In the wake of the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded since a 7.0 earthquake devastated the nation of Haiti on the evening of January 12th, individuals and organizations around the world have stepped up to help the people of Haiti cope with this disaster. Many businesses are included in the list of those contributing, and members of the auto industry are among them. A notable example of this comes from Chevrolet, who raised $250,000 in relief money from the auction of a limited edition Corvette Z06.

Take a look at the Corvette Z06 that brought in $250,000 in relief funds for Haiti’s earthquake victims

The following is a list of some of the Automotive Industry’s earthquake relief efforts, listed by company:

GM – Chevrolet will be collecting monetary donations of all denominations at the Washington, DC Auto Show, as well as at the Philadelphia and Chicago shows. The funds will be donated to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development fund and will be added to $350,000 resulting from GM contributions and the auction of the aforementioned Corvette.

Chrysler – Chrysler brought a Chrysler 300c to the Golden Globe Awards, where it was signed by several hundred celebrities. Dubbed the “300C Haiti”, the car, after being shown at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, will next be showcased at the Washington, DC Auto Show before being auctioned to contribute to the American Red Cross Haitian relief fund. Chrysler has also provided both Oxfam and the US fund for UNICEF with $50,000 and dealerships in Puerto Rico are collecting tangible good to be shipped to Haiti.

Toyota -  Toyota Motors North America has pledged to Donate Haitian relief funds totalling $500,000, to be divided equally among the American Red Cross, Save the Children, and Doctors Without Borders. The company has also pledged to match contributions to the organizations made by its team members and associates. These efforts are separate from those of independent Toyota distributors operating in the Southeastern and Gulf coast states.

Fiat – The Fiat group, in collaboration with the Fondazione Francesca Rava, is providing $1,000,000 worth of technical and financial support. Included in this are construction machinery, ambulances, automobiles and technical personnel.

Click for more about the auto industry’s Haitian earthquake relief efforts

With 505-hp, the Z06 has not only surprised America – the Europeans are awed to see an American sports car that can outperform German models, starting at only $65,800.

The Corvette Z06 is the lightest, most powerful model put out by Chevy. Carbon fiber has been used in the Z06’s wheel housing, front fenders and floorboards, and the aluminum body structure also helps to keep the weight down. The magnesium roof structure and engine cradle reduce weight even further.

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is powered by a new pushrod 7.0 liter V-8 engine. The flat and wide torque curve comes with nearly 400 pound-feet, that is available between 2400 and 6400 rpm.

The Z06 is controlled by a six-speed manual transmission. Chevy has installed larger brakes and wider wheels in this powerful Z06. The robust platform has been added to deal with the heat and the stresses of the big motor. The engine has a dry-sump oil system (containing a shallow pan and an external oil reservoir) that maintains the oil pressure.

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is not only a powerful sport car – it’s accented with various luxury features and styling cues. It would not be an exaggeration to crown Z06 as one of the best vehicles of the decade.

What Auto Critics are Saying

“… the Z06 is just drop dead, ferocious-gorgeous. I swoon when I see one. And melt when I drive one.” – Jonny Lieberman

“I also think Dave Hill and crew did a great job, the package is stunning. I talked to Mr. Hill for a little while, he’s the coolest engineer I’ve met. If I ever meet him again, I’ll ask if they could have accomplished the same thing with a smooth bodyside and more Ferrari-like downforce appendages…if GM made the budget for it.” – Sanjeev Mehta

Comment courtesy: thetruthaboutcars.com
Image courtesy: autospectator.com