GM Displays Corvettes at 2016 SEMA

Note: Here is som Corvette Coverage at the 2016 SEMA 50th Anniversary in the GM Display, featuring the Z51 Performance Package T1 Race Car and the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport.

Text and Photos By Wayne Ellwood

Corvette Coverage in the GM Display of the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas, including Vettes in the Battle of the Builders® competition.
Corvette Coverage in the GM Display of the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas, including Vettes in the Battle of the Builders® competition.

First, a little about what SEMA is…

Being the 50th anniversary of SEMA, the organizers created special badging and organized a number of events to celebrate this long and successful history. SEMA has been working on our behalf in many areas, always to good effect. One function of SEMA is to monitor state and federal activities as they affect the transportation industry and to make sure the voices of all concerned parties are heard. They do a truly remarkable job, on this front. Of course, any of the industry partners who shared such a significant landmark were eager to jump in, and show their visible support. In this case, Chevy presented some special versions of its Camaro, which is also 50 years old in spirit but fresh in design.

The SEMA event, which is actually an industry-wide convention-exposition, is another of their major accomplishments. However, for Corvette fans, GM’s focus was on the Camaro. Regardless, SEMA’s “Battle of the Builders” drew a large number of specialty builders and tuners eager to enhance their already well-established reputations. There was a multitude of suppliers who were eager to present their wares. And finally, a number of smaller builders had their car on display as stand-alone representations of their work. I’ll tell you about these, and their display cars. (Links at the bottom of this post)

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GM Displays Corvettes at 2016 SEMA

GM can’t devote all its attention to Corvettes. With GM celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Camaro, they relied on a look back to last year’s reveal on the T1 track car and the new for 2017 Grand Sport for their SEMA display.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray on display at the 2016 SEMA event.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray on display at the 2016 SEMA event.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray on display at the 2016 SEMA event.
M Chassis on display in the GM Booth at the 2016 SEMA event.
M Chassis on display in the GM Booth at the 2016 SEMA event.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with Z51 Performance Package T1 Race Car Specifications

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with Z51 Performance Package T1 Race Car Specifications
2016 SEMA Show - GM Booth
2016 SEMA Show – GM Booth
2016 SEMA Show - GM Booth
GM's booth at the 2016 SEMA event.
Choices of Wheels in the GM booth at SEMA 2016.
Choices of Wheels in the GM booth at SEMA 2016.

2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport on display at 2016 SEMA.

2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport on display at 2016 SEMA.
The new 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine to deliver exceptional performance. The Grand Sport Collector Edition features an exclusive Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with Tension Blue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes and black wheels. the new Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine.
The new 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine to deliver exceptional performance. The Grand Sport Collector Edition features an exclusive Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with Tension Blue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes and black wheels. the new Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine.

2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Collector Edition Specifications as displayed…

2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Specifications.

Here is a list of displays that featured Corvettes (and a couple of extra ones) just click on the links below:  


Vette Vues Magazine started in 1972 and has enjoyed continuous publication. Each issue is jammed packed with Corvette information covering C1 to C8. Each monthly issue has features, reviews, tips, restorations, clubs, events, racing, auction results, model cars, classifieds, products, services, and more. Enjoy the latest Corvette news, as well as some great historical facts.


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