Flash.(Briefs)

Hand-built Z06 engines

The brand spanking new General Motors Performance Build Center will tackle its first project by next summer-the hand-built LS7 V8 for the next-generation Corvette Z06. The center in Wixom, Michigan, can produce up to 15,000 engines per year.

Other good news on the Z06 front? If you like the C6, know that even though chief engineer Dave Hill won't commit to working on the seventh-generation car, he has his hands all over development of the C6-based Z06. He promises a more extreme performance difference over the base car than was the case with the C5.

Russian buys Brit maker

Stateside sales are among the plans for the British TVR sports car company following its purchase by 24-year-old Russian millionaire Nikolay Smolensky. Last year, prompted by the appearance of a 396-hp TVR Tuscan in John Travolta's movie Swordfish, TVR briefly considered and then rejected as too costly a plan for U.S. sales.

GTO scoop

Pontiac may offer an optional hood with air scoops as a way of clearing out 2004 GTOs still in stock before the improved 2005 model goes on sale. Dealers are having success selling GTOs fitted with aftermarket scoops, so ...