The big news in the Corvette camp this year is obviously the ZR1 supercar, the 638-hp rocket that’s the capo di tutti capo of Vettes. We’re seduced by Chevy’s new missile, but we can’t include it in our 2009 awards because it has a base price that’s some 34 grand north of our maximum base price of $71,000 (2.5 times the average transaction price for all light-duty vehicles sold in 2008). That cutoff (down $1000 from 2007) also eliminates the Z06, an ’08 listee whose ’09 base price has crept over the line.
But never mind. Extensively updated last year, including a useful infusion of horsepower, the standard Corvette coupe and convertible continue to deliver a level of performance and style that’s unbeatable for the money.
Beyond its credentials as an outstanding high-performance buy, we’ve also been impressed by the ongoing improvements in Corvette assembly quality, materials, and everyday comfort.
Cadillac coined the “American Standard for the World” mantra, but in the world of sports cars, those words describe the Corvette.
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 3-door targa or 2-door roadster
BASE PRICE: $47,895–$52,550
ENGINE TYPE: pushrod 16-valve 6.2-liter V-8
Power (SAE net): 430 or 436 bhp @ 5900 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 424 or 428 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed auto with manumatic shifting, 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 105.7 in Length: 174.6 in Width: 72.6 in Height: 49.0 in
Curb weight: 3200–3350 lb
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 15–16/25–26 mpg
