The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 marks the
return of an ultra-high-performance model to this American sports
car icon. ZR1 represents a revival of a moniker that graced
super-performance Corvettes from 1990-1995. ZR1 also differs from
other Corvettes by its unique suspension tuning and use of
lightweight carbon fiber on the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front
fascia splitter, and rocker moldings. As for the rest of the
Corvette lineup, base models are available as a coupe or
convertible. All base Corvettes have a 430-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine.
The high-performance Corvette Z06 is only available as a coupe and
comes with a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8 and mandatory 6-speed manual
transmission. Z06 models also have specific suspension tuning,
tires, and brakes. Available safety features across the Corvette
lineup include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front
side airbags. Base models are available with GM's Magnetic Selective
Ride Control that automatically adjusts suspension firmness within
two driver-selectable modes.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette Detailed Review
The Corvette is the great American sports car.
It's thrilling to drive, with breathtaking acceleration performance
and excellent grip for hard braking and high-speed cornering. For
the price of a midsize luxury sedan, the Corvette delivers supercar
performance. 2009 brings an all-new V8 engine for the Corvette Coupe
and Convertible. The new LS3 V8 is larger, at 6.2 liters versus the
previous 6.0-liter LS2 engine. The standard Coupe is great, with
either the manual or Paddle Shift automatic. The Corvette
Z06 accelerates faster, grips better and stops shorter than European
sports cars that cost twice as much.
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is available as a coupe or
convertible, with either a manual or automatic transmission. The
Corvette coupe and convertible are powered by a
6.2-liter V8 with 430 horsepower.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a six-speed Paddle
Shift automatic is optional.
The Corvette coupe features a one-piece removable roof panel in body
color (standard) or transparent plastic. 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. Two suspension
options are offered for both coupe and convertible. The Corvette Z06
coupe 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 2LZ Preferred
Equipment Group ($3,045) has side airbags, power telescoping
steering column, steering wheel audio controls, heated seats, 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 airbag.
The Corvette is low and sleek. As a result, and
despite a much heavier engine and drivetrain, the Z06 weighs 50
pounds less than a standard Corvette coupe. The Corvette cabin
features premium soft surfaces, nice grain in the materials and
elegant tailoring. The steering wheel is relatively small, measuring
just 9.4 inches in diameter. For 2009, the Corvette is available
with a special two-tone leather package that adds leather upholstery
to the top of the instrument panel, upper door panels, and console
cover. The convertible's five-layer fabric top is available in four
colors, and it offers power operation. An easy-to-operate manual top
is standard.
Driving the 2009 Chevy Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is a lot of fun to drive
in any iteration. We haven't experienced 190 mph, but on a tight
racing circuit we found the current Corvette much easier to drive
than older models. Today's Corvette is easier to drive hard in the
turns, braking hard, then powering out under hard acceleration. The
Corvette is happy cruising around as well. It shifts easily and the
clutch is easy to operate smoothly. If ever a sporting car were
suited for an automatic transmission, it's the Corvette, with its
big, torquey V8. The automatic does not sap all the fun out of
driving the way automatics do in small sports cars with small
engines. The coupe weighs a trim 3,217 pounds. In short, the
cheapest, most basic Corvette is a great car. The Z51 package makes
the Corvette even more fun on a race track.
Chevrolet Corvette is easy to live with, easy to drive and
more fun than a Sony PlayStation 3.
Final Remarks about the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
In summary, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is available as a
two-seat coupe or convertible. Trim levels include the standard
Corvette, Z06 and ZR1. The standard Corvette coupe comes with a removable body-color
roof panel. Like Corvette roadsters before it, the convertible
features a hide-away top. There are also suspension options for the
standard Corvettes: the Magnetic Ride Control suspension (which
automatically firms up and softens the suspension according to how
the car is being driven) and the Z51 performance handling package
(which adds extra cooling, stiffer suspension calibrations, bigger
brakes, specific tires and shorter gearing for the six-speed
manual). Also available are custom color and trim combinations, plus
delivery to the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. All 2009
Chevrolet Corvettes have a six-speed manual gearbox as standard,
while a six-speed paddle-shifted automatic is available for the base
coupe and convertible. Regardless of which Corvette you choose,
you'll get stunning performance. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at
a laudable 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for a
manual-transmission Corvette.