2011 Chevrolet Corvette - Review

By scrounging up some of their best performance hardware, they've managed to cobble up a new car that just might be cool enough to warrant resurrection of the storied Grand Sport moniker.

The first thing you need to do with the ZR1 is throw out any preconceived notions you have about it. Isn't it just a more extreme Z06 with 131 more horsepower or an answer to a question no one asked? No. It's a comprehensively re-engineered vehicle that shares little in feel with either the standard Corvette or the Z06, outperforming both on the track, obviously, but also, surprisingly, on the road.

Corvette's already-awesome handling performance gets tweaked with the optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension that adapts to road surfaces and allows the driver to dial in the preferred setting.

The Corvette offers a massive amount of luggage space and a user-friendly cockpit, along with enough ride compliance for daily-driving duty.

This is truly a car that can easily withstand serious track time as is, which is impressive considering that the base Corvette’s forgiving ride isn’t sacrificed.

There's no pretense that this car can hold more than two people. The dual cockpit provides loads of space for both driver and passenger. There's 22 cubic feet of cargo space, more than enough to carry a few bags for a long trip or two sets of golf clubs.

Not tested

Excellent. From electronic stability control to front and side curtain air bags, the technology-laden car will keep you safe.

All Corvettes now feature side airbags, while manual transmission models come outfitted with standard launch control.

an interior filled with more creature comforts than some luxury cars.

For the ZR1, Chevy has added a sophisticated Performance Traction Management system that allows drivers to select from five modes (Wet, Dry, Sport with Active Handling, Sport without Active Handling, Race) that optimize power delivery for specific conditions.

The standard seven-speaker audio system includes a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, steering-wheel-mounted controls and an auxiliary audio jack.