| Fifty
years, thousands of owners, millions of fans, and countless fantasies. These enviable
numbers apply to none other than America's favorite sports car, the Chevrolet
Corvette. Now
in its fifth generation, the Corvette is better than ever, at once a badass supercar
that can race for the pinks with Europe's finest, while coddling its two lucky
occupants with features found mostly in luxury cars. And yes, after 50 years,
the 'Vette is still a two-seater, still fiberglass-bodied and still faster than
it has any right to be. If
the Corvette's styling could speak, it'd say, "Don't mess." It is arguably
the most aggressively styled vehicle GM produces (save some of its decidedly less
unbecoming trucks), yet it is beautiful at the same time. Its classic proportions-long
hood, low roofline and high, short rump-are sure to stand the test of time, as
they have for every Corvette produced heretofore.
And the 2003 Corvette is available in three bodystyles: the classic fastback,
the notchback Z06 and a saucy convertible. The prettiest is probably the fastback,
followed by the convertible (with a manual (!) folding top-time to take some lessons
from Mercedes, folks). The Z06's abbreviated roofline gives it an even more aggressive
appearance, and its upgraded engine (unavailable on other 'Vettes) substantiates
all claims its butch exterior makes. Under
the clamshell hood resides a huge V-8 that makes 350 raucous horsepower (the Z06
produces a neck-snapping 405 hp), more than plenty to garner respect at any given
stoplight. Its brakes remain some of the world's best, and handling is simply
unbelievable. However, though it shares many of its interior amenities with high-end
luxury cars, ride quality is a different story, thanks to its stiff suspension
and steamroller-wide, low-profile tires. Then again, this is a Corvette after
all, not a Cadillac. Considering
its performance capabilities, its state-of-the-art technologies, and of course,
50 years of constant refinements, the Corvette's $50K price represents one helluva
bargain. Clearly then, after half a century, the legend continues.
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