The current generation Corvette is fresh from a 2001 redesign, which provided extra power to the engines, a new top-of-the-line Z06, and upgrades to the active suspension and traction control system.

Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

The top end Z06 moves from zero to sixty in four seconds flat, according to Chevrolet. Even the base automatic can get there in 5 seconds, which, given the heavy clutch and stick, is an argument for buying the automatic.

It has appropriate sounds for a high-performance muscle car, as well as excellent handling, aided by an active suspension and a dry weather traction control that makes extreme acceleration easy even for the novice driver. The active handling also makes the car much easier to handle, an important consideration for drivers not trained to handle racing cars.

Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

The Corvette provides spacious accommodations for two, but there’s not much space for doodads and gizmos, and the hard-to-open center console is very shallow.

Passengers can reach back into the trunk, since there’s no partition, but nothing will stay in place just behind the seats for very long.

Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

While the traction control and active suspension make some aspects of driving the Corvette easy, shifting is not one of them. It takes time to get the feel of the heavy shifter and clutch, not to mention the six-gear pattern. A first-to-fourth feature can sometimes get in the way.

The interior is sporty and unique. The Corvette’s instrument panel features a well-programmed and easily operated trip computer, alphanumeric readout, and easy to read gauges.

The speedometer switches between mph and kph at the press of a button, swinging the needle around as needed. Pressing an options button allows the driver to set preferences for car locking, seat movement, and other features.

Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

The Corvette’s main control drawback is the cruise control stalk, which, in GM tradition, is hard to use, and on the same stalk as the windshield washer, wipers, and headlights. However, when activated – or when the speed is changed – the alphanumeric message area tells what speed it’s set for, a nice feature.

The Corvette comes in two flavors – base and Z06. The base model can get from zero to sixty in five seconds with an automatic, 4.5 with a manual, making it almost the equal of the Z06. However, the base model has a smoother ride, and an automatic transmission for those who want it – in this car, not a major drawback.

With the Z06, the Corvette enters the world of the Supercar - but, since the 1970s, it’s been the best of the “normal-production” American muscle and sports cars.

Tags: Chevrolet, Corvetter, ZO6, US engines, super car, American muscle, sports cars

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 at 9:17 pm and is filed under Chevrolet, Corvette, Sports Car. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.