Road deterioration was well absorbed by my tester's stock, 4-wheel independent suspension setup without inducing excessive

Road deterioration was well absorbed by my tester's stock, 4-wheel independent suspension setup. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

jarring into the cockpit or provoking annoying rattles and shudders. I suspect chassis reinforcement needed to compensate for the loss of a hardtop or targa-style roof serves to beef-up the Vette's structural rigidity and improve its overall sense of solidity. But in fairness, the stiffer spring calibrations of the Z51 handling package underpinning my previous Corvette tester significantly contributed to its harsh, twitchy ride. Optional in the suspending category is GM's slick, Magnetic Selective Ride Control. It may be the best means of securing a foot in both suspension worlds without committing to either; sounds like something best resolved by a psychologist.

Much has already been written about the technical aspects of the C6 since

Sports cars matching the Corvette's performance thresholds have generally emerged from manufacturers situated abroad and almost always at far greater expense. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

its 2005 introduction, so I want to focus a bit on the fun and nostalgia the vehicle delivers, leaving the techno-minutiae to a minimum. The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most recognizable sports cars around the world. Introduced in 1953, it's now in its 6th generation: hence the "C6" nomenclature. In addition to its familiarity worldwide, the Corvette has for the most part enjoyed a reputation for world-class performance at bargain basement prices - relatively speaking. Sports cars matching the Corvette's performance thresholds have generally emerged from manufacturers situated abroad and almost always at far greater expense. These rarified exotics may have pranced with greater finesse, but dollar for dollar the cloddish Corvette has almost always held its own on the track and off.