Chevrolet Corvette for 2012
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2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6
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Chevrolet has announced that it will elevate Corvette’s
performance capabilities with a series of improvements for the 2012 model year that improve on-track
performance and on-road comfort. They include enhancements to the high-performance Z06 and ZR1 models as well
as interior upgrades across the Corvette line-up.
Sports car enthusiasts got their first look at the 2012 models – including the racing-inspired appearance
of the Chevrolet Centennial Edition – at a special event held at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling
Green, Kentucky (USA). Production of the new models begin in July 2011.
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“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 line-up 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.”
New Michelin Cup ZP tyres elevate Z06/ZR1 performance
Corvette’s greater performance for 2012 begins with the new, optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero
Pressure tyres, which are available on the two highest-performing models, the lightweight, 505-hp (377 kW)
Z06 and the maximum-performance, 638-hp (476 kW) supercharged ZR1. They are competition-oriented tyres,
optimised for warm, dry conditions to increase cornering and handling capability.
When combined with the Corvette’s exclusive Performance Traction Management (PTM) technology – which
manages torque delivery for maximum performance – the tyres are expected to help set new benchmarks for
Corvette performance. Engineers estimate an 8 per cent gain in maximum lateral acceleration, to more than
1.1g, and improved braking distance. Testing at Virginia International Raceway has demonstrated improvement
of approximately three seconds per lap.
The Cup ZP tyres were developed by the same Michelin engineers who develop tyres for Corvette Racing in
the American Le Mans Series and are essentially street-legal versions of a racing tyre. They are included in
the optional Z07 performance package on the Corvette Z06 and a new PDE performance package on the ZR1. The
285/30-19 (front) and 335/25-20 (rear) tyres are matched with all-new aluminium Cup-style wheels in satin
black or machined finishes. They are about 2.2 kg lighter (five pounds) and stronger than the 20-spoke wheel
offered in 2011.
Performance Traction Management (offered on the Z06 for the first time in 2012) is an advanced system
that optimises traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance. The system also integrates
traction control, active handling and selective ride control systems to enhance race track driving
consistency and overall performance. When full throttle is applied upon exiting a corner, it automatically
manages acceleration dynamics.
A full-width racing-style spoiler for improved aerodynamics is also included in both the ’12 Z07 and PDE
packages. The Z06 model will now offer Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting
suspension technology – an innovation Corvette pioneered several years ago. And as before, Brembo carbon
ceramic brakes will be a part of the Z07 chassis package (they are standard on ZR1). Michelin Pilot Sport 2
tyres remain standard on the ZR1.
A carbon fibre bonnet will be an available option on 2012 Z06 models, while the standard manual
transmission for ZR1 will include taller gearing in fifth and sixth gears, for a slight improvement in
highway fuel economy.
Interior and feature changes
All 2012 Corvette models will include a new seat design and a new steering wheel. The seats feature
larger bolsters on the seat back and cushion areas, which provide better driver support, especially in
high-performance driving while remaining comfortable for daily street driving. Microfibre suede seat
inserts are optional and improve tactile feel, as well as add additional support.
The new seats are complemented by the revised steering wheel, featuring model-specific badges, streamlined
switch trim and wrapped spokes. Padded centre console and armrests for all models are now included for 2012.
An additional visual touch inside the car is contrasting colour stitching – in red, blue and yellow – which
is available with the custom leather-wrapped interior.
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Also coming in 2012 is a new Bose uplevel audio system, which includes nine speakers (compared to seven in
2011) for improved audio quality that is more precisely tuned to the cabin’s acoustics. New tweeters located
in the instrument panel and improved Bose Nd next-generation bass performance is the main benefit that
Corvette drivers will hear.
A new Technology Package (2LT trim level) brings together many of the Corvette’s popular infotainment
features and makes them available for more models. The package’s equipment includes the navigation radio,
head-up display, Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a USB port.
Wrapping up the new features for 2012 is the availability for customers to select brake calliper colours,
for more personalisation of their Corvette. The callipers are offered in the red, yellow, silver or grey.
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