Callaway Corvette C7 AeroWagen Shooting Brake Revealed (photos)
shoot·ing brake ˈSHo͞odiNG ˌbrāk/ noun BRITISH dated a station wagon. Check out Callaway's newest creation that is the perfect compromise for the enthusiast who needs a little more cargo room.
1. Glimpsing the future
Back in 2013, Callaway Cars gave us a glimpse of its new concept wagon for the Corvette C7. This clean, elongated, aerodynamic Corvette concept didn’t really seem plausible or even desired… except that now it’s been given the green light to move forward with production and the desire for it is growing.
PLEASE NOTE: The AeroWagen image shown in this message is a designer’s rendering. Production parts and appearance may differ.
>>Join the conversation about the Corvette AeroWagen and other shooting brakes here in our forum!
2. Who is Callaway anyway?
Callaway Cars is an engine design company known for modifying Chevy vehicles, primarily Corvette sports cars. The company is owned by Reeves Callaway who in 1973 constructed and installed his first prototype turbocharger system in his own BMW 320i. Over the years, Callaway developed turbocharger kits for BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Callaway Cars found fame in 1987 when they developed the Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette and the Sledgehammer Corvette.
>>Join the conversation about the Corvette AeroWagen and other shooting brakes here in our forum!
3. Handsome. Unique. Now.
The first AeroWagen (aka “shooting brake” package) was seen filming a TV commercial for Mothers Waxes and Polishes at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in California on Feb 1. General Manager Peter Callaway posted photos of this mostly stock red Corvette on the company’s Facebook page. In changing the Corvette from a coupe to a wagon, the bodywork needed to be modified. The roof was stretched out toward the trunk, shrinking the window, but adding more cargo area volume. Unfortunately, the Corvette chassis and running gear configuration make it impossible to include seats in the cargo area.
>>Join the conversation about the Corvette AeroWagen and other shooting brakes here in our forum!
4. But will it fit?
The AeroWagen Package can be installed on supercharged Callaway Corvette or stock 2014 Corvettes, as well as the Callaway SC627 Stingray or Grand Sport, and the Callaway SC757 Z06. Callaway can help you order your Corvette and get the package installed. If you already own a C7 or have already ordered it, they can contact your dealer directly to have your car shipped to their California factory for package installation.
>>Join the conversation about the Corvette AeroWagen and other shooting brakes here in our forum!
5. So why make the AeroWagen?
I have spent some time trying to get some insight into why Callaway thought this “shooting brake” package (“shooting brake” refers to a sleek wagon with two doors and sports-car panache) was a good idea. Aside from the captivating looks that remind us of the Ferrari GTC4Lusso T, the AeroWagen doesn’t offer better performance, nor has the drivetrain been modified. However, a slight reduction in overall drag coefficient is predicted. My best reason as to why the AeroWagen might simply be the historical context and tradition of the shooting brake, which took root in Europe in the early 20th century. Shooting brakes (or carts) were used by hunting parties to carry gentlemen and their hunting equipment, bloodhounds, and game. Over time, the term has broadened in meaning to include vehicles that combine the elements of a wagon (or estate car) and coupe while maintaining the sense that it’s driven by gentlemen. Some of the most popular shooting brakes were the 1972 Volvo 1800ES, the 1968 Reliant Scimitar, the 1999 BMW Z3M Coupe, and the 2011 Ferrari FF, which is the forebearer of the GTC4Lusso, the 2011 Fisker Surf, and the 2013 Jaguar XF Sport Brake. It's about time Corvette to joined this sports estate car club and offered some variety to their lineup.
>>Join the conversation about the Corvette AeroWagen and other shooting brakes here in our forum!
6. How much is it?
The cost of the AeroWagen hatch is $14,990 and includes the Callaway AeroSpoiler. There is a $2,980 upcharge for the body color version and the AeroSpoiler can be purchased as a stand-alone option for $1,995. Visit your local authorized Callaway dealer for details or visit the AeroWagen page at CallawayCars.com.
>>Join the conversation about the Corvette AeroWagen and other shooting brakes here in our forum!
7. How do I get my hands on one?
A deposit of only $1,000 is required with your order to reserve your AeroWagon Package. Here’s how to proceed:
- Click here to fill out a form and a Callaway Factory Specialist will get back to you.
- Or email Joanne Mercer jmercer@callawaycars.com
- Or if you prefer to speak with us to place your order or if you have any further questions, please call us at (860) 434-9002, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM EDT. You may also email your questions to info@callawaycars.com and we will send you a response promptly
8. How cool is this?
The unveiling will take place at the National Corvette Museum’s annual Bash event that runs April 27-April 29th. You can register for the event at the National Corvette Museum site.
>>Join the conversation about the Corvette AeroWagen and other shooting brakes here in our forum!
For help with repair and maintenance of your Vette check the how-to section of CorvetteForum.com.