2009 Chevrolet Corvette

ZR1. ZR1. ZR1. The fastest and most powerful car GM has ever built becomes available for public consumption in 2009. We've driven it, and it was nothing short of "shock and awe" inspiring. But after all the tire smoke cleared (it took a while), the rest of the Corvette lineup has come into view. For the 2009 model year, the iconic sports car receives styling adjustments, convenience features, and the introduction of a lower-priced Corvette convertible.

All 2009 Corvettes receive two additional color options: cyber gray metallic and blade silver metallic. Machine silver metallic is discontinued. Bluetooth capability is now included on the options list and steering-wheel audio controls are standard across the board. A base 1LT package is available for the convertible, dropping the introductory price to $51,700, or $3725 less than 2008 2LT variants. Not content with being undercut, the 2LT option now includes a power-operated top.

The base coupe sports a strong bang-for-the-buck factor. Starting at $47,045, the coupe is less than half the price of a ZR1 and about $3000 less than the cost of the previous-generation Z06. The 6.2L V-8 still produces 430 hp (25 more than the C5 Z06) and an optional 2.5-inch dual-chambered exhaust system bumps that number by six. The 2009 Z06 is powered by the same 505-hp, 7.0L V-8 as last year, and of course, the ZR1 receives the supercharged 638-hp, 6.2L monster.

Suspension options are carried over from 2008, with optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control and a Z51 performance package. The former utilizes magnetorheological fluid to adjust damping on the fly based on road conditions while the Z51 package is a bit more basic, utilizing aggressive damping, stiff spring rates, Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, and big (13.4-in. front, 13.0-in. rear) cross-drilled brake rotors. Gear ratios for first, second, and third gear are shortened as well.

New to the Z06 is a larger dry-sump oiling system (up to 10.5 quarts from 8) borrowed from the ZR1; a 10-spoke wheel design offered in four colors; new trim fashioned to the interior, including door sills with the Z06 logo; and an upgraded audio system. The Z06 starts at $72,405, up $280 over last year's MSRP.

The base six-speed Corvette is the most fuel efficient at 16/26 miles per gallon city/highway. Opt for the auto and mileage falls by one on both ends. The all-aluminum mill in the Z06 drops economy to 15/24, and the ZR1 pays the price for the supercharger with fuel mileage at 14/20. Still it betters Ferrari's F430, a relative polluter at 11/16.

No major changes to the Corvette lineup means loyalists will be more than satisfied. The styling adjustments and convenience features are sure to make the sports car more welcoming, and a lower-priced convertible doesn't hurt, either. Then, of course, there's the ZR1. Say the name all you want, it never gets tiring. ZR1. ZR1. ZR1.