DriveTech

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Six-speed Automatic Paddle Shift

Corvette with paddle shift is a blast to drive

Boy, it's nice to be back in my favorite car - The 2006 Corvette C6. But this time I was convinced to try the all-new paddle-shift, six-speed automatic. I'm not in favor of automatic transmissions in a car of this caliber, but we're never too old to learn new tricks and Chevrolet has
taught me another lesson.

This paddle shifter is a total blast to drive. The shifter is mounted on the steering wheel and can be operated from either side of the steering wheel.
It doesn't get in the way if you just want to slip it into "D" and let the car do all the shifting. This is all new for the 2006 C6 Corvette and I must admit it really enhances the rest of the car's options and features.

This Corvette is painted silver with a two-tone interior. It also has "Heads Up Display," which is a real great idea and it really helps keep your eyes on the road. This car can also be set into "Competition Mode," which means the traction control is disabled and you're now on your own. You can also set the heads up display for "Track Mode." There are two different screens that display "G" Force information in turns and during acceleration. There's a knob in the center of the console that allows you to change the suspension
rate from "Touring" to "Sport." With P245/40ZR18 tires up front and P285/35Zr19s in the rear, the only thing missing is a number on the side of the car.

The 2006 Corvette Z06 paced the Daytona 500 this year with Jay Leno behind the wheel and was the first pace car that didn't need any modifications other than light bars and decals. But if you're not into going fast or racing on the weekends, the 2006 Corvette can become a very docile cat. It gets anywhere from 17 to 18 miles per gallon in the city and around 27 to 28 miles per gallon on the open road.

If you opt for the 505 horsepowed Z06, you will still be able to get 16 miles to the gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the open road. Of course, these numbers change with the amount of depression you put on the gas pedal! I had this car long enough to register 26.4 miles per gallon.
Show me another car with this kind of performance that gives this kind of economy, plus put a smile on your face the whole time you're behind the wheel.

There were a couple of features that took a little getting used to, such as the lack of an ignition key what. You get is a smart key fob. When it's turned on or you are near the car, it unlocks by itself. Touch a pad behind the doors and they open. Once inside, all you need to do is depress the brake pedal and push the green button on the dash just for a second and the Corvette comes to life. One other electrical device involves getting out of the Corvette. As the photo shows, there's a small button you lightly depress
to open the doors. I'm sure there are a few skeptics out there wondering what happens if the battery goes dead and you can't get out? There's a lever on the floor by each door that can be used to open the door.

My test coupe came with the optional blue transparent removable hardtop. The interior is typical Corvette, with dual bucket seats with optional heat up and covers that are ventilated for cooling purposes. There's a-CD driven
navigation system and as typical of all C5 and C6 Corvettes, you get an information center that gives enough information and driver options to keep you busy for a week.

Even though I prefer a manual transmission, I really enjoyed the ride. It wasn't the Z06, but do we really need 505 horsepower? I must admit this car gave me all I wanted and when an idiot pulls up on your tail when you're cruising at 70 mph in the fast lane, no need to get angry - just hit the
pedal for a moment and he will become a speck in your rearview mirror!

I want to thank Jimmy Johnson Chevrolet for all its hospitality. You really need to check out this dealership to see if this car is for you. If Jimmy Johnson Chevrolet is not in your area, stop by any Chevrolet dealer.

The Corvette bases out at around $43,000 and goes up with the option list. So have some fun - check out the all-new Corvette C6. What a ride!