Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Centennial Edition 2012, Estados Unidos
Motor : LS3/430HP
Exterior : Preto (Carbon Flash Metallic Black With Satin Black Stripes)
Interior : Preto
Fotografia
The Chevrolet
Corvette is one of the most unmistakable sports cars around. Being “America’s
sports car” for upwards of 58 years, the Corvette has been a staple and
benchmark for other sports cars to follow after. For 100 years Chevrolet has
been in existence and to commemorate a century of selling over 200 million
vehicles around the world, a new Centennial Edition package is available for
the iconic Corvette for 2012.
I had the
opportunity to review the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Centennial Edition.
My Corvette test vehicle was the Grand Sport model with a Centennial Edition
package. For 2012, you can have the Centennial package added to any Corvette
whether it is the base model, Grand Sport, Z06 or the ultimate performance
injected ZR1.
The all-new 2012 Chevrolet Corvette carries the classic
look that has made it a distinguished sports car not only in the eye of
enthusiasts but also clearly recognized by the average Joe. For 2012, the
Corvette receives a new seat design, an available Bose stereo system, and new
steering wheel. I would argue that the Corvette’s interior has come a long way
which is a good thing considering how previous generations were perceived by
many. Looking at the new 2012 C6 body style, one would agree that the Corvette
has attempted to shake off the old notion of not having an interior to compete
with other sports cars on the market. It would be safe to say that the newer
Corvette C6 generation has a much improved interior and aims to please some of
the most critical sports car buyers.
My new 2012
Corvette Centennial Special Edition brings out the essence of a true American
sports car. My Corvette started life as a Grand Sport model on the assembly
line but received a special black-on-black color scheme. To start things off,
the paint color is an attractive Carbon Flash Metallic augmented by satin black
lightweight cast-spun aluminum 5-spoke wheels. The red painted 6-piston brake
calipers up front and 4-piston rear clamp down on the Grand Sport packages
larger diameter cross-drilled rotors than those in the base model.
You will find the
man that started it all, Louis Chevrolet, illustrated in 100th Anniversary emblems on
the wheels, steering wheel and side B-pillars. The Centennial Special
Edition Package is truly a remarkable addition to any Corvette.
Also part of the Centennial Special Edition package, my
2012 Corvette Grand Sport receives General Motor’s Magnetic Selective Ride
Control suspension system. The ride control is what sets the riding style of
the new Corvette apart from other sports cars. Not to mention, Ferrari utilizes
GM’s suspension technology in their prided 458 Italia. Two selective modes,
touring and sport, allow the driver to dial-in their own preference. The
suspension system also automatically adapts to road conditions adjusting the
magnetic dampers in milliseconds. I have to say, the ride quality is among the
best in the sports car segment eliminating virtually any harsh feedback once
prone to previous generation Corvettes.
Each new Corvette in the base model and Grand Sport
trim is powered by the big 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine pumping out a healthy 430
horsepower and 428 ft-lbs. of torque. My Corvette Grand Sport Centennial
Special Edition included an optional exhaust system boosting horsepower output
to 436hp. Surprisingly performance numbers are very respectable getting in a
run from 0 mph to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. A launch control system aids in
obtaining that performance figure even with the 6-speed manual transmission.
Simply put the traction and stability control system into Competition mode,
bury the gas pedal, and dump the clutch.
The 6-speed manual
box is very direct with rather strong shifter springs. Despite the stiff
lateral movement of the shifter, it only takes a competent driver a few minutes
to row through the gears with confidence. Fuel consumption figures come in at a
surprising 16mpg city and 26mpg highway. During the bulk of my “civilized”
drive I had no issue hitting 26mpg on the highway.
The new 2012
Corvette handles well pushing a 1.06 lateral G on the skidpad. Some of its
handling abilities are due to the relatively low curb weight of 3,289 pounds,
remarkable active magnetic dampening suspension setup and meaty Goodyear Eagle
F1 Z-rated run-flat 325/30/19R tires in the rear and 275/35/18 up front.
Power comes on
strong and tends to surge even more just before redline in the new 2012
Corvette. Traction control takes a back seat at times allowing the rear wheels
to spin when under full-throttle power. Stability control kicks in fast to keep
the Corvette laterally civilized and not letting the rear wheels nudge too far
out of line. Sometimes the intervention is snappy spoiling any chance of
swinging the light-weight rear end off center.
The new 2012
Corvette Grand Sport has a serious growl when you open up the throttle. My
Centennial Special Edition Corvette features an optional dual-mode exhaust
which uses vacuum actuated bypass valves opening up around 3500 rpm letting the
Vette breath better for a total of 6 more horsepower over the standard 430hp.
As you can imagine, unleashing the raw sound of a big 6.2-liter V8 at full
throttle makes for a little extra rumbling noise pollution. It all sounds great
if you are a diehard enthusiast. At times the Corvette managed to make more noise
in the cabin than the Bose stereo system but remained surprisingly civilized
when cruising.
An optional
removable transparent roof panel replaces the standard body-color removable
roof panel on the Grand Sport model. The Centennial Special Edition accent
stripes running down the middle of the car are visible on the inside running
across the transparent roof panel.
The new heated
sports seats on the 2012 Corvette are well-bolstered giving just enough lateral
support when you decide to hit the curvy roads. My Centennial Special Edition
Corvette Grand Sport’s seats had leather bolsters but microfiber suede inserts.
Red stitching is used throughout the seats while a “100” logo is embroidered
into the headrests. The new suede steering wheel fits well in your hands and
features minimal controls for cruise, stereo station change and volume.
The 2012 Corvette
dashboard and cluster have been somewhat refined from previous generations but
remain to have a classic look. The integrated navigation and stereo system in
the center-stack touch-LCD-screen is rather simplistic and easy to use. You may
find yourself stuck in some menus or stereo operations only to find that a
simple touch of the source or navigation button will get you where you need to
be. I find that the AC and heater controls are the only “cheap” part of the new
2012 Corvette’s dashboard. The plastic turn knobs for temp and other HVAC
operations look basic and the mono-tone LCD read-out seems somewhat out of
place.
The heritage of
the Corvette is strong, laterally, and continues to live on in the new 2012
Chevrolet Corvette. The Grand Sport model coming in at a base price of $55,925
is a good bet on a well-performing American legend. Adding the $4,950
Centennial Special Edition package will set the Corvette apart from the norm
injecting added style and Chevrolet pride. My new 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand
Sport Centennial Special Edition test vehicle came out to a total of $70,185.
