Auction Alert: Bid on First 2015 Chevy Corvette Z06

The 2015 Chevy Corvette Z06 will have a lot to live up to when it debuts later this year: After all, the standard Corvette Stingray already has become an instant hit, winning a slew of accolades during its first selling season and delivering triple-digit sales increases along the way. Also notable: The very first new Stingray was auctioned by Barrett-Jackson and earned $1 million to support the Karmanos Cancer Institute. And that's the benchmark the No. 1 2015 Chevy Corvette Z06 will be aiming at when it takes its own turn on the auction block, on April 12 during that month's Barrett-Jackson event in Palm Beach.

Then, the proceeds from the sale will fund improvements to create a more patient-friendly environment during chemotherapy treatments at the Institute's infusion center.

Said Gerold Bepler, president and CEO of Karmanos Cancer Institute: “When it comes to corporate citizenship and philanthropy, General Motors and its employees set the example. Their generosity goes a long way toward improving the lives of cancer patients and supporting cancer research. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to GM, the GM Foundation, Chevrolet and Barrett-Jackson for their ongoing commitment to help end this disease.”

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is a Detroit-based Comprehensive Cancer Center that provides "a unique, urban-based integrated center of research, patient care and education, dedicated to the prevention, early detection, treatment and eventual eradication of cancer."

The 2015 Chevy Corvette Z06 will be the most capable Corvette to ever go on sale to the public, thanks to goodies like:

• A supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine making at least 625 hp and 635 lb.-ft. of torque
• The driver's choice of a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission
• Brembo brakes with 14.6- x 1.3-inch two-piece steel rotors up front and 14.4- x 1-inch units at the rear
• "Driver Mode Selector" technology, integrating features such as launch control, active handling, traction control, performance traction management and a electronic limited-slip differential

Folks also should note that they don't have to attend the auction to bid on the first production model of the 2015 Chevy Corvette Z06; registration for online bidding can be made by calling 1-480-421-6694 or sending an email to bidders@barrett-jackson.com. (All buyer and seller fees are being waived for this auction, too.)