2008 Chevrolet Corvette
By Jim McCraw
On Sale: late July/early August
Expected Pricing: $46,000-$55,-000
For 2008, the Chevrolet Corvette will undergo what the professionals call a mid-cycle freshening. Usually that amounts to a facelift, but in this case the heartbeat of America gets a transplant, a brand new engine.
The new Corvette engine features a new cylinder block, new high-flow cylinder heads, a new valve train, and new intake and exhaust systems, among other changes. It's rated at 430 horsepower, an increase of 9 percent over the 400 hp in the 2006 version, which was already an extremely quick and fast sports car.
Chevrolet says the 2008 Corvette can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds flat, it can cover the standing quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 117 mph, and tops out at 190 mph.
As before, the Corvette will be offered in coupe and convertible models, although the coupes are targa tops, with lightweight, easily removable top sections in either tinted clear plastic or body-color plastic.
The 2008 Corvette will have two new six-speed manual transmissions to choose from, one for street driving and one for weekend competitions. And a six-speed automatic transmission is available with a floor shifter and paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The transmission software has been upgraded to provide faster, more positive upshifts and downshifts, blipping the throttle automatically on every downshift to match engine rpm to the selected gear.
Two suspensions are available: The F55 suspension features fast-acting magnetic shock absorbers that automatically adjust to road surfaces and vehicle conditions such as pitch, dive, roll and yaw, to keep the tires planted on the pavement. The Z51 suspension uses higher rate springs and shock absorbers, heavier anti-roll bars, Goodyear F1 Supercar EMT run-flat tires, and quicker steering. We're guessing this will result in racier handling and a stiffer ride quality.
Different wheel and tire options are available. New premium leather interior options include one in copper and black and one in black and white, with more leather in more places, all sewn with double-stitched seams and looking more like luxury car interiors than sports car interiors. The Z06 exhaust system will be available for the standard Corvette, which features computer-controlled valves that make the engine louder and more powerful by six horsepower.
All Corvettes will come with OnStar and XM Satellite Radio as standard equipment, along with auto-dimming outside rearview mirrors, a digital compass display, an iPod input socket, a slimmer electronic key, and standard 10-spoke alloy wheels.
Prices will start at $45,995 for the coupe and $54,335 for the convertible including destination charges, but no gas guzzler tax.
1-800-950-2438
www.chevrolet.com
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