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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Disc changer
The six-disc changer is built into the dash, and can read burned CDs full of MP3s. The interface isn't great, but it works.
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Head-up display
In street mode, the head-up display just shows car and engine speed.
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Track mode
Two track modes are available on the head-up display, showing things like g-forces and oil temperature.