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More Power Always Appreciated for Chevy’s Star Sports Car
Though Chevrolet is not yet releasing information on the long-rumored 700HP Corvette SS, the 2008MY Corvette does get a notable dose of horsepower. The 6.0L LS2 V8 is set to be replaced by a 430HP 6.2L LS3 V8 in August 2007. At the same time, buyers will also be able to add an optional two-mode exhaust (based on that of the Z06) and get another 6HP. The Z06 carries on with its 505HP 7.0L V8, but does benefit from updates to the Corvette interior. The extra power in the standard car will help stave off competition, as the horsepower wars will never be ended by something so mundane as global warming or increasing fuel costs.

The new engine has a larger-bore cylinder block, high-flow LS7-style cylinder heads, larger-diameter pistons, revised camshaft and timing, revised valvetrain, a high-flow intake manifold, and Z06 high-flow fuel injectors. The transmissions are still six-speed units (manual or paddle-shift automatic), but revised for improved shift effort.

From the outside, the only indication of the basic Corvette’s new engine are some new colors and a new wheel based on that of the 2007 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, but the Corvette gets some updates behind the wheel as well as under the hood.

Though we haven’t yet had a chance to see the new interior in person, we have seen the improvements in Cadillac interiors of late, and expect that the Corvette update will give the sports car a significantly more luxurious feel, something Corvettes are not typically accused of.

Using some of the processes already applied to the Cadillac XLR, based on the Corvette and built at the same facility, Chevrolet was able to give the Vette’s interior a refreshing update. All three flavors of Corvette (Z06, coupe, and convertible) can be orderd with a Custom Leather-Wrapped interior package. When that box is checked, Chevrolet applies the hand-sewn leather process from Cadillac to the Corvette. The two-tone package includes leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads, and seats; padded door panel armrests; embroidered logo on headrests; and Bias patter for the center trim plate. All 2008 models get a wrapped instrument panel center trim plate, bright surrounds for shifter and cupholder, and new metal-finish door-sill plates. The equipment list is slightly revised, with OnStar (with available turn-by-turn navigation), XM, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an audio input jack (all radios except navigation-equipped units) all move from optional to standard.