Most automakers wait for a huge auto show to reveal updates for one of their more popular models, but Chevrolet->ke199 is changing it up by presenting the 2012 updates for their beloved Corvette->ke1280 at the C5/C6 Bash at the National Corvette Museum. Luckily, the anticipation for a New York Auto Show reveal wasn't a total bust as somehow or another the first details for the 2012 Corvette were revealed ahead of schedule. Now, Chevrolet is releasing the full spectrum of details just a few days before the vehicle's grand reveal at the Museum extravaganza.
Most of the changes made to the Corvette show up in the Z06 and ZR1 models, with a new High Performance Package and a new Ultimate Performance Package. The only changes made across the Corvette board will be a host of interior modifications.
UPDATE 06/09/2011: A 2012 Corvette ZR1 equipped with new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires has tackled the ZR1's Nurburgring time set in 2008, shaving off more than six seconds. The ZR1's new time of 7:19.63 gets that much closer to the record holding 7:18 run of the Porsche GT2 RS, but more importantly, provides the Corvette with ammo against the Dodge Viper ACR->ke1404 (7.19 seconds), the Nissan GTR->ke1592 (7:26.7), Ferrari Enzo->ke389 (7:25.21), and the Pagani Zonda F Clubsport (7:24.44).
UPDATE 06/14/2011: Chevrolet has announced full specs and prices for the 2012 Corvette. And the bad news is that compared to the 2011 MY, the 2012 Corvette will be a little bit more expensive: prices will range from $49,525 for the base coupe version up to $111,525 for the ZR1 version. There is a price increase of about $480-$1,150 based on the model. Hit the jump for the full details. (CorvetteBlogger)
Hit the jump for full details on the Chevrolet Corvette.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette
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- Model: 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
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Exterior
The new model year for the famous sports car will come with improved performance, especially for the Z06 and ZR1 versions. The ZR1 will receive a new Z07 High Performance Package that includes black cup style lightweight 19" front and 20" rear wheels, Michelin PS Cup tires, and a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. For the Z06, Chevrolet will be offering a new Ultimate Performance Package that adds Performance Traction Management (PTM) which was previously exclusive to the ZR1, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Michelin PS Cup tires, black cup style lightweight aluminum wheels, and Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
The new set of optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, 285/30-19 (front) and 335/25-20 (rear), are matched with all-new aluminum Cup-style wheels in satin black or machined finishes. They are about five pounds lighter (2.2 kg) and also stronger than the 20-spoke wheel offered in 2011. The 2012 Corvette will also get a racing-style spoiler for improved aerodynamics and a carbon fiber hood.
"We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track," says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer. "For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car."
Interior
The interior updates for the Corvette will take place across the entire range. Each model will come with a new seat design featuring a larger bolster on the seat back and cushion areas, which provide better driver support, especially in high-performance driving. These seats will also come with optional Microfiber suede seat inserts for additional support. Further driver and passenger support can be attained in the padded center console and armrests. The steering wheel isn't exactly padded like the rest of the interior, but it does get minor revisions in the form of a streamlined switch trim, wrapped spokes, and some model-specific badges.
Another addition to the Corvette's interior is the new Bose uplevel audio system, which includes nine speakers (compared to seven in 2011) for improved audio quality.
Engine
The changes made to the 2012MY were minimal once you take into consideration that everything under the hood remained completely untouched. The Z06 version still gets a 7.0 Liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 505 hp at 6300 rpm and 470 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. The ZR1 version will use the same 6.2 Liter LS9 aluminum block V8 engine with a total of 638 hp at 6500 rpm and 604 lb.- ft. of torque at 3800 rpm. The Z06 version will hit 198 mph, while the ZR1 will go up to 205 mph.
Prices
The new 2012 Corvette will go into production July 2011 with prices being announced at a later date. The entrance of the 2012 Corvette will also give way to the introduction of the Centennial Edition.
