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fifth-generation Chevrolet Corvette is now in its last year of production, making
way for what will surely be a much improved, more advanced and more contemporary-looking
'05 Corvette that everyone will say is the best 'Vette yet. But today, the '03
Corvette featured on these pages is without a doubt the best 'Vette yet, one with
a talent set so vast that there's no way that the next one will ever completely
eclipse it. Besides, think back: is there any Corvette from the past that you
would be embarrassed to own? Doubt it. Any past 'Vette that's anything less than
a sheer hoot to drive? Didn't think so. The 2003 Corvette is something that will
be a collector's item in the future, and a blast to own every day in the meantime.
So what about the
2003 Corvette? Well, it's still the siren it's always been. With its billowing
fiberglass body and thunderous exhaust, it's about as subtle as Pamela Anderson
in a string bikini (does she ever wear anything else?). But with all due respect
to our buxom blond icon, we speculate that the Corvette, now celebrating its 50-year
anniversary, looks better at the half-century mark than Ms. Anderson will (without
some serious gravity-defying "interventions"). Beyond
its relentlessly extroverted exterior, the '03 Corvette is blessed with excellent
ergonomics and a comfortable interior. The 50th Anniversary edition, available
in fastback coupe (with a removable roof panel) and full convertible bodystyles
is painted your choice of one color, an unbelievably lustrous Xirallic Red Metallic,
and comes with one interior choice: light tannish shale color that is equally
easy on the eyes. It comes with every option, including the cool magnetic selective
ride control that irons out rough pavement and is also found on the new Cadillac
XLR. Regardless
of whether you choose to commemorative edition or not, the Corvette is most satisfying
once you jab the gas pedal. No fewer than 350 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque
will pin you to your seat as if you were a dead moth at a science fair, and the
brakes will can unpin you with such force that you'll brace yourself for airbag
deployment. Opt for the hardtop-only Z06 Coupe and power goes up to 405 horsepower.
Yikes. Ultimately,
what the 2003 Corvette represents is a playful companion, a sound investment and
a timeless sports car whose performance credentials will be valid long after the
next Corvette arrives…and the next one after that and the one after that
and the one after that…. Price:
$44K-$54K
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