February 11, 2008Print this page
· Bigger-bore, 6.2L, LS3 motor packs 321 kW (437 hp) punch
· Revised steering and new wheels deliver improved driver feedback and style
· Optional six-speed paddle shift is fastest automatic Corvette ever
A larger, more powerful, 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine is at the heart of the 2008 edition of the Corvette C6. Available in both Coupe and Convertible body styles and with the choice of six-speed manual and six-speed paddle shift automatic transmission, the all-new small-block V8 is rated at 325 kW (437 hp) and 586 Nm of torque, giving a top speed of 306 km/h.
A host of refinements complement the new power unit, enhancing driving characteristics, raising the Corvette’s luxury status and enhancing the feeling of craftsmanship in America’s sports car icon. These changes are set to build yet further on the sixth-generation Corvette’s success story, which has made the model the most successful Corvette ever sold in Europe.
Since the model made its European debut at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, around 5000 Corvettes C6 have been sold by Cadillac Corvette Europe dealers. The prime markets for Corvette’s success have proved to be Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Sweden.
A key to this popularity is the fact that the Corvette is a car at home in virtually any environment. Raw performance is combined with improved ride comfort, a precisely built and technically sophisticated interior and contemporary body styling.
“Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners with impeccable performance and great comfort,” said Ed Peper, Corvette general manager. “The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements reflecting the brand’s unflagging commitment to building the best sports car – and with nearly 55 years of experience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.”
All-new, bigger-bore engine, sharper transmissions and steering
At the heart of the 2008 Corvette C6 range is the new 6.2-litre LS3 small block V-8, available as the standard engine in both Coupe and Convertible models. Rated at 325 kW (437 hp) and 586 Nm of torque, the new power unit offers stunning performance with both the six-speed manual shift and in models featuring the electronically controlled six-speed paddle shift automatic transmission.
The Tremec T56 manual-shift is developed to give more positive and direct feel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location, while the automatic model has been enhanced to bolster the feeling of performance and driver control when using the shifting paddles.
The combination of the LS3 motor with the upgraded automatic transmission, which features revised hardware and recalibration of the integrated 32-bit electronic control to deliver quicker shifts, along with a 2.73 performance axle ratio, has created the fastest automatic Corvette ever, with 0-100 km/h capability of 4,4 seconds.
The Corvette chassis philosophy is further developed in the 2008 model Corvette C6. To further complement the low-weight hydroformed steel rail backbone structure, with rear-mounted transmission, the Corvette’s precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system’s internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes.
The latest Corvette Coupe and Convertible models come with a new split-spoke wheel design. The standard 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels feature a Sparkle Silver finish, with a Competition Gray version optional. A distinctive performance-oriented, forged five-spoke aluminium wheel with a polished finish is optionally available for both Coupe and Convertible models.
There are two new premium exterior colours available with all 2008 Corvette models. Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat, replace Le Mans Blue Metallic and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat finishes.
The Corvette hallmark, dual cockpit design theme, is further enhanced in the latest Coupe, Convertible and Z06 models, with a new Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package.
This offers a stylish, two-tone leather-appointed cabin with details that further enhance the feeling of Corvette craftsmanship.
Details include a two-tone, leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats, along with a choice of new, exclusive colours: Linen or Sienna, with unique colour break-up. Padded door panel armrests, ‘Corvette’ embroidered on passenger-side dash pad, embroidered crossed flags logo on headrests and a unique centre trim plate with Bias pattern all add to the unique ambience of the latest Corvette models.
All models feature a new wrapped instrument panel centre trim plate, with bright surrounds for the shifter and cupholder. There are also new metal-finish door sill plates that greet occupants as they step into the vehicle, as well as a new lighted control knob for the available Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Other refinements include a new keyless access fob, which features the key and remote-function controls integrated in a single unit.
