2012 Chevrolet Corvette: Power, Performance and Trim Details
Chevrolet's 2012 Corvette range offers four distinct trims, with engines from 430 to 638 horsepower and prices starting at $30,200 for the base coupe.
Chevrolet's 2012 Corvette lineup covers a broad spectrum of performance, from the 430-horsepower base coupe to the supercharged ZR1 with 638 horsepower. The four-trim range is aimed at buyers seeking everything from a relatively accessible American sports car to a full-fledged supercar rival.
2012 Corvette model range and engines
The base 2012 Corvette Coupe uses a 6.2-litre LS3 V8, producing 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can opt for a convertible, and a dual-mode exhaust system raises output to 436 horsepower. The Grand Sport, available as both coupe and convertible, shares the LS3 but adds a wider track, upgraded suspension and brakes, and a more aggressive body kit, effectively bridging the gap between the standard car and the higher-performance models.
The Z06 moves to a 7.0-litre LS7 V8, rated at 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. It sheds weight compared to the Grand Sport, with a curb weight of 3,175 pounds, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 3.7 seconds. The ZR1 sits at the top, powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 producing 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft, giving it a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph.
| Trim | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 mph (sec) | Top speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe/Convertible | 6.2L V8 | 430/436 | 424 | N/A | 186 |
| Grand Sport | 6.2L V8 | 430/436 | 424 | 4.0 | N/A |
| Z06 | 7.0L V8 | 505 | 470 | 3.7 | 198 |
| ZR1 | 6.2L supercharged V8 | 638 | 604 | 3.4 | 205 |
Equipment, technology and interior
Standard equipment across the range includes leather seats, remote keyless entry, cruise control, heated mirrors, and a power driver's seat. All models feature alloy wheels and fog lights. Navigation and Bluetooth are available, though Bluetooth is optional on most trims. The interior, long a point of criticism, saw incremental improvements for 2012, but materials and fit still lagged behind European rivals at the time.
Pricing and positioning
Pricing for the 2012 Corvette starts at $30,200 for the base coupe, rising to $39,800 for the Grand Sport, $44,100 for the Z06, and $68,900 for the ZR1. Chevrolet positioned the Corvette as a supercar value, offering world-class acceleration and handling at a fraction of the price of European competitors. The ZR1, in particular, was aimed squarely at buyers considering much more expensive imports.
While the Corvette had no direct domestic rivals in 2012, its closest competitors in performance terms came from Europe. The C6 generation, now in its eighth year, continued to build on the model's reputation for delivering accessible speed and track capability.
Performance and practicality
Despite the supercar performance, the 2012 Corvette offered practical touches such as a 22.4-cubic-foot cargo area and a usable cabin for two. Fuel economy ranged from 14 mpg city/21 mpg highway for the ZR1 to 15/25 mpg for the base and Grand Sport models. All versions required premium fuel.
For buyers seeking more information on later Corvette developments, including the seventh-generation Stingray and special editions, see2014 Corvette Stingray New Details Released.
