Callaway Competition began constructing GT race cars back in 1990, based out of Leingarten, Germany. Over the last 25 years, they have collected a wealth of experience, technical know-how, and a great network of professional partners both for business and in the pits. Anybody who has been involved in racing, nearly at any level, knows the importance of such cooperation and Callaway’s latest creation is a testament to their handwork and those relationships.

Callaway Competition explained, “After nearly two years of comprehensive planning, intensive development and expert fabrication of vehicle components, Callaway Competition completed the first C7 GT3-R just a few weeks ago. Its striking design comes as a result of the collaboration between Canadian designer Paul Deutschman and team owners Giovanni Ciccone and Ernst Wöhr. Mike Gramke, Uwe Hoffmann, Florian Möhring and Andre Zanke were also heavily involved in the vehicle’s development. Rüdiger Geckler coordinated the delivery of all components and the detailed assembly work was taken on by Herbert Schürg. All of these people played a key role and are acknowledged for their hard work and dedication.”

The creation of all of this, was an all new GT3 race car, built to meet all of the new FIA rules for the 2016 racing season. As you may recall, there were enough changes to the 2016 rule book, that Corvette Racing had to build an entirely new chassis – the changes were past the point of a simple retrofit. The Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R’s engine is based on the Chevy Performance 6.2-liter V8 engine and produces around 600 hp. That power is paired with a X-Trac six-speed sequential gearbox, equipped with the latest in paddle-shift technology.

Callaway continued, “Having put the C7 GT3-R through its paces, the development team is proud to report that it surpasses its predicted performance. The new Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-Rs will take to the track starting in 2016, competing with the world’s fastest GT cars in a variety of racing series worldwide. The first C7 GT3-R to be campaigned by Callaway Competition’s in-house race team is sponsored by Whelen Engineering of Chester, Connecticut, manufacturers of premium quality warning and signaling devices.”

Lastly, we gathered a few comments from Ernst Wöhr and Giovanni Ciccone, managing partners of Callaway Competition, who explained, “We wanted to set another milestone in our company’s history with our new design, developing and constructing a future-proof vehicle that will be produced from 2016 and used for many years to come. As a small, privately owned team lacking the finances and human resources of the big automotive groups, we knew from the outset that approaching a project of this magnitude would be very daring. Therefore, first and foremost, we have to thank our employees and partners who have made it possible to finally set the C7 GT3R on its wheels. Everyone has given more than 100 percent and we truly can’t thank them enough. We can be proud of our performance to date and are confident we will be rewarded with good results in the many races ahead.”

Corvette Online has a lot of respect for the guys and products that come from Callaway, and we wish them luck and safety in the upcoming racing season.