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2009 Chevrolet Corvette w/1LT 2dr Coupe

2009 Chevrolet Corvette
Trim Info:
Rear Wheel Drive, 2 Door Coupe, Two Seater
16 mpg city / 26 mpg hwy
Other Trims
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Invoice:
$43,951
MSRP:
$48,565


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Expert Reviews

May 4, 2019 by Zach Bowman, DriverSide Contributing Editor

2009 Chevrolet Corvette 1
2009 Chevrolet Corvette

DriverSide Overview 
General Motors has long been celebrated for its Corvette. The car is unlike anything in the company’s stable – providing world-class performance for a fraction of the cost of more exotic metal. For 2009, the Corvette Convertible is largely a rehash of last year’s model, but Chevrolet has a well-kept performance secret on its option list. The Z51 package offers up an array of go-fast goodness for pennies compared to the street-lethal Z06 or the king of the heap ZR1. Massive brakes, a retuned suspension for more aggressive handling and package-specific transmission and rear differential gear ratios are all part of the mix. The result is a convertible that can do the 0-60 dash in around 4.3 seconds. Hands down, the Z51 package represents one of the best factory performance options out there for the money.
 




What's to Like 
As startling as 430 horsepower in a 3,200-lb, rear-wheel drive car is, the Corvette is incredibly mild-mannered. Your grandmother could happily drive this car all day long without giving her pacemaker a work out. The six-speed automatic transmission is buttery smooth and suspension has just enough give to invoke long distance road trips.
 
What's Not to Like 
Just like the Corvettes of old, the 2009 convertible’s interior suffers from the kind of parts-bin raiding the motoring press has bemoaned for years. Parts like the steering wheel, engine start button and HVAC controls seem at odds with touches like great leather seats, a fantastic navigation system and attractive dash.
 
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions 
If ever there was a vehicle to embody the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde cliché, this is it. Putter around town and the 6.2-liter V-8 under this car’s hood will gladly stay at or below 1,500 rpm. Shifts from the optional automatic six-speed gearbox breeze by without any fanfare and wind noise is manageable with the top down. Decide to put your foot to the floor, however, and you better be holding on. The Corvette comes equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system that keeps things quiet when you aren’t hammering on the throttle. Listen to your adolescent self and go for broke, and the engine comes alive by opening up the exhaust baffles and pouring all 430 horsepower onto the rear wheels. The car gathers speed brilliantly, and thanks to the upgraded suspension in the Z51 package, it can carry it through any number of apexes without breaking a sweat. It’s hard to believe this is the “slow" one.
 
Engine and Drivetrain 
General Motor’s 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 is a throwback to the old ways of Detroit power, and a marvel of modern engineering all at the same time. The pushrod beast dishes out 430 horsepower and 424 lb ft of torque, and is coupled to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Power is put to the rear wheels.
 
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options 
You can have your Corvette Convertible with either a manual soft-top or an automatic retractable hardtop. The latter of which slides behind the rear seats quick enough to be dropped at a stoplight and comes up in about the same time. As mentioned earlier, the Z51 package serves up a laundry list of goodies that turn the already capable Corvette into a track heathen. The massive brakes swiped straight from the Z06 are perhaps the best upgrade, though the suspension tweaks and super-sticky Eagle F1 tires do much to adjust the car’s demeanor.
 
Key Technology Evaluation 
The Corvette Convertible is available with a great turn-by-turn navigation system, operated by a bright LCD touch screen. Directions are announced aloud over the car’s audio system, as well as presented on the helpful heads-up display projected onto the windshield. Bluetooth hands-free calling and SIRIUS satellite radio round out the car’s tech suite. 
 
Green Evaluation/Gas Mileage 
This is perhaps the most surprising part of the Corvette Convertible. Even with its massive V-8 motor, the car returns an EPA estimated 15 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Even after a full weekend of enjoying the car’s abundant power, we saw an average of 21.9 mpg. 
 
A Closer Look:  Vehicle Details 
Interior  
With the top up, the Corvette Convertible is surprisingly quiet. Decide to go for a little fun in the sun, and you can easily hold a conversation even at interstate speeds. A handsome dash, comfortable and supportive seats and a surprising amount of headroom are all plusses. 
 
Exterior 
Outside, a strikingly styled exterior harkens back to the late ‘60s model Corvette with tall arched front fenders and four round tail lamps out back. High-intensity headlights have replaced the last generation’s flip-up models, and large, attractive wheels fill out the look.
 
Market Segment and Pricing  
A base Corvette Convertible starts at $54,170, though the well-worth-it Z51 performance package will set you back another $1,695. While that price tag puts it on the same tier as much less capable metal, Chevrolet insists the Corvette has the equipment necessary to take on the likes of the Porsche 911 Cabriolet at $87,000 and the Dodge Viper at $91,220.
 
