2007 Corvette – Vette-net

After the introduction of the sixth-generation coupe and convertible in 2005, and the return of the Z06 Coupe in 2006, the 2007 Corvette arrived virtually unchanged from these earlier two model years. Although GM had begun development of additional, more radical refinements for the Corvette – including an as-yet-to-be-named supercharged prototype due in early 2008 – the 2007 model carried forward the same power and technology advancements that had already become synonymous with the C6 model.

Type: 2 Door Coupe and Convertible, Indy 500 Pace Convertible, Z06 Coupe, Ron Fellows Z06 Special Edition

Pricing: $44,995.00 (Coupe), $52,910.00 (Convertible), $66,955.00 (Indy. Conv.), $70,000.00 (Z06), $77,500.00 (Ron Fellows ZO6)

Engine options: 346 C.I. (6.0L) LS2 Engine (Coupe & Convertible), 427 C.I. (7.0L) LS7 Engine (Z06)

Top speed: 205mph (factory-declared)

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Transmission, 6 Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission

Units Produced: 40,561

Available Colors: Arctic White, LeMans Blue, Black, Velocity Yellow, Machine Silver, Victory Red, Monterey Red, Atomic Orange

Highlights of the year:

Of course, a new model year without any additions, improvements, or changes was unheard of. Even the most successful vehicle platforms – of which Corvette was definitely one – received minor tweaks and alterations, and the 2007 model was certainly no exception, although they were far and few between. Further, most of the changes that were made to the 2007 model year were virtually invisible to the casual observer. They were intended to improve upon previous design elements, and most were functional – not aesthetic – in nature

Mechanically, the only notable change that was introduced in 2007 was the introduction of larger, cross-drilled brake rotors. These brake rotors were offered to those consumers who purchased the Magnetic Selective Ride Control option (RPO F55). For previous Corvettes, this brake package, sized between the base model and the Z06 brake systems, was included and only available when ordered as part of the Z51 performance package.

The Corvette coupe ($44,170) and Convertible ($52,085) are powered by a 6.0-liter V8 generating 400 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. The optional six-speed Paddle Shift automatic ($1,250) can be shifted manually with levers on the steering column.

Standard features for the Corvette coupe include leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control with a pollen filter, power everything (including seats), cruise control and HID headlights. The Convertible adds sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and side bolsters. The sport seats are included with Preferred Package 2LT ($1,495) for the coupe, which also adds side airbags, a rear cargo net and luggage shade.

Two suspension options are offered for both the coupe and convertible. The Z51 Performance Handling Package ($1,695) is designed for track days, while Magnetic Selective Ride Control ($1,695) automatically switches from extra-firm to more comfortable touring settings with electronically controlled variable damping.

The Corvette Z06 coupe ($65,640) is considerably more expensive than the standard models and raises performance to another plane. The heart of the Z06 is a 7.0-liter V8 producing 505 horsepower, with racecar features such as dry-sump lubrication and coolers for the power steering pump, gearbox and rear differential. Beyond the engine, the Z06 package includes a host of high-performance components, starting with hydro-formed aluminum frame rails (rather than the steel rails used in the standard Corvette). Its hardtop is fixed in place. Its brakes are upgraded, its tires are huge and it’s offered only with the six-speed manual transmission.

More notable than any of the improvements made to the 2007 Corvette were the special edition models that were offered that year. In 1999, a driver by the name of Ron Fellows joined the Corvette Racing team. Over nearly a decade, he would prove to be one of the most successful drivers on the team, leading Corvette racing to GT class championships in the American LeMans Series (2002, 2003and 2004) and to victory lane (GTS class) at the 24 Hours of LeMans (2001 and 2002.) Because of his enormous success and immense popularity as a driver, Chevy decided to produce a limited edition Z06 in his honor. The car was officially called the “2007 Ron Fellows American Le Mans Series Grand Touring Class 1 Champion Corvette Z06,” though it became more commonly known simply as the “Ron Fellows Edition.”

In addition to the Ron Fellows Z06, another special-edition Corvette was introduced in 2007. This version was based on the Corvette Pace Car that was used at the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 driven by actor/racer Patrick Dempsey. The significance of this car was the fact that GM had not produced a pace car replica since the 1998 model year, even though the Corvette had paced the prestigious event five times since then.

Photos of the 2007 Corvette: