The 2008 C6 Corvette, continues the sixth generation of America's only true sports car, a design that was first introduced to the public at the LA auto show on January fifth, 2004.
While the styling is unmistakably Corvette, the C6 is the first Corvette since 1962 to feature exposed headlights. The 2008 Corvette is available in 7 trims, ranging from the Coupe LT1 to the Z06 LZ2.
Standard features include xenon headlamps, composite body panels, keyless entry and startup, foglamps, five spoke 18" aluminum wheels and improved power rack and pinion steering.
For 2008 the 400-hp LS2 V-8 has been replaced with a nearly all-new LS3 engine that produces 430 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque in standard trim and 436 hp with new for 2008, optional muffler-bypass valves. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. An optional 6-speed automatic with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifter, which has been improved for 2008, is available.
The 2008 Corvette scoots from 0-60 in just over 4-seconds and has a top speed of 190 miles per hour.
For Corvette's interior has been tweaked for 2008 with a two-tone, leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats and a new wrapped instrument panel center trim plate, with bright surrounds for the shifter and cupholder. (note: Need shots of new interior or drop this paragraph)
Standard features now include MP3 and XM satellite radio, a tire-pressure monitor, a six-way power driver seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. Options include a navigation system, a transparent roof panel for the coupe, a head-up display, heated seats, and a seven-speaker Bose audio system.
Side impact air bags are optional on the coupes and ZO6 and standard on the convertible.
Suspension options available include Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which automatically firms up or softens the suspension based on how the car is being driven, and the Z51 performance handling package, which adds extra cooling; stiffer springs, shocks and stabilizer bars; bigger brakes with cross-drilled rotors; specific tires and shorter gearing for the six-speed manual.
Traction and stability control are standard and the C6 features an active handling system that can apply individual brakes or cut power to help maintain stability, and it does so without any jarring intrusiveness. Powerful four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard and side-impact airbags are optional.
Base MSRP of the 2008 Corvette Coupe is $45,170. The Convertible starts at $53,510.
For true speed enthusiasts, the ZO6 offers a 7 liter LS7 V-8 delivering 505 horsepower and 470 pounds feet of torque. Performance figures indicate that the Z06 can reach 60 mph in just under 3.5 seconds from a standing start in first gear and can turn a standing quarter mile of 11.8 seconds at 125 mph. Top speed: An Amazing 198 miles per hour...easily the fastest production Corvette ever!
Coupled with a lightweight aluminum frame, wider wheels and tires, a dry sump oiling system, a more stiffly tuned suspension, better brakes and special sport seats and you have a Corvette that can go up against just about any Viper or Ferrari.
The Z06 was the official pace car for both the 2006 Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. It set a new mark at Indy as the first pace car that was actually faster than cars it was pacing. It is also the official pace car of the 2008 Indianpolis 500, marking Corvette's fourth appearance at the head of the Brickyard field.
To experience the virtually race-ready performance of the 2008 Corvette Z06 LZ1 (LZ One) you'll pay a base MSRP of $70,175.
That's a princely sum indeed, but only until you compare the 2008 Corvette with what other sports cars with the Corvette's performance capabilities will cost you. Suddenly, the base C6 and the mighty ZO6 Corvettes are sports car bargains... the latest chapter in this great American success story.