The side and rear looks are more familiar, and that's a good thing. So are the new tires, which are 18-inch up front and 19-inch in the back.

"The passion on the outside is reflected in an all-new interior." (Photo: General Motors)

Overall, I don't know that anyone's going to fall to their knees in awe of the new look, but it's sleek and stylish and there are no ugly bits and you have to be thankful for that. Consider the BMW Z4 in that regard.

It's hard to imagine anyone who won't prefer the new interior, since it's yet more evidence that GM is starting to get the hang of crafting better interiors.

According to Hill, ''The passion on the outside is reflected in an all-new interior. The twin-cockpit layout incorporates sophisticated contours, leather-like surfaces that are richer and softer, and pleasing details including metallic accents and an expressive use of color.''

The instrument panel and door trim areas uses lots of cast skin, which Hill said is able to ''retain the look and feel of genuine leather with excellent softness, low gloss and low glare that conveys an overall premium appearance and quality.''

Anodized aluminum accents such key areas as the manual shift knob and door release buttons, and includes a screen-printed appliqué that minimizes sun glare and is resistant to temperature changes and fingerprints.

Corvette for 2005 contains many new electronic technologies, including Keyless Access with push-button start, and optional features such as a reconfigurable head-up display, DVD-navigation system with voice activation, and OnStar.