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.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe photo -Corvette also celebrates Chevrolet’s performance heritage with the 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette, which features a sleek black color scheme, unique design elements and Corvette’s sports car technology. The special package is inspired by Chevrolet’s racing-bred foundation and is offered on all Corvette models for 2012.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette GS Convertible photo -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.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe photoGrand Sport models – offered in coupe and convertible – combine the Corvette’s LS3-based powertrain with wide-body styling, a wider track and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers greater handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette GS Convertible photoCorvette 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.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette GS Coupe photoThe complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes:
Wider front and rear fenders – including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges.
Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler.
Functional brake ducts and extra cooling..
Eighteen-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels; silver-painted standard; competition gray and chrome optional.
Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear.
Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers.
Specific manual transmission gear ratios.
Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette GS Coupe photoChevrolet Centennial Edition Special Edition
Offered exclusively in Carbon Flash Metallic with satin-black graphics
Special badges that signify Chevrolet’s racing history, including a graphic logo featuring an image of Louis Chevrolet on the B-pillars, the wheel center caps and the center of the steering wheel.
The historic Corvette crossed flags badge contains a small adaptation, with “100” in place of the traditional fleur-de-lis symbol, only for the Centennial Edition.
Unique Centennial Satin Black wheels, sized specifically to the respective Corvette models, including 18-inch/19-inch for Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport; and 19-inch/20-inch for Z06 and ZR1.
Red brake calipers.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard.
Ebony leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors complimented by red stitching also on the steering wheel, seats, console and shifter.
The seats feature microfiber suede accents on seats, steering wheel, shifter and armrests, which were first used on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.
Seat headrests carry an embossed centennial logo.
Available on all Corvette models via order code ZLC.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette GS Coupe photoCorvette interior
Corvette’s interior is inspired by the car’s dual-cockpit heritage.
New seats feature improved appearance and larger bolsters on the seat back and cushion areas to provide better driver support, especially in high-performance driving.
Microfiber seat inserts are available.
New steering wheel with model-specific badges, streamlined switch trim and wrapped spokes.
An AM/FM/XM radio with CD player and audio input jack is standard.
New Bose Premium audio system includes nine speakers (vs. seven in 2011), including new tweeters located in the instrument panel and improved Bose Nd next-generation bass performance.
Steering wheel-mounted audio controls are on all models.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription is included with the Bose audio system.
An onboard navigation system with voice recognition is available. It is a DVD-based system that uses a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display.
A custom leather-wrapped interior package is offered on all models, featuring a leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats; choice of exclusive colors: Dark Titanium, Ebony, Cashmere or Sienna, with unique color breakup; padded door panel armrests; “Corvette” embroidered on passenger-side dash pad; embroidered crossed flags logo on headrests and a unique center trim plate with a gunmetal pattern.
New Technology Package (2LT trim level) brings together many of the Corvette’s popular infotainment features and makes them available for more models. The content includes the navigation radio, head-up display, Bose Premium audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a USB port.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette GS Convertible photoCorvette 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.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette GS Convertible photoCorvette 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.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette GS Convertible photoOnStar 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.
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