New for 2008
* All-new LS3 6.2L V-8 engine for Coupe and Convertible:
* 430 HP/ 424 lb.-ft. torque
* 436 hp / 428 lb.-ft. with new, optional dual-mode exhaust system
* High-flow cylinder heads
* Enhanced valvetrain
* High-flow intake manifold
* Larger-bore block with structural enhancements
* Improved manual transmission shift effort
* Quicker shift times on paddle-shift six-speed automatic
* 2.73 performance axle ratio available with six-speed paddle shift; included with Z51 package
* Improved steering feel
* Standard split-spoke cast aluminum wheel design for Coupe and Convertible (Competition Gray finish optional)
* Available polished forged aluminum wheel design
* New Keyless Access remote key fob with integrated key
* Interior trim enhancements for all models, including wrapped center trim plate with Cyber pattern and new, brushed aluminum accents
* Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package available for all models in exclusive, new Linen and Sienna colors
* New sill plates
* iPod/MP3 jack included on all sound systems except navigation (Personal Audio Link available as accessory for navigation system)
* OnStar and XM Satellite Radio standard on all models
* Auto-dimming mirrors with compass standard on all models
* Two new premium exterior colors: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat
Get comfortable. There's so much new and exciting with the 2008 Corvettethat you'll want to grab a hot drink, sidle up to your computer screenand absorb all the details.
The changes involve everything from an all-new, larger and more powerfulV-8 engine to refinements in driving characteristics that solidify theCorvette's position as the preeminent American sports car - and furtherthe argument that it is one of the world's best. There are also a hostof exterior and interior refinements that raise the Corvette's luxurystatus and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.
"Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners withimpeccable performance and great comfort," said Ed Peper, Chevroletgeneral manager. "The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvettereflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet's unflaggingcommitment to building the best sports car - and with nearly 55 years ofexperience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better."
Also back again for '08 is the 505-horsepower Corvette Z06, an Americansuper car that has won over enthusiasts, journalists and racers aroundthe world for its balance of racetrack-bred performance, daily-drivingcivility and value.
Check out the following pages for a look at the new and enhanced features for '08 Corvette models
A new, 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in Coupeand Convertible models. It is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424lb.-ft. of torque (586 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system; with thenew, optional two-mode exhaust system, power ratings increase to 436horses / 325 kW and 428 lb.-ft. / 592 Nm. As a result, the standardCorvette is true supercar, capable of 190 mph. The LS3 with thesix-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equippedCorvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds.
This new iteration of the storied small-block family features a revised,larger-bore cylinder block - 4.06-inch / 103.25 mm vs. the previous6.0L's 4.00-inch / 101.62 mm bores - high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinderheads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing;revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intakemanifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06's LS7 engine; and a newengine beauty cover.
The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinderliners. In addition to its larger bores, which help create a376-cubic-inch displacement, the block casting also features revisionsand machining in the bulkheads that enhance its strength and improvedbay to bay breathing. But while the bore of the 6.2L engine is increasedwhen compared with the previous 6.0L engine, the engine's stroke remainsat 3.62 inches (92 mm). The pistons for the larger 6.2L engine also arenew and are designed for its high-rpm performance capability.
Breathing for the new 6.2L engine is accomplished via new, high-flowcylinder heads. They're based on the large port/large valve design foundon the LS7 engine and other GM L92 engines, with larger-capacity,straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to thecombustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for betterflow.
Complementing the larger-port design of the heads are commensuratelysized valves. The intake valve size alone increases from 2.00 inches(50.8 mm) to 2.16 inches (55 mm) - an increase of nearly 9 percent. Theintake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which enable theengine's 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large,measuring 1.60 inches (40.4 mm) in diameter.
To accommodate the engine's large valves and enable more direct intakeport flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valvetip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, withintake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase inlift, from 0.521-inch to 0.551-inch (13.25 mm to 14 mm). Exhaust-valvelift remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised tooptimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.
Ensuring the cylinder heads receive all the air they can handles fallsto a new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design ismanufactured with a "lost core" process that improves runner to runnervariation and reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material is usedto reduce radiated engine noise; it is sandwiched between the outer topof the manifold and an additional "skull cap" acoustic shell. Also newbeauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also featurea noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refinedengine sound.
Exhaust system - Optional on '08 Coupe and Convertible models is a new,two-mode performance exhaust system. Similar in design and function tothe system used on the Z06, the dual-mode exhaust uses vacuum-actuatedoutlet valves, which control engine noise during low-load operation, butopen for maximum performance during high-load operation. It is notidentical to the Z06 system; the Coupe/Convertible uses a2.5-inch-diameter exhaust, while the Z06 uses a three-inch system.
