Teresa’s View
My friend Tamara wants a Corvette for her midlife crisis and that means so much to the people at Chevy. Opening up your product to the other half of the population represents a sea change for a car that’s traditionally been considered a man’s midlife prerogative.
Maybe women are different today or maybe it finally occurred to Chevy that some women like viewing a fast car from the driver’s seat. It’s probably a bit of both, considering it wasn’t until the fifth-generation ‘Vette was introduced in 1997 that someone my size — 5-foot-5 — could comfortably reach the pedals.
The new Corvette is leaner, shorter and narrower than the previous iteration. The latest design is intended to channel the shagalicious Sting Ray bodies of the ‘60s — a change most notable from the front where exposed headlamps from that era replace the square, retractable lens.
Despite the retro touches, this car is a testament to modern technology. Some good — like the choice of three suspension packages including a Z51 Performance option; others just cute party tricks. For example, the obsolete ignition switch has been replaced by a new Keyless Access system. Just have the key fob anywhere on your person while in the car and push a button. Also missing in action are the door handles. Solenoids and electronic actuators eliminate the need for handles, but won’t keep your friends from bumbling with the doors.
At its heart, the Corvette is about power, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The 6.0-liter V-8 is the only engine option. However, it’s the most powerful standard small-block engine ever offered in a Corvette, producing 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Capable of speeds up to 186 mph, Chevy says the standard ‘Vette makes the 0-to-60 dash in 4.2 seconds, faster than any production Corvette in history.
If there’s anything better than driving a Corvette, it’s driving a Corvette convertible. The top drops manually, although a power-operated one is available.
What Is It? The Corvette is a piece of Americana masquerading as a high-performance sports car. Prices for the hatchback coupe start at $43K. The convertible goes for $51K.
Gadget Rating: 9.4 of 10. The gadgetry is impressive. Navigation is now an option on U.S. models. Other new features include OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. Standard safety equipment includes four airbags — two in the front and two on the side — and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Traction control and active handling step in when your driving skills fail you. New run-flat tires do away with those nasty spares.
Grocery Sack Test: Don’t try to fit paper grocery sacks here. Only plastic will fit in the depth-challenged cargo area.
Trivia: The first Corvettes, introduced in January 1953, were built by hand.