That tended to make me think the next Corvette -- the C6, for sixth generation -- would be just as persuasive a product, and now that I've seen it and been given prodigious amounts of background exposure to it, I am no longer in any doubt.

The C6 Corvette Coupe is smaller and leaner, the engine is a 6-litre V8 and its performance ratings are huge. (Photo: General Motors)

The key rumors are true -- the C6 Corvette Coupe is smaller and leaner, the engine is a 6-litre V8 and its performance ratings are huge, the look is sleeker and more European, its every-day livability is improved, and the signature hidden headlamps end their run after 33 years.

Hill and his folks have tried to build a sportscar that is easily the best buy in the segment, and they've succeeded. C6 combines awesome performance with impressive comfort and a sticker price that is low, in relative terms. I also wouldn't be surprised if it was the best built of all the cars in its class, and less likely to cause its owners to suffer lost time or money.

Listen to Hill on the subject and see if you don't understand the feeling of determination that I got in our conversations: "Our goal is to create a Corvette that does more things well than any performance car. We've thoroughly improved performance and developed new features and capabilities in many areas, while at the same time systematically searching out and destroying every imperfection we could find." Makes you glad you're not the cause of some wind noise or something, doesn't it?

Having said all that, I understand that I risk sounding sadly sensible when I talk about value in a sportscar, so let me add quickly that the C6 is also very attractive and likely to be very, very quick.