2009 Chevrolet Corvette Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

2:35 min

After the ZR1 and Z06, the regular old Corvette gets overlooked. In the Chevrolet Corvette Follow-Up Test Video, Inside Line discovers it deserves more attention.

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

2:35 min

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is likely the best bargain in the performance car world.

Any other car with the Vette�s performance credentials is significantly more expensive � remember, this is a base Corvette, so that means a starting price of under $50,000.

Even at this price you get a 430 hp, 6.2 liter V8 � opt for the dual mode exhaust as we�ve done here and the LS3�s output is up to 436 hp.

That plus the 424 lb ft of torque is enough to get the Vette from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and pushes the car to a top speed of 190 mph.

Far more than just a tire smoker, the Vette is a balanced, well-rounded performance coupe. Aluminum double-wishbone suspension arms, near perfect weight distribution and Goodyear Eagle F1 supercar tires ensure the corners are handled too.

But the Vette�s slalom speed is a little slower than expected. A new Mustang GT is a half mile per hour quicker. The Vette is simply unnerving in fast transitions or any corner that isn't perfectly smooth. And it shouldn't be.

For those drivers who never push the Vette past 80 percent of its capabilities, this won�t be an issue. For those who do the car can be a real handful.

The interior is a bit of a let down too � unsupportive seats, an all too familiar steering wheel and soft, unsupportive seats are just a few of the reasons.

Minor issues aside, the 2009 Corvette is fast and looks tough. Sure, GM could have made it into just one more super fast, super expensive performance coupe. But this isn�t a high dollar exotic, it�s a Corvette and that has always mean world class performance at an auto mall price.