No model in
Chevrolet’s lineup is more famous than the Corvette. It stands as the brand’s performance flagship since its launch in 1953, despite some very potent
Camaros produced over the years.
For 2012, the C6-generation Corvette soldiers on with another round of improvements. The seats have been redesigned with improved driver lateral support, there’s a new steering wheel, an optional Bose nine-speaker sound system, new colours and – included on our test car – a Chevrolet Centennial Edition package celebrating the 100th anniversary of the brand.
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| A Chevrolet Centennial Edition package is available for the 2012 Corvette. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Cabriolet may not be the most sophisticated, the most equipped or the most powerful car your $100K can buy, but its raw power and brutal behaviour are welcome to those who like a supercar that doesn’t drive itself using a bunch of CPUs.
Earth-shaking exhaust sounds
A dual-mode performance exhaust costs $1,555; we say take it. When you do, the 6.2L LS3 V8 belts out 436 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, connected to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Hooray for GM: premium fuel is not required.
The optional exhaust makes the Corvette behave audibly at low speeds; you know, for cruising around town while the cops watch you pass by with squinty eyes. Hammer the throttle, and the LS3 unleashes an aural fury that no one would find repulsive. Zero to 100 km/h dashes take just over four seconds.
Compared to the run-of-the-mill Corvette, the Grand Sport models get the Z06’s dry-sump engine lubrication, suspension, bigger brakes with cross-drilled discs, six-piston callipers up front and four-piston pinchers at the rear as well as wider wheels and fenders. Our tester also includes the Magnetic Ride shocks, available on every Corvette. This car can handle and stop on a dime, but amazingly isn’t a bruiser around town.
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| The 6.2L LS3 V8 belts out 436 horsepower when bolted to the optional performance exhaust. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
