2009 Chevrolet Corvette
The big news in the Corvette camp this year isobviously the ZR1 supercar, the 638-hp rocket that's the capo di tutticapo of Vettes. We're seduced by Chevy's new missile, but we can'tinclude it in our 2009 awards because it has a base price that's some34 grand north of our maximum base price of $71,000 (2.5 times theaverage transaction rice for all light-duty vehicles sold in 2008).That cutoff (down $1000 from 2007) also eliminates the Z06, an '08listee hose '09 base price has crept over the line. But never mind.Extensively updated last year, including a useful infusion ofhorsepower, the standard Corvette coupe and convertible continue todeliver a level of performance and style that's unbeatable for themoney. Beyond its credentials as an outstanding high-performance buy,we've also been impressed by the ongoing improvements in corvetteassembly quality, materials, and everyday comfort. Cadillac coined the"American Standard for the World" mantra, but in the world of sportscars, those words describe theCorvette. |
