Fuel Infection

It’s been a hard thing to miss, but in case you hadn’t heard, there’s a new Corvette on the road.  Chevrolet’s sixth-generation ‘Vette is causing the competition (most of it from Europe) to stand up and take notice, because the bar has officially been raised.

The new car looks superficially like the old one, but it’s all new from the ground up and built with high performance in mind.  The biggest news is a much more powerful engine, a first-ever power-operated top, and of course those controversial exposed headlights.

The most obvious design change, the glassed-in headlamps mark the first departure from flip-up lights since 1962.  Some critics have complained that the fixed headlights make the car look too much like a Ferrari; traditionalists just don’t like the conventionality of it.  We think it’s an interesting departure from the Corvette norm, and think it looks fine.  Folks on the sidewalk clearly think it looks good, because our test car got more looks and craned necks than the last Porsche or Mercedes we tested.  The new Corvette is five inches shorter and an inch narrower than the previous car, but it’s still a large, ground-hugging vehicle.  The wheels are bigger, too; 18″ up front and 19″ at the rear.  Out back, the signature four-circle taillights have become ovals, but the car’s identity is obvious.  On convertible models, a power top is available.

The traditional key-and-lock entry has been replaced by a keyless access system similar to that found on the Cadillac XLR.  Instead of a door handle, there’s a small rubber pad hidden inside a niche on the door.  If you’ve got a properly coded key, you need only squeeze it lightly and a solenoid pops the door open.  Once inside, lucky occupants will find themselves in a dual-cockpit interior with classic cues.  It’s more spacious before, both for passengers and cargo.  Not that the Corvette is about hauling stuff, but it’s nice to be less cramped.  Run-flat tires enable the Corvette to get around without lugging a heavy spare tire.  The head-up display that projects speed and other information onto the windshield is still available, as are OnStar, a navigation system and XM satellite radio.  The new interior is comfortable enough for all-day drives, and the materials have been much improved over the plastic-fantastic of years past.

There are a lot of great sports cars out there these days, so there’s no sense in coming to the party if you’re not properly dressed, so to speak.  The new Corvette is equipped to maintain its performance superiority with a massive 6.0 liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 400 foot-pounds of torque.  Reminiscent of the muscle car days?  Sure–right down to the tail-happy antics when you mash the throttle.  But the Vette’s’ V8 is thoroughly modern, with electronic throttle control, and smart drivers will have no problem achieving supercar performance (though, hopefully not on public roads).  A four-speed automatic is available, but the Corvette is far more fun with the Tremec six-speed manual installed.  A choice of gear ratios is offered; the Z51 Performance Package has higher-acceleration cogs and a fifth gear that’s designed for max-speed runs.  Chevrolet reports twelve-second quarter-mile times and a top speed of 186 miles per hour.  We report a lot of squirreliness in the rear end as the traction control struggles to keep the ‘Vette pointed straight if the pavement is less than smooth.  Rolling acceleration is giggle-inducing, and the throttle is pleasantly easy to modulate even with all that power on tap.  A dedicated driver could comfortably commute in a ‘Vette if he or she wanted to, and that hasn’t always been true of Chevy’s performance coupe.  A Corvette will also get almost thirty mpg on the freeway, if driven nicely.

The Corvette’s body and underpinnings have received significant stiffening, the better to tackle road courses and new challengers from Japan with.  Chevy says the new car is more competition-influenced than past models.  Double-wishbone architecture is used at all four corners, with cast aluminum components for lightness.  A choice of three suspension systems, including a semi-active Magnetic Ride Control suspension and the Z51 Performance Package which is inspired by the all-conquering Corvette Z06, enables a Vette buyer to tailor the car’s behavior to suit his or her taste.  The Corvette’s big, wide body seems like it would be ponderous in turns, but it’s fighter-plane precise.  Anti-lock brakes are standard.  To bring the car to a stop from the massive speeds it’s capable of, the Corvette is equipped with 12.8-inch brake rotors in the front.  Opt for the Z51 Performance Package and that goes up to 13.4 inches–bigger than some cars’ wheels.  Handling is also augmented with traction control and Chevrolet’s Active Handling stability control system on all three suspension options.

The new Corvette is prepared to beat the competition so badly that they’ll just go home.  Pricing starts at $43,710 for the coupe and $52,245 for the convertible.  Our test ‘Vette was equipped with the head-up display, heated seats, satellite radio and the Z51 performance package.  It stickered for $52,180.  For a car that will run with exotics twice its cost, that’s a serious bargain.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette, which we tested.
Length:     175.0 in.
Width:        73.0 in.
Height:        49.0 in.
Wheelbase:    106.0 in.
Curb weight:    3179 lb.
Cargo space:    22.0 cu.ft.
Base price:    $43.710
Price as tested:    $52,180
Engine:     6.0 liter OHV V8
Drivetrain:     four-speed automatic or six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:     400 @ 6000
Torque:     400 @ 4400
Fuel capacity:    18.0 gal.
Est. mileage:    18/28