The Corvette Coupe and Convertible, including the high-performance Corvette Z06, are built in the United States at General Motors’ Bowling Green, Kentucky, assembly plant.
gmeurope
· Revised steering and new wheels deliver improved driver feedback and style
· Optional six-speed paddle shift is fastest automatic Corvette ever
A larger, more powerful, 6.2 litre LS3 V8 engine is at the heart of the 2008 edition of the Corvette C6. Available in both Coupe and Convertible body styles and with the choice of six-speed manual and six-speed paddle shift automatic transmission, the all-new small-block V8 is rated at 325 kW (437 hp) and 586 Nm of torque, giving a top speed of 306 km/h.
A host of refinements complement the new power unit, enhancing driving characteristics, raising the Corvette’s luxury status and enhancing the feeling of craftsmanship in America’s sports car icon. These changes are set to build yet further on the sixth-generation Corvette’s success story, which has made the model the most successful Corvette ever sold in Europe.
Since the model made its European debut at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, around 5000 Corvettes C6 have been sold by Cadillac Corvette Europe dealers. The prime markets for Corvette’s success have proved to be Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Sweden.
A key to this popularity is the fact that the Corvette is a car at home in virtually any environment. Raw performance is combined with improved ride comfort, a precisely built and technically sophisticated interior and contemporary body styling.
“Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners with impeccable performance and great comfort,” said Ed Peper, Corvette general manager. “The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements reflecting the brand’s unflagging commitment to building the best sports car – and with nearly 55 years of experience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.”
All-new, bigger-bore engine, sharper transmissions and steering
At the heart of the 2008 Corvette C6 range is the new 6.2-litre LS3 small block V-8, available as the standard engine in both Coupe and Convertible models. Rated at 325 kW (437 hp) and 586 Nm of torque, the new power unit offers stunning performance with both the six-speed manual shift and in models featuring the electronically controlled six-speed paddle shift automatic transmission.
The Tremec T56 manual-shift is developed to give more positive and direct feel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location, while the automatic model has been enhanced to bolster the feeling of performance and driver control when using the shifting paddles.
The combination of the LS3 motor with the upgraded automatic transmission, which features revised hardware and recalibration of the integrated 32-bit electronic control to deliver quicker shifts, along with a 2.73 performance axle ratio, has created the fastest automatic Corvette ever, with 0-100 km/h capability of 4,4 seconds.
The Corvette chassis philosophy is further developed in the 2008 model Corvette C6. To further complement the low-weight hydroformed steel rail backbone structure, with rear-mounted transmission, the Corvette’s precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system’s internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes.
The latest Corvette Coupe and Convertible models come with a new split-spoke wheel design. The standard 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels feature a Sparkle Silver finish, with a Competition Gray version optional. A distinctive performance-oriented, forged five-spoke aluminium wheel with a polished finish is optionally available for both Coupe and Convertible models.
There are two new premium exterior colours available with all 2008 Corvette models. Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat, replace Le Mans Blue Metallic and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat finishes.
The Corvette hallmark, dual cockpit design theme, is further enhanced in the latest Coupe, Convertible and Z06 models, with a new Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package.
This offers a stylish, two-tone leather-appointed cabin with details that further enhance the feeling of Corvette craftsmanship.
Details include a two-tone, leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats, along with a choice of new, exclusive colours: Linen or Sienna, with unique colour break-up. Padded door panel armrests, ‘Corvette’ embroidered on passenger-side dash pad, embroidered crossed flags logo on headrests and a unique centre trim plate with Bias pattern all add to the unique ambience of the latest Corvette models.
All models feature a new wrapped instrument panel centre trim plate, with bright surrounds for the shifter and cupholder. There are also new metal-finish door sill plates that greet occupants as they step into the vehicle, as well as a new lighted control knob for the available Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Other refinements include a new keyless access fob, which features the key and remote-function controls integrated in a single unit.
The Corvette Coupe and Convertible, including the high-performance Corvette Z06, are built in the United States at General Motors’ Bowling Green, Kentucky, assembly plant.
gmeurope
Wow, great SUV !b