This is a world-class package Corvette’s engineers have assembled, with handling, braking and acceleration guaranteed to put a smile on the face of even the most jaded driver. Even with a sophisticated traction control system, the Corvette’s chassis is very sensitive to throttle inputs, which is a good thing. How a driver apexes a corner at speed varies with degree of throttle input, and that’s just plain fun.

The new Corvette is the first since 1962 that doesn't have hideaway headlights. (Photo: Chevrolet) » More Photos

One cautionary word of warning that’s even truer now than it’s ever been: The limits of adhesion are so high in the Corvette that you can be lulled into a false sense of security about your own abilities as a driver. Best to work one’s way up to high speed at a measured pace.

Styling: Much has been made of the fact that the C6 Corvette is the first since 1962 without hidden headlights. In person, that’s really not an issue. The latest Corvette is sleek and sexy, but it’s also plenty muscular. There’s no question that this car was built for speed and no question it’s a Corvette.

And to my eyes anyway, the jetstream blue paint is a perfect color choice — nowhere near as common as red or silver, but very bright and aggressive in its own right.

Corvette's interior is comfortable and roomy, with appropriately sporty gauges and gear. (Photo: Corvette) » More Photos

Interior: For years, European sports car owners have pointed, with some justification, at the Corvette’s interior and singled it out as the car’s Achilles Heel. While the fit, finish and materials of the newest Corvette probably won’t convince any Porsche owners to turn in their string-back gloves and come over to The Dark Side, the new ‘Vette’s interior is a quantum leap over the ones found in its forebears.

For one thing, the seats in the 2009 Corvette actually provide some support, something the old ones failed at notoriously. The dash is logically organized, two giant, easy-to-read round gauges for the speedometer and tachometer, flanked by smaller gauges for secondary functions.

In general, the Corvette cockpit is a very hospitable place from which to get your business done. Like the rest of the car, Chevrolet has steadily improved the interior of the Corvette.

And while the older vintage Corvettes are fondly remembered — deservedly so — by enthusiasts, there’s no question that from a functional aspect, the 2009 Corvette is the best ever.

Bottom Line: GM is dead! Long live the Corvette!

Details

Engine: 6.2-liter V-8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 105.7 inches
Length: 174.6 inches
Curb weight: 3217 pounds
EPA gas mileage: 15 city/25 highway

The opinions reflected herein are solely those of the above commentator and are not necessarily those of SPEEDtv.com, FOX, NewsCorp, or Speed Channel

Tom Jensen is the Editor in Chief for SPEEDtv.com, the former Executive Editor of NASCAR Scene and a contributing Editor for TruckSeries.com. He is the author of “Cheating: The Bad Things Good NASCAR Nextel Cup Racers Do In Pursuit of SPEED,” and has appeared on television and radio shows to discuss NASCAR racing. Jensen is the past President of the National Motorsports Press Association. Jensen is the 1997 National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year and has won numerous national and state awards for news reporting, columns and feature writing. The Answer Man is back at SPEEDtv.com. Tom Jensen answers your questions during every race week and looks forward to hearing from you - please e-mail it to