The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette is often considered America’s premier sports car and for good reason. A combination of speed, agility and power go a long way in enhancing the Corvette’s public image, especially when it is capable of cranking out 638 horsepower.
With competition from Ford Shelby GT500, Dodge Viper and Nissan GT-R, the rear-wheel-drive 2010 Chevrolet Corvette two-seat sports coupe is offered as a hardtop or convertible in four trim levels: base 1LT, Grand Sport (GS), Z06 and ZR1. The base and GS are equipped with a 430-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 engine and an available dual-exhaust mode adds another 6 horsepower. A 505-horsepower, 7.0-liter V-8 engine powers the Z06 and a massive 638-horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 powers the ZR1. All engines are coupled to a six-speed manual transmission with launch control or an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
According to Chevrolet, the 1LT can hit 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and the Z06 can do it in just 3.7 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy ratings are 16 mpg in the city and a laudable 26 mpg on the highway.
New features for 2010 include launch control for manual transmission versions, performance traction management system for the ZR1 and standard side-impact airbags. With its signature wide stance, low ride and quad taillights, the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette sits on 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels. The driver and passenger sit in bolstered bucket seats with standard leather upholstery. The coupe offers 22 cubic feet of cargo room while the convertible offers 11 cubic feet. Options include heated seats and a navigation system.
The Z06 tops out at 198 mph and a splitter near the hood feeds cold air into the engine and air scoops in front of the rear wheels cool the brakes. Weighing just 3,324 pounds, the ZR1 sits on the same aluminum chassis as the Z06, but can reach a top speed of 205 mph and offers standard magnetic ride control.
Standard safety features across all Corvette models include antilock disc brakes, side-impact airbags and an Active Handling stability control system, which allows you more control over the car while still providing a nonintrusive safety buffer.
Geared toward the serious performance enthusiast, the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette is the real deal with each engine more powerful than the next.