Overview:
In a word… awesome. This could be the end of the story about this Corvette Convertible, and surely the shortest review ever. But there are other words to describe this car. Incredible comes to mind. If you don’t read another word, you know enough. I love this country.
I love that we still lead the way in so many things. I love that we have the ingenuity to produce such a great car that is “nearly” affordable. With a retail price range of $38,197 – $45,095, you can own the excitement of one of the world’s finest sports cars.
I was reminded of the reason for our leadership in the development and design of anything and everything. I attended the graduation of a friend from the world famous Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. One of the areas of education they excel in just happens to be automotive design. And I believe one of the reasons for their notoriety is the rich diversity of nationalities represented in that school. One third of the graduating class were from about twelve other countries.
History of the Corvette: It was introduced in 1953, in 1975 the convertible was discontinued, and in 1986 the convertible reintroduced. The 1999 model year is the fifth-generation Corvette and includes the first fixed-roof ‘Vette since 1967. It delivers the same performance of other trims but for a lower base price. Also new for 1999 is a Heads-Up Display, which is a projection of speed and other information onto the windshield only visible to the driver.
Handling is spectacular which is made possible by the cars improved rigidity. It finally gave engineers the ability to improve the handling characteristics that are relatively unique to Corvette. It is very noticeable to those who have driven Corvettes over the years, and is bound to draw praise from supporters and critics alike. The design incorporates a combination of an Active Handling System with the ABS and Traction Control systems to give this car equal or superior handling of any car in the world. This combination of computer assisted handling makes it almost impossible to spin out, or oversteer. I could have used that technology in the Porsche I lost control of on the Willow Springs racetrack. Professional race driver David Murry, who drives for Porsche, was my passenger and although he tried to correct my steering problem he wasn’t fast enough and we did a complete 360 on turn number three. The Active Handling System reacts in a fraction of a second. I drove the same track on the same day in this Corvette and didn’t have that problem. But I have to admit I probably pushed the Porsche harder because of the perception that it is better since it is “more expensive”. Not!
The 1999 Chevrolet Corvette is available in three trims: Hardtop, Coupe and Convertible.
I love convertibles, and have owned several over the years. They are not real popular with the fairer sex, probably having more to do with paying $50 or $100 to have their hair done. King Solomon had the same problem with his 1000 wives. Vanity, he said, everything under the sun is vanity.
The competition is pretty awesome too, and I’ve driven all except for the Lotus Esprit. But I have to tell you, for the money, this Corvette is a hands down winner.
The competition:
Five countries bring us: Dodge Viper $65-68,000, Lotus Esprit $84,000 Porsche 911 $65- 80,000, Ferrari F355 $121-141,000, Acura NSX $84-$88,000, Mitsubishi 3000GT $25-44,000, Toyota Supra $31-40,000
Good News:
Solid ride, handling as if you’re on rails, great trunk space, awesome acceleration, flat out fun to drive, the best control of any car on the market, great pricing, convertible top simple to put up and down, made in USA.
Bad News:
Two-seater limitation, space behind the seats “is” the trunk – which means I could hear my golf clubs rattling around, top is manually operated.
Standard Equipment:
5.7-liter V8 345 hp engine, 4-speed auto trans, traction control, 4-wheel independent suspension with anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), power speed sensitive rack & pinion steering, aluminum wheels, extended mobility tires with low pressure warning, air conditioning, remote entry, theft-deterrent system, AM/FM stereo cassette, sport bucket seats.
Gas Stats:
17 City and 25 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $44,999 and $48,678 after option additions of adjustable seats, Active Handling, Heads up display, climate control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel.
