2007 Chevy Corvette

The sixth generation Corvette, a model more powerful than ever, was rolled out for 2005. The new generation benefited from upgrades in handling, acceleration and braking. For 2007, a convertible and hatchback coupe are offered, as well as a high-performance Z06 coupe. Considering this is a true sports car, it is impressive the Corvette could be a reasonably comfortable daily driver in most locales, for at least three of the four seasons. Driven in reason, it can deliver pretty good mileage, too, up to 28 mpg highway by the EPA's formula, better than most SUVs. A revamped suspension, especially if equipped with the available Magnetic Ride Control, provides both sharp handling and a compliant ride.  Major changes for 2007 include an enhanced stereo, a larger glove compartment and an acoustic package that offers additional sound insulation in the Corvette Z06.  Designed to be even more aerodynamic, the current coupe has a 0.286 coefficient of drag. Often referred to as America's only true sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette is one of the world's best known and longest-running nameplates. Oddly, it had a rather humble beginning, starting life back in 1953 with a straight-6 engine and a two-speed automatic transmission. The first few years saw the fiberglass-bodied two-seater from Chevrolet earn praise for its handling but criticism for its relatively tame performance. A six-speed automatic transmission that operates via paddle shifters and a new three-spoke steering wheel became available on 2006 models. The transmission incorporates two electronically controlled automatic modes: Drive and Sport. Dual-stage frontal airbags incorporate passenger-sensing technology.  The bottom line is the Chevrolet Corvette is the best high-performance value in America. The Corvette delivers supercar performance for the price of a midsize luxury sedan.

'Vette Power

The Chevy Corvette is powered by a 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 generates 400 hp at 6,000 rpm and 400 pounds-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic is optional. The optional Z51 Performance Package includes a six-speed manual for quicker acceleration. The automatic transmission has two electronically controlled automatic modes, Drive and Sport, depending on your driving mood. The Corvette Z06 upgrades to a LS7 V-8 engine that generates 505 hp at 6,300 rpm and 470 pounds-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm.

2007 Chevy Corvette Handling

 Corvettes offer a true energizing performance. The transmission may be notchy, but it produces positive gear changes. Automatic-equipped Corvettes are still plenty fast, though the transmission tends to upshift quickly for better fuel economy. Corvettes do well in wet conditions and visibility isn't a major problem. Handling and steering vary according to the suspension. The Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension feels lighter and more secure than those without. Ride comfort isn't bad on good pavement. Corvettes with the Z51 Performance Package are noticeably stiff-legged, but they produce the greatest level of confidence. The independent suspension uses transverse leaf springs. An

Corvette Design

Many familiar styling cues highlight the 2007 Corvette, but the current generation is the first one since 1962 with fixed headlights. A tapered rear deck is claimed to improve high-speed performance. By appearance, the sixth-generation Corvette is less overtly aggressive, perhaps more sophisticated, than its predecessors. From some angles it's almost pretty, and it shows a bit of Italian flair. The Corvette comes in a coupe hatchback or a convertible. Instead of conventional door handles the Corvette features Keyless Access by using the key fob. Composite body panels sit atop a hydroformed steel frame with aluminum and magnesium components. optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers that detect road surfaces. Goodyear Eagle extended-mobility tires are used: P245/40ZR18 up front and P285/35ZR19 at the rear. Rather than conventional door handles, the Corvette features General Motors' Keyless Access, which unlocks the doors and allows the engine to be started with a key fob.

Corvette Z06 Model

 The biggest news for the generation of the 2007 Corvette is the introduction of the ultra-high-performance Z06 model. The Corvette Z06 is a true supercar for a price that's merely expensive, as opposed to insanely expensive. The Z06 is equipped with an LS7 V-8 engine that generates 505 hp at 6,300 rpm and 470 pounds-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm; it's the most powerful passenger car engine ever produced by Chevrolet and General Motors. The Z06 is distinguished from other Corvettes by lots of subtle appearance tweaks, starting with the roof. It's fixed rather than removable, adding an extra element of structural stiffness for track driving. ZO6 comes only as a fixed-roof hatchback coupe. A unique front fascia and upper inlet complement a specific grille, fenders, quarter panels and rear spoiler. Z06 is 3 inches wider than other Corvettes, and the car's aluminum frame has a magnesium engine cradle. Super-performance engine technology includes such items as titanium connecting rods and intake valves. Chevrolet says the Z06 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.

Inside the Corvette

In the cabin of the '07 Corvette, the dashboard carries on the Corvette's dual-cockpit theme with a two-tone split. The seats are comfortable and easier to adjust than those in past Corvettes. Standard features for the Corvette coupe include leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control with a pollen filter, power everything (including seats), cruise control and HID headlights. The Convertible adds sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and side bolsters. The gauges use white LED technology, which makes them backlit day and night. For 2007, thanks to improvements that have reduced the size of the passenger airbag and its operating mechanism, engineers have been able to increase the size of the glovebox. In the coupe, there is 22.0 cubic feet of storage space under the glass behind the rear seats. A CD player with MP3 capability is standard, while the optional Bose system includes an in-dash six-CD changer and steering wheel audio controls. The cabin of the Corvette features premium soft surfaces, nice grain in the materials and elegant tailoring. The electronics displays serve the driver without getting in the way. Convertibles hold 11 cubic feet, but capacity drops to 5 cubic feet with the top down.

Conclusions

For safety, all-disc antilock brakes are standard. Cross-drilled brakes, which resist brake fade better under high-performance conditions, are available with the Magnetic Selective Ride Control or Z51 packages.  The present-generation Corvette debuted for 2005 and boasted improvements in performance, build quality and styling compared to the earlier Corvette. Often referred to as America's only true sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette is one of the world's best known and longest-running nameplates. Oddly, it had a rather humble beginning, starting life back in 1953 with a straight-6 engine and a two-speed automatic transmission. The first few years saw the fiberglass-bodied two-seater from Chevrolet earn praise for its handling but criticism for its relatively tame performance