New 2012 Chevrolet Corvette

As a true American icon should, the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with out-of-this-world power and style.

The 2012 Corvette is available in four trims: 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT; and five models: base, Grand Sport, Z06, ZR1, and a new Centennial Edition celebrating Chevrolet’s 100th birthday. The base Corvette model receives updated seats that offer more support, a new steering wheel, a padded center console and armrest, and available Bose sound system. Add some color to your Corvette with new brake calipers, which come in gray, red, silver, or yellow. Competitors to the Corvette include the Ford Shelby GT500 and Nissan GT-R.

Power is no problem for the 2012 Chevy Corvette (specs for the Z06 and ZR1 are below) and its all-aluminum 430-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 that generates 424 pounds-feet of torque. If you configure the Corvette with the optional performance exhaust system, the engine generates 436 horsepower at 5,900 rpm. The Corvette is rear-wheel drive and has a standard six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional. The 2012 Corvette coupe has a glass hatchback and removable roof, while the convertible has an available power soft-top. The new bolstered bucket seats help keep you from sliding around, while dual-zone air conditioning and leather upholstery are standard equipment. Options include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, keyless entry and remote start, and a navigation system.

The Grand Sport model has the same engine as the base Corvette, but offers a stiffer suspension. Manual versions have a dry-sump oil system and a differential cooler, while the automatic has a shorter final-drive ratio. All told, both improved transmissions shave 0.2 seconds off of the zero to 60 time making it a lightning-quick four seconds flat. You can tell the Grand Sport apart by its five-spoke alloy wheels, wider wheels, hash marks on the front fenders, larger front and rear fenders, and special badging.

For serious speed freaks, the 2012 Corvette Z06 and its 505-horsepower, 7.0-liter V-8 generates 470 pounds-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm and is mated to a six-speed manual. A carbon fiber hood and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires are new for 2012. Go zero to 60 in just 3.7 seconds and reach a blistering top speed of 198 mph.  The top dog in the Corvette kennel is the ZR1, which can reach 205 mph and is the fastest car ever built by GM. A supercharged 638-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 pumps out 604 pounds-feet of torque.

In terms of safety, the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette has all-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags, and an electronic stability system.

Fast is an understatement with the loudest slice of America – the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette.