- Admin
- #1
2008 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
AutoWeek Magazine
OUR TAKE: Not so many years ago, Chevy made a huge deal out of the Z06 hitting 405 hp. Now the base car makes 436 hp, and it’s bolted into such a well-mannered and well-built chassis (no creaks and rattles here), with such a beautiful body, that there really is no competition at this price. Sure, Vettes always have been fast, but the new one is a real stormer.
The new steering feels better than the ’07 model’s, and so does the gearbox—more direct. The interior is full of improved materials, too, though it’s kind of a bummer that Chevy charges $4,505 to get the nicer materials as they are part of the package that includes the sport buckets, side airbags, etc. And it’s disappointing that Chevy still hasn’t seen fit to junk these seats and put in some real ones.
It costs about $15k to upgrade to a 2008 Z06 from this car, optioned the way it is. For that extra money, you get an extra 69 hp, more aerodynamic bodywork, a 55-pound weight loss, a stiffer chassis, firmer suspension, bigger brakes and special rims.
However, performance from this base car is nothing to sneeze at, and it is one heck of a bargain. The extra kick from the LS3 was apparent and, as expected, the chassis handles the power really well. The car remains very neutral and easy to drive quickly, with your right foot easily scooting the back end around.
GM is doing a lot of things right lately. Not messing up the Corvette, and continuing to build its sports car mystique, is another one it nailed perfectly.
AutoWeek Magazine
OUR TAKE: Not so many years ago, Chevy made a huge deal out of the Z06 hitting 405 hp. Now the base car makes 436 hp, and it’s bolted into such a well-mannered and well-built chassis (no creaks and rattles here), with such a beautiful body, that there really is no competition at this price. Sure, Vettes always have been fast, but the new one is a real stormer.
The new steering feels better than the ’07 model’s, and so does the gearbox—more direct. The interior is full of improved materials, too, though it’s kind of a bummer that Chevy charges $4,505 to get the nicer materials as they are part of the package that includes the sport buckets, side airbags, etc. And it’s disappointing that Chevy still hasn’t seen fit to junk these seats and put in some real ones.
It costs about $15k to upgrade to a 2008 Z06 from this car, optioned the way it is. For that extra money, you get an extra 69 hp, more aerodynamic bodywork, a 55-pound weight loss, a stiffer chassis, firmer suspension, bigger brakes and special rims.
However, performance from this base car is nothing to sneeze at, and it is one heck of a bargain. The extra kick from the LS3 was apparent and, as expected, the chassis handles the power really well. The car remains very neutral and easy to drive quickly, with your right foot easily scooting the back end around.
GM is doing a lot of things right lately. Not messing up the Corvette, and continuing to build its sports car mystique, is another one it nailed perfectly.
