2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z16 Grand Sport Manual Coupe - POV Driving Impressions

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Z16 Grand Sport w/3LT
Horsepower: 430 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Engine: 6.2 L V8
Curb weight: 3,311 lbs
MPG: 16 city / 26 highway
Dimensions: 175-176″ L x 73-76″ W x 49″ H
Modifications:
Kooks 1 7/8 longtubes
3in x-pipe
Factory NPP exhaust
Mamba CF CAI
-Filmed with the GoPro Hero7 Black amzn.to/2CLOWSX
-Binaural Audio recorded with Roland CS-10EM Microphones amzn.to/2qKRbwA
-Zoom H2n recorder amzn.to/2pQqVkq
-Escort Radar Detector: goo.gl/GqRNWA
-Hat Clip mount: amzn.to/2GW7nmd
A slightly outdated list of video equipment: kit.com/TheTopher Patreon: / thetopher
Instagram: / thetopher2
Facebook: / thetopheryoutube
The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones. If you wear headphones, your mind won't be blown, but it will go, "woah, that's cool."
I'm also the producer for the Winding Road KZbin Channel:
/ windingroadmagazine
Here on TheTopher, I'm known for putting a camera on my face and driving cars. Whether it's about any of my personal cars or reviews on weekly press vehicles, the goal is to give you an idea of what a certain car is like to drive or live with. Most of my videos are filmed in POV, with my clothes on, and (for like the 5th time) with in-ear binaural audio. Which, if I haven't made it clear yet, is why you should wear headphones. Because of the whole "woah" factor. It's there, trust me. Try it, it's pretty nuts. Or don't. As long as you whitelist me on your adblocker I'm okay with whatever you do or don't do with regards to headphone usage. That is all. Oh and I guess you should also probably subscribe. Why are you still reading this, you should be watching the video. With headphones! Hah, had to sneak that in there one more time. Later!

[@JamesFrederickstech]

who else immediately went looking for used 2012 corvettes after hearing this beast?

[@RajeshRamsaroop]

Bro when he said he paid $34k in ATL... I am in ATL and $35k is my budget AND I'm in the market for a car right now!

[@Raedz_media]

me . found one for 17k with 77k miles on it . looks goood.

[@crisr9226]

I found one for $15,000 all customized 2017 grand sport

[@ares7738]

X3ION X3ION please dont buy that car i promise you there is something wrong with it

[@ares7738]

@Meth Mouth65 yeah MAYBE if it was a high mileage 06-08 GS or a 10-13 Base but not a C7 and definitely not a modded one lol

[@alexanderflynn8270]

The sound it makes right after a shift........ sounds so good

[@weedmastersr]

Honestly, I'm blown away by the ride quality. Considering how low the car is, the tires it has, how much grip is has, how focused it is on sports driving, the ride on those rough roads is absolutely amazing. I also love the simple, old school interior. It's clean and looks so good compared to the weird, flamboyant, overly digital interiors on modern cars.

[@crate2819]

There's a reason you are paying $50,000 plus for a car like this. It all factors into the equation. You can certainly modify a cheaper car to be as fast as the corvette but it won't be as nice and refined to drive everyday.

[@Chris-us8yq]

Matthew Heagerty you can find these used for 25-35k

[@danielfair4675]

@@Chris-us8yq 3 yrs later, 😆 good luck with that. The market went crazy

[@ag6371]

C6 interior is WAY better than C5 interior

[@markbanuelos4420]

My heart says get a c6, but my wallet says stay with your civic🤣😥

[@markbanuelos4420]

@@mikead24 lucky👌

[@austinfrazier7325]

You only live once

[@rjayzonfeet]

The induction noise on this car sounds so good

[@ag6371]

Raw V8 music and not ASD from speakers

[@goldenmanuever1176]

I really like these head shot views. For people like me who never even sat in a car like this, let one drive one (stock or modified), it gives us a great idea what its like. thank you for sharing.

[@CeeStyleDj]

I agree. That's actually why I look these POV videos up. The closest thing to the driving experience and view.

[@bderrick4944]

I agree. Doug Demuro should definitely look into this instead of having the camera pointed at his face which does practically nothing for driving impressions

[@MaxSpeedMike]

The ONLY way you should be buying a corvette is with a manual transmission. This thing sounds like a beast!

[@treerexaudi]

preach it!

