2008 Chevy Corvette Review

For 2008, the Corvette two-seater sports car gets a more powerful engine and other powertrain updates, as well as a new interior trim package. A convertible and hatchback coupe are offered, as is a high-performance Z06 coupe. The major changes for 2008 are under the hood, as the previous LS2 V-8 engine has been punched out for a more powerful LS3 that makes 430 horsepower, compared to 2007's 400 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission, which operates via paddle shifters, and a new three-spoke steering wheel became available on 2006 models.

For 2008, the automatic has been improved to offer quicker shifts. The transmission incorporates two electronically controlled automatic modes: Drive and Sport. Dual-stage frontal airbags incorporate passenger-sensing technology. The Corvette is low and sleek. From some angles it's almost pretty, and it shows a bit of Italian flair. Throughout the car, functional elements dictate design and the result is a forward motion that implies performance. Chevrolet Corvette is easy to live with and easy to drive. The ultra-high-performance Z06 model pushes the envelope for off-the-shelf production cars to limits hard-core enthusiast drivers wouldn't have imagined a decade ago.

Driving the '08 Corvette

The 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 generates 430 hp and 424 pounds-feet of torque with the standard exhaust, and 436 hp and 428 pounds-feet of torque with the optional dual-mode exhaust. 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. The bump in power comes from new high-flow pieces, such as cylinder heads and the intake manifold, as well as more displacement and an enhanced valvetrain. The Chevrolet Corvette is a lot of fun to drive in any iteration. The LS3 V8 engine sounds great, and its low, throaty roar is accompanied by thrilling acceleration. Stand on the gas and even the automatic will chirp the rear tires when it shifts into second. The six-speed automatic and six-speed manual are each appealing in their own right, so choosing between them comes down to priorities and personal preference. In the handling department, the Corvette is agile and easy to toss around, benefits of its light weight, trim proportions and refined suspension. The coupe weighs a trim 3,217 pounds.

Chevy Corvette Design

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. You'll never see a transparent roof panel on a Z06.Composite body panels sit atop a hydroformed steel frame with aluminum and magnesium components. The independent suspension uses transverse leaf springs. An 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. The lines of the bulging hood, the shape of the fenders, and the cat's eye headlights all point forward to a subtle beaklike shape.

Inside the 2008 Corvette

 Inside the Corvette, 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. XM Satellite Radio is standard for 2008, as is OnStar. An audio input jack is standard on all stereos except those in cars equipped with the optional navigation system. Cargo volume beneath the hatchback lid is 22 cubic feet. Convertibles hold 11 cubic feet, but capacity drops to 7.5 cubic feet with the top down. A power-operated top is optional on convertibles. The seats of the Corvette are comfortable and fairly easy to adjust, though moving the manually operated backrest forward is a problem because your weight is invariably resting on it when you want to adjust it. Sitting in the Corvette evokes that feeling of sitting deep down in a massive machine. There's plenty of headroom and the windshield doesn't seem too close to the driver's face.

Chevy Corvette Lineup

The 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is available as a coupe or convertible, with either a manual or automatic transmission. The Z06 model is available only as a fixed-roof coupe.

The Corvette coupe features a one-piece removable roof panel in body color or transparent plastic. The dual-roof option includes both. The convertible comes standard with a manually operated soft top; a power soft top is part of the 3LT option package and has a heated glass window in back. Standard features for the Corvette include leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control with a pollen filter, power everything, cruise control, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry and starting, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack, XM satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, alarm, fog lights, xenon headlights, OnStar telematics, and P245/40ZR18 front and P275/35ZR19 rear run-flat tires on alloy wheels. The Convertible adds sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and side bolsters. The sport seats are included with Preferred Equipment Group 2LT for the coupe, which also adds six-way adjustments for the passenger seat, side airbags, a rear cargo net and luggage shade. Two suspension options are offered for both coupe and convertible. The Z51 Performance Handling Package is designed for track events, while Magnetic Selective Ride Control automatically switches from extra-firm to more comfortable touring settings with electronically controlled variable damping.

The Corvette Z06 coupe comes with a 7.0-liter V8 producing 505 horsepower, with dry-sump lubrication and coolers for the power steering pump, gearbox and rear differential. Beyond the engine, the Z06 package includes a host of high-performance components, starting with hydro-formed aluminum frame rails (rather than the hydro-formed steel rails used in the standard Corvette).The Z06 hardtop is fixed in place. Its brakes are upgraded, its tires are huge (P285/35ZR18 fronts and P325/30ZR19 rears), and it's offered only with the six-speed manual transmission. The head-up display comes standard.

Conclusions

The Corvette competes with the Jaguar XK, Dodge Viper and Porsche 911 Carrera. Looking for more information? Read a 2008 Corvette First Drive by Motor Trend for a closer look. 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. A sport seat option includes seat-mounted side-impact airbags, but side curtain airbags are not available. The Corvette continues for 2008 as an undeniable value. You can't get many other cars with this type of performance for this price. For many, the Corvette is an ultimate driving machine. For the latest updates on this model, visit the official Chevy Corvette site.