Chevrolet has announced a series of upgrades for the 2012 model Corvette that underline its positioning as an on-track performance car; most of the changes are intended to improve the top models' circuit capabilities although there are no changes to the engines.
The new models - including the racing-inspired Chevrolet Centennial Edition - will make their public debut at a special event this weekend at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky; production is due to begin in July.
Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter said: "We're always trying to make the Corvette a better car on the road as well as the track.
"For 2012, the Corvette line-up will reach its highest performance level yet while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several new features inside the car."
It all starts with new, optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tyres, available on the lightweight, 377kW Z06 and supercharged, 476kW ZR1. These are competition-oriented tyres, optimised for cornering grip and precision handling in warm, dry conditions. They were developed by the same Michelin engineers who develop tires for Corvette Racing in the American Le Mans Series and are essentially street-legal versions of the race tyres.
The 285/30-19 front and 335/25-20 rear tackies are matched with new aluminium Cup-style rims in satin black or machined finishes, which are stronger - and about 2.2kg each lighter - than the 20-spoked 2011 rims.
They are included in the optional Z07 performance package on the Corvette Z06 and a new PDE performance package on the ZR1.
Together with the Corvette's traction control system, which manages torque delivery for maximum performance, the tyres are expected to improve lateral acceleration by eight percent to 1.1G and significantly shorten braking distances.
And that's not pie in the sky: GM test drivers shaved three second a lap off their previous best times at Virginia International Raceway.
Performance traction management (offered on the Z06 for the first time in 2012) optimises traction for more consistent on-track performance, integrating traction control, active handling and selective ride control systems to enhance handling consistency, and automatically manages acceleration under full throttle coming out of a corner.
The 2012 Z07 and PDE packages will also included a full-width racing-style spoiler for improved aerodynamics. The Z06 model will also come with magnetic selective ride control and, as before, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes will be a part of the Z07 chassis package (and standard on the ZR1).
A carbon-fibre bonnet will be an extra-cost option on the Z06 and the ZR1's standard manual gearbox now has taller fifth and sixth gears to reduce fuel consumption on the open road.
All 2012 Corvettes will have new seats with larger bolsters on the seat back and cushion areas for better lateral while remaining comfortable for daily street driving
A revised steering wheel has model-specific badges, streamlined switch trim and wrapped spokes, and a padded centre console and armrests will be standard on all 2012 Corvette. The optional full-leather trim is also available with contrasting colour stitching in red, blue or yellow .
Twenty-Twelve 'Vettes will also have a new Bose audio system with nine speakers instead of the previous seven, including new tweeters in the instrument panel and improved bass performance.
Then there's the 2LT technology package that adds a satellite radio with navigation, a head-up display, a Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port.
Finally, 2012 Corvette customers can ask for customised brake callipers in red, yellow, silver or grey.