Automobiles

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible photos

This cruiser Corvette features a power-retractable top and an automatic transmission, but that doesn't limit its performance much. It features the 430 horsepower LS3 engine, giving it phenomenal acceleration.

Wayne Cunningham

Feb. 2, 2009 3:29 p.m. PT

Wayne Cunningham

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1 of 16 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Chevrolet evolves the Corvette for the 2009 model year, adding features like Bluetooth for in-cabin cell phone support. The performance remains as good as ever, relying on well-tuned handling and a powerful engine.

2 of 16 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Wide stance

Wide and low, the tops of the front fenders are clearly visible from the driver's seat. As opposed to previous Corvette generations with flip-up headlights, this generation integrates its headlights into the fenders.

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LS3 engine

As a base model, the Corvette Convertible gets the LS3 engine, displacing 6.2-liters and putting out 430 horsepower.

4 of 16 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Magnetic suspension

Our Corvette came with a magnetic-suspension system, which adjusts the ride depending on driver demands and road conditions. Electromagnets cause the shocks to stiffen up during aggressive driving.

5 of 16 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Power top

Although the base-model Corvette Convertible has a manual top, our car was fitted out with a power top.

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Sound dampening

The soft top means extra road noise in the car, although Chevrolet tries to minimize the sound with damping materials.

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Dual exhaust

This car also has an optional dual-exhaust system, which Chevrolet says makes a more aggressive sound and adds six horsepower to the engine output.

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Trunk

The trunk lid is a small panel over the back, nicely integrated with the car's design, and covering a small space that's barely suitable for luggage.

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Cabin materials

The interior is covered in thin, stitched leather and a fake carbon-fiber console. These are budget luxury materials.

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Handling

The steering wheel gets the front tires pointing in the right direction, but the gas pedal is where most of the handling comes from. Put pressure on the gas in a turn, and the car flattens out and goes where you want it to.

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Automatic transmission

This car is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, limiting its sport driving potential but also making it easily drivable in a multitude of typical traffic conditions.

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Paddle shifter

Put the shifter into Sport mode, and the paddle shifters become active. Pull for downshifts and push for upshifts.

13 of 16 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Engine speed

The Corvette had no trouble cruising at 70 mph in second gear, with the tachometer pushing over 5,000rpm. Likewise, it can crawl at 20 mph in fifth gear, saving gas as the engine runs at around 1,000rpm.