While taking a look from outside you may never know the extent of changes the 08 Corvette has gone through. But once you step inside and crank the key...you would be charged up with a whole new feel.
First of all the things to give you the first allusion of the new feel comes with an improved throttle response, with a bigger 6.2-liter LS3 engine. The engine unleashes a massive 430 horses at 5900 rpm with 424 lb-ft of torque with 4600 rpm base trim.
With an optional NPP dual mode exhaust the engine output is boosted with 6horse powers and 4 lb-ft of torque. It has 2.5-inch pipes coming from its predecessor the 07 model, but along side it comes with a vacuum operated mufflers adapted from the ZO6. With all the system working under normal driving conditions, it is calm but makes a vigorous, deep sound when performing under power.
The six speed automatic has a swift and speedy gear swaps, thanks to an improved transmission with a new hardware and controller calibrations that means a quick response. Its outcome: 30 percent faster gear-ups and 75 percent faster gear-downs.
The car is also uploaded with a new 2.73 performance axle ratio which will be available on all the automatic versions and will be inclusive of a Z51 package.
Talking about the steering wheel - it has become much more responsive and offers a direct feel on some tight corners. The rack and pinion system has gone through a revision to offer an enhanced feel at all the driving conditions. These changes incorporate a premium mechanization of the internal components of the system and installation of a new stiffer intermediate shaft with a controller calibration changes.
There is an optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control System coming with it; the system offers a new rotary selection switch on center of the console that will make the suspension settings from touring to sports easier with just a push of a button.
Sneaking a peek at the six-speed manual coupe, it comes loaded with a new TR-6060 transmission. All base and ZO6 Corvettes for 2008 model will be coming with the same transmission. It offers a reduced shifting effort comparing with the previous C6s.
All of its models right from coupe, convertible and ZO6 will be available with an optional leather wrapped interiors. The optional interior is hand fabricated by Draxlmaier Corporation in Duncan, South Carolina.
This was a much needed refurbishment from Corvette as many of its competitors in the market are available with an all worked up interiors and moreover it adds some fervor to the car. Along with it comes new instrument panel center-trim plate and bright surrounds for the shifter and the cup holders. The interior is also outfitted with a new metal finished doorsill plates and a lighted control knob for the available magnetic selective ride control.
All the production models rolling down from the production lineup will be equipped with OnStar with turn by turn navigation system, XM satellite radio, auto dimming rear view mirrors and compass, audio input jack for all stereo systems and a personnel audio link available as a dealer installed item with a navigation system.
All in all Corvette looks to me as a good value for money spent and is ready to take-on any other sports car around. With an improved steering feel, the car becomes user friendly and will deliver a more enjoyable driving experience.
Via: Vette
