2005 Chevrolet Corvette

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Chevy has put its trust in its run-flat tires, 18-inchers up front, 19s in the back.

Technical tour de force

Complimenting the powertrain and suspension technology, the 2005 Corvette has become a digital showcase. There are new, fully-electric doors (though they're backed up by mechanical emergency releases). There's not only a keyless entry system, but keyless start, a nice way to get the car warmed up on a cool Michigan morning. The system is a little quirky, requiring you to be in reverse when you shut down or your battery will continue to drain.

In the creature comforts column, there's an optional 230-watt, seven-speaker Bose audio system, with six-CD in-dash changer, or you can opt for a new navigation system. We were impressed by the new Head-Up-Display, or HUD, system, which puts a variety of information right in your line of sight. Without having to look down, this optional system can display such data as speed, cornering G-forces and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.

There are plenty of firsts, at least for Corvette, including heated seats. It's not the first 'Vette to offer an electrically-operated convertible top, but the last time such a package was offered was way back in 1962. After a simple manual operation, the top will fold down in just 18 seconds.

Ergonomics are normally not something associated with sports cars, but Dave Hill's team really thought through the location of every switch and dial. There are even two surprisingly effective cupholders in the new C6. We would have preferred a fully electric tilt/telescope wheel, however. The car comes with a tilt system, and the telescoping feature is an option.

Seats are comfortable, yet supportive, and they can handle even a large, 6'2" frame comfortably.

Just one word: Plastic

If we have one complaint, it's the center stack. Why do manufacturers invest so much and then cut corners with cheap plastic surfaces Wal-Mart would reject? The C6 audio system may sound great, but visually, it could have come out of the cheapest Chevy Aveo.

That said, there isn't much to complain about with the new Corvette. You're getting performance to rival a 911 at the price of a Boxster. Compared to the Viper, this is an incredibly sophisticated car that makes it easy to drive at the limits, but doesn't numb and dumb you down.

Were more American cars as well-designed and engineered, Detroit would still dominate the auto industry.

2005 Chevrolet Corvette

Base price: $44,245 coupe, $52,245 convertible

Engine: 6.0-liter LS2 V-8, 400-hp, 400 lb-ft.

Transmission: six-speed manual, or 4-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Length by width x height: 174.6 x 72.6 x 49.0 in (convertible: 49.1 in. height)

Wheelbase: 105.8 inches

Curb weight: 3179 lb coupe; 3199 lb convertible

EPA City/Hwy: Est. 18 mpg City/28 mpg Highway base/manual; 18 City/26 Highway base/automatic

Safety equipment: Dual front airbags, ABS brakes, traction control, stability control, alarm system, run-flat tires

Major standard equipment: HID headlamps, AC with dual-zone climate control, leather power seats, tilt wheel, premium AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 capability, cruise control, power doors, windows and mirrors

Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

Provided by TheCarConnection.com—The Web's Automotive Authority