Wednesday, July 2, 2008

2008 Corvette Coupe - Sleek and Stylish

TheCarConnection.com drove the new 2008 Corvette Coupe and thinks the six-speed manual gearbox is the best choice. Its throws are shorter, and the gearbox has a smoother mechanical feel. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds. The six-speed transmission connects to a limited-slip differential, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rear wheels.

Though not a factory option, speed-hungry buyers could order a car with a new Callaway Twin-Turbo Engine package through participating dealers. Designated as RPO B2K, and priced at a budget-busting $19,995, the twin-turbo was rated at 345 bhp and 465 lbs/ft of torque and could reach a top speed more than three times the legal limit -- all the way to 177.9 mph with .60 overdrive gearing. The price of the option includes membership to the museum, a guided tour of the plant and museum, plus a private hands-on introduction to the car. Customers also get certification of their museum delivery, which adds value to the car by making it more collectible. The standard 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels feature a Sparkle Silver finish, with a Competition Gray version optional.

Side-impact airbags are optional, but head curtain airbags are not available. Specific vehicles may have dealer- or manufacturer-added options not shown here that also affect price. In addition, there may be regional marketing and advertising fees or other costs that are beyond a dealer’s control. The number of available options on the new car is limited, in order to save as much weight as possible. Another point in common are the air scoops with honeycomb pattern in the front grill and in between the double twin exhaust pipes at the rear.

And in hopes of fending off criticism once and for all about the car's plastic interior, Chevy has introduced a new (and pricey) interior package this year that places high-quality, two-tone leather upholstery on the dash, seats and doors. At the top is the Z51 Performance Package, which brings the most aggressive setup, including larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT tires, cross-drilled brake rotors, and enhanced cooling. On all models, steering has also been revised for improved feel. For a major upgrade, though, it's necessary to order the 4LT package, which includes stitched two-tone leather on the instrument panel and doors. Both color choices--black with reddish brown and black with cream--were on cars in the showroom.

The 2008 Corvette coupe owner that wants the comfort and look of a luxury car can now elect to have the interior trim and dash wrapped in leather. The new interior looks amazing. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks like a leather-wrapped, padded panel. It is warm and inviting and has double the life of conventional trim materials.

Side-impact airbags are optional, but head curtain airbags are not available. Specific vehicles may have dealer- or manufacturer-added options not shown here that also affect price. In addition, there may be regional marketing and advertising fees or other costs that are beyond a dealer’s control. The number of available options on the new car is limited, in order to save as much weight as possible. Another point in common are the air scoops with honeycomb pattern in the front grill and in between the double twin exhaust pipes at the rear.

A Delphi four-channel ABS system is standard, as is a very competent active handling system – complete with a Competitive Driving mode. Standard features on the 2008 Corvette coupe includes OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation; XM satellite radio; auto-dimming rearview mirrors; and an audio input jack on all audio systems except those with navigation (it's a dealer accessory on those systems). An optional dual-mode exhaust system raises horsepower to 436.

With these options on the 2008 Corvette coupe you get the engine-transmission combo, an active handling system, traction control, power heated outside mirrors, a removable roof panel, push-button start, leather seats, with a power-adjustable driver's seat, and four-wheel disc brakes.

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