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Iconic Chevrolet Corvette to pace Indy again

A 2019 Corvette Grand Sport has been given the honor of serving as the official pace car for the 2019 Indianapolis 500. In the 103 years of the legendary race, this will mark the 16th time a Corvette has served in this capacity.

It won't be the only 'Vette in town. All spring, 33 other 2019 Stingrays will be driving around the roads of Central Indiana and in the 500 Festival Parade held on May 25 in downtown Indianapolis.

This fleet of high performers are provided to area business leaders and dignitaries to promote the race, Chevrolet and Corvette. This is the first time since 2007 that matching Corvettes will serve as the 500 pace car and festival cars.

The Corvette pace car will be a maroon paint hue Chevrolet calls Long Beach Metallic Tintcoat. Courtesy of Chevrolet

The 2019 Grand Sport Pace Car is going to be coated in Long Beach Metallic Tintcoat with unique race decals and silver stripes. Helping it stay out front will be a LT1 6.2-liter V-8, boasting 460 horsepower and 465 foot-pounds of torque. Gears are selected with an 8-speed paddle automatic transmission. There's also Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and aluminum wheels and, inside the cabin, sport bucket seats.

Chevrolet has a storied history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race. Company co-founder Louis Chevrolet, along with brothers Arthur and Gaston, also competed in early Indy 500 races. Arthur raced in 1911 and Gaston won the Indy 500 in 1920.

The famed Indy 500 race will be held May 26.

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Bentley has announced a new Design Series option for its Bentayga SUV. Courtesy of Bently

Bentley Bentayga Design Series

Bentley is helping its discerning customers stand out even more by offering them a new Design Series for their Bentayga SUV.

From the outside, the look blends seven-spoke Palladium Gray Paragon alloy wheels with self-leveling wheel badges, which means the brand's iconic “B” logo will always remain vertical as the tires spin.

Also added is a body-colored lower front bumper apron and twin gloss black tailpipes. Special badging is included on the lower front doors.

Inside the color-themed cabin, an all-new carbon fiber weave and Duotone color palette are available for the first time. Another new highlight is a diamond-jeweled Breitling clock with mother of pearl face, along with illuminated treadplates.

The package is purely cosmetic, leaving the SUV's twin-turbocharged, 500-horsepower V-8 alone. Bentley hasn't released pricing yet for this upgrade or when it will be available.

Share your car's story with Matt at auto@dailyherald.com. Learn about his new book at COPOthebook.com.

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