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2008 Corvette Convertible
The Legend Just Keeps Getting Better

Bill:  I have to admit that every time I see a Vette on my schedule of cars to test my little heart goes pitter patter. I’ve always been a fan and especially now that the Corvette has become a world class sports car. It’s really hard to put into words just how good a car this is especially for the money.  Pricing for the coupe begins at around $45,500 with convertibles starting at just over $53,700 and the powerhouse Z06 in the mid $70’s. My test car came with a couple of very expensive options including the fabulous Magnetic Selective Ride Control for $1,995, and the 4LT Premium Equipment group encompassing a host of goodies for a $8,600 making the test car come to a rather lofty price of $70,370 including destination charges.

Cathy: Aren’t you a bit old for a “mid-life crisis”? What is it with men and corvettes?

Bill:  I just can’t stop talking about it and no way can I do this car justice in a short column but I’ll try. The single biggest change is in the interior. Chevrolet finally kicked it up a notch and added some pizzazz with very nifty stitching in the seats and on the dash. Another improvement is in fit and finish which is much better, certainly than the C5, and even more impressive than the ’07 model. Exterior wise, simply stated it’s beautiful. It amazes me that the view of the flared fenders out the windshield is as stimulating as the look over my ’67 was and something Corvette has stayed true to. There is never a doubt you’re behind the wheel of a Vette. The gauges are pure Corvette, big and bold and very easy to see. This car had the Heads Up Display with actually helps monitor the right foot if you know what I mean.

Cathy:  The heads up display is a great idea in any vehicle, not just a Corvette.  With the distractions of today, you’re driving over the speed limit before you realize it.

Bill:  Driving the Corvette at any speed is a blast. It blows me away to know that this car at 430 horsepower can rip your head of if you want, or be as docile as anything on the road. There is no question about the handling characteristics of a Corvette, and with the Magnetic Control Ride it’s even better. I had the opportunity to drive some twisties in northern Arizona and euphoric would be a great way to say how I felt. This is the complete package when it comes to looks and performance and seriously, without the $8600 premium package, $62,000 is a great deal for this roadster. There isn’t a car on the planet that compares and while I admit to being a die-hard Corvette aficionado, even if one isn’t, there’s no denying the fact that this is a very special car.

Cathy:  I must say at high speeds you have complete (two hands on the steering wheel) control and you feel secure in knowing in your convertible you won’t loose your latté out of the cup holder; although according to you Bill I should be careful with regard to my head over the car.

Bill:  All that said I’d be less then candid if I didn’t mention something I was somewhat unhappy with and that would be the paddle shifters. This is a feature that I’m so-so with to begin with unless they react like they do on a Lambo, and I was very confused as to why GM would bother to put paddle shifters in and make them well, ineffective. Paddle shifters normally work by flicking the right-hand shifter to upshift and the left-hand shifter for downshifts. But on the Vette you push back on either side to upshift and pull back to downshift. It is silly, ineffective and disappointing. That said it’s the only thing I could find to gripe about and trust me, I could learn to live with it.

Cathy:  Is that anything like being “caught up the river without a paddle-shifter?” I get the feeling it would not stop you from buying this car.

Bill:  True. So, if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck in a world class sports car, look no further than the 2008 Chevy Corvette Convertible. I love it and I’m pretty sure you will too.

Cathy:  Are you sure you’re not going through a mid life crisis?