The standard 2007 Chevrolet Corvette is available as a coupe or convertible, with more than enough horsepower and either a manual or automatic transmission. The crazy powerful Z06 model is available only as a fixed-roof coupe.
The Corvette coupe ($44,170) and Convertible ($52,085) are powered by a 6.0-liter V8 generating 400 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. The optional six-speed Paddle Shift automatic ($1,250) can be shifted manually with levers on the steering column.
The Corvette coupe features a one-piece removable roof panel in body color (standard) or transparent plastic ($750). The dual-roof option ($1,400) includes both. The Convertible comes standard with a manually operated soft top; the power top is part of the 3LT option package ($5,540) and has a heated glass window in back.
Standard features for the Corvette coupe include leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control with a pollen filter, power everything (including seats), cruise control and HID headlights. The Convertible adds sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and side bolsters. The sport seats are included with Preferred Package 2LT ($1,495) for the coupe, which also adds side airbags, a rear cargo net and luggage shade.
Two suspension options are offered for both the coupe and convertible. The Z51 Performance Handling Package ($1,695) is designed for track days, while Magnetic Selective Ride Control ($1,695) automatically switches from extra-firm to more comfortable touring settings with electronically controlled variable damping.
Preferred Package 3LT ($4,945 for the coupe) is nearly the full extra-amenity package for the standard Corvettes. In addition to the power top for the convertible, it includes a head-up display, heated seats with position memory, a premium Bose stereo with CD changer and XM Satellite Radio hardware (and for 2007, redundant steering wheel controls), a power telescoping steering column and rearview mirror with compass. The list of free-standing options is short: DVD navigation ($1,750), which includes the Bose audio; OnStar telematics ($695); chromed aluminum wheels ($1850); polished aluminum wheels ($1,250) or dark gray painted wheels ($395).
The Corvette Z06 coupe ($65,640) is considerably more expensive than the standard models and raises performance to another plane. The heart of the Z06 is a 7.0-liter V8 producing 505 horsepower, with racecar features such as dry-sump lubrication and coolers for the power steering pump, gearbox and rear differential. Beyond the engine, the Z06 package includes a host of high-performance components, starting with hydro-formed aluminum frame rails (rather than the steel rails used in the standard Corvette). Its hardtop is fixed in place. Its brakes are upgraded, its tires are huge and it's offered only with the six-speed manual transmission.
Safety features that come standard on all models include dual-stage front airbags, ABS, traction control and electronic stability control. We recommend the optional side airbags, but there's a rub. The side bags are included in the option packages, but not priced individually. You have to get all the extra stuff if you want them.