2007 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 07 review

Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 07 review:

The 2007 Chevrolet Corvette?s new features refine a groundbreaking sports car that was all-new in 2005 and substantially enhanced again in 2006. The Corvette Convertible model comes with the LS2 6.0L V-8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It is matched to a rear transaxle that helps improve vehicle weight balance ? a six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed paddle shift transmission with automatic modes is available. The front and rear short/long arm suspensions reflect the most competition-influenced suspension tuning in the Corvette?s history.

Dramatic fender forms and exposed headlamps combine with the grille to create a strong visual identity for the Corvette, while the tapered rear deck and fascia improve high-speed performance. The lean rear design sports round taillamps and center-exit exhaust. The fixed Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps provide superior lighting performance. With a 0.286 coefficient of drag, the Coupe models are the most aerodynamic Corvettes ever, enabling a supercar-level top speed of 186 mph.

The 2007 Corvette Convertible features a power-operated soft top with the 3LT package; an easy-to-operate manual top is standard. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car?s excellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise.

Corvette?s interior is inspired by the car?s dual-cockpit heritage. High-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks like a leather-wrapped, padded panel. It is warm and inviting and has double the life of conventional trim materials.

Designers were able to provide a larger glove box by removing the frontal passenger air bag on/off switch that was required before the GM Passenger Sensing System was introduced in the 2006 model year.

Available for ?07 are two-tone modified perforated leather seating surfaces with crossed flag embroidery and contrasting stitching, in available Red, Cashmere or Titanium.

An AM/FM radio with CD player and MP3 capability is standard. New technology enhances conventional radio reception. An improved optional Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer and XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) add to the choices available to the audiophile owner. New for ?07, steering-wheel mounted audio controls are included with the Bose premium system.

A full-function OnStar system is available and an onboard navigation system is available. Using a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display, the DVD-based system contains all the map data for the 48 contiguous states and most of Canada on one disc.

The Corvette Convertible has a hydroformed steel rail backbone structure, which features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure. Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering gear have all been redesigned. New Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) take advantage of the latest sidewall design and compound technology for run-flat capabilities.

Three suspension choices allow drivers to choose the setup that best suits their driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling. Corvette is now more poised at even higher handling levels, yet easier to drive.

The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. For 2007, cross-dilled brake rotors are now included when this feature is selected, to allow customers to combine the larger brakes from the Z51 performance package with the comfort of Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

The Z51 Performance Package brings the Corvette Convertible performance very close to the widely admired previous generation Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT tires, enhanced cooling and larger cross-drilled brake rotors (13.4 inches/340 mm in front and 13 inches/330 mm in rear) for optimum track performance while still providing a comfortable ride.

With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems ? anti-lock braking, traction control and Active Handling ? operate in concert. In all, the dynamic chassis control systems are smarter, less intrusive and more adept at making the total driving experience precisely what drivers have come to expect from their Corvette. End of Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 07 review.