New Corvette Z06: An Alternative to Typical Fuel Efficiency Cars

Posted by: Automan on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008

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The Detroit News Online’s Auto Insider reported that the Corvette Z06’s fuel efficiency may rival the Honda Civic Hybrid in an editorial story written last week.

With gas as high as three dollars a gallon, American consumers are looking for alternative car makes and models that will guzzle less gas. Some may be looking for less voracious fuel connoisseurs to replace the his and her matching 10 miles-per-gallon Hummers and Lexus SUVs. Others may be considering different cars to lessen the overtaxing of the world’s natural resources and pollution of the environment. Most consumers have good intentions, but are unlikely to sacrifice prestige and style for economy and practicality. It’s not the American way.

When speaking on the subject of fuel efficient cars, people equate economical value (or perceived value) of the car itself with fuel efficiency. These two subjects are not mutually exclusive.

Consumer Reports magazine revealed a list of compact and subcompact car make and model recommendations for those seeking functionality over flash and performance.

The Top Three Most Fuel Efficient Cars 1. Honda Insight 2. Toyota Prius 3. Honda Civic Hybrid.

As you can see, these practical cars do not take into account more higher-end cars with just as efficient fuel intake. What if you could have both fuel efficiency and a classic, stylisth, American body style? John McCormick from the Detroit Auto Insider says you can.

“For some years this icon of American sports cars [Corvette Z06] has actually been a closet fuel miser, but few people have recognized the fact. I just drove a brand new Z06, the current king of the hill ‘Vette, with a tire-shredding 500 horsepower on tap, and managed an impressive trip average of 23.4 mpg…a fast car is not automatically a gas hog. To underscore the point, I took a similar journey in a minivan and found myself consuming just over 20 mpg,” said John McCormick from Detroit’s Auto Insider.

Why is a Z06 a good buy when it comes to gas?

It’s science at work here. Weight and aerodynamic drag are two primary enemies of fuel efficiency, which explains why heavy, blunt-faced, traditional sport utility vehicles and minivans generally suck down fuel and the sleek, relatively light-weight Z06 burns conservatively.

So if you are the 40 something or 50 something baby boomer accused of buying a Corvette because of a mid-life crisis, you can retort by pointing out your Corvette gets more miles-to-the-gallon than your buddy’s Land Rover or minivan. This also works well as justified logic for your wife. You’re welcome.

About the Author

Neil Lemons represents http://www.CorvetteGearUSA.com. CorvetteGearUSA offers Corvette jackets for enthusiasts and fans. A subsidiary of Athalon Sports Goods, CorvetteGearUSA offers the latest in Corvette clothing & bags.

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Tags: Automotive, Fuel Article, Fuel, Article