The C6 Corvette:  Ferrari-eater

My senior prom date is long forgotten as is his 1985 Corvette, both tried to be fast but never seemed to elicit a thrill in my eyes. Fast forward almost twenty years later while the prom is just a memory but the new C6 Corvette does more than leave a lasting impression - it leaves a driver heart broken at saying goodbye. Oh how the tables have turned.

The car in striking millennium yellow has distinct Italian styling. Pop-up lights are replaced by Ferrari-ish Xenon High-Intensity headlamps, a push button start and form fitting leather seats, this car has all the making of another brand. Unlike its Italian nemesis, what it doesn't have is the rattle of poor workmanship, oil stain reminders and a monopoly when service is needed. At about the third of the price of one of those and the new C6 is a Ferrari eater.

Detroit has given me a rare jewel. It is 127mm shorter and about 25 mm narrower than its predecessor. The 6.0L V-8 LS2 means acceleration is smooth and brisk with 400 horses under the hood refusing to prance but gallop instead. The 6 speed manual gives firm power even at low rpms and the shifting smooth. A far cry from a cold Ferrari that fights the gear change. Brake response ideal with power assisted discs and ABS both front and rear and again without the tell tale performance squeal the Ferrari greets me with.

Larger wheels (18-inch in front, 19-inch in rear) with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires make the car handles any speed with ease. Great road way feedback with the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control that allows good grip without body shift in even touring mode. It's a car with multiple personalities to compliment your every whim not leave you with frustrating idiosyncrasies a temperamental foreign car may bring.

Boasting of a top speed is passé. While the car can do 185+mph the G force indicator is where the challenge is. I find myself drawn into taking that corner just that little bit faster as to see just what number I can get to. Not the brightest of notions since it means taking my eyes off the road to focus on the heads up display. Just another boost in the fun factor meter, for this modern day muscle car.

The interior is tidy and easy to work. The shifter is comfortable and the "many ways 'til Sunday" to move steering wheel and seats make it incredibly comfortable for any driving style. Time is needed to tinker with the gadgetry yet it is remarkably simple to learn the functionality. Good visibility in the drivers seat, make this sixth generation Corvette nimble in traffic.

The only drawback I can find is the lack of a growl. The car is too quiet. Driving a Corvette has always been a sensory experience and I am sorry but music of speed is just not there. A needed sound from under the hood means an aftermarket exhaust is on the shopping list.

Corvette has always had a place amongst the hearts of car lovers. Progress in the 1990's and the car seemed dated and stereotyped with "Mid Life Crisis" appeal only. Today I look at this present from General Motors and I see a car that can appeal to the loyalists and the new, the young and the old. Time will only tell, if the C6 Corvette will retain its value as well as the Ferrari. But in my eyes it already has the best bang for the buck at approximately $75,000CAD. Both the Ferrari 360 and the Vette have 400horsepower but the Vette gets 20mpg - so much more than the 360's 12mpg fuel economy.

In today's status conscience world the Ferrari reigns in creating an aura of refined beauty.
If performance, power and prestige are the equalizers amongst us - this C6 is for those of us that truly appreciate a sports car.

"The sixth generation represents a comprehensive upgrade to the Corvette," said Dave Hill, Corvette chief engineer and GM Performance Cars vehicle line executive. "Our goal was to create a Corvette that does more things well than any other performance car."

Others are not so sure. Positively horrified, was the reaction my friend had, when someone mistook his Ferrari 360 for the new "Corvette". I was amused. The heads up display is reminiscent of jet fighter simulators where the target must be framed for a bulls-eye. With the Ferrari in the scope, the C6 won't miss. The unprecedented sophistication of this car makes it a worthy rival for Italy's finest.