of 3LZ. Unfortunately, we do not yet know what the packages contain. Wheel choices are the QG6, the Split Spoke standard wheel, QX1, a Split Spoke Wheel in Competition Grey, and the QG7 Forged Polished wheel. No sign yet of the QX3 Chrome wheel option. A different axle will be available on the automatic. GU2 is a 2.73 performance axle for the 6 speed automatic. Lastly, a couple new RPO codes have shown up, but we are unsure what or how they will be used. They are NPP and CCR. Rick Conti always seems to get this information before anyone else and more often than not, his info is right on the money. Please visit CorvetteConti.com and make sure you register to be a member while you are there. Thanks, Rick! Source:
CorvetteConti.com Related:
2007 Corvette Last Year for Le Mans Blue? Technorati Tags:
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