Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette
SledgeHammer Corvette
| Class | modified car |
|---|---|
| Body style(s) | coupé |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 5733 cc / 349.8 cu in V8 Twin Turbo Dual Bosch fuel pumps feed the system |
| Transmission(s) | 6 Speed Manual |
| Wheelbase | 2443 mm / 96.2 in |
| Length | 4483 mm / 176.5 in |
| Width | 1803 mm / 70.9 in |
| Height | 1186 mm / 46.7 in |
| Curb weight | 1589 kg / 3503 lb |
| Designer | Paul Deutschman |
| Manuals | Service Manual |
After the Car and Driver test event, which Callaway drove a specially modified Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette (C4), known as the "Top Gun" project to the best of 231 mph (372 km/h), winning the test run. A production Callaway managed a best of, 187.95 mph (302.48 km/h).[1]
As Callaway wanted to take the record further into 250 mph (402 km/h) with the car being docile during traffic, he developed the SledgeHammer Corvette, to allow airflow into the engine, he commissioned Paul Deutschman of Deutschman Design to develop the Callaway Aerobody for stability.[2] The engine was extensively hand built with its turbo intercoolers being relocated from either side of the intake manifold to the front, behind the bumper. Overall engine power was rated at 898 horsepower @ 6200 rpm with 772 lb·ft (1,047 N·m) of torque @ 5250 rpm.[1] The car retained its road car amenities such as power windows and locks, Bose radio, electronic air conditioning and, power sport seats with all necessary race car modifications such as roll cage.[1]
Driven by John Lingenfelter, the car reached 254.76 mph (410.00 km/h) mph at the Transportation Research Center, Ohio and was driven back to Old Lyme.[1]
The Aerobody would become commercially available this would become the first of the partnerships with Deutschman, in which he also designed its later models such as Speedster, SuperNatural, C7, C12 and C16.[2]
Performance Stats
- Horsepower: 898 bhp / 669.6 kW @6200 rpm
- Torque: 772.2 ft·lbf / 1047.0 Nm @6200 rpm
- BHP/Liter: 157.54 bhp/Liter
- Power to weight ratio: 0.565 bhp/kg
- Top Speed: 254.8 mph / 409.9 km/h
- 0 - 60 mph acceleration: 3.9 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 10.6 seconds