While the modern-day muscle-car movement rages on unabated – with Camaros, Mustangs and Challengers nipping at each others’ heels – the Chevrolet Corvette keeps picking its own fight with substantially more expensive Porsches and Ferraris.
The 2012 Chevy Corvette doesn’t bring much change with it, as the car winds down operations in its sixth generation, but it’s still wildly capable, comfortable and cozy. Still available as a coupe or as a convertible, the Corvette is offered in standard, Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1 editions. The standard 6.3-litre LS3 V8 makes 320 kW (or 4 kW more with a dual-mode exhaust option). The Z06 ups the ante with a 7.0-litre V8, rated at 443 kW. The king of the hill ‘Vette, the ZR1, mauls pavement with its 475 kW, 6.2-litre V8. With launch control flicked on, the ZR1 will achieve a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds and the lesser versions aren’t far behind.
With any version, the current Corvette’s shock-and-awe feature is its docile nature. Any ‘Vette can be driven smoothly and, with the magnetic ride control on some versions, can turn in amazing acceleration and cornering numbers without sacrificing everyday smoothness. Fuel economy’s another arrow in its quiver, capable of nearly 9.0 L/100km on the highway for cars fitted with six-speed automatic transmissions – the Z06 and ZR1 are only available with 6-speed manual. On the down side, the Corvette’s cabin hasn’t been a paragon of readability and utter luxury – though it’s quite roomy for two.
For the new model year, the Corvette earns a new set of Michelin Cup ZP tyres and the Performance Traction Management system is now offered on the Z06. A racing spoiler and magnetic ride control are other available options for the Z06, while the ZR1 has its gears tweaked for a slight improvement in fuel consumption. New seats, a new steering wheel together with small updates to interior trim have been applied, while a technology pack includes Bluetooth, a USB port, a navigation system and a new nine-speaker Bose audio system.
