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Old 15th March 2010, 07:30   #1
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Just got a Corvette. Pictures!

After 2 years of dreaming and 2 months of searching, I finally pulled the plug on a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette with just 3900 miles on the clock. Drove down to New Jersey and picked the car up from a private party earlier this week.

Thought I'd share some pictures with this wonderful forum.

My requirement was simple: I wanted the fastest car for my money. The Corvette has few peers in its segment, either in a straightline or in the twisties. This might be financially irresponsible on my part, but to heck with responsibility, we only live once and tomorrow is promised to no one.

I had to buy a used car to bring the Corvette into my budget and I also wanted to let the first owner take the major depreciation hit. I only wanted a 2008 and up model because 2008 is the first year with the bigger 6.2L engine and improved manual transmission and steering.

My car has the 1LT trim level (the lowest trim) with these specifications and options:
  • 6.2L LS3 engine - 436 hp at 5900rpm and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) at 4600 rpm
  • 6-Speed Manual transmission
  • Z51 Package - Stiffer suspension; Oil, Power Steering and transmission coolers; Shorter, aggressive gearing, stickier tires.
  • Dual mode exhaust (option code NPP) that sounds louder above 3500 rpm and frees up 6 more horses.
  • Dual removable roofs. One solid. One transparent
  • Competition gray wheels
  • After-market Lloyd leather seat covers and mats.
It still has 13 months left on the factory 3 yr/36k mi bumper-to-bumper warranty and the remainder of the 5 yr/100k mi powertrain warranty. I plan to take an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty next year.

I am completely in love with the Black/Comp gray combination. The car still has the new car smell and it looks and drives MINT. No scratches or chips whatsoever. The challenge is to keep it clean, and I don't even have a garage!

Just got a Corvette. Pictures!-p1000020.jpg

Just got a Corvette. Pictures!-p1000024.jpg

On the night I got the car, I took it to a deserted road and redlined 2nd and 3rd gear. That memory will live with me for a long time.

Just got a Corvette. Pictures!-p1000025.jpg

Just got a Corvette. Pictures!-p1000026.jpg

The gearbox has fairly short throws and is direct, but it needs a firm hand.The clutch pedal is nice and easy to modulate. I like the fact that it can take off from idle without any gas input. I think this is one difficult car to stall.

Just got a Corvette. Pictures!-p1000028.jpg

Just got a Corvette. Pictures!-p1000029.jpg

The NPP exhaust is pretty loud. I didn't expect the Corvette to sound the way it sounds in the higher rpms. It has the quintessential American V8 rumble (I think). I guess I imagined the vette will have a slightly more import-ish sound. Dont know why. Anyway, I am starting to love it.

Just got a Corvette. Pictures!-p1000030.jpg

Just got a Corvette. Pictures!-p1000036.jpg

The torque. I adore the torque from as low as 1000 rpm. 4th gear is good for 15 to almost 150 mph (never been to such speeds, of course). 3rd gear is devastating.

The steering effort required is nice and light. I haven't gone corner carving yet but I took a few 20mph ramps at spirited speeds and the steering isn't bad at all. But I must say, from what I have seen so far, it doesn't feel as sinuous and organic as my brother's 335i. I will form my final impression after some harder driving, though.

Just got a Corvette. Pictures!-p1000034.jpg

Just got a Corvette. Pictures!-p1000027.jpg

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Old 15th March 2010, 07:42   #2
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Congratulations on your new addition. What a car to own, the car looks awesome and great pictures too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by tacho View Post
A
On the night I got the car, I took it to a deserted road and redlined 2nd and 3rd gear. That memory will live with me for a long time

Thats one lucky bhpian. Jealous of you tacho ... lol!
Take good care of her and drive safely.
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Old 15th March 2010, 08:05   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tacho View Post
After 2 years of dreaming and 2 months of searching, I finally pulled the plug on a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette with just 3900 miles on the clock. Drove down to New Jersey and picked the car up from a private party earlier this week.

Awesome tacho !!! you are one lucky chap to own a babe like this. Is that a blue or black one ? Some pics seems to show a dark bluish reflection sort of color.
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Old 15th March 2010, 08:07   #4
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congrats on your buy.
she looks gorgeous In black.
as said time and time again this is the most VFM super car in the world .
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Old 15th March 2010, 08:26   #5
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Congrats. One mean and awesome ride

and pretty sure it would have been a great deal.. makes us wonder why people sell such cars so early !!

Can you share the numbers ?
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Old 15th March 2010, 08:43   #6
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Thanks guys

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Can you share the numbers ?
Sure. 36.7k incl taxes and registration
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Old 15th March 2010, 08:48   #7
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What a hot looking car !! Are those standard Corvette rims ? I'm very impressed if they are.
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Old 15th March 2010, 09:01   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flyingspur View Post
What a hot looking car !! Are those standard Corvette rims ? I'm very impressed if they are.
The standard rims have the same design but are finished in silver. These Competition Grays are a $400 option
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Old 15th March 2010, 09:01   #9
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@tacho - Congrats..!!!

Last edited by yousivakutti : 15th March 2010 at 09:04.
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Old 15th March 2010, 09:09   #10
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just one word dude - WOW!!! what a beauty!
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Old 15th March 2010, 09:25   #11
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Wow,wow wow. 436 bhp, freeways and a manual trans ! And i here have 150 bhp, dogs, potholes,autorickshawalas.....yeah we only live once ! Congrats
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Old 15th March 2010, 09:25   #12
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Quote:
took it to a deserted road and redlined 2nd and 3rd gear. That memory will live with me for a long time.
Living the dream of a true petrol head. Congrats.

The car looks stunning. Can you post a video too ( want to hear it growl )?
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Old 15th March 2010, 09:29   #13
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Awesome piece of equipment. The quintessential American Muscle Car
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Old 15th March 2010, 09:34   #14
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Congrats on your 'new' vette, hope car's history is clean. Since it has got 13 more months warranty period left there is nothing much to worry about.

What's the deal you got?:-)
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Old 15th March 2010, 09:35   #15
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Sweet!
Congrats on the beauty!

So, the "buy second hand" works out well there too!

EDIT: Silly question. where is the front number plate?
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