With the new, dual-mode performance exhaust, power output forCoupe/Convertible rises from 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. oftorque (575 Nm) to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm). Thissystem gives the Corvette a more aggressive exhaust sound character thatwill appeal to performance enthusiasts.
Transmissions and Axle Ratios
The shifting efforts for both thesix-speed manual transmission and paddle-shift six-speed automatictransmissions have been improved in '08 Corvette models. The manualtransmission shifting improvements include a more positive and directfeel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location.
The six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission on Coupe andConvertible is improved with new hardware and a new controllercalibration that deliver quicker shifts. This change bolsters thefeeling of performance and driver control when using the shiftingpaddles.
Also new for '08 models is the availability of the 2.73 performance axleratio with the automatic transmission. It is included with the Z51package.
The Corvette's precise rack-and-pinion steering systemis revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are dueto a new, premium machining process of the system's internal components,a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes.
Corvette Coupe and Convertible models come with a newsplit-spoke wheel design for '08. The design was introduced on thelimited-edition '07 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replicas with a SterlingSilver finish. The standard 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheelsfeature a Sparkle Silver finish, with a Competition Gray versionoptional.
Also new is a distinctive, performance-oriented forged aluminum wheelfor Coupe and Convertible. It comes in a polished finish.
There are two new premium exterior colors availablewith 2008 Corvette models: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and CrystalRed Metallic Tintcoat; they replace Le Mans Blue Metallic and MontereyRed Metallic Tintcoat.
Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package
Available on Coupe,Convertible and Z06 models, the new Custom Leather-Wrapped InteriorPackage offers a stylish, two-tone leather-appointed cabin with detailsthat enhance the feeling of Corvette's craftsmanship. Details include:
* Two-tone, leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats
* Choice of new, exclusive colors: Linen or Sienna, with unique color breakup
* Padded door panel armrests
* "Corvette" embroidered on passenger-side dash pad
* Embroidered crossed flags logo on headrests
* Unique center trim plate with Bias pattern.
All models feature a new wrapped instrumentpanel center trim plate, with bright surrounds for the shifter andcupholder. There are also new metal-finish door sill plates that greetpassengers as they step into the vehicle, as well as a new lightedcontrol knob for the available Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
Feature changes and enhancements - All Corvette models now come standardwith features that were previously optional or part of equipmentpackages. They include:
* OnStar with available Turn-By-Turn Navigation
* XM Satellite Radio
* Auto-dimming rearview mirrors (with compass)
* Audio input jack on all radio systems except navigation; PersonalAudio Link is available as a dealer-installed item with the navigationsystem.
The '08 Corvettes also come with a new Keyless Access fob, whichfeatures the key and remote-function controls integrated in a singleunit.
Corvette Design and Interior Details
Dramatic fender forms and exposed headlamps combine with the grille tocreate a strong visual identity for the Corvette, while the tapered reardeck and fascia improve high-speed performance. The lean rear designsports round taillamps and center-exit exhaust. The fixed Xenonhigh-intensity discharge headlamps provide superior lightingperformance. With a 0.286 coefficient of drag, the Coupe models are themost aerodynamic Corvettes ever.
The 2008 Corvette Convertible features a power-operated soft top withthe 3LT package; an easy-to-operate manual top is standard. Bothconfigurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlyingstructure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car'sexcellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise.
Corvette's interior is inspired by the car's dual-cockpit heritage.High-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliverpremium quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrumentpanel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that lookslike a leather-wrapped, padded panel. It is warm and inviting and hasdouble the life of conventional trim materials.
An AM/FM/XM radio with CD player and audio input jack is standard. Anoptional Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer adds to thechoices available to the audiophile owner. Steering-wheel mounted audiocontrols - introduced in '07 - are included with the Bose premiumsystem.
A full-function OnStar system is standard and an onboard navigationsystem with voice recognition is available. Using a 6.5-inch (165 mm)color touch-screen display, the DVD-based system contains all the mapdata for the 48 contiguous states and most of Canada on one disc.
Corvette Coupe and Convertible have a hydroformed steel rail backbonestructure, which features cored composite floors, an enclosed centertunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure.Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings,stabilizer bars and steering gear have all been redesigned. New GoodyearExtended Mobility Tires (EMT) take advantage of the latest sidewalldesign and compound technology for run-flat capabilities.
Three suspension choices allow drivers to choose the setup that bestsuits their driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for abalance of ride comfort and precise handling. Corvette is now morepoised at even higher handling levels, yet easier to drive.
