2012 Chevrolet Corvette: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is a more supportive, better-padded cabin across the lineup. It was not redesigned, but every model received revised seats, a new steering wheel, and added padding on the center console and armrests.
About the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
6th generation (C6, 2005-2013), next-to-last model year; cabin-update year
Chevrolet positions the Corvette as a two-seat American sports car that combines strong V8 power, race-derived chassis engineering, and near-even weight distribution with everyday drivability, useful cargo room, and respectable highway efficiency. The range covers comfortable street use, open-top touring, balanced track capability, and high-level performance while retaining a recognizable front-engine, rear-drive Corvette character.
The standard Corvette remains the everyday starting point, while the Grand Sport adds wider bodywork, larger brakes, and firmer handling hardware. The Z06 is the lightweight track-focused model with a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8, and the ZR1 tops the range with a 638-hp supercharged V8, adaptive suspension, and carbon-ceramic brakes. Coupe and convertible body styles are represented in the standard and Grand Sport lines.
What changed, by category
2012 Chevrolet Corvette specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 7.0 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 6.2 Liter | V8, 6.2 Liter | V8, 6.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Auto 6-Spd w/Paddle Shft | Auto 6-Spd w/Paddle Shft |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 14 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 505 hp | 638 hp | 430 hp | 430 hp |
| Torque | 470 lb-ft | 604 lb-ft | 424 lb-ft | 424 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 22.4 cu-ft | 22.4 cu-ft | 11–22.4 cu-ft | 11–22.4 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette redesigned?
No, the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette was not redesigned. It remains part of the sixth-generation C6 lineup, with the year's main updates focused on the seats, steering wheel, and cabin padding.
How is the 2012 Corvette different from the 2011 model?
The 2012 Corvette has front seats with larger side bolsters, a redesigned leather-wrapped steering wheel, and added padding on the center console and armrests. The ZR1 also has taller fifth and sixth gears for better highway efficiency.
Did every 2012 Corvette receive the cabin updates?
Yes, every 2012 Corvette received the redesigned front seats, new steering wheel, and additional center-console and armrest padding. That includes the standard model, Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1.
Did the 2012 Corvette get a new engine?
No, the 2012 Corvette did not receive a new engine as part of this update. The standard model and Grand Sport retain the 6.2-liter V8, the Z06 keeps its 505-hp 7.0-liter V8, and the ZR1 retains its 638-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8.
Is the 2012 Corvette a major upgrade over the 2011 model?
No, the 2012 Corvette is a light update rather than a major upgrade. Its main advantages over the 2011 model are more supportive seats and better-padded cabin touchpoints, plus revised highway gearing on the ZR1.