2008 Corvette – Vette-net

Type: Two Door Coupe, Two Door Convertible, Indy 500 Coupe, Indy 500 Convertible, Z06 Coupe, 427 Limited Edition Coupe

Pricing: $45,995.00 (Coupe), $54,335.00 (Convertible), $59,090.00 (Indy 500 Pace Cpe.), $68,160.00 (Indy 500 Conv.), $71,000.00 (Z06 Coupe) $84,195.00 (427 Lim. Ed. Z06)

Engine options: 376 C.I. (6.2L) LS3 Engine (Coupe and Convertible), 427 C.I. (7.0L) LS7 Engine (Z06)

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

Top speed: 190mph

Units Produced: 35,310

Available Colors: Arctic White, Black, Velocity Yellow, Machine Silver, Victory Red, Atomic Orange, Jetstream Blue, Crystal Red.

Highlights of the year:

The most notable advancement of the 2008 Corvette model year was the news that Chevrolet had developed another evolution of its legendary small-block engine.

The new engine was designated the LS3 and would become the standard engine for both the base coupe and convertible models. The LS3 included a size increase from 364 cubic inches (6.0L) of the LS2 to 376 cubic inches (6.2L). In addition to increased size and displacement, the engine also received a thirty-horsepower increase. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds

This new iteration of the storied small-block family featured a revised, larger-bore cylinder block – 4.06-inch / 103.25 mm vs. the previous 6.0L’s 4.00-inch / 101.62 mm bores – high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06’s LS7 engine; and a new engine beauty cover.

Outwardly, there were few notable cosmetic changes to the exterior of the car. However, the wheels offered with the 2008 Corvette received some notable improvements. Corvette Coupe and Convertible models came with a new split-spoke wheel design for ’08. The design was introduced on the limited-edition ’07 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replicas with a Sterling Silver finish. The standard 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels feature a Sparkle Silver finish, with a Competition Gray version optional.

In addition to the 427-Limited Edition Z06 listed above, there were a couple of other special edition Corvettes that made their appearance as part of the 2008 lineup. As with the 2007 model year, GM once again offered a special edition Indy Pace Car model, though for the first time, the car – available as both a coupe and convertible – could be ordered in one of two special paint schemes. The first design was based on the actual 2008 Indy 500 pace car.

This special Z06 Corvette was unique in that it paced the Indianapolis 500 while running on E85 (ethanol) fuel. The second pace car design featured a special silver/black paint scheme in commemoration of the famous 1978 Corvette Pace Car model. Both pace car variations included special Titanium seats and Z06 spoilers. All of the pace cars were specially numbered and signed by Emerson Fittipaldi.

Photos of the 2008 Corvette: