Part 2 of a 3-part series.
In our last installment on buying a Corvette for the holidays, we took a look at the C7, the latest release of the Corvette model. And while the C7 will continue to well represent the Corvette name, there are many other options to consider if you are in the market for a Corvette this holiday season.
The Argument for a Used Corvette – Costs, Styles and Options
Many shoppers who may be intimidated by the pricetag on the 2014s, can make a strong argument for moving to a C6 Corvette. The C6 is no slouch and while the styling of the C7 is a step up for many, the C6 can hold its own with the new version and its older Classic brothers. In 2008, the LS3 engine made its debut. A 6.2 liter, 430-hp powerplant ensures you won’t be finishing second to many, if any, other cars that show up next to you on the line. The 0-60 4.0 second time will all but guarantee you don’t see many taillights in your front window.
The overall styling of the C6 is sleek and sporty without being over-the-top. Front and rear viewing are well appointed in this series and a lower rear-end allows the driver to remain low to the ground without feeling like they can’t see out.
The Z06 Corvette was introduced in 2006 and sports the moniker of being the lightest of all Corvettes. This model had the LS7 powerplant which was capable of producing a very respectable 505-hp with dry sump oil system and titanium alloy rods. The body was built out of aluminum instead of steel which also helped account for its weight reduction. The Z06 has the added distinction of having been the pace car for both the Indy and Daytona 500s in 2006 and turned a 3.6 second 0-60 time and 11.4 in the 1/4 mile. Put simply, this Corvette moves.
The ZR1 variant was the next step up and could likely be classified as a C6.5 generation model as it seems to have been the testbed for many new items and areas that GM was exploring in 2008-2009. With an insane 638-hp in its LS9 engine, the car was reported to be able to turn an over 200-mph speed which made it the fastest ever built off the assembly line. Much of the carbon fiber moldings can be seen in the standard C7 was first made available in this line and it is to this day the primary reason why ZR1s are still being sought by the Corvette aficionados.
And if you’re a convertible fan, who is interested in some speed, find yourself a 427 Convertible model. This 2013 model has the distinction of being the fastest convertible Corvette ever built, with its 505-hp Z06 motor, this ragtop is not going to miss many opportunities to get your hair whipping in the wind. There were a few other special editions and limited release options made available during the C6’s 2005-2013 lifespan, so it’s safe to say that the C6 has done itself proud, holding up its end on the long list of extraordinary model lines that GM has produced with the Corvette emblem.
In our next installment, we’ll be taking a look at, well, everything else. So, you wont want to miss that.
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