You’ve heard the saying: With great power comes great responsibility. When Ron Fellows launched his performance driving school in 2008, the entire concept stemmed from the belief that 400 horsepower was quite a lot for everyday street drivers to manage. And Chevrolet, eager to follow up its much-publicized C5 Corvette Z06 and keen to create a buzz with the sleeker C6, was concerned about the optics if those new blue-collar performance cars began appearing flipped over in concerning numbers.
That idea feels almost nostalgic now. In the following decade, horsepower numbers skyrocketed. Chevrolet’s own Corvette ZR1 surpassed that mark with 638 horsepower, and 2009 marked the debut of the Nissan GT-R, which only had 480, yet rapidly set nearly every performance benchmark for a “reasonably priced” supercar. By 2013, we witnessed the arrival of a 662-horsepower, 200-mph Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Just imagine the marketplace’s landscape had we not gone through a severe recession starting in the late 2000s.
What makes this even more astonishing is how restrained power outputs were in the late ’90s and early 2000s. The Dodge Viper, which made the Corvette seem soft, was easily a decade ahead in the horsepower race and only broke the 450-hp barrier in 1996. Sure, the ZR1 existed, but unlike Chevrolet, Dodge didn’t require you to climb a hierarchy to access that level of power. The Viper’s V10 simply had it—together with ample torque to make the old LS1 V8 appear like a toy.
True excitement didn’t begin until around the turn of the millennium. The 2001 model year heralded the return of the Corvette Z06, not merely as an option package but as a standalone model. The then-new LS6 initially produced 385 horsepower in the C5 Z06; it would eventually be boosted to 405 and achieved an even 400 across town in the Cadillac CTS-V. By 2005, Chevrolet made the 400-horsepower LS2 engine standard in the C6 Corvette, and the 505-horsepower LS7-based Z06 followed shortly thereafter.
For further context, consider this: The C4 Corvette—only one generation away from the 385-horsepower Z06—originally debuted in 1983 with a 205-horsepower 5.7-liter V8. Power gradually increased during the 1980s, but the C4 didn’t gain the 300-horsepower LT1 until 1992. This means that the C5 was introduced with 70% more horsepower than the original C4. Even the exotic ZR1, which didn’t arrive until the 90s, was making just 375 horsepower with its peculiar, DOHC, British-influenced V8.
All of this underscores that yes, 400 horsepower was still a considerable figure around 2005. And this prompted Chevrolet to contemplate providing its owners with the opportunity to comprehend that power, in a setting where they wouldn’t end up wrapped around a roadside fixture. In essence, that is how the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School came to fruition.
Fellows has accumulated more victories behind the wheel of a Corvette than I can recount (including consecutive class wins at Le Mans in ’01 and ’02), and he remains engaged with the Corvette program as a development advisor today, which allows him to drive and give feedback on the C8 as a form of side job. His position is even more exciting than mine.
The fundamental Corvette owner program is not a genuine racing school but rather an introduction to the realm of high-performance driving. As with most driving courses, a majority of its curriculum is delivered in a classroom setting, where you’ll learn not only about the essential habits of fast drivers but everything you need to incorporate it into your daily life, from emergency lane-change strategies to the basic principles of maintenance and driver aid configuration. It serves as both a thorough exploration of Corvette ownership and an actual track program.
Chevrolet invited me to partake in its class as part of the unveiling of the new LS6 V8 and Corvette Grand Sport. It was a condensed version that omitted much of the car acclimatization and some of the briefing sessions that are typically part of the two-day owner program; I know this because I participated in the complete version of the school a few years back when I acquired my own CT4-V Blackwing. Cadillac’s V-Performance academy is a direct replica of the Ron Fellows experience.
Since the initiation of the Fellows school, Chevrolet’s apprehension about handing average individuals the keys to a 400-horsepower vehicle has lessened (the phrase “forget it” may have been used), but the school remains. It’s significantly discounted from its modest four-figure price tag if you purchase a brand-new C8 Corvette, and the Cadillac version was complimentary (except for an optional insurance deductible for the loaner vehicle; you don’t use your own) when I took advantage of it in 2022. Sure, you’re responsible for airfare (to Vegas), but everything else is basically included, including on-site accommodation.
Whether your enjoyable vehicle has 140 horsepower or 1,400, there’s tremendous value in grasping how it performs when pushed to the edge. I’m a staunch supporter of the idea that one should never decline track time when offered—and it holds even more value when it’s someone else’s car. What can I say? I’m practical. But if someone offers to teach you how to be faster in your own car, accept their help. It could safeguard your ego—or even your life.
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**Chevrolet Introduces Driving School to Instruct Corvette Owners on Managing 400 HP Cars**
In an exhilarating venture aimed at improving driver safety and performance, Chevrolet has revealed the establishment of a dedicated driving school specifically for Corvette enthusiasts. This initiative is designed to inform drivers about the complexities involved in handling high-octane vehicles, particularly those flaunting a formidable 400 horsepower.
**Recognizing the Importance of Driver Training**
The Chevrolet Corvette, celebrated for its elegant aesthetics and robust engine, attracts a wide array of drivers, ranging from experienced aficionados to novice owners. With the ability to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just mere seconds, the Corvette requires a level of expertise and comprehension that surpasses average driving knowledge. Acknowledging this, Chevrolet’s driving school aspires to empower drivers with the skills essential for safely and effectively harnessing their car’s capabilities.
**Course Outline**
The driving school will present a thorough curriculum that encompasses both lecture-based learning and practical driving experience. Attendees will explore the technical details of the Corvette, covering its performance attributes, handling characteristics, and safety mechanisms. Key elements of the program feature:
1. **Vehicle Dynamics**: Grasping how weight distribution, traction, and braking influence performance.
2. **Advanced Handling Skills**: Learning to navigate turns, control understeer and oversteer, and maximize acceleration.
3. **Crisis Responses**: Training on proper reactions in high-pressure scenarios, including skid recovery and urgent braking.
4. **Track Experiences**: Opportunities for participants to hone their skills on a closed circuit, supervised by seasoned instructors.
**Professional Instructors**
The driving school will be staffed by qualified instructors, many of whom are professional drivers with significant motorsport backgrounds. Their expertise will provide participants with invaluable insights and tailored feedback, ensuring that each driver departs with a richer understanding of their vehicle’s potential.
**Prioritizing Safety**
Safety stands at the forefront of the program. By instructing drivers on the correct handling of performance-oriented vehicles, Chevrolet aims to diminish the likelihood of accidents and enhance the overall driving adventure. The school will stress the significance of responsible driving and the possible repercussions of mishandling a potent car.
**Final Thoughts**
Chevrolet’s newly launched driving school signifies a major advancement in promoting a culture of safety and skill among Corvette drivers. By offering comprehensive education on managing 400 horsepower vehicles, Chevrolet is not only enriching the driving experience but also ensuring that motorists are well-equipped to appreciate their Corvettes responsibly. As this program unfolds, it is poised to become a vital resource for anyone eager to optimize their performance behind the wheel of America’s legendary sports car.
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