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Magnesium panels, LS3 powered, 50/50 weight symmetry, two seating cockpit, aerodynamically conscious, 435 horsepower super machine. Sounds like something out of a naval base, eh? Well its something like that. Kendall Chevrolet in Miami is where you can find a fleet of these mechanical goliaths, and they have a name: Corvette. Tradition, innovation, and downright power; Three defining terms that accurately describe what was experienced the day Sensate and I transitioned from editors to pilots. Here’s the dig…






With classic arching fender flares and a hood bigger than my bed, the 2008 Chevy Corvette stays paralleled to its revolutionary roots. A sharp front end, circular tail lights, and that oh so satisfying growl upon ignition bethinks old timers while winning over newcomers. Differing from its previous model, the new ‘Vettes come more compact and modern in size, sharper in stance. Headlights come color matched with the body color to give off a more customized look and are no longer “flip-up”. Although better with air flow, the Corvette’s grill, or should I say mouth, thickly stretches across the front. Yucky if you ask me. The word “Corvette” being engraved into the rear bumper, rather than a messily badge was a plus. Also, the rear bumper expands from the very bottom to the very top and to the sides of the rear end, canceling any pauses in its smooth contour. In the belly of the beast, we find slick carbon-fiber moldings from the shifter to the center dash, but sigh at its generic steering wheel. Technically advanced is its keyless ignition, doors locks, and radio-on settings. Sure getting into the Corvette is steep and low, but once inside, the space and ambient is dome-like. Leather seats come standard, but Chevy’s definition of “leather” for the ‘Vette isn’t quite like any other leather I have felt, rubbery in texture. All and all, thumbs up for this stud muffin’s looks.






Freak’n fast! How fast is “Freak’n fast“? Chirping the tires while down shifting to first gear in an AUTOMATIC Corvette -fast. Not to mention the Gs that were felt during the process. No doubt about it, any ’08 Corvette is pushing steep numbers. A sure bargain when comparing cars with these many ponies under the hood and the prices they are packing. Z06 models from the previous generation packed 404 horsepower while these base model ‘Vettes punch out a whopping 435 horsepower; new Z06’s with 70 HP more than that! Lightweight paneling and, as always, a flat staggered stance make setting the street a’ blaze a breeze. Steering was stiff, but gripping the road and hugging curbs was not a problem. I felt the suspension system a little bit too loose, especially when accelerating. And finally, visibility. When doing a sports car in this league, one must settle for small windows. Besides the huge hood and fenders, I saw fine. And for the record (now that the world is going crazy for green technologies), Corvette over here is said to get a peaking 36 miles a gallon on the highway. Never thought you’d hear that from a V8, eh?






If it’s American, and easily understood, point and case. Hood, truck, and fuel flap buttons were not problems, neither was the dash board. Luminous dials lit my eyes, along with an informative digital screen above the steering stem. A rather simple radio set up, nonetheless nice. Fun fact: All non Z-06 models come either convertible or “topless able”. That’s right! The roof comes off both ways. Hard top models are able to snap off their roofs and easily placed in its ample trunk. Also, automatic models come with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, so manual transmissions don’t get all the fun. Automatic models are actually faster than manual models due to the reduction of power loss while shifting. Standard XM radio, Onstar service for one year, and auto-dimming mirrors with compass. Chevy really put even minute details under the scope, so it doesn’t matter what kind of Vetty you decide on, your king of the road.






It’s a Corvette. Are you not entertained? Plenty of high-tech features, eye boggling power, and street credibility comes standard! Throwing in an in-dash screen, chrome rim package, or just add a few more horses… passing the 500’s is solely up to pilot to decide. Either way, your pushing a ‘Vette.




Base models come with most of the fun already. From there on, it’s how crazy you want your Corvette to look or go. In saying that, someone that can afford a 2008 Chevy Corvette is really getting their money’s worth. Starting at 48 grand, you’re on a whole other level of cars, and you can be reassured that you’re not being ripped off for the “Chevy” logo. This is a car’s car.




Loved the time spent in this beast. By far the fastest car I have ever test driven, and one of the most well-equipped. The price is a little staggering for the general public, but be rest assured this isn’t an expensive “foo-foo” toy, this is sheer American Muscle. We recommend you check out the rest of the shoot pictures, they will change your life, click here!


Score: 4.7/5.0

- Nader

Special Thanks: ALL of Kendall Chevrolet. One of the best dealerships in town.