Corvette Revises Range for 2012

A few details leaked earlier this week caused quite a stir in the ranks of the Corvette fans, who are in for a real treat this year, or, to be more precise, when the generation of the model that has inspired so many will get here. Those leaked details have been confirmed by GM on Thursday, sending the entire Corvette fan base scrambling for money.

For starters, those unlucky enough to miss the chance of buying the Centennial Edition based on the 3LZ version will get a touch of extra performance, thanks to the addition of new Michelin Cup ZP tires on the Z06 (505 horsepower) and ZR1 (638 horsepower) models.

The new tires will help the cars gain an estimated 8 percent in maximum lateral acceleration, to more than 1.1g, and also improve the braking distance. These upgrades, however, can only be achieved when pairing the tires with the Performance Traction Management system (optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance).

The upgrades achieved with the new tires will be complemented with a carbon fiber hood and the standard manual transmission for ZR1 with taller gearing in fifth and sixth gears, for a 2-mpg improvement in highway fuel economy.

At the interior, the entire Corvette range will be upgraded, with new seat and steering wheel designs. The Technology Package with which the 2LT trim level will be offered brings to life the interior of the model, thanks to the wide range of extras: navigation radio, head-up display, Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a USB port.

“We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track,” says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer. “For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car.”