The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension featuresmagneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust thedamping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ridecontrol. Cross-dilled brake rotors are included when this feature isselected, allowing customers to combine the larger brakes from the Z51performance package with the comfort of Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
The Z51 Performance Package brings Coupe and Convertible performancevery close to the widely admired previous generation Z06. The Z51 offersmore aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, GoodyearEagle F1 Supercar EMT tires, enhanced cooling and larger cross-drilledbrake rotors (13.4 inches / 340 mm in front and 13 inches / 330 mm inrear) for optimum track performance while still providing a comfortableride.
With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems -anti-lock braking, traction control and Active Handling - operate inconcert. In all, the dynamic chassis control systems are smarter, lessintrusive and more adept at making the total driving experienceprecisely what drivers have come to expect from their Corvette.
Corvette Z06 Details/big>
As the fastest, most powerful and most technologically advancedproduction model in Corvette's history, the Corvette Z06 offers anunprecedented level of capability and technology, making it one of thebest performance values on the market.
The Z06 has an unmistakable and aggressive appearance, withdesign cues that include:
* A wide front fascia with a large, forward-facing grille opening, a splitter along the bottom and wheel opening extensions along the sides to provide aerodynamic downforce
* A cold air scoop in front of the hood that integrates an air inlet system for the engine
* The trailing edge of the front wheel opening is radiused to achieve improved drag, but protects the body finish with a tough molding, and a large air extractor is located behind the wheel
* A fixed-roof body style optimizes body rigidity and mass
* Wider rear fenders with flares cover the massive rear tires and a brake cooling scoop in front of the wheels visually balances the fender extractor
* A tall rear spoiler houses the CHMSL on the top of the rear fascia
* 10-spoke wheels (18-inch, front; 19-inch, rear)
* Four large stainless steel exhaust outlets
* Z06 badging on the carbon fiber front fenders
The aerodynamics of the Z06's exterior were shaped by the experiences ofthe Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and corneringcapability are paramount. And while the race cars use large rear wings,the Z06's elevated spoiler provides sufficient downforce to balance theroad-worthy front splitter without adversely affecting aerodynamic drag.The Z06's Cd is 0.34.
For all its race-inspired functionality, the Z06 is designed to be adaily-driveable high-performance vehicle. To that end, comfort andconvenience are held to a very high standard. High-Intensity Dischargelighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabinair filtration and head-up display (HUD) with track mode and g-meter arestandard.
The Z06 gauge cluster displays the Z06 logo on the 7000-redlinetachometer and has a readout on the oil pressure gauge to reflect thehigher standard pressure of the dry-sump oiling system. The seatsfeature two-tone leather surfaces, with Z06-logo embroidery andcontrasting stitching.
Z06 options include a Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer,polished, Competition Gray or chrome wheels, a telescoping steeringwheel, heated seats, side-impact air bags, a navigation system with GPSand universal home remote.
The Z06's LS7 7.0L engine delivers 505 horsepower (377 kW)in a 3,132-pound (1,421 kg) package - a combination that delivers 0-60performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter-mile times of 11.7seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph (as recorded on Germany'sAutobahn). It also provides maximum lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and60-0 braking in 111.3 feet; it also circuited Germany's famedNuerburgring in a time of 7:43.
The LS7 reintroduced the 427-cubic-inch engine to the Corvette lineup.It is easily identified under the hood by red engine covers with blacklettering. The LS7 shares the same basic Gen IV V-8 architecture as theCorvette's 6.0-liter LS2, but it uses a different cylinder block castingwith pressed-in steel cylinder liners to accommodate the engine's largerdiameter, 4.125-inch (104.8 mm) cylinder bores.
Internally, the LS7's reciprocating components make use ofracing-derived lightweight technology, including titanium connectingrods and intake valves, to help boost horsepower and rpm capability. Therpm fuel shut-off limit is 7,100 rpm. The LS7's details include:
* Dry-sump oiling system
* Unique cylinder block casting with large, 104.8-mm bores and pressed-in cylinder liners
* Forged steel main bearing caps
* Forged steel crankshaft
* Titanium connecting rods with 101.6-mm stroke
* Cast aluminum flat-top pistons
* 11.0:1 compression
* High-lift camshaft
* Racing-derived CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads with titanium intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves
* Low-restriction air intake system
* Hydroformed exhaust headers with unique "quad flow" collector flanges.
One of the clearest examples of the LS7's race-bred technology is itsuse of titanium connecting rods. They weigh just 464 grams apiece andbesides being lightweight, which enhances high-rpm performance and rpmrange, titanium makes the rods extremely durable.