[@ivangf14]

And any car actually :D

[@MrSupersaiyangoku]

That’s not a wise comment. In a world full of dual clutch automatics. In Porsche’s and Mclaren. And most people driving automatics and not manuals you wouldn’t even have a corvette for this generation if they only made them manuals only.

[@te-shauntv15]

💯

[@CeeStyleDj]

I hear the auto isn't bad. Plus you got the paddle shifters and, isn't the auto quicker? Of course manual's are awesome also. But, the main point is: To each his/her own.

[@BayStateFishing]

That exhaust is beautiful! Just the sound itself makes the car!

[@danielfair4675]

Kooks headers & x-pipe will set you back about $3k

[@Morris1974]

@@danielfair4675 i had my Kooks headers & X pipes ceramic coated, installed, tuned, plugs and wires etc for $3k

[@livingwithcarlos8848]

OMG the shifting and the sounds of this engine is simply amazing! I'm getting one!

[@5.3Hunter]

Who misses the c6 body style I sure do it’s my favourite body style

[@RK1FX]

I wish the interior was just a bit better, this is why id take a c7 gs over it

[@E3T7]

I think I’m in the minority here, but my favs are c4 and c5 haha (cheapest gens too 😂)

[@JohnSmith-yr6je]

C6 and c5 look best. Just simple and clean smooth lines

[@richardmorris7063]

@@JohnSmith-yr6je enough tech but not too much

[@fli9614]

"LET'S DO IT FOR DALE" "ok." 😂

[@bobcat3665]

This is the best generation of corvette in my opinion. They seem to never age with the only exception being the early years’ stealing wheel and the infotainment system. But the actual styling of the car and how it drives never seems to age. I want one so bad. One day, maybe.

[@StormAutoAdventures]

I have to say, this is one of my favorite POV videos on KZbin! Normally, I prefer no talking, but you guys were great! Excellent driving as well, Chris! You shift and drive this GS like you've owned it for years. Very nicely done! Thanks for making this incredible video!! -Chris

[@marshalhaynes3007]

For once a GOOD car video with no blasphemy! Love the sound of the car!

[@brandonlvns100]

IM LITERALLY IN THE PROCESS OF BUYING A C6 GRAND SPORT. A 40 YEAR DREAM MADE REALITY. LOVE THE VID MAN!!!

[@teddydavid2816]

How's it going do you still have it?

[@Tomgillchevy]

Manual trans is the only way to go in a Corvette! Great video - thanks for sharing!

[@savagegiraffe527]

My favorite reviewer doing the vehicle currently at the top of my wanted list. And I still have 2 wishes left.

[@opmike343]

An LS at full tilt just sounds amazing.

[@jaylawson1432]

Just purchased 2012 base coup LS3 LT2. The ride is incredible. 48,000 miles. Crystal Claret Tintcoat and beige interior. Like the additional clearance on the front compared to GranSport. All C6’s are my favorites for look and price

[@TheFaizParadise]

I’ve been watching this video since it first came out. Now I own a 2010 c6 with headers. Such an amazing car

[@monsooradisa9904]

How’s the handling?

[@NoLiesToldTV]

This vid is awesome for people who love and want one of these cars it puts you right in the driver's seat

[@Desode]

Truly love the C6 grand sport and have a 13' GS 3lt heritage. I feel like these are going to become really difficult to find in the next 10yrs. It's almost as if they were the end of a timeless Era of the corvette. Don't get me wrong I love the c7 and c8s too but they just don't look timeless vette to me. They are more future stylish where the c6 had just the perfect amount of new lines with the classic vette curves still perfectly done. I do wish they would have kept the c5 pop up headlights on the c6 though but that may just be me as a grew up in that Era. Didn't expect this video to be so good but it was really well done. Nice calm discussion with driving. Audio levels were great too. Good job 👏 👍

[@WheelAuthorityPK]

Dude! You are the best 🙏

[@treerexaudi]

sure is!

[@TheWoogie2]

Sounds like a bona fide racecar. Beautiful

[@curtfreeman8632]

Great video! I’ve been looking at Grand Sports. I’m 65 and thought I was ready to settle down to an automatic. I think you just changed my mind.

[@Nadbull49]

Lpve this channel. Keep bringing us the good content maaan!👌

[@treerexaudi]

same!

[@Sinoops]

Man that sounds amazing

[@mehmedthestranger762]

Wowww😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 Sounds amazing can't wait till buy one of these beasts😍😍😍😍

[@metaljew4456]

I just bought one month ago a 2011 Grand Sport Convertible 6 speed manual transmission and I love it! I am in the process of converting the car to all LED lights inside and out. Pull the fuse for wide open exhaust all the time!

