Emerging just after the leaked “details” of the 2012 Corvette, the PR powers that be have gone on to release the officials of the 2012 model, and with it revealed much needed upgrades that were not disclosed with the unofficial details. These include upgraded seats (yay!), available Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which are both lighter and stickier than what is currently available.
These new shoes will come with the Z07 performance package for the Z06 and the new PDE package for the ZR1. Testing has revealed that (when in warm, dry conditions) the new tires provide an eight percent gain an lateral acceleration to over 1.1 G-forces, while also providing shorter stopping distance, probably just enough to pull your spine out of alignment.
Additionally, the Z06 will finally receive a Magnetic Selective Ride Control system with the Z07 performance package and an optional carbon fiber hood, while the ZR1 will feature taller gearing ratios in the final two gears on its 6-speed manual transmission for a 2 MPG gain in highway fuel economy. Red, yellow, silver or gray brake caliper color options are also introduced.
On the inside, more absorbing seats await the driver and passenger, as they feature larger bolsters in both the back and cushion areas, with microfiber suede inserts being optional. Adding to that is a revised steering wheel, featuring model-specific badging, wrapped spokes and a streamlined switch trim and a new 9-speaker Bose audio system.
Production of the 2012 Corvette commences this July, and will probably be the last major update we see before the C7 rolls out in a few years.
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Comments
First of all, the 2053 Corvette will be the CENTENIAL EDITION.
Second, I wonder if the tire fittment makes ready to rechallange nurburgring?
Jason,
They gave it the Centennial name designation to celebrate Chevrolet’s birthday — even though the Corvette is hardly a Chevy these days. I would love to see them test these new shoes out on the ‘Ring… should have done it initially.
GM it is time that the ZR-1 and ZO6 get a much needed power increase, to keep up or outpace the competition. Seriously, before the lunch of the C-7 vette all current C-6 corvettes need power and transmissio improvements to increase both mpg and performance to compete with the 911 turbo S and the Nissan GT-R. The ZR-1 and the ZO6 both outpace their competitors when they first arrived, and since then the competition has improved so should the vettesin ordeer to keep up. Hence in order to increase the corvette’s credibility among supercars GM, you just can’t improve seats , tires and paint to gain on the competition. GM take note, incease the corvettes & camaro V-8 power output and also that of the cruze 1.8 engine to 2.0 D.I llike the focus 2012 to gain more sales, while for the vettes, hurry up and get thoes D.I V-8s. Nevertheless, for now lets see the ZO6 from 505hp to 540-550hp(25mpg), While the ZR-1 form 638hp to 675hp. Now GM, with those improved tires, we may see 3.2 sec 0-60 (ZO6 & 11.3 Q- mile runs) and 2.9sec 0-60 & 10.8sec Q-mlie runs for the ZR-1. Come on GM take my advice again and you can only see the gains.
By the way, please excuse my spelling errors, I had forgot to proof read before I posted my input.
How about a Vette that embodies the concept of a truly “futuristic” vehicle that was always lingering in the advertisements of the 60’s and 70’s – but never saw the light of day. Muscle machines are really getting a bit boring. Something truly visually stunning is something that everyone is dropping the ball on . The Corvette badge on the first truly “post muscle car” and “into the 22nd century” new era vehicle is what Chevy and GM both need. Who cares about zero to 60? Give us zero to infinity x quantum physics and mind expansion……….
Make a GT Type Corvette that is quiet and Old School, smaller V 8, Street tires
and looks ! Sell it for $ 5 K. off MSRP and Voila, big Volume Sales !
Only Macho need the noise and the performance !
Finesse Rules for daily drivers.
I bought a 2007 Corvette 6.0 V-8 coupe, it is a beautiful car, I am satisfied with the performance, it handles like a dream with the Traction system, for racing I would increase the HP on the 2012 models, nothing handles better then the Vette, I am proud of mine