http://www.phantomss.com/testdrive.jpg

Today I met for dinner with a close friend of mine that most of us here know.

We also met with a lead engineer from "another" automotive company. Let's just say that he currently has a hand in people getting "bitten" by a somewhat low production car.

Incidentally, the person from the "other" company and I used to work together at yet another company that most of us here also know.
(He's the one in the driver's seat in the pic linked above)



So anyway, the three of us met for dinner, just on a social level. We talked about things here and there, and some things were mentioned while others where not. Remember how someone keeps saying "Have faith"? Keep that in mind, he's not kidding.

Okay, enough of the secrecy. At the end of the dinner, the other gentleman and I each took a short test drive in the C6.

I won't go into great detail, most of you have already heard all about it.

It was a base model automatic pre-production car. Nothing special, the mildest gear, etc. It had a few rough spots that would not ever make production...fit and finish, some paint flaws, etc. This is to be expected from a pre-production car.

If you haven't heard about the door "handles" (if you want to call them that), they are very neat. No need for a key or to pull a lever of any sort. Just reach inside the "handle" area and squeeze gently with your fingertips and the door pops open. Before it opens, the window automatically drops down a half inch or so to clear the seal on the bottom of the roof where the window slides in to keep rain and wind noise down. When you close the door completely, the window slides back up to make the seal. To release from the inside, just push the button on the door and it pops open for you. It is nothing dramatic like the car with shaved door handles and automatic doors that pop open with a crude "ker-clunk", the C5 door actuators are very subtle but positive. Pretty slick.

The seats were the base seats but were very comfortable and driver position was superb. The power was impressive, the handling was great. Braking was postive and precise. It overall felt great and was finely balanced. The exhaust was somewhat quiet. I am not sure if this will be different on the full production version.

It was only a short test drive due to time constraints, and I didn't get the chance to put it through the paces, but I was very impressed with the car for the short time I got to drive it.

Let me quote what was said to me... "If you like the LS1, you will love the LS2". I most definitely agree. The C6 is most definitely the positive evolution of a world class car, and it is only the beginning. From what I understand, the C6 Z06 version will be designed so you do not have to look for a badge on the side to determine that it is a Z06. That's all I am going to say about that.

The Revolution is certainly in full effect.

 

I noticed a few words in your post of the type "base", as in "base model." Come on, this is a freaking Corvette! Anything "base" in this car should be top of the line material anyway. I understand that Z06 will offer some greater enhancements, but let us not cheapen C6 by such words as "base". It's not a Cobalt.

Nuff said.

 

"Base" meaning "standard". Again, an oxymoron? It certainly does not mean cheap or substandard. The materials and quality were excellent.

In this case, what I mean is the only option was the removeable roof. No performance enhancements or extra features.

I think the Z06 will live up to the expectations of many, and surprise the rest.

 

I hope the future camaro looks better than the new vette.

 

Me too.

 

thats awesome! Hell, Id like to just drive by one, but get to drive one! Ultra Awesome.

 

Same here. I will never like those headlights on the C6. (or that all-black roof effect caused by the non-body colored pillars, if they keep that look) *Edited specifically for DXed*

I'm glad you'll be able to tell apart a Z06 from a base Corvette. Lets hope that goes for all model Camaro's and every other GM car while we're at it!

 

wow..cool man..so its got the type of tech that the Lexus has with the identification thingy?? to open the doors?? cool

one things...hows the foot placement? still cramp up? or more room..it is a smaller car..

 

The "black roof" is a removable tinted glass panel...

 

Ya, It's been optional on Corvette's in targa style since 1984... And T-Tops before that from 1968-1982.

Guess you don't like the "black roof" look of T-Tops on Camaro's either, then IZ28??

 

The new Mustang has the same feature. I think it's pretty slick, but I'm wondering how it'll work out.

 

I hope you get a chance at a C6 Z51 6 speed, it's a night and day difference in feel and performance.

As for the coming Z06? Oh yes, it's certainly something.

 

The Chevy SSR has had this feature since the get-go in 2003... saw it first hand... Gotta figure it makes a superior seal on the door... also gotta wonder what happens if the motor goes out and you need to open/close the door.


Also, I figured a "certain someone" from this board would have to get one of those Corvette pilot cars to drive around in...

 

The auto window-up-down feature isn't really new. BMW used it on its 8 series cars that came out in the late 80s/90s. other makes may have used it even before this , I'm not sure, but the 8 series cars are the first vehicles that I know it appeared on.

The new Vette does sound and looks like a genuine step forward. That can only mean good things down the road (ie. Camaro)- I hope.

 

Very nice. I have read (probably on here) that with the XLR, you don't have to actually but a key in the ignition. Just have it on your person and press the start button. Is this true, and is the C6 the same way? Sounds pretty cool.