[@jamesj5469]

I could listen to that all day

[@davidpeters44]

Sweet spot Vette with the right specs. Great soundtrack!

[@sdlausen1]

*I think out of all the C6 variants, the GS was the best in terms of looks, reliability, value, and performance.*

[@504S]

Damn Right !!

[@davidrowe7653]

I had a 2013 coupe and it was sooooo beautiful. Traded it on a 2013 427 roadster. More car but I prefer the looks of the C6 Grand Sport coupes for sure (especially the front quarter gills).

[@richardmorris7063]

@@davidrowe7653 don't know how anyone wouldn't like them.

[@srvmotoman]

What a great video. I have been leaning towards a C5 Z06 as I like to bang through the gears and did not want a ton a lot of horsepower that the C6 Z06 offers. But a C6 Grand Sport with the Z16 package....oh man...watch out world!

[@Dutil48]

Wow man nice car, plus I love the color combination, it's not ALL black interior, crazy handling n stuff, really good buy!!

[@DoSum4Me]

Love this video! My internet is so crappy that I'm currently watching it in 240P and it's barely working lmao.

[@dowroa]

That is modded very well, for once. Nice job!

[@martinmore9944]

Your shifting is very good.

[@idkilketurbos]

I cannot wait to get headers on my grandsport after watching this!

[@davidbillingslea2720]

great video

[@treerexaudi]

indeed

[@johnasbury9915]

I’ve had 4 C6s, currently have a ‘12 C6 GrandSport 6 spd convertible, such a nice car for the price of a low line SUV… these are awesome vehicles. Get one!

[@MagickzRex]

Awesome sounding 'vette!

[@CeeStyleDj]

If optioned right, you can have a pretty nice interior. And I personally think the one in the video is pretty nice.

[@ismet_sxv]

Loved that sound 🔊 😍

[@okiepita50t-town28]

Mine’s a 2013 convertible with automatic transmission, paddle-shift, same color with tan top and interior. I bought it brand new in April 2013 and it has 14,500 miles on it now. I love this car so much I’ll probably never sell it. I think I’ll be buried in it.

[@walkemdown4127]

Damn drive it more dude

[@YasserYahiaAcademy]

Good

[@QKvox]

I love the C6, it was the corvette that got me into corvettes

[@filmgunproductions4448]

A lot of cars have B&O sound systems, Bowins and Wilkins, Harman Kardon, yada yada yada. But when a car has BOSE, I'm immediately in love. I have Bose headphones, tried many speakers and headphones both Bose and non Bose, and heard Bose in a car. Nothing comes close to it. You can by far hear more background instruments than any other brand, the bass makes your soul rumble, and operas make you want to cry. The fact its in one of the coolest american muscle cars is a match made in heaven

[@dimmacommunication]

Looks a beauty

[@djSmokeShow]

That thing is ridiculously clean.

[@hvasquez24]

i was never into corvettes i like import vehicles but wow this made me change my mind

[@97yawnac]

Just got one of these beasts!! IT IS AWESOME!! Let me say though an automatic with paddle shifters is just as exhilarating and a blessing when your leg, back, and sciatica don't want to do the clutch!!!!!! I tried one at the dealership and it is at least 12-20 lbs of pressure (felt like) and I knew it would get old for a daily driver. Please consider this!!!

[@earthstix6407]

Is this a good price for this corvette shifter? www.ebay.ca/itm/373380426610

[@97yawnac]

@@earthstix6407 Couldn't tell ya. Good luck and keep your nose in the corvette forums!! You can learn a lot. Corvette Central and Zip Corvette are great dealers. Made a $400 mistake on seatbelt because I didn't know how to properly put it on and it would lock up on me. forum had a post on it.

[@fatiredflyer]

I went for the automatic as well, as my 70 year old clutch knee is due for a rebuild.

[@evanbeast47]

This man sold his Viper!? That's wild! That's a rare car!

[@theguy1224]

I miss my 2012 grand sport, sounded and looked very similar to this lol. But i traded it for a C7Z. ANd that's even more amazing. But i still loved my '12 GS.

[@marlothedobermantv6992]

What's the difference between a 2011 grand sport vs a 2012 grand sport?

[@richardbryce3201]

@@marlothedobermantv6992 12 months ;)

[@billyruben116]

@@marlothedobermantv6992 the seats are different in the 2012. More side bolsting.

