V IS FOR VETTE
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Tue, Jan 29, 2008
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
AMERICAN LEGEND
By Harvey Schwartz
I just love driving a Corvette. America's favorite sports car just keeps getting
better and better. And the new 2008 version is the best ever. I tested the C6
with the Z51 package and removable hard top. This is my favorite model (aside
from the Z06), and with a base price of only $45,170.00, you can't get anything
better than that.
There are many upgrades and refinements in this latest C6 Corvette, making it a
true super car with a quicker 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds, and a top speed
of 190 mph.
These numbers are due to the new LS3 6.2 liter, V8 engine that now pumps out 430
horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 424 pound-feet of torque at 4,600rpm. With the new,
optional dual-mode exhaust system borrowed from the Z06, horsepower is increased
to 436, and torque to 428 pound-feet - with no increase in rpm. This new C6 is
near to perfect as you can get. You can drive it everyday to take care of your
personal business, and ready to be easily modified for weekend club racing.
This new iteration of the famous small-block family features a revised,
larger-bore cylinder block, high-flow LS7 style cylinder heads, larger-diameter
pistons, revised camshaft and camshaft timing, revised valvetrain with offset
intake rocker arms, high-flow intake manifold, high-flow fuel injectors from the
LS7, and a new engine beauty cover.
The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. In
addition to its larger bores, which help create the 376 cubic inch displacement,
the block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads that
enhance its strength and improved bay to bay breathing. Better breathing for the
new 6.2 liter engine is accomplished via new, high-flow cylinder heads. There're
based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine with
larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to
the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.
Complementing the larger-port design of the heads are larger sized intake and
exhaust valves. To accommodate the engine's larger valves and enable more direct
intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6mm between the valve
tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side
lobes providing more than a five percent increase in lift. Exhaust-valve lift
remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize
performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.
Ensuring that the cylinder heads receive all the air they can handle falls to a
new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design is manufactured
with a 'lost core' process that improves runner to runner variation and reduces
airflow losses. An acoustical foam material is used to reduce radiated engine
noise; it is sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional
'skull cap' acoustic shell.
Also new beauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also feature
a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine
sound.
That Corvette exhaust sound is music to any performance enthusiast and this year
the sound is even louder and sweeter thanks to the optional two-mode performance
exhaust system. Similar in design and function to the system used on the Z06,
the dual-mode exhaust uses vacuum-actuated outlet valves, which control engine
noise during low-load operation, but open for maximum performance during
high-load operation. It is not identical to the Z06 system since the exhaust
pipes measure 2.5 inches versus the Z06's 3-inch exhaust pipes. With it in
place, power output is increased by 6 horsepower, and 4 pound-feet of torque
giving the C6 a more aggressive exhaust sound character that definitely appeals
to all performance enthusiast. I kept the audio system off for most of my time
behind the wheel because I had to listen to the sweet roaring sounds coming from
the rear.
It's such a pleasure feeling the instant response to your inputs as you rocket
out and feel your pulse suddenly quicken. A large part of that pleasure and fun
is when you're shifting up and down the gears. The shifting efforts for both the
six-speed manual and paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmissions have been
improved this year, and I really enjoyed shifting last year's C6.
The manual's shifting improvements include a more positive and direct feel
during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location. The beautiful stick
shifter is perfectly placed for easy use; the refined shifter feels like your
cutting through butter with a hot knife. It is amazing. You feel the pull and
entrance into the gear like it is waiting for you, with no real effort. It's so
precise with an automatic type of feel. You have to try it yourself.
The six-speed paddle-shift automatic is improved with new hardware and a new
controller calibration that delivers quicker shifts. This change bolsters the
feeling of performance and driver control when using the shifter paddles. I'll
take the manual for even faster shift changes and faster acceleration.
Also new this year is the availability of the 2.73 performance axle ratio with
limited-slip that comes standard with the Z51 package.
The world-class chassis structure and newly refined double-wishbone suspension
combine to make the new C6 Corvette one of the world's best handling and one of
the most comfortable two-seat sports cars to drive.
All Corvettes have a hydro-formed steel rail structure which features cored
composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and
aluminum cockpit structure.
The front and rear double-wishbone suspension, suspension cradles, control arms,
knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bar and steering gear have all
been redesigned to increase the ease of high-performance driving and enhancing
the comfort when traveling over poorly paved roads. New Goodyear Extended
Mobility Tires take advantage of the latest sidewall design and compound
technology for run-flat capabilities.
Three suspension choices allow consumers to choose the setup that best suits
their driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride
comfort and precise handling. Corvette is now more poised at even higher levels,
yet easier to drive and enjoy the experience.
The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological
dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those
surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control.
The Z51 Performance Package brings Corvette performance very close to the widely
admired previous generation Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive damper and
spring rates, larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT tires,
245/430ZR18in. front/285/35ZR19 rear, wrapping 18X8.5in. front/19X19 rear forged
aluminum wheels. You also get enhanced cooling and larger cross-drilled brake
rotors, 13.4-inch vented rotors up front, and 13-inch vented rotors in the rear.
With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems-ABS,
Traction Control and Active Handling-operate in concert. In all, the dynamic
chassis control systems are smarter, less intrusive and more adept at making the
total driving experience precisely what drivers have come to expect from their
Corvette. Have it your way!
Guiding you on your chosen path is Corvette's precise rack & pinion steering
system that is revised this year to provide improved feel at all speeds. The
revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system's internal
components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration
changes. Just a slight turn of the wheel moves the front left or right enabling
you to cut through the most challenging curving roads at high speeds. The car
drives like it is planted on rails, and the feel of the road surface is now
better than ever. On the skid pan the C6 with the Z51 package is rated at 0.98
g's.