The LS7's CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads are designed to meet thehigh airflow demands of the engine's 7.0-liter displacement. A hydraulicroller camshaft with 0.588/0.593-inch valve lift is used to allow plentyof air to circulate in and out of the engine. To ensure optimal,uninterrupted airflow, the LS7's heads have straight, tunnel-like intakerunners. Very large by production-vehicle standards - even racingstandards - they are designed to maintain fast airflow velocity,providing excellent torque at low rpm and exhilarating horsepower athigh rpm. The heads feature 70-cc combustion chambers that are fed byhuge, 56-mm-diameter titanium intake valves. They are complemented by41-mm sodium-filled exhaust valves.
To accommodate the large valve face diameters, the heads' valve seatsare siamesed; and, taken from experience with the engines of C6.Rracecars, the LS7's valve angles are held at 12 degrees - vs. 15 degreesfor the LS2 - to enhance airflow through the ports.
The LS7 has a dry-sump oiling system designed to keep the engine fullylubricated during the high cornering loads the Corvette Z06 is capableof producing. An engine compartment-mounted 8-quart reservoir deliversoil at a constant pressure to a conventional-style oil pump pick-up atthe bottom of the engine. The pressurized oil feed keeps the oil pick-upcontinually immersed in oil at cornering loads exceeding 1 g.
Oil circulates through the engine and down to the oil pan, where it issent back to the reservoir via a scavenge pump. The large-capacityreservoir, combined with a high efficiency air-to-oil cooler, providesnecessary engine oil cooling under the demands of the engine's poweroutput. With the dry-sump system, oil is added to the engine via thereservoir tank - which includes the oil level dipstick.
Drivetrain - The Corvette Z06's powertrain and drivetrain systems arematched to the LS7's performance capability. The light, four-into-oneheaders discharge into close-coupled catalytic converters and throughtwo-mode mufflers. The mufflers each feature a vacuum-actuated outletvalve, which controls exhaust noise during low-load operation but opensfor maximum power.
At the rear of the LS7 engine, a single-mass flywheel and lightweight,high-capacity clutch channel torque to the rear transaxle. The six-speedmanual transmission has been strengthened to handle the LS7's increasedtorque load. The transmission includes a pump that sends transmissionfluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluidremoves additional heat from the differential lube before returning tothe transmission. The six-speed transmission connects to a limited-slipdifferential, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axlehalf-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rearwheels.
Structure - The Z06 has a unique aluminum body structure for optimumstiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof bodystyle. Perimeter railsare one-piece hydroformed aluminum members featuring cast suspensionnodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvettemodels. Other castings, stampings and extrusions are combined into theinnovative structure with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.
Advanced structural composites featuring carbon fiber are bonded to thealuminum structure. The wider front wheelhouses, for example, are carboncomposites and the passenger compartment floors combine carbon-fiberskins with an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.
The Z06 has a new magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment pointfor the engine and some front suspension components. Magnesium islighter than aluminum yet incredibly strong. The magnesium cradle helpsimprove the front-to-rear weight distribution, as do carbon-fiber frontfenders and wheelhouses. Engineers also moved the battery from underhoodto a position in the rear cargo area, behind one of the rear wheels.
The mass reductions are offset by some added performance enablers,including dry-sump lubrication, exhaust system with outlet valves,larger wheels and tires, larger brakes and larger roll stabilizers.
Suspension and brakes - The Z06 retains the 105.7-inch (2686-mm)wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long armsuspension and transverse leaf spring design, but it rides on all-newwheels, tires, brakes, as well as its own rear spring and rollstabilizer.
The firmer suspension works harmoniously with large 18 x 9.5-inchcast-spun aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x12-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear -the largest wheel-and-tire combination ever offered on a Corvette. Thetires use the latest extended-mobility technology from Goodyear toprovide a satisfactory ride, but still allow the vehicle to achievelateral acceleration of more than 1 g. The extended-mobility tireseliminate the need - and weight - for a spare tire and jack or inflatorkit, while also reducing the chance of a sudden loss of handlingcapability.
Complementing the suspension system and large rolling stock is anequally capable four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 14-inch (355mm) vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 13.4-inch (340 mm) ventedand cross-drilled rear rotors.
The front rotors are acted upon by large, red-painted six-pistoncalipers that use six individual brake pads. Individual brake pads areused because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what wouldotherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes,four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads are used. A Delphifour-channel ABS system is standard, as is a very competent activehandling system - complete with a Competitive Driving mode.