[@YocoWheelin]

Never been a huge fan of vettes, but after this video that may change.

[@GOLDENTO3]

I miss getting onto my corvette but the clutch went out some time ago and haven’t gotten the money to buy the appropriate one

[@thefirstplug]

Ohh yeah u know what Tom's car is boiiiii. 40 years from now if God willing he's alive this day will make him smile and that's the most priceless moment of all.

[@evolusd]

I think i need one of these.

[@TomBTerrific]

Great video thanks for the ride. How big are you guys? What about room in the driver’s seat? That for me is a big issue. Why are the dashboard lights flashing? Is that a camera thing? Anyone else seeing this? It would drive me nuts!

[@gilbertjuarez7064]

Beautiful only thing I hate about these vetts is the steering wheel same wheel the cobalts had

[@marlon7826]

Holy shit!!!

[@zenexhd5855]

1:23 dis shit sound like a beast good job

[@JasonWoodard]

Those wheels look sick on that! Are they C7 wheels?

[@treerexaudi]

Corvette! :D

[@Slow-wipe]

Sweet Christmans...

[@rickcastillero9048]

I want to drive a corvette now.

[@youngestson6537]

Excellent A1.TOPNOTCH

[@JakeTDogTheAdventurer]

The steering wheel is like the only thing stock I'd change in the 2006-2012 corvettes

[@brendancafaro6724]

05 wheel is a beast

[@teddydavid2816]

​@brendancafaro6724 lol let's not get carried away

[@WILLKent8]

Does it come in black?...

[@insidethepits]

How are you bypassing 4k on the revs? I've got an automatic C6 and don't know how to do that

[@user-pj6ul6cn8h]

It's a stick shift

[@PawelPilarczyk]

Now I want a C6 Grand Sport instead of C6 Z51. Didn't know that it's that comfortable and livable on the street. It would be great if you would also have a chance to test C7 Z51 on the street, with manual gearbox. I remember some old videos with C7 from Winding Road Channel, but sadly without the commentary. How would you compare this Grand Sport to C7 Z51 / C7 Grand Sport, is the C6 GS noticeable worse? Thanks, great video, it's like a christmas gift for me :) Happy new year!

[@thomasoneill5653]

Paweł Pilarczyk As the owner of the GS in this video, if you can swing the C7GS - go for it. It’s leaps and bounds better for daily use. The fun factor is similar. If you want an auto, the C7 has a significantly better auto too.

[@1bojanbojan]

Thomas O'Neill I had C5Z and personally I think C6 GS is way better than C5 & C7. For me C7 is super tight inside I find it uncomfortable. Plus C6 has the nicest interior. Great car btw it’s a perfection!

[@randomocityvideos]

IIRC, there’s very little difference between Z51 and GS other than wheels, brakes and wide body. The GS is heavier, no quicker, and is $5000-$10000 more expensive. I find it difficult to understand the purpose of the GS when for essentially the same money you could have a Z06

[@backyardboosters9128]

Paweł Pilarczyk other than the fender flares with wider tires and a dry sump system the z51 is the same. A z51 is a better buy right now, extremely capable machine.

[@Zach-td5mb]

@@1bojanbojanwhat would your reasoning be for choosing a C6 GS over a C5Z? It’s the dilemma I’m at currently

[@huskiehuskerson5300]

Kool

[@tmoody7491]

What is that blue light next to the passenger's knee? Is it some Bluetooth device?

[@DEHINNERTruthpod]

Hey Tom, I just wanted say how freaking awesome your Corvette sounds! Do you did any modifications after you bought? I myself is planning on buying me one the same exact year like. Where is exactly in Atlanta did you bought yours from? Also, I noticed the odometer dash lights blinking, did your Corvette came like that?

[@DEHINNERTruthpod]

35k is my price range as well!

[@clubracer6]

The dash lights are not blinking, it’s the camera. Led lighting.

[@DEHINNERTruthpod]

@@clubracer6 oh okay. I am sooo loving to sound of Tom's Corvette!! Had to rewatch your video again! LOL

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Listen to that!👍👍😎🇺🇸

[@goneflying140]

Do you know which rear axle ratio this one has?

[@oler777]

What’s that knob next to the traction control button do

[@landonnice2272]

Is the dash flickering?

[@CARBONHAWK1]

Is it me or does the previous C6 sound better than the C7 GS

[@siddharthsharma8940]

He opened the exhaust valves

[@spsanders69]

This has headers as well as a 3" X Pipe.

