The Updated, Renovated, 2012 Corvette
We already know all about the 2012 Centennial Edition Corvette, which, with it's gorgeous custom paint work, wheels, and other touches is exciting in and of itself. In addition to this Centennial Edition, we--as Corvette enthusiasts--have also already seen what the 2012 ZR1 is able to do on the Nurburgring. The new 2012 Model ZR1 Corvette utilized its improved Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires and Performance Traction Management Technology to beat its previous best by more than 6-seconds on the world-renowned Nurburgring course. Yes, we already know all of these awesome things about the 2012 Corvette, but there's also a good deal more.
Those Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires? Those are also going to be on the 2012 Z06 as well. Chevrolet describes those wheels as being "essentially street-legal versions of a racing tire", as they're intended for track-driving Corvette owners and are optimized to boost lateral acceleration and shorten braking time by increasing road traction on track-conditions, and thus, shortened lap times. The Tires, which are sized in a 285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear offset, are mounted on GM's new Cup-style alloy wheels which GM claims are both lighter and stronger than the 2011's 20-spokes. The wheels will be available in two separate finishes: machined alloy, and satin black.
The next addition coming to the 2012 Corvette is for all model levels: revised seats and steering wheels. Taking on one of the Corvette's biggest areas of complaint--interior comfort and class--GM decided to retool their seating arrangements and interior styling with new, more comfortable, seats. The seats aren't the only thing getting extra padding, either. As seen in the Centennial Edition Corvette, the armrests, steering wheel, and center console are being reworked to be more classy and comfortable as well.
Another standard change for the 2012 Model Corvettes is the switch to a taller gear ratio in the ZR1, a move certainly done under the influence of increased fuel economy. This move will change the 5th and 6th gears on the ZR1 to overdrive gears and give the vehicle an extra 2mpg fuel economy.
Of course, these sorts of changes wont be free. For the new Michelins, you'll want to opt for either the ZR1 High Performance Package, or the Z07 Performance Package for the Z06. Each of these packages will provide the performance bonuses mentioned above, and more, especially the Z07 Package. In addition to the Sport Cup offset Alloys and the new Michelins, the Performance Traction Management (previously a ZR1 exclusive) Magnetic Selective Ride Control and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. All of these aspects work together to make the fastest Z06 ever produced. How fast you ask? How about 7:22:68 through Nurburgring. That's only 3-seconds behind the 2012 ZR1's 7:19:63, and a full 20 seconds better than the previous Z06 best on that track. Those numbers are true supercar numbers, that much's for certain.
Here's video of Jim Mero, the same driver who tackled the Nurburgring in the ZR1, running the 12.9 mile track in the 2012 Z06:
These performance enhancements aren't going to be free, though. Every level of Corvette, from the base 2012 Model through the ZR1, is seeing a price increase this year, but, that's to be expected. Of these price changes, Paul Leinert of InsideLine writes:
"...the basic Corvette Coupe rises from $49,995 to $50,500 (all prices include shipping, which rises by $25 to $975), while the Corvette Convertible climbs from $54,995 to $55,500. The Corvette Grand Sport Coupe jumps from $55,995 to $56,900, while the Corvette Grand Sport Convertible increases from $59,995 to $60,500. The Corvette Z06 hardtop goes from $75,325 to $76,500, while the range-topping Corvette ZR1 is bumped from $111,250 to $112,500.
Among the pricier options for 2012 are the Z06 Ultimate Performance package ($7,500), the Centennial Special Edition ($4,950), the Z06 Carbon Fiber package ($3,995) and Z06 Magnetic Selective Ride Control ($2,495).
The ZR1 Performance package is priced at $1,495 and the Grand Sport Heritage package, $1,195. Chrome aluminum wheels are $1,995 on the Z06 and Grand Sport, $2,000 on the ZR1 and $1,850 on the standard coupe and convertible."