Exterior
The new model year for the famous sports car will come with improved performance, especially for the Z06 and ZR1 versions. The ZR1 will receive a new Z07 High Performance Package that includes black cup style lightweight 19" front and 20" rear wheels, Michelin PS Cup tires, and a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. For the Z06, Chevrolet will be offering a new Ultimate Performance Package that adds Performance Traction Management (PTM) which was previously exclusive to the ZR1, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Michelin PS Cup tires, black cup style lightweight aluminum wheels, and Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
The new set of optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, 285/30-19 (front) and 335/25-20 (rear), are matched with all-new aluminum Cup-style wheels in satin black or machined finishes. They are about five pounds lighter (2.2 kg) and also stronger than the 20-spoke wheel offered in 2011. The 2012 Corvette will also get a racing-style spoiler for improved aerodynamics and a carbon fiber hood.
"We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track," says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer. "For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car."
Interior
The interior updates for the Corvette will take place across the entire range. Each model will come with a new seat design featuring a larger bolster on the seat back and cushion areas, which provide better driver support, especially in high-performance driving. These seats will also come with optional Microfiber suede seat inserts for additional support. Further driver and passenger support can be attained in the padded center console and armrests. The steering wheel isn’t exactly padded like the rest of the interior, but it does get minor revisions in the form of a streamlined switch trim, wrapped spokes, and some model-specific badges.
Another addition to the Corvette’s interior is the new Bose uplevel audio system, which includes nine speakers (compared to seven in 2011) for improved audio quality.
Engine
The changes made to the 2012MY were minimal once you take into consideration that everything under the hood remained completely untouched. The Z06 version still gets a 7.0 Liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 505 hp at 6300 rpm and 470 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. The ZR1 version will use the same 6.2 Liter LS9 aluminum block V8 engine with a total of 638 hp at 6500 rpm and 604 lb.- ft. of torque at 3800 rpm. The Z06 version will hit 198 mph, while the ZR1 will go up to 205 mph.
Competition
Depending on the trim level, the 2012 Corvette will take on models like theJaguar XK and Nissan GT-R. The Jaguar XK has been redesigned for 2012 and is powered by a 5.0 Liter V8 that delivers a total of 385 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque or 510 HP in the XK-R version. The Corvette may have a higher power output, but the XK has the advantage of a more luxurious interior, something the Corvette has never been complimented on.
The Nissan GT-R comes with a 3.8-liter V6 twin turbo engine that delivers 475hp to 530hp at 6,400rpm and is by far one of the best looking sports cars on the market. The only thing is that the ZR1 is capable of a top speed of 205 mph, far better than the 193 mph of the GT-R.
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