2011 Chevrolet Corvette in India

Chevrolet Corvette Review

The Chevrolet Corvette was first introduced in 1953 and this all-American sports vehicle was supposed to be America’s answer to European sports models that were capturing the majority share of the American car market. The Chevrolet Corvette accomplished what it set out to do and has been an integral part of the American car industry ever since.

India has never been a market big on American or European super cars and this may have to do with a couple of thing. Firstly the state of Indian roads would not entirely suitable to drive around in a super car and secondly the fuel consumption of these cars is so high that it would be advisable for owners to own a petrol station along with it. But trends are now changing and these factors that hampered the sale of super cars in the Indian market before are no longer a hindrance.

The Chevrolet Corvette is expected to be launched in the Indian market sometime in 2011 but an exact date has yet to be decided. The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette that will be introduced in India will be based on the upgraded model from 2008, where improvements were made to the exterior styling, interior design and engine specifications. Expected to be sold for an estimated price of 50 lakhs, the Corvette is one of those cars that will be noticed no matter what Indian road it is on. The Corvette is an eagerly awaited car for those sports car enthusiasts and continues the new trend of sports cars now being introduced in India like the Bugatti Veyron, Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan GTR, and the Porsche.

Performance – Chevrolet Corvette in India

The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is one of the fastest sports cars around and packs a mammoth 6.2 liter, V8 engine under its hood. The V8 powertrain uses some of the most advanced technologies in an engine that allows it to produce a maximum power of 430 horsepower and impressive 424 Nm torque. The Chevrolet Corvette is mated to a 6-speed manual and also comes with the option of a 6-speed automatic gearbox that does all the work of the driver and in my opinion is the less fun version to drive. There is a dual exhaust system available with the Chevrolet Corvette that gives it an increased power of 436 horsepower as well as improved torque of 428 Nm.

The Chevrolet Corvette uses disc brakes as well as ABS to ensure the car stops promptly even at high speeds. The Chevrolet Corvette incorporates the sports transverse leaf spring type suspension that allows the car to glide effortlessly over rough as well as potholed surfaces. The Chevrolet Corvette is also available in with 18 inches or19 inch five-spoke wheels and makes the car easy to handle whether in the city or the highway.

Chevrolet has used an ultra-light body shell, upgraded exhaust system, true glass for the rear panel as well as light aluminum wheels to keep the weight of the Corvette down. The main reason for reduction in the weight of the car is so that it gives a better fuel efficiency.

The Chevrolet Corvette as I mentioned earlier is a really fast car and has some crazy times on the track. It has a top speed of 300 kmph and flies from 0-100 in an amazing 4.2 seconds.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Styling

The exterior of the Chevrolet Corvette is shaped like a jet-fighter and the low-roofline, arched rear panel, low slung front portion all contribute to the car looking like a fighter jet. Even the side profile of the Chevrolet Corvette makes it look like a bullet. The Chevrolet Corvette has a compact front nose and also features a step down boot. The headlights of the Chevrolet Corvette are long, smooth sloping and almost have a human eye shape. The front bumper incorporates the fog lights as well.

The headlight cluster actually houses the Xenon headlights, High Intensity Discharge (HID) with high beam halogen and low beam tungsten also featuring automatic outside light control. The front bumper also houses the broad upward curved air intake with the fog lights flanking it on either side. The front and rear bumpers match the body colour of the car and give the car its distinctive look.

The smooth lines and curves that adorn the hood, roof, bumpers and doors provide the Corvette with a stunning aerodynamic shape allowing it to cut through the air like a hot knife through butter. The rear of the car has the typically styled four round taillights and the lip of the boot also features a small spoiler. The dual aluminum exhaust tips that the Corvette comes with are designed with a silver finish and pop out from just below the rear bumper give the rear of the car a meaner more aggressive look. Adding to this aggressive stance of the Chevrolet Corvette are the wide 18 inch or 19 inch five-spoke wheels.

The two seater sports coupe has a stylishly designed interior as well and the cockpit is dominated by the centre console which houses the advanced media controls, climate controls, navigation screen and display. The interior of the Corvette is luxurious and the cockpit is very spacious and provides both occupants with superb support and cushioning and the steering wheel incorporates audio and information buttons in it.

Chevrolet Corvette price and Recommendations

The Chevrolet Corvette is one of few sports cars to be hitting the Indian market in the upcoming months and although only a few will be made available in the Indian market every year they should be the envy of any onlooker.

Being one of the fastest cars in the world the Chevrolet Corvette no doubt has all the safety features that are necessary in a modern sports car. It features super power disc brakes, four-wheel independent suspension system, rigid forks to reduce body roll, traction control, dual front and side impact airbags, Automatic crash response (ACR), tire pressure monitor system and voice activated dialing.

Obviously those owners looking to buy this monster of a vehicle are not concerned about the mileage it gives but will no doubt be impressed by the 7.2 km/l that it gives in the city and 10.5 km/l that it gives on the highway.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette in India Specifications and Price

Vehicle Category: Sports coupe
Engines (standard): 6.2 L, V 8-cyl, OHV, 430 HP, 424 Nm torque
Drivetrain: Front engine, 2 passenger, 2-door coupe, RWD
Transmissions (standard): 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 1143 kg
0-100 kph: 4.2 sec
Mileage city/hwy: 7.2 / 10.5 kmpl
Base Price: Rs.50 Lakh (est)