2009 Chevrolet Corvette Trims

The Base 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is anything but, with all the features and amenities you’d normally expect on a top-tier trim. From its dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power mirrors, and Xenon headlights to its leather bucket seats and satellite radio, there’s very little in this Corvette that screams “base.” All of this is, of course, ignoring the potent 6.2-liter V8 that sits not so quietly under the hood. The 430 hp it produces is channeled through a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission, but both come with a limited-slip differential and traction control. Also available is a specially-tuned exhaust system Chevrolet calls “dual-mode.” It utilizes vacuum-actuated outlet valves that keep the exhaust tame at idle, but open for a more aggressive sound when the rpm needle sweeps upward, which also results in a 6-hp increase. The Base Corvette runs on 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloys, wrapped in run-flat tires. Its AM/FM/CD/MP3 player has controls on the tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, and one year of OnStar is also included. Power windows, door locks, and remote keyless entry with keyless access and starting are standard. The driver’s seat has 6-way power, and the driver’s side mirror automatically adjusts for day and night driving, as does the rearview mirror.

A removable, body-colored roof panel sits above the driver’s head, while a center console can be found to his right. Cruise control, a tachometer, compass, and outside-temperature indicator are all included for further convenience, as well as illuminated visor mirrors and floormats. Intermittent front wipers are joined by a rear defogger, and together with the automatic headlights, foglights, and daytime running lights, make sure visibility won’t be an issue.

Safety features include dual front airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with anti-skid, a tire-pressure monitor, and a theft-deterrent system.

A manually folding convertible top is standard fare for the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, although a power top is an option. Otherwise, the car is virtually identical to the hatchback model. The same 430 horses pour out of the 6.2-liter V8 - 436 with the dual-mode exhaust system - with the six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission.

Owners enjoy many amenities, including leather bucket seats with 6-way driver power-adjustment, power windows, doors, and heated power mirrors that automatically adjust for day and night conditions. The rearview mirror also adjusts, whereas the visor mirrors are illuminated. Cruise and dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, as well as remote keyless entry and keyless access and starting. A tachometer, compass, and outside-temperature indicator are among the dials and gauges to be found on the dash, and the tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel houses controls for the AM/FM/CD/MP3 player that comes with satellite radio. One year of OnStar is also included.

The Corvette rolls on 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels that come with run-flat tires, and its automatic headlights are Xenon units, complimented by daytime running and foglights. Intermittent front wipers and a rear defogger take care of the rest of visibility duty.

Safety features include a limited-slip differential, traction control, dual front airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with anti-skid, a tire-pressure monitor, and a theft-deterrent system.

Just in case a 430-hp, 6.2-liter V8 doesn’t do it for you, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 comes with a monstrous 7.0-liter V8, good for 505 hp. A six-speed manual is the only option here, but instead of the optional automatic, you’ll get uprated, 355mm front and 340mm rear brakes behind the wider 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels. Additional improvements over the Base and Convertible trims include a sport-tuned suspension, fixed roof panel, and a heads-up instrument display that shows both vehicle and engine speed.

Inside you’ll find leather bucket seats split by a center console, as well as a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with controls for the AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, equipped with satellite radio. The driver enjoys 6-way power for his seat, as well as automatic day/night side and rearview mirrors. The side mirrors, along with the doors and windows, are all power, and are matched by remote keyless entry as well as keyless access and starting. For further convenience, look to cruise and dual-zone automatic climate control, a tachometer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, and one year of OnStar.

Automatic front headlights are Xenon units and are joined by daytime running and foglights, as well as intermittent front wipers and a rear defogger to complete the visibility package.

Safety features include a limited-slip differential, traction control, dual front airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with anti-skid, a tire-pressure monitor, and a theft-deterrent system.