2008 Chevrolet Corvette

NEW FOR 2008:

- New LS3 6.2-litre V8 engine

- Improved manual transmission shift effort, quicker shift feel on paddle-shift six-speed automatic

- 2.73 performance axle ratio available with automatic transmission

- Improved steering feel

- Standard split-spoke cast aluminum wheel design

- Available polished forged aluminum wheel design

- New Keyless Access remote key fob with integrated key

- Interior trim enhancements on all models

- New sill plates

- Auxiliary jack included on all sound systems except navigation

- OnStar and XM Satellite Radio standard on all models

- Exterior colours: Jetstream Blue Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat

For 2008, the Chevrolet Corvette undergoes several refinements, including a new 6.2-litre V8 engine to replace the 6.0-litre of 2007, increasing horsepower to 430 hp from 400, and torque to 436 lb-ft from 400 lb-ft.

The Corvette is available as a coupe or convertible; both are equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. In coupe form, it is also available as the Z06, with 7.0-litre V8 mated only to a six-speed manual.

The coupe and convertible each come in a single trim line, and feature 18- and 19-inch aluminum wheels with run-flat tires, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather seats with six-way power adjust, auto-dimming rearview mirror, seat side airbags, six-CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack, XM Satellite Radio, head-up display, fog lamps, Xenon headlamps, heated mirrors with driver's side auto-dimming, variable intermittent wipers, cargo net, cruise control, floor mats, keyless entry with pushbutton start, power telescopic column with manual tilt, leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, garage door opener, express-down windows, driver's position memory, and OnStar.

The coupe features a one-piece, body-coloured removable roof panel that can be optioned to a transparent roof panel, and a cargo cover; the convertible comes with a power folding soft top with glass rear window.

Features on the Z06 include 18- and 19-inch ten-spoke painted aluminum wheels with run-flat tires, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, Xenon headlamps, heated mirrors with driver side auto-dimming, variable intermittent wipers, cruise control, floor mats, keyless entry with pushbutton start, head-up display, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, manual tilt wheel, express-down windows, aluminized stainless steel exhaust, six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with cross-drilled rotors, leather bucket seats with six-way power driver's adjustment, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.

Still considered one of the all-time legendary North American sports cars, the Corvette remains extremely powerful and fast, but is extremely easy to drive, even in Z06 form. Unlike the brutal Viper, which can be deadly in inexperienced hands, the Corvette can handle itself admirably at the racetrack, and then take you to the mall.

Given its price, the Corvette's interior is plain and plastic-heavy, and dash gaps could be more exact. The Z06 will do zero to 100 km/h in under four seconds, and while it's expensive on its own, comparing it to competitors from Germany and Italy show it may possibly be the best value for the performance that you can buy.