Corvette's long, sleek and sexy looks start with the low front end, then offer
dramatic fender forms, steeply raked windshield pillars, and exposed headlamps
that combine with the grille to create a strong visual identity for the
Corvette, while the tapered rear deck and fascia improve high-speed performance.
The lean rear design sports four round tail-lamps and four round polished
stainless steel exhaust tips exiting out the center. Aerodynamic side mirrors
and shaved door handles help give the new C6 a very low 0.286 coefficient of
drag, the most aerodynamic Corvette ever. All body panels are made from
lightweight, yet very strong composite materials.
If you order the removable hardtop, you are getting the ability of four-season
driving pleasure. Just three clamps firmly hold the top down and this
lightweight panel can be removed by yourself, and stored in the large rear cargo
area by placing it on two stops with the third at the rear to click it down so
nothing moves when driving. To replace, simply snap out to the lightweight top
and easily replace it back on top. It takes about 30 seconds to do.
Matching the world-class styling, power and performance is one of the most
comfortable, ergonomic, and safe cabin's of any other super sports car.
Both doors open wide for easy entry and exit, the high-back sport bucket seats
are deeply cut to keep you in place during spirited driving times, and
visibility is outstanding all around you. New this year is a dark carbon-fiber
styled bias trim on the center stack and center console, with bright surrounds
for the shifter and cupholder. There are new metal-finish door sill plates as
well as a new lighted control knob for the optional Magnetic Selective Ride
Control. The Corvette signature instrument cluster is one of the easiest to see
and understand and features the optional 'head's-up' display that is still
exclusive of all world-class sports cars. I love the ability to monitor my
speed, rpm, fuel, oil pressure, engine coolant temperature and the g's it is
pulling in the curves, without having to take my eyes off the road. Of course,
if you don't want to use it you can easily dim the display by touching a toggle
button. The stick shifter is perfectly placed and very easy to use. All buttons,
dials and levers are within easy reach and fully illuminated for safe nighttime
driving.
New and optional this year is a custom leather-wrapped interior package that
offers stylish, two-tone leather-appointed cabin with details that enhance the
feeling of Corvette's craftsmanship. It includes two-tone leather-wrapped upper
and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats, a choice of new, exclusive
colors-Linen or Sienna, with unique color breakup, padded door panel armrests,
Corvette embroidered on passenger-side dash pad, embroidered cross flags logo on
headrest and unique center trim plate with carbon-fiber bias pattern.
Corvette's unique interior is inspired by the car's dual-cockpit heritage.
High-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium
quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrument panel and doors are
covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks like a leather-wrapped,
padded panel. An AM-FM-XM radio with CD player and audio input jack is standard.
An optional Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer adds to the
choices available to the audiophile owner. Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
are standard with the Bose premium system. A full-function ONSTAR system is
standard and an onboard navigation system with voice recognition is optional.
Standard equipment not mentioned above includes keyless entry with push button
start/stop, Driver Information Center and Driver Personalization, tire pressure
and oil life monitoring system, theft deterrent system, power heated outside
mirrors with driver-side self-dimming, fog lamps, daytime running lamps, auto
dual-zone electronic climate control, thick-cut pile carpeting with floor mats,
auto dimming rearview mirror with compass, cruise-control, intermittent
wipers/washer, leather bucket seats with 6-way driver-side and 4-way
passenger-side with lumbar adjustments, leather-wrapped/tilt steering wheel,
power windows/door-locks, electric rear window defroster, remote fuel filler
door/rear hatch with power hatch pull down. Options not mentioned above include
luggage shade and cargo net, memory package, removable roof panel, heated seats,
and power telescoping steering column.
Standard safety features include front and rear crush zones, steel beams in each
door, front and side airbags, and 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load
limiters. With ONSTAR standard and aboard, in the event of an accident, the
Corvette automatically notifies ONSTAR to summon aid.
When you own a Corvette you are getting the best of both worlds. World class
power and performance, a very reasonable price starting at just $$45,170.00,
extra-large cargo area, and a fantastic fuel mileage rating similar to a DOHC V6
engine-16mpg/city and 26mpg highway.
The 2008 Chevy C6 Corvette remains one of the best super-high-performing sports
cars on the market. You have to test drive one to believe the bargain and enjoy
the ease and fun to drive characteristics.
© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz SUMMARY JUDGMENT The best just keeps getting better. For more information about Chevrolet products, go to chevrolet.com. More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2008 Chevy C6 Corvette Z51 Coupe Price: $45,170.00 base, $56,185.00 as tested Engine type: 6.2 liter LS3 overhead valve, 2-valves per cylinder, cast aluminum block/heads Horsepower: 436hp at 5,900 rpm with dual-mode exhaust/430 hp with standard exhaust Torque: 428 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm with dual-mode exhaust/424 with standard exhaust EPA Mileage specs: 16mpg/city, 26mpg/highway Drive configuration: Front engine/rear-wheel-drive Transmission type: 6-speed manual with limited slip differential Front suspension: Short/long arm double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf springs, monotube shock absorbers' all performance-tuned for Z51 package including larger, cross-drilled vented brake discs. Rear suspension: Short/long arm double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse composite leaf springs, monotube shock absorbers. Wheels/tires: 18X8.5 front/19X10 alloy wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 245/40ZR18 front, 185/35ZR19 rear tires Brakes: Front: 13.4-in. power-assisted, cross-drilled, vented Rear: 13.1-in. cross-drilled rear vented brakes Overall length: 174.6 in. Overall width: 72.6 in. Overall height: 49 in. Curb weight: 3,217 lbs