2012 Chevrolet Corvette gets upgraded interior, new tires and options

The entire 2012 Chevrolet Corvette line now benefits from a slightly massaged interior that includes a new steering wheel and new seats. The thrones pack more supportive bolstering along the sides and microfiber inserts are also available for the first time as well. The reworked tiller features hide-wrapped spokes and what General Motors calls "streamlined" switch trim. Anyone who has spent time in a recent Corvette will know that these interior tweaks are much-needed improvements.

Otherwise, the base 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will remain remarkably untouched. Those who opt up to Z06 and ZR1 trims will find a few new changes, however. Micheli Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires are now optional on both the heavy hitters, and the company's engineers say that the new rubber should be good for an eight-percent gain in lateral acceleration and that private testing at Virginia International Raceway delivered an improvement of three seconds per lap over the standard tire.

The Z06 also gets treated to optional gear like performance traction control, a full-width rear spoiler and a carbon fiber hood. The mighty ZR1, meanwhile, will utilize taller gearing in the fifth and sixth cogs to maximize fuel economy. Something tells us they might just help out on the top-end as well.