What We Think 
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible lives up to the name’s reputation for unbeatable performance value. The 430 horsepower V-8 is an absolute blast in point and shoot conditions, and the Z51-equipped suspension can handle everything you throw at it and more. Best of all, livable fuel economy and a quiet street demeanor mean this is one sports car you could live with on a daily basis.






Other Resources

Hertz adding Corvette ZHZ to Fun Collection – Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM click above to enlarge Whenever we rent a car from Hertz, we always peruse the Fun Collection then settle on a cheap economy car that won't break the bank. Today Hertz announced that it's addi Source: feeds.feedburner.com

New Toy from Hertz: The Chevrolet Corvette ZHZ – With the Shelby Mustang GT-H gone from the Hertz Fun Collection, all hope seemed lost for a rentable burnout machine. Thankfully however, Hertz teamed up with General Motors to offer yet another rental to abuse — the Corvette ZHZ. The car itself i Source: feeds.feedburner.com

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Pricing and Performance Numbers Announced – 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Pricing and Performance Numbers AnnouncedRead More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us Source: www.automobilemag.com

Corvette ZR1 Prices Announced – Chevrolet announced the pricing on the fastest 'Vette ever made this morning. And the bare-bones model will set you back $103,300 (not including the gas-guzzling tax).If you want the creature comforts, like navigation, power seats, and more airbags, Source: www.motivemag.com

The Asphalt Jungle: In The Line Of Ire - I don't like your car. There. Now try turning the page... – On April 1, I posted a blog on motortrend.com trashing the 2008 Corvette Z06. I slammed its brake pedal for being "too far in the middle." I ridiculed the car for having a noisy tachometer needle. And I posited that, to raise EPA targets, Chevy must Source: www.motortrend.com

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 priced at $105,000, hits 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, quarter mile in 11.3 – We knew the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was likely going to be priced right around 100 grand when it finally hit the showroom floor, and GM hit the target.The ZR1's base MSRP of $103,300 (including an $850 destination charge) moves the $105,000 numbe Source: www.motortrend.com

Kit for the Big Dog: Updates to the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – The 2008 Chevrolet Corvette received extensive upgrades, which included most notably a revised exhaust, more efficient gearboxes, a stronger engine, and more. For 2009 Chevy focuses on the hotrod Z06, but the changes are primarily more subtle. Most Source: feeds.feedburner.com

VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 being built from start to finish – Filed under: Coupes, Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet, GMClick above to view video after the jumpThis morning General Motors released all the official numbers for the 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 including its price ($103,000), 0-60 mph Source: feeds.feedburner.com

Corvette ZR1, Camaro SS, Infiniti G37, Audi TT-RS - 06/18/2008 – Chevrolet dishes the performance dirt on the Corvette ZR1, a higher-performance Camaro may be in the works and the Audi TT of all TTs is in the pipeline. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.  Visit http://feed.fastlanedaily.com and vote for what you want Source: www.fastlanedaily.com

GTR and ZR1 Nurburgring times fake? Alex Roy and Matt Farah Debate - Garage419 – Matt Farah and Alex Roy discuss the new "BMW" 7-series, the NHRA 1000ft Funny Car and Top Fuel limit, the upcoming McLaren SLR Speedster, the validity of the GTR and ZR1 Nurburgring lap times and how to standardize those times. Question of the Day = Source: www.garage419.com

VIDEO: GM releases Corvette ZR1's 7:26.4 'Ring attack – Filed under: Videos, Supercars, ChevroletClick above to see the Corvette ZR1 lapping the 'Ring.Alrighty folks. Here it is. The General has released the in-car footage of the Corvette ZR-1 lapping the Nurburgring in 7:26.4, hitting 180 mph at one poin Source: feeds.feedburner.com

ZR1 vs GTR at the 'Ring - Garage419 – Side by side comparison of both the Nissan GTR and the Corvette ZR1 at the Nürburgring (Nordschleife). These two videos were released by GM and Nissan as evidence of lap records, both starting a timer at different points on the track. To compare the Source: www.garage419.com

Audi R8 vs. Corvette LS3 "Super Lap" – WebRidesTv.com's Super Lap pits 2008 Corvette LS3 against a 2008 Audi R8. At almost half the price and a similar 0-60 time, can the 'Vette hold its own against the Audi?<br><br> Written by Larry Harvey Directed by Greg Harvey Vehicle tel Source: feeds.feedburner.com

Chevrolet Forum – Interact with the Chevrolet community on the Chevrolet forums. Source: chevroletforum.com

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