[@5ohMaestro]

What exhaust setup?

[@jackwright3396]

Why is the dash blinking

[@jamesbaysinger9780]

I’d take 2012-13 gs over a z06 , don’t want to worry about the valve guides,

[@johnhenry267]

It might be even faster if you weren't riding around with the emergency brake on. haha

[@thomasoneill5653]

The emergency brake was entirely down, otherwise the car would've been yelling with a light on the dash and a constant chime for us to put it down.

[@ares7738]

lynn thacks c6’s e-brakes are propped up like that in full down position.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Way better than the C8

[@elbajo8788]

Dumb question but if I’m looking to buy a vette a really like those radios that have the corvette logo which ones are those radios if I wanna buy it or which vette’s have them ?

[@ls3vstheworld223]

11’-13’

[@danielfair4675]

@@ls3vstheworld223 '10 also

[@johnmills31]

Why are the gauges blinking?

[@U2Jaime1317]

LED

[@kamman1374]

Why is the display blinking?

[@blue-tb2fd]

It's the refresh rate of the camera lens conflicting with the dashboard backlight. Here's a video by Tom Scott that explains it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6uzaXl8gNWqh5I

[@billbob9570]

engine psi getting a little high there for N/A

[@ttravreefsaquatics8354]

😎👍🏾🔥💯

[@RhiceyHarierar]

How come the dash lights blink? I've noticed that on a few high performance vehicles

[@ognjendjukanovic2497]

Its becouse of the camera frame rate

[@thomasoneill5653]

@@ognjendjukanovic2497 Correct! LEDs actually flash - they're not a constant light. So the camera only catches every few flashes instead of every single one. So it makes it appear as though it's going in and out on the camera, but to our eyes we can't see it in real life.

[@mikekramer9873]

Bought a 2012 GS Centenial after a month of watching this video daily. 11k miles, 6 speed. Yeah bitches!

[@sandwich3558]

How was the pie

[@TheTopher]

Amazing

[@ag6371]

Corvettes with manuals are real Corvettes

[@ZanicL3]

What a sound. To bad they are rare here in Europe. Any car that would get somewhat close to that sound here? Apart from a 5.0 Mustang

[@michu6777]

BMW E39 540i and M5 are options, and the B6 Audi S4 comes to mind too, they don't sound exactly like an LS V8 but are close enough

[@PacoRobbins]

An SS Camaro from 2010-2015.

[@henjoh69]

You can get some models, but sadly no GS.

[@Zach-td5mb]

1LE Camaro if you could find one. They are phenomenal on track as well.

[@JohnHelfgott]

how this video have only 999 likes?

[@jacobfitzgerald6050]

please do a reveiw on the 2011 chevy impala :(

[@batman106]

The blinking dashboard is annoying but sounds good!

[@blue-tb2fd]

It's due to the refresh rate of the camera conflicting with the backlight of the dashboard. Here's a great video on it by Tom Scott: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6uzaXl8gNWqh5I

[@southernshooter]

Incredibly high oil pressure. Must be the dry sump system.

[@JordanDecarie25]

want to test a 19 C7 Grandsport? Im just across the border in the North

[@TheTopher]

Definitely! Hit me up on instagram @thetopher2 👍

[@thomasoneill5653]

Do iiittttt!

[@fishgrandpa8369]

Do it

[@JordanDecarie25]

@@TheTopher Winter weather!

[@Kinovwperformance]

Thats it... im buying one before December, 2020. Mark my words KZbin!! Project truck? Pfff Project vette 🌝

[@ChuckD351]

It’s 38k if anyone is wondering how much they cost

[@goldenmanuever1176]

maybe for some roached out example. desirable GSs still $45K plus. By the time you get done with tax and other BS, $50K car.

[@dereklikos4423]

Golden Manuever definitely not, just picked up a 2013 GS 2LT with 15k miles for 34k. Maybe I got a good deal? Idk

[@goldenmanuever1176]

Daenerys Targaryen no doubt a good deal. Still 4LT with manual trans and < 3k miles is going to cost you a kidney.

[@U2Jaime1317]

@@goldenmanuever1176 sooner I'm going to be looking for a cyber grey or super sonic blue 2012-2013 Grandsport with M6 at least 2LT. If It has even 40k miles i wouldnt mind. They dont lose power for shit! By the time the c8 comes out i hope for something in looking for is just at $30k

[@U2Jaime1317]

Planning full cash of course