It is now a true automotive legend: the Callaway, a Corvette-based super sports car, has reached a peak in both performance and reputation. And it's always nice to remember that this rendition of an American icon has been crafted by Quebec designer Paul Deustchmann.
But the body doesn't tell the whole story, as the all-new Callaway C16 Convertible currently showcased at the New York Auto Show also has Quebec DNA. Indeed, prior to its market launch, the car was developed and built in a small Montreal shop called East End.
The new C16 is the ultimate expression of the Callaway. The Corvette's powertrain has been pushed to the limits by using a supercharger, which results in a maximum output of 616 horsepower and 585 lb-ft of torque. I said "maximum" because there is also a "base" model that produces 560 horsepower. Both are mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic gearbox with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The brakes, suspension and some interior components, most notably the seats, are also exclusive to Callaway. One of the main changes among these upgraded parts is the lighter, more aerodynamic hood that increases power by allowing more air to the engine and reducing the overall weight.
The result, according to Reeves Callaway himself, is a blistering 3.7-second acceleration from 0 to 100 kph. Moreover, the quarter mile is booked in just over 11 seconds!
For Gilles Laffond, owner of the East End shop and proud spectator during the unveiling of the C16 in New York, it was a tremendous challenge. "Every time you build such a car, it's like you're working on a prototype. Parts are carefully positioned, remodelled and assembled to ensure perfect fit. All the components arrived at our shop separately, except for the engine, and it was our job to put everything together in the most perfect manner," he told me.
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But the body doesn't tell the whole story, as the all-new Callaway C16 Convertible currently showcased at the New York Auto Show also has Quebec DNA. Indeed, prior to its market launch, the car was developed and built in a small Montreal shop called East End.
The new C16 is the ultimate expression of the Callaway. The Corvette's powertrain has been pushed to the limits by using a supercharger, which results in a maximum output of 616 horsepower and 585 lb-ft of torque. I said "maximum" because there is also a "base" model that produces 560 horsepower. Both are mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic gearbox with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The brakes, suspension and some interior components, most notably the seats, are also exclusive to Callaway. One of the main changes among these upgraded parts is the lighter, more aerodynamic hood that increases power by allowing more air to the engine and reducing the overall weight.
The result, according to Reeves Callaway himself, is a blistering 3.7-second acceleration from 0 to 100 kph. Moreover, the quarter mile is booked in just over 11 seconds!
For Gilles Laffond, owner of the East End shop and proud spectator during the unveiling of the C16 in New York, it was a tremendous challenge. "Every time you build such a car, it's like you're working on a prototype. Parts are carefully positioned, remodelled and assembled to ensure perfect fit. All the components arrived at our shop separately, except for the engine, and it was our job to put everything together in the most perfect manner," he told me.
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