The Corvette coupe ($45,170) and convertible ($53,510) are powered by a 6.2-liter V8 with 430 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a six-speed Paddle Shift automatic ($1,250) is optional. An optional dual-mode exhaust system ($1,195) raises horsepower to 436.
The Corvette coupe features a one-piece removable roof panel in body color (standard) or transparent plastic ($750). The dual-roof option ($1,400) includes both. The convertible comes standard with a manually operated soft top; a power soft top is part of the 3LT option package ($5,100) 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 (including seats), 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 ($1,495) 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 ($1,695) is designed for track events, while Magnetic Selective Ride Control ($1,695) automatically switches from extra-firm to more comfortable touring settings with electronically controlled variable damping.
Preferred Equipment Group 3LT ($4,505) includes a head-up display, heated seats with position memory, a premium Bose stereo with 6-disc CD changer, redundant steering wheel controls, a power telescoping steering column, universal garage door opener, and rearview mirror with compass. Preferred Equipment Group 4LT includes 3LT and adds custom leather upholstery on the top of the instrument panel, upper door panels, and console cover, as well as extra armrest padding, crossed flags seat embroidery and a special console trim plate.
Options include DVD navigation ($1,750), which includes the Bose audio and voice recognition; chromed aluminum wheels ($1,850); polished aluminum wheels ($1,295); and dark gray painted wheels ($395). Customers can also opt to take delivery of their cars at the Corvette Museum ($490). The event is broadcast on the internet and customers receive a plaque, special door badges, and a one year membership to the museum.
The Corvette Z06 coupe ($70,175) 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.
Two option packages are available for Z06. The 2LZ Preferred Equipment Group ($3,045) has side airbags; power telescoping steering column; steering wheel audio controls; heated seats; memory for the seats, mirrors and steering wheel; the Bose audio system; universal garage door opener; cargo net; and cargo cover. The 3LZ Preferred Equipment Group ($6,545) has the 2LZ equipment plus the 4LT package items. Polished aluminum wheels are available ($1,495).
Safety features that come standard on all models include dual-stage front airbags, ABS, tire-pressure monitor, traction control and electronic stability control. Side airbags are standard on the convertible, but optional on the coupe. We recommend them, but there's a rub. The side bags are included in the option packages, but not priced individually. You have to get some extra stuff if you want them.
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