2012 Corvette Coupe | $49,525 |
1LT Base Equipment Group | $0 |
2LT Equipment Group | $2,095 |
3LT Preferred Equipment Group | $5,995 |
4LT Premium Equipment Group | $9,495 |
2012 Corvette Convertible | $54,525 |
1LT Base Equipment Group | $0 |
2LT Equipment Group | $2,095 |
3LT Preferred Equipment Group | $7,995 |
4LT Premium Equipment Group | $11,495 |
2012 Corvette Grand Sport Coupe | $55,925 |
1LT Base Equipment Group | $0 |
2LT Equipment Group | $2,095 |
3LT Preferred Equipment Group | $5,995 |
4LT Premium Equipment Group | $9,495 |
2012 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible | $59,525 |
1LT Base Equipment Group | $0 |
2LT Equipment Group | $2,095 |
3LT Preferred Equipment Group | $7,995 |
4LT Premium Equipment Group | $11,495 |
2012 Corvette Z06 | $75,525 |
1LZ Base Equipment Group | $0 |
2LZ Preferred Equipment Group | $4,310 |
3LZ Premium Equipment Group | $8,815 |
2012 Corvette ZR1 | $111,525 |
1ZR Base Equipment Group | $0 |
3ZR Premium Equipment Group | $10,000 |
Options
B92 | Carbon Fiber Hood for Z06 | $2,495 |
BA5 | Black Grand Sport Fender Badges | $100 |
C2L | Roof Package – Includes Painted and Glass Tops | $1,400 |
CC3 | Glass Roof instead of Painted Roof | $750 |
CCR | Special order option | $0 |
CFZ | Z06 Carbon Fiber Package | $3,995 |
D30 | Color Combination Override | $590 |
ERI | Battery Protection Package | $100 |
F55 | Magnetic Selective Ride Control – Grand Sports | $1,695 |
F55 | Magnetic Selective Ride Control – Coupe/Conv | $1,995 |
F55 | Magnetic Selective Ride Control – Z06 | $2,495 |
H33 | Cyber Gray Metallic Headlamp Override | $590 |
H34 | Blade Silver Metallic Headlamp Override | $590 |
H35 | Black Headlamp Override | $590 |
J55 | Cross Drilled Brake Rotors | $500 |
J6C | Silver Brake Calipers | $595 |
J6D | Dark Gray Brake Calipers | $595 |
J6E | Yellow Brake Calipers | $595 |
J6F | Red Brake Calipers | $595 |
MN6 | 6-Speed Manual Transmission | $0 |
MYC | 6-Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission | $1,250 |
NPP | Dual Mode Exhaust | $1,195 |
PBC | Corvette Engine Build Experience | $5,800 |
PDE | ZR1 Performance Package | $1,495 |
PIN | Customer Selectable VIN | $5,000 |
R8C | Museum Delivery | $490 |
R8E | Gas Guzzler Tax (ZR1) | $1000 |
U3U | Navigation 6.5” Screen | $1,795 |
US9 | 6 Disc CD Changer | $395 |
VK3 | Front License Plate Bracket | $15 |
Z07 | Z06 Ultimate Performance Package | $7,500 |
Z15 | Grand Sport Heritage Package | $1,195 |
ZLC | Chevrolet Centennial Special Edition | $4,950 |
**6 | Two-Tone Seating | $695 |
36S | Custom Leather Stitching – Yellow | $395 |
37S | Custom Leather Stitching – Blue | $395 |
38S | Custom Leather Stitching – Red | $395 |
0B1 | Cross Flag Embroidery on Headrests | $300 |
28U | Inferno Orange Metiallic | $300 |
45U | Velocity Yellow Premium Tintcoat | $850 |
89U | Crystal Red Premium Tintcoat | $850 |
Wheels
PYD | Competition Gray Aluminum – Grand Sport | $395 |
PYE | Chrome Aluminum – Grand Sport | $1,995 |
Q44 | Z06 Competition Gray | $395 |
Q5V | Machine Faced Cup Style – Z06 | $995 |
Q6B | ZR1 Chrome Aluminum | $2,000 |
Q6J | ZR1 Competition Gray Aluminum | $395 |
Q8A | Z06 Chrome Aluminum | $1,995 |
QX1 | Competition Gray Aluminum – Coupe/Conv | $395 |
QX3 | Chrome Aluminum – Coupe/Conv | $1,850 |
RQ1 | Machine Faced Aluminum – Coupe/Conv | $895 |
Competition
Depending on the trim level, the 2012 Corvette will take on models like the Jaguar XK and Nissan GT-R. The Jaguar XK has been redesigned for 2012 and is powered by a 5.0 Liter V8 that delivers a total of 385 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque or 510 HP in the XK-R version. The Corvette may have a higher power output, but the XK has the advantage of a more luxurious interior, something the Corvette has never been complimented on.
The Nissan GT-R comes with a 3.8-liter V6 twin turbo engine that delivers 475hp to 530hp at 6,400rpm and is by far one of the best looking sports cars on the market. The only thing is that the ZR1 is capable of a top speed of 205 mph, far better than the 193 mph of the GT-R.