With the addition of the Grand Sport model this year, there are several Corvettes to choose from. The Corvette coupe and convertible have a 6.2-liter, 430-hp V8 engine, known as the LS3, and a standard 6-speed manual transmission, though a 6-speed paddle-shift automatic is an option. The paddle shifter has been revised to include a "push and hold" function to make it easier to transition back to automatic after you've had your fun through the chicanes.
The sport-tuned Z06 has the larger LS7 engine, a 7-liter powerplant that makes 505 hp and is connected to a 6-speed manual only. This combination is capable of 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds -- in first gear. The body is lightened by using an aluminum structure with bonded carbon fiber composites. It features a firmer suspension; red, 6-piston brake calipers; and 18-inch front and 19-inch rear aluminum wheels.
The ZR1 turns up the heat with the LS9 6.2-liter engine and Tremec 6-speed manual transmission, plus a new Performance Traction Management system for improved on-track performance. With 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque, the ZR1's top speed has been tested at over 200 mph, making it the fastest production Corvette ever. It's built on the same chassis as the Z06, but with a specially tuned suspension and Michelin performance tires exclusive to the ZR1.
The new Grand Sport coupe and convertible share the LS3 engine with the base model coupe and convertible, and it can be had with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. As a replacement for the previous Z51 performance package, the Grand Sport comes standard with wider wheels and tires, a revised suspension, extra cooling, larger brakes and specific manual gear ratios.
All Corvettes come with standard air conditioning, keyless entry, a stereo system with MP3 playback, cruise control, power everything, dual-zone climate control, leather seating and steering-wheel mounted audio controls. Chevrolet provides its flagship sports car with plenty of standard safety features, too, like ABS, driver and passenger air bags, TPMS, traction control, and a limited-slip differential.
The Corvette is a purpose-built driving vehicle, and as such, Chevrolet doesn't offer a wide array of optional equipment. Packages include heated seats, a Bose sound system, a navigation system and Bluetooth. A custom leather-wrapped interior package adds 2-tone leather with crossed flags embroidered in the headrests and leather on the console, instrument panel, and door panels. And you can prove you live in the twenty-first century with the available dot-matrix head-up display that shows speed, rpm, oil pressure and g-meter readings.
Classic American Sports Car
Return Of The Grand Sport Edition
World-class Supercar Value
The Corvette gains a new model for 2010, the Grand Sport, a name that comes from the car's racing heritage. The package includes exclusive styling cues, improved handling and performance, and it comes in either a coupe or convertible body style. The base and Z06 models hang on in 2010, as does the ZR1 supercar, which was introduced last year.
The Corvette comes with no less than 430 hp, even in base trim. Corvettes will never be mistaken for economy cars, but it does get a surprising 26 mpg on the highway with the 6-speed manual transmission. The 'Vette's value comes in its racing-derived engine and handling, its sexy curves, and grins per mile. All this comes at an entry price of just under $50,000.