2012 Chevrolet Corvette GS Convertible

Chevrolet will again elevate Corvette’s performance capabilities, with a series of improvements for the 2012 model year that increase on-track performance and interior refinement. They include enhancements to the high-performance Z06 and ZR1 models (see separate articles) as well as interior upgrades across the Corvette lineup.

Corvette and Grand Sport models are powered by the 430-horsepower (321 kW) LS3 V-8, (436 hp with optional exhaust) while the racing-inspired Corvette Z06 is equipped with the 505-horsepower (377 kW) LS7 engine and built on a lightweight chassis. The Corvette ZR1 is powered by a unique, supercharged LS9 6.2L engine, and is the fastest, most powerful car ever offered by Chevrolet.

Corvette design
Two body styles – coupe and convertible – are available with Corvette and Corvette Grand Sport.
Two new exterior colors for 2012: Carlisle Blue Metallic and Carbon Flash Metallic (Chevrolet Centennial edition only). Also offered are Arctic White, Blade Silver Metallic, Inferno Orange Metallic, Velocity Yellow Tintcoat, Torch Red, Supersonic Blue Metallic,Cyber Gray and Crystal Red Tintcoat.
An available Heritage package for Grand Sport models adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors and seat embroidery.
Lightweight, composite body panels are a technology hallmark of the Corvette.
New customer-selectable brake caliper colors offered in red, yellow, silver and gray.

Corvette performance
The 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in Corvette and Grand Sport models.
The LS3 is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) with the standard exhaust system.
An optional dual-mode exhaust system brings a power rating increase to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).
A standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional six-speed automatic paddle-shift automatic are offered.
Launch control is standard on manual-transmission-equipped models. It optimizes performance for full-throttle starts on a track. In competitive mode, the system will hold a predetermined engine speed while the driver pushes the throttle to the floor. That allows the driver to quickly release the clutch and the system modulates engine torque 100 times per second to maximize the available traction.
Dry sump lubrication system on the Grand Sport Manual Coupe LS3.

Corvette chassis and suspension
Corvette and Grand Sport models have a hydroformed steel rail backbone structure. It features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure.
Coupe and convertible models offer two suspension choices that allow drivers to choose the setup that best suits their driving style.
The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling.
The Z16 Performance Package is standard on Grand Sport and includes extra cooling, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, specific shock absorbers, larger brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear cross-drilled rotors, specific tires and Z16-specific six-speed manual when ordered with six-speed manual transmission or performance axle ratio with six-speed paddle shift automatic.
The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces, and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. It includes larger, cross-drilled brake rotors.
Corvette safety and crash-avoidance features
The Corvette is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting the occupants in the event a crash occurs.
Four standard air bags include side-impact air bags, which provide head protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash.
Active Handling electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both.
Standard four-wheel-disc brake system featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation.
Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly.
Tire pressure monitoring system and run-flat tires are standard on all models.
Standard remote keyless entry and push-button starting.
Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants.

OnStar details
OnStar is standard on all Corvette models. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to be Good Samaritans by sending help to other motorists, and to call for help in other non-crash emergencies.
OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada.
Six months of Constar Directions and Connections service with Turn-by-Turn Navigation for easier route guidance on all Corvette models. The feature is easy to use because all directions are sent to the car by an advisor, without the need to stop.
Stolen Vehicle Assistance helps police track the vehicle.