Callaway C12

{{Short description|American sportscar}}

{{Infobox automobile

| manufacturer = {{ubl

| Callaway

| IVM Automotive

}}

| name = Callaway C12{{Cite web|url=https://www.ultimatecarpage.com//spec/85/Callaway-C12.html|title=1998 Callaway C12 Specifications|website=Ultimatecarpage.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://fastestlaps.com/models/callaway-c12|title=Callaway C12 specs, 0-60, quarter mile, lap times|website=FastestLaps.com}}

| image = 1999 Callaway C12 in Yellow, front left (Greenwich 2024).jpg

| production = 1998–2001{{Cite web|url=https://www.callawaycars.com/homepage/the-company/callaway-cars/c12/|title=Callaway C12 | '97-01}}

| length = {{cvt|191|in|mm|abbr=on}}

| width = {{cvt|78.7|in|mm|abbr=on}}

| height = {{cvt|47.1|in|mm|abbr=on}}

| wheelbase = {{cvt|104.7|in|mm|abbr=on}}

| engine = {{ubl

|5.7 L LS1 OHV V8

|6.2 L LS6 OHV V8

}}

| transmission = 6-speed manual

| weight = {{cvt|1480-1565|kg|lb}}

| related = Chevrolet Corvette (C5)

| class=Sports car (S)

}}

The Callaway C12 is a sports car, designed, developed and built by American manufacturer Callaway, between 1998 and 2001.{{Cite web|url=https://silodrome.com/callaway-c12-supercar/|title=The Callaway C12 – A Rare American-German Supercar Capable Of 200+ MPH|date=April 19, 2022|website=Silodrome}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/1999-callaway-c12/|title=1999 Callaway C12 | first = Jeff | last = Karr |date=June 2, 1998|website=MotorTrend}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.conceptcarz.com/s16891/callaway-c12-corvette.aspx|title=1998 Callaway C12 Corvette technical and mechanical specifications|website=conceptcarz.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.supercars.net/blog/1999-callaway-c12-corvette/|title=1999 Callaway C12 Corvette | Review|first=Nick|last=D|date=March 26, 2016}} It is based on the contemporary Chevrolet Corvette (C5), although unlike earlier Callaway efforts the bodywork was entirely different. The C12 retained the Corvette's glass and roof, door handles, and interior hardpoints.{{cite web | url = https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1142221_ex-dale-earnhardt-jr-1999-callaway-c12-coupe-pops-up-for-sale | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240524094548/https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1142221_ex-dale-earnhardt-jr-1999-callaway-c12-coupe-pops-up-for-sale | archive-date = 2024-05-24 | work = Motor Authority | title = Ex–Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1999 Callaway C12 Coupe pops up for sale | first = Stephen | last = Edelstein | date = February 7, 2024 | publisher = MH Sub I, LLC. }}

The bodywork, designed by Paul Deutschman, is of GRP and kevlar on a hydroformed steel skeleton. The bodywork was built by German IVM Automotive. The brakes are ventilated discs all around, with an ABS system. The suspension is double control arms with coil springs over shock absorbers at all four corners.

The C12 was either equipped with a 6.2 liter V8 motor, or a tuned version of the 5.7 liter LS1 used in the Corvette C5 with multiple under-hood modifications, many of which increased horsepower. The 5.7-liter "Supernatural" engine produces {{cvt|440|hp|kW|0}} and {{cvt|395|lb.ft|N.m|0}} of torque, with the later 6.2-liter version producing {{cvt|482|hp|kW|0}}. The larger LS6 engine was introduced after Chevrolet had introduced their more powerful Z06 derivative. Additionally, the C12 received modifications that enhanced handling capabilities.

According to Callaway, the C12's were built "to a standard rather than a cost" with high-profile customers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Otis Chandler, Andrew McKelvey, Ely Callaway, Rick Hendrick and Tommy Mottola buying the car. In total, 20 cars were produced with exposed headlights, two taillights as opposed to the traditional four, and complete leather-covered interiors dyed to the owner's specifications.