Chevrolet Corvette 2012 gets mild upgrades

Chevrolet has revealed the Corvette C6 with some mild upgrades for 2012, rather than the anticipated all new “C7” model. The changes to the 2012 model are limited only to interior for the base model and optional external changes for the higher models. These enhancements however should improve driving performance and on-road comfort.

There is also an optional add-on package, a racing-inspired “Chevrolet Centennial Edition”, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the company and a tribute to its co-founder. The cosmetic package adds “carbon flash” black paint, red painted brake calipers, red-black Alcantara leather seats to keep up the theme, special alloy rims and the number “100” stuck to a few places.

All Corvette models benefit from minor interior changes, namely a new steering wheel and new seats. The steering wheel has been revised with wrapped spokes and model-specific batches. The new seats have improved bolstering and softer cushioning to provide better driver support and comfort, during everyday use. Optional microfibre seat inserts are available to further enhance support.

Other interior changes are padded centre-console and armrests in addition to contrasting colour stiching. The Bose sound system has been upgraded with 9-speakers and improved acoustics. Users can opt for Chevrolet’s Technology Pack for higher models which adds navigation radio, head-up display, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a USB port in addition to the Bose sound system.

The stock Corvette is powered by 430 hp 6.2-litre engines, while the high-performance models, the Z06 and ZR1 are powered by 505 hp 7.0-litre and 638 hp supercharged 6.2-litre engines respectively. The drivetrains have slightly been modified for the ZR1.

The ZR1 benefits from a taller gearing in the fifth and sixth gears of the standard manual transmission which improves highway fuel economy.

An optional performance feature for the higher models is the Michelin tires that improve acceleration by 8%, decrease braking distance, and increase cornering and handling capability. These tires can be combined to another optional feature called Performance Traction Management (PTM) system, which integrates traction control, active handling and selective ride control systems into one, thus helping improving on-road performance.
Z06 and higher gets full-width racing-style spoiler for improved aerodynamics and a carbon fibre hood. Buyers may opt for an additional “magnetically-adjustable” suspension, if they can spare the change.

The Corvette hasn’t exactly set the world on fire with these minor “optional” changes for 2012, but changes are always welcome, simply because they provide slightly more value for money. Expect this model to hit the GCC market by September 2012.

Keep track of updates in the Chevy Corvette buyer guide.