09 Corvette

[Avenger]

The have gotten back into the game with the 2009 Corvette WOW EXCITING!

Starting Line

At one end of the spectrum, Chevrolet has made fuel economy on its mind and provides slight improvments here and there. At the other end of the spectrum is the new 638-horsepowered Corvette ZR1. In between are the Cobalt SS and HHR SS that come with 260-Horsepower, not to mention the new-last-year Malibu sedan. Yes, Chevrolet is all over the place, but that's really and truly what the brand is about. Where else would you find a Korean-built economy car in the same showroom as a $105,000, supercar? Since we prefer excitement , we'll start from the top... or at the top, rather, with the 205mph Corvette ZR1. The trick to making this machine travel that quickly involves keeping the weight down through the liberal use of carbon-fiber for the roof, the raised hood and widened front fenders. Then there's the extra-stout 6.2 liter supercharge V8 that sends 638 horsepower striaght to you, also concluding gobs of torque to the rear wheels. Extra-wide 19-ich front tire and 20-inch rear, specifically developed for the ZR1, help the car generate a claimed cornering grip of more than 1.0g . Giant Brembo-brand carbon-ceramic disk-brake rotorshould ensure that any extra velocity can be arrested, like, right now, when called upon. As if to show off its pavement-gobbling super strength,a clear plastic window smack in the middle of the hood allows one and all to gaze into the engine compartment for a look-see at the supercharger. Of course all of the ZR1's exotic parts contribute to a healthy tariffof about $30,000 more than the dethroned Corvette top-dog, the 505 horse power 7.0 liter-V8-powered Z06, which charges on in fine, fast style. Ditto for the best coupe and convertible, both powered by a non-supercharged variation of the ZR1's powerplant. A six speed manual remains the basic transmission for Z06 and ZR1 model, while a six-speed automatic is optinal only on base 'Vettes. Of course, there's quite a selection in between the Aveo and the Corvette, including SS verisons of the Cobalt and HHR tall wagon that recieve 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cyclinders. For 2009. there's a sedan verison of the Cobalt for those who need a little more versatility and practically in their pocket rocket. Else where , the Aveo5 hatchback comes in for a mild makeover. While the new-last-year Malibu is unchanged except that the four-cyclinders models can now be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission that should help save some fuel dollars. It remains the only Hybrid gas/electric model in the Chevy car lineup, although the system isn't as thrifty as the what's used by Toyota. Continuing with the fuel-economy theme, all Cobalts (except SS) get a bit more power as well low-rolling-resistance tires. The full-size Impala adds standard side impact airbags and anti-lock brakes while that model's 3.9 liter v6 as well as the opitinal 5.3 liter v6 can shut down half their cyclinder during cruiseing amd deceleration to save some fuel! Very First corvette was th 1953 straight 6 cyclinder engine used to compete with the Ford Thunderbird.

[Robert]

Nice information.

[Eshaver]

I aint never herd offa 638 hosepowerd engine....gotta get me one dem things fer my Studebaker! Ed Shaver

[Dave McFly]

FYI the thunderbird was released in 55 to compete with the corvette not the other way around. which at that time the vette for 55 had the V8 option for the first time .