|
2003 Chevrolet Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition
|
| Golden Opportunity |
|
| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:13:36 |
| Rating |
 269 ( -38 -14.12% ) | | Author | Dan Lyons |
|
|
Description:
2003 Chevrolet Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition
Golden Opportunity
Writer's Notes
Test Vehicle:
2003 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 50th Anniversary Edition
MSRP: $49,700
As tested:
$55,765
Showroom appeal:
Open air Corvette with anniversary cache
Plus:
World class performance value, special edition status
Minus:
Pack light trunk
The Competition:
Audi TT, BMW Z3, Dodge Viper, Porsche Boxster, Porsche 911
The new, 2003 Corvette is a sophisticated sports car with long roots and a loyal following.
-->
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
xxx
When you look at the early sales figures, it's a wonder that Corvette lasted long enough to have a five year anniversary, let alone a 50th! The first year (1953) saw 300 examples produced, all in Polo White. In its sophomore season, the number grew to 3,640, but over 1,000 of these had not yet sold by the end of the model year. Had it not been for it's cross-town rival, GM would've quite likely ended the Corvette experiment then and there. However, in 1954, Ford showed a prototype two seater of its own, and the car that would be Thunderbird helped Corvette to live to see another day. The laws of the marketplace being what they were, the new two seater's presence assured that there would be no Corvette absence - despite dismal sales. And dismal they were. In 1955, Ford brought its T-Bird to market and it promptly ate Corvette's lunch, outselling it by 16,155 to 700. But, even in the face of this, Corvette's luck was beginning to change. Performance parts started to enter the mix and with this, America's Sports Car finally began to feel like one. Corvettes started winning races, Chevy made rapid improvements and buyers voted their approvals with their wallets. Corvette survived and prospered and fifty years after the first, its become part car and part cultural icon.
Chevy celebrates the 50th year of its performance flag ship with a special edition Corvette, available as either convertible or targa top coupe. Following company tradition, the $5,000 anniversary package has a model specific color scheme. Back in 1978, the 25th anniversary was commemorated with a two-tone silver paint option. Ten years later, the 35th edition offered a black roof bow over white body and interior, and 1993's 40th anniversary was feted with a beautiful, Ruby Red color scheme. The new golden anniversary cars also wear a coat of red which, in subdued light, almost looks like a reprise of 1993. In the sun, it's a different story. The paint takes on more of a black cherry hue, flecked with gold. Reportedly, the final color scheme chosen was at least the third option considered by Chevy. Polo White over red (like the originals) was contemplated, as well as gold.
Of course, what's a celebration without champagne? Chevy has splashed it on the five spoke wheels specific to their anniversary cars and all '03 Corvettes will wear 50th anniversary badges to mark the occasion. The interior on 50th editions is done in a Shale color (as is the top, on convertible models), with headrests and carpet mats adorned with the anniversary logo. Production of the special models is not strictly limited, and it's anticipated that Chevy will build as many as 10,000, if demand dictates.
One interesting addition to the option sheet for 2003 Corvettes is standard on these models. Magnetic Selective Ride Control offers continuously variable damping to the shock absorbers. Magneto-Rheological fluid is used in the monotube shock absorbers. An electromagnetic coil inside the piston of the damper controls the current to the shocks, changing the consistency of the fluid inside (and hence, the shock damping), based on real time, sensor input.
Beyond the above, the basic Corvette lineup remains intact for 2003. Style-wise, all have the now familiar C5 look: a sloping, curvy front clip and a rising, slingshot profile, resolving in the beveled, blunt rear end. The back view on fifth generation Corvettes has always been the most controversial. Interviewed for the book Corvette: An American Classic, John Cafaro explained that it was a case of form following function. Cafaro, Chief Designer of the Corvette studio from 1986-1999, noted that the aerodynamics necessary to meet the car's performance standards required either a rear wing or a broad beam. The former was dismissed as not Corvette-like, and the latter took some getting used to - even for Cafaro. However, many (myself included) found that the look grew on them over time.
Anniversary cars aside, Corvette's lineup remains intact for 2003. Coupe and convertible models are offered, along with the hardtop-only ZO6. The gold-flecked Anniversary Red and Medium Spiral Gray Metallic have been added to the color palette, while Pewter has been dropped. More standard equipment is included this year, such as sport seats, a power passenger seat, dual-zone HVAC, a parcel net, fog lamps and a luggage shade for coupes.
-->
"We believe much of (Corvette's) success comes from a willingness to embrace advancing technology while remaining true to Corvette's glorious history."
Powertrain options maintain the status quo, with two versions of Chevy's 5.7 liter V8 offered. The 350 hp, 375 lb. ft. of torque (360 lb. ft. on automatics) LS1 is fitted in coupe and convertible models. The higher performance ZO6 gets the hotter, LS6 motor, rated at 405 hp and 400 lb. ft. of torque. Performance is world class: 0-60 in 3.9 seconds for the ZO6, with a quarter mile time of 12.4. If you like the sound of fine machinery at work, these are cars that you will drive with the radio off.
Fifth generation Corvettes are highly refined, particularly noticeable to those who have driven past generation cars. Like earlier 'Vettes, they are able to post highly impressive performance numbers. Unlike earlier 'Vettes, they do so smoothly, with nary a squeak, bump or rattle. Though the cars are structurally stiff (Corvette) and stiffer (ZO6), and cornering grip is sticky, ride quality is not punishing. A long trip in a standard Corvette is easy passage. ZO6 cars are noisier than their line mates, but most of that noise will be welcomed by drivers.
It's interesting to note how Chevy has marked its special editions over the years. The company has been consistently understated in its treatment of anniversary cars ('78, '88, '93), and yet, its Pace Cars in the Nineties have been decided extroverts. The 2003 Corvette (which paced the 2002 Indy 500) broke a string a several eye-popping Corvette Pace Cars that had been fielded by Chevy in 1995 and 1998.
The new, 2003 Corvette is a sophisticated sports car with long roots and a loyal following. It is both Chevy's flagship and technology bellwether, and the addition of Magnetic Selective Ride Control demonstrates Chevy's continued commitment to innovate with the car. The latest generation 'Vettes are impressive performance values. These are, as Chevy ads used to proclaim, the best Vettes yet. The only surprise here is that Chevy's tribute to Corvette's golden anniversary is so subtle. After all, a 50th anniversary comes but once.
----------
----------
---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2002 |
| Similar news: | - The Golden Egg? - Soriana, a Mexican hypermarket, is filled with Tyson chicken thighs and oven roasters. From this one store, the middle class in the 1 million-strong metropolis of Torreón is buying $100,000 a month of Tyson chicken.
- A Partnership That's Really Limited - May marked the 26th anniversary of John McMullen's deal to purchase the Houston Astros. No, this news was not much noted on the financial pages of the day, yet it's worth recalling now if only for McMullen's rationale. Why buy the Astros when he already w
| | Find all news similar on 2003 Chevrolet Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition |
|
