Looking For The G-spot

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

The Corvette has long since abandoned the image of a Kiez vehicle. The revised sixth generation of this all-American sports car now offers even more power.

By Frank Mertens

Anyone who drives a Corvette wants one thing above all: to attract attention. The buyer of this original American sports car doesn't think much of restraint. He wants to show what he has - and for that he accepts prejudices. After all, this vehicle is primarily considered to be the means of transport for those who earn their living in the red light district. Is it true? Total nonsense! This cliché is a thing of the past.

Farewell to the negative image

The profile of Corvette customers has changed - at least since the presentation of the current C6 in 2004. "We haven't had this image problem since then, on the contrary," says Gerard Jansen, Managing Director Corvette Europe. For those who do not trust this statement, Jansen presents the latest market studies. "60 percent of our customers are academics, many also have a doctorate."

In any case, adds the Dutchman Jansen, the negative image outlined was an exclusively European problem. In the United States - and for a long time also in Germany - the Corvette enjoys cult status. There is no other explanation for the fact that the brand has sold almost 1.5 million vehicles in its 55-year history. The revised version of the C6 is set to continue this success story. So that this succeeds, the Corvette received even more power, a revised transmission, an improved chassis and a higher-quality interior.

437 hp under the hood

But first things first: The displacement of the well-known V8 engine was increased from 5967 cc to 6162 cc, resulting in an increase in output from 297 kW / 404 PS to 321 kW / 437 PS. Not only that: the maximum torque of the eight-cylinder made entirely of aluminum increased from 546 to 585 Nm, which is available at 4600 revolutions per minute. Not only does it sound good, it also drives that way.

If you press the accelerator of the Corvette, you will be pressed brutally into the sports seats accompanied by the rich sound of the V8. The acceleration values prove this: the speedometer needle goes from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.4 seconds. If you are looking for the ultimate kick through the tightly tuned manual six-speed gearbox, you will only be stopped at 306 km / h. The manufacturer specifies a consumption of 13.3 liters. The C02 value is 316 grams per kilometer.

Directly responsive steering

Top speed is one thing, driving dynamics the other: but here, too, the Corvette doesn't need to hide - the steering does a good job and speaks directly. The chassis is tightly tuned, but quite comfortable. So that the power is brought to the road, the 1459 kilogram Corvette sits enthroned on 19-inch 285/35 R 19 tires at the rear, and 245/40 R 18 tires at the front. Briefly, a word about suitability for everyday use: The Coupé has space in the trunk of 634 liters of luggage - a considerable figure for a sports car, while the convertible has up to 295 liters.

As a nice gimmick, the Corvette has a head-up display ready for everyone who wants to feel like a racing driver: among other things, it not only offers information on the speed, but also on lateral acceleration. In this way, the ambitious driver can work their way towards the G-spot that suits them and, depending on their driving style, be pressed into the sports seats. Speaking of seats: They could be better contoured for a sports car with these features: they are not optimal, especially when it comes to lateral support in the shoulder and knee area. The mechanical adjustment lever for the backrest doesn't seem very stable either. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not offer any other seats for a surcharge.

Interior more valuable

The interior of the Corvette appears more valuable than before thanks to the use of new materials. But if you compare the appearance of the interior with that of a Porsche, you will notice clear differences. On the other hand, the customer can save a lot, a lot of money when buying a Corvette. “We're around 26 percent cheaper than a Porsche 911,” says Jansen.

The coupe we tested costs 65,290 euros - a real bargain for a car with 437 hp. Overall, Jansen hopes to be able to sell more than 1305 units from the previous year in Europe this year. "We definitely want to be above the mark from last year." More than 500 vehicles are to be sold in Germany. The chances shouldn't be bad. After all, with this price-performance ratio, there is a lot to be said for a Corvette. Where else can you get so much